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US, Canada Adventures
  • Fiona Smith

US, Canada Adventures

I'm flying to LA meeting up with J&J and H&A and spending 2 weeks in the US and then flying to Toronto Canada to spend 10 days with the Hodge's. Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 20, 2023
    Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    2

    Sydney Airport

    May 20, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    I was so thankful when Joe offered to drive me down to the airport this morning on this glorious May day. I received a cute video from 2 excited boys who can't wait for Nana to come! So thankful for this opportunity to travel again. First time on my own on a long haul flight :)Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    2

    Arrival in LA

    May 20, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    I arrived safely in LA, flying Fijian airlines. The first leg to Fiji was good except a gentleman in Business class had a cardiac arrest and upon arrival, I waited 45 minutes before I could get off the plane.. bit stressful as my next flight was an hour later. Anyway boarded the flight to LA and ended up in the middle row, middle seat between two large Fijian men, child crying in front and man snoring behind. The joys of travel 😩.. 9 hours later I finally got out and waited in the crazy LA customs line for an hour before getting my bag. J&J picked me up in the RV and what a welcome I had!! We drove to Manhattan beach for a walk on the pier, and then ended up at an authentic Mexican restaurant for dinner, and a chilli mango margarita. Relaxing at the motel this evening and ready for a big sleep!Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    New York

    May 22, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Sunday morning we packed up from our overnight motel stay (and a brilliant nights sleep) and packed back into the RV and drove an hour across LA to drop it off. LA is just a massive city. The highways are huge and look like a giant roller coaster up, down and crisscrossing over each other. It is surrounded by a mountainous range which is quite impressive. We then caught an Uber back to the airport and caught our flight to NY. There is a 3 hour time difference so we arrived at 12.30 after midnight and didn’t get into bed till 3 am NY time! Luckily organised Jess had a motel booked near the airport. We slept in this morning and then packed up and headed to the subway to get to our Airbnb in Manhattan. It was epic traveling with kids and bags and trying to navigate our way there but once again Jess was amazing with directions and James and I handled the kids (who were so good considering the travel they have done over the last few days). We dropped off our bags at our cozy Airbnb and then headed back out to catch the subway again to Central Park so that the kids could have a play. It was a lovely warm day and people were out and about picnicking and enjoying the weather. We then walked to Times Square and had a quick look around, and decided the kids had had enough and we were all tired.. so headed back for a lovely homemade bolognaise and early night.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    2

    Met, Grand Central, NY Library

    May 23, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    This morning after a very good nights sleep and a sleep in, we caught the bus into central park and walked to the Met. It is such a grand building and we took the traditional pics on the steps. J&J decided to spend time in the park and I bought a ticket and wandered around the Met for 3 hours. It was just amazing! There was a special Van Gogh exhibition - the real deal paintings! It was awesome along with Monet, Rembrandt and many other amazing artists. I absolutely loved all the interesting artefacts and walked the length of the museum in my element. I was starving by this time and bought a lamb gyro from the famous street carts which are everywhere. It was delicious! I met up with J&J and we caught the train to the Grand Central station.. and Grand it is!! We then walked to the library which is another amazing building. We came across the “Chrysler building” .. and started singing NYC!! We walked passed Bryant park and there were people everywhere enjoying the live music and afternoon sun. Another fabulous day in NYC!Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    Natural History Museum, The Edge

    May 24, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    This morning we got going a bit earlier and caught the subway to the Natural History Museum. It’s next level!! 4 floors of amazing exhibits. I got a bit emotional as I was blown away by Gods creation small and great. What an awesome God we serve. We spent a few hours there and then went in search of some lunch. James found a bagel shop and Jess and I had a Falafel wrap. The boys enjoyed a huge slice of pizza. Jess and I spotted a thrift shop and enjoyed a quick look around. After lunch in the beautiful park of the grounds of the museum we decided to catch the subway to the ‘Edge’ - a huge building with an elevator that takes 52 seconds to reach the 100th floor. The views are simply breathtaking. NY is absolutely huge. We saw where the twin towers had stood and it made sense how it could have happened. We could see all the icons that make up this incredible city. By this time the boys were getting tired and hungry so we left, bought an ice-cream from the street vendor and then Jess navigated her way back home on the subway with us all following in tow. J&J are having a date night tonight, watching the broadway show Aladdin, and I am on kid watch and enjoying a cozy night in.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    Statue of L, W T Centre, Little Italy

    May 25, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Today we woke to another glorious sunny day. We have been so fortunate with the weather. We caught the subway all the way to the other end of NY where the government free ferry took us for a ride to Staten Island which passed the Statue of Liberty and gave us a good photo opportunity. We only stayed on the Island for an hour as we wanted to get back and explore elsewhere. We arrived back and then headed to the world trade centre where the memorial to the twin towers had been established. It was very sobering and the memorial was extremely well done. 3000 names were inscribed in the stone around the edge. It was quite surreal. There were cute squirrels running around and the boys enjoyed feeding them. We then caught the subway to ‘little Italy’ and thoroughly enjoyed wandering around and soaking up the sights and sounds. We ended up at an authentic Italian restaurant and enjoyed a delicious meal. The owner took a liking to Hudsy after he thanked him for the meal and promptly got one of the waiters to get T-shirts as gifts for the boys! We left there and could hear the sound of drums playing, so of course had to go see what all the noise was about. A huge group of women drummers were playing in the street.. it was fabulous. We then FaceTimed Jakey and sang “Happy Birthday” for his 30th. Washington Arch was not too far from where we were so we walked up there and enjoyed the ambience of the evening with a jazz band playing in the distance and people sitting around and just enjoying themselves. This is NYC.. eclectic, vibrant, busy.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    Jewish Museum, and NY wanderings.

    May 26, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    This morning I woke up with a back spasm, so decided to stay home and let the pain killers kick in. About 12.30 I was feeling better and caught the bus into the city. I got off at the Jewish Museum, but when I got there I was a bit disappointed as it was more of an art gallery with modern art, rather than their history which is what I was hoping to see. Still there was a few things of interest, and I was glad I made the effort. Afterwards I took to the streets and wandered around just enjoying window shopping. I eventually caught another bus to Central park where J&J were letting the kids enjoy one of the many playgrounds that fill this beautiful park. We then walked down to the famous Plaza hotel and went inside and took a few pics. It was just stunning!! I also walked down the road and went into the new Tiffany’s.. it was just incredible. I thought the scarves looked nice (the rings were out of the question) and the cheapest one was $300, so I left it there. On my way back to J&J there was a man directing traffic who had a Trump wig on, making all the Trump moves. It was quite comical and clever! We then bought street food and sat in the beautiful Central Park overlooking the lake for dinner and watched the sunset. A beautiful end to another lovely sunny day in NYC.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    Biking through Brooklyn

    May 27, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We woke early today (the sun is out at 5.30 and it’s daylight savings here too). We caught the subway into Brooklyn and went straight to the bike shop to hire a bike and cart for the boys for James to ‘cart’ them around. Jess and I hired the city bikes. We made our way slowly to the Brooklyn Bridge and cycled across. It is massive and has an awesome view. We got safely to the other side huffing and puffing wishing we had hired e-bikes! We made our way to the vintage Brooklyn markets in the suburb of Dumbo which were under the bridge. We stopped at a cute grocery store where a little Italian man made us fresh ‘New Yorker’ rolls (pastrami, cheese lettuce tomato and mustard). They were the best I have had since Paris. We then wandered around the markets and I found the vintage ring that I have been looking for, and been wanting for a while. James talked me into buying it! We then jumped on our bikes and rode for 3 k to get to the vintage op shop that is famous in Brooklyn. I bought a pair of shorts to change into as it was so hot riding around. There are bike lanes everywhere so we felt safe riding around the streets. I love Brooklyn. It has a vintage feel about it with quaint little shops everywhere and the streets are tree lined and old world. Families were out everywhere enjoying their Saturday. We made our way back to the bridge, lined up for an ice-cream and then made the long trek back across the bridge to drop our bikes off. We then walked to China town and finished the evening off with a delicious dinner. Our week in NYC has come to an end. I have really enjoyed it and the weather has helped to make it very memorable.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    1

    Road trip begins!

    May 28, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We got up bright and early this morning excited for our next adventure! J&J went and collected our mini van and then we piled in and made our way out of NY and headed to Saratoga Springs. James navigated the left hand drive in fine form! We stopped at a cute little town called “Hudson on Cornwall” and bought some lunch. There are American memorial flags everywhere as it’s a long weekend to honour those who have lost their lives. I had my first American 🌭 with the best iced coffee in over a week. (Aussies really do have the best coffee)..
    Back on the road again to find a Walmart so we could buy a car seat for Austy. It was my first Walmart experience.. basically coles, big W and bunnings all in one!
    We finally arrived at our destination - a gorgeous air bnb which has everything that opens and shuts and all you have to say is ‘hey google’ and it turns everything on including the fireplace .. which the boys were quite taken with! We are feeling very relaxed today and are glad to be out of the bustling city. I got out my pencils and the boys and I spent an hour colouring while James made Burgers for dinner. We finished off the evening with the readings of Titus sitting on the balcony enjoying the daylight saving.    Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    1

    Saratoga Springs

    May 29, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We woke to another glorious day! We decided to visit the small village of Saratoga and get our morning coffee. It was a delightful town packed with tourists as it’s the Monday of the long weekend. So many cute shops to browse. We left there and went to the Saratoga Springs park. It was absolutely stunning. The leafy green trees lined the roads and there were families have their Memorial Day bbq alongside a running stream with natural springs everywhere. The boys loved playing in the water and making mud pies. It’s a truly stunning place! We left there and drove around the massive lake that is just outside the town. It reminded me of Lake Macquarie. We decided to have an anti pasta plate at home and enjoy the beautiful house we are staying in for dinner, followed by an evening stroll at the nearby lake, which resulted in Hudsy slipping on the Algie and into the lake. Luckily it was very shallow and he very bravely extracted himself..😅Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    Harrisville

    May 30, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    This morning we packed up and drove to our next destination beautiful Harrisville. It was such a beautiful drive! We are in snow country and the countryside is green and leafy with rippling streams and tall trees of various kinds. It is so stunning. I am reading a fabulous book on “my life in Jerusalem” which is riveting, but I couldn’t take my eyes off the scenery. We stopped at a cute cafe and grabbed a coffee and morning tea and then kept driving until we saw a wood shop which we stopped and looked at and bought a few souvenirs! We finally arrived at our destination and wow!! What a gorgeous spot it is. Set in the countryside, on 8 acres surrounded by beautiful lakes and such a cozy farmhouse. It has 6 bedrooms and a loft. The boys are loving it. I feel like Anne of Green Gables sitting on the balcony (or rather Marilla!). We have 3 nights here. As soon as I arrived I met the neighbour ‘Bonnie’. We immediately connected and as she was going to the shops 20 mins away she offered to take me. I jumped in her car and she took me on the scenic route to the shops and we chatted the whole way exchanging life stories! Unbelievably her life was not dissimilar to mine! Amazing! I did a big shop and then came home and cooked up a butter chicken curry. It’s a beautiful evening here. A fine way for us to spend the last few days together. So thankful for the peace and quiet of this beautiful place.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    Harrisville wanderings

    May 31, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Today we went for a drive around the area soaking up the beautiful countryside, pristine lakes and cute vintage country towns. We found a gorgeous spot by the lake which was called ‘sunset beach’ and spent a few happy hours there soaking up the sun and swimming in the cool, clear water. It’s been another beautiful relaxing day in this spectacular part of the world.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    1

    Harrisville

    June 1, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    Another gorgeous spring day to wake to! It reached over 30 deg today. J&J decided to celebrate Austy’s 3rd birthday today instead of Saturday as the next couple of days we will be traveling. So with much excitement we woke early to open presents and enjoy pancakes for breakfast. Austy kept saying ‘I’m going to be 4 soon’ 😅.. J&J took the boys to a cute farm nearby where there were lots of baby animals to enjoy. I decided to stay home and walk around the town and take in the beautiful surroundings. I walked through the local cemetery and at the end of it found a chair overlooking the most stunning view of the lake. I sat there for a while and enjoyed the serenity until I realised I had a couple of tics on me.. I brushed them off and walked home via the local store.. bought a baguette and a muffin and went home to enjoy the peace and quiet. The daily readings were just what I needed to refresh my mind. J&J came home and we had lunch and a siesta and then went down to the local ‘sunset beach’ for a refreshing swim in the fresh water crystal clear lake. We came home and had an ice cream cake for Austy and Baked potatoes for dinner. Another gorgeous day in paradise.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    1

    A U Sable Forks

    June 2, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    We said a sad goodbye to our gorgeous Airbnb and got back on the road again heading towards our next destination. We are staying an hour out of Montreal at a place called AU sable faux. It’s at the bottom of the snow mountains (no snow) for a night. It took nearly 4 hours to get here (with stops on the way) driving through the absolutely gorgeous countryside of Vermont. (I listened to Bro Ron Cowie’s talks on the angels on Bible truth feed as we were going along - they are brilliant btw).. The scenery is picture postcard at every turn. We finally arrived in the heat of the afternoon 32 deg. We had an afternoon nap and then headed out again and drove up the mountain to the most gorgeous place where the Winter Olympics were held many years ago. We had our last dinner together as J&J fly back to LA tomorrow and I head on up to Toronto, Canada. It’s been a fabulous 2 weeks with my precious family and I am so thankful for this time of rejuvenation with many memories made along the way.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    13

    Montreal

    June 3, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We packed up this morning and headed into Montreal. We went through the Canadian border crossing without a hitch. I was so excited!! I have waited 35 years to get to Canada. I remember when I was in my late teens I was going to visit Karen, my best friend growing up, but it wasn’t meant to be at that time. And now.. as I’m writing I am waiting at the airport for the flight to Toronto. Well back to Montreal.. it’s such a gorgeous place! It is a French speaking city and even has a ‘mini’ Notre Dame. We enjoyed exploring the old part of the city and had lunch in a French patisserie. I would have loved to have spent more time here - it is such an interesting city. We were all feeling a little sad as this was our last day together. J&J’s direct flights to LA were canceled at the last minute, but Jess managed to get flights to Toronto and then onto LA tonight. They have a long haul in front of them. I arrived safely in Toronto and was picked up by the Hodge’s and enjoyed a delicious dinner with them. Haven’t stopped talking!Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    1

    Sunday in Canada

    June 4, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    This morning I woke and got ready to go to the meeting. Karen’s son Josh and his wife Hannah have had a baby boy and so we are looking after their cute little girl for a few days. I read a few books to her while Karen was getting lunch ready. It’s nice having a little one around.. as I’m missing H&A already! We went to the Book Road Ecclesia and I met up with some lovely Bro’s and Sis’s. Of note was Sis Rita - a Chinese sister who knew Mum and Dad from Enfield and Nick Hans. Also Bro Ghent (his wife was not well so I missed her - but we are going to their place for dinner one night) and it was nice to be warmly welcomed by so many. We came home and had a delicious lunch with A Joan Hodge. Karen and I then had a few hours chatting in their gorgeous garden and then we went to the lecture. Again it was amazing to connect with so many from another part of the world who share in the hope of the Gospel. We finished our day with a lovely charcuterie board and a d&m, sharing the journey of our lives.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    2

    Springridge farm

    June 5, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 18 °C

    Today after a cozy sleep, we woke to another lovely 25 deg day. Priscilla, Karen’s oldest daughter picked us up and took us to a gorgeous farm with her 3 cute boys. We had a wonderful morning watching the kids enjoy themselves with the animals, and enjoyed a hay ride. We then wandered around the gorgeous gift shop and had brisket rolls for lunch. I was blown away by Zadok (Priscilla’s eldest 8 year old boy) who wanted to buy a present for ‘Auntie Fiona’ and spent his own money on a little jar of jam for me. What a treasure. He then wanted me to come and watch his soccer game that evening which we fitted into our busy schedule! After our farm visit we came home for a ‘Nana nap’ and then went and visited Josh and Hannah Hodge in hospital and cuddle their gorgeous little newborn boy. Home for dinner which lovely Mel (Karen’s youngest daughter) had cooked for us, and then out to watch the soccer game. Such a lovely day getting to know everyone and spending time with this lovely family.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    Lunch out meeting new friends

    June 6, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Today we had a quiet morning at home and I coloured and listened to some more of Ron’s Angels talks as Karen had to get some work done. We set off at lunch time and drove through the gorgeous woodlands behind her place to our lunch date with a friend from her Ecclesia. As we walked in we realised there were 2 other sisters there having coffee together and they were as surprised as we were to see them as they had come quite some way to catch up. It turned out that it was Jake Styles’ sister in law. I then told them who I was and the connections with Wayne and Fiona Styles and we all had a laugh at what a small world it was. We enjoyed a lovely lunch with Kelly whose daughter is dating Cam Wigzell and shared lots of stories. Afterwards Karen took me to a friend of hers who lived close by - an elderly sister who had recently been in a car accident. She is a collector of antiques from the thrift shops and has decked her little cottage out with them all. I actually could not believe what I saw. Every inch of the house was used to display the items in the most creative way. The house should seriously become a museum. I could have stayed for ages checking it all out. We left her and went to the shops to get some food for dinner (the shops were just beautifully laid out and so much variety) and then came home and chilled out with Ted and enjoyed a delicious butter chicken together. Tomorrow we are off to Niagara for a few nights! 😅Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    Niagara on the Lake

    June 7, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Today we packed up and left for Niagra on the lake. Ted drove us up and the air is hazy and smoky because of all the fires around. We stopped at a few gorgeous wineries on the way and sampled some delicious wines of the local area and enjoyed a lovely lunch. We then checked into our stunning motel and went straight to the spa room and had the best pedicure I have ever had in my life! Afterwards we checked into our room and then quickly dressed for our 4 course dinner paired with delicious local wines at the restaurant downstairs. Ted left and went back home to pick up Mel and drive her back here and we continued talking into the evening! We finished off with a chocolate martini and cheese. An amazing day of being very spoilt.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
    1

    Beautiful Niagara on the lake

    June 8, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    The morning started with a coffee and a quick change into our swimmers and we all went off to a hydrotherapy appointment in the spa room downstairs. It was certainly a revitalising and relaxing way to start the day. It even had a snow room. We left there and went to a gorgeous winery for lunch and met Kayla (Jacob Hodge’s wife) and Asher their 2 year old son and Kaylas’ Grandma Marilyn Crawford who is related to Dan Crawford! So we talked about the connections and shared our journeys. It was so nice to spend an amazing meal together and get to know them. The chocolate desert was a stand out and we all had to have a bite of it! After lunch I wandered around the beautiful and colourful little village of Niagara on the lake. The flowers were in full bloom and just spectacular. We then met up at the motel and changed before heading out again to another amazing winery for a tasting menu. It was ‘next level’. We had a fabulous evening together sharing stories of days gone by, with lots of laughs along the way. We were the last ones to leave. What an amazing day! 😅Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    Niagara Falls

    June 9, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    This morning we packed up after a delicious breakfast together and drove the scenic route to Niagara Falls. Along the scenic route (which took about half an hour) which was be side the river which flows from the falls were the most amazing homes, gardens and vineyards. We stopped at a lookout overlooking the rushing water with a cable car stretching from one side to the other. Just awesome! But nothing prepares you for the first look at Niagara Falls. It is just breathtaking. We had an hour at the falls trying to soak in all the grandeur of the place. What a Mighty and Powerful God we know and love who created all things for his glory. We left there and headed back via the scenic route via another couple of wineries for lunch and an afternoon sit in the gorgeous sunshine which finally came out. It has been an amazing 2 days in this incredible part of the country and I have been royally looked after and spoilt.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler

    Book Road Sunday School picnic

    June 10, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    After a morning sleep in Karen and I drove to the local shops. We were redirected around many back streets as their was a massive parade happening with all sorts of floats and people lined the streets for Heritage Day! We finally made it home and put a salad together and headed out to the Book Road annual SS picnic. It was a fabulously organised event with the running races, tug of war, and many other events for all ages to join in with. I ended up winning the seniors walking race 😅 It was great meeting some more new faces and enjoying the lovely sunny day and seeing the kids have so much fun. Mel and I came home together as Karen and Ted went and helped Josh and Hannah move from the hospital to home. Baby Jono is doing so much better now. We enjoyed a scrumptious cheese platter to end the day. We are setting our alarms to get up bright and early for a 4 hour drive to the edge of the Great Lakes and an overnight stay with A. Joan Hodge.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
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    1

    Bartlett Lodge

    June 11, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Today we packed up and left at 7 am to drive 3.5 hours to Algonquin Provincial Park where our accommodation was. The drive through the countryside was spectacular and picture postcard stuff! We stopped at ‘Hodge’s lane’ on the way and saw where A.Joan’s late husband used to live when he was young. We also had a morning tea stop and enjoyed a cuppa and a fluffy almond croissant and spotted a deer! We then drove to Bartlett Lodge car park, hopped into a water taxi to take us to an island in the middle of the gorgeous lake, surrounded by fir trees and lush undergrowth. It was so surreal. The lodge consists of small huts complete with their own fireplace. We unpacked and headed down to the waters edge and sat on the chairs soaking in the view. The Lodge provided a sumptuous lunch which was packed in individual containers. We decided to have our meeting out there in the beautiful surroundings. After the meeting we hopped into the canoes 🛶 and paddled right around the Island. Ted spotted a moose and it’s yearling which he was stoked about as he had never seen one in the wild. I was behind them and missed it which was disappointing. We spent some time out there on the calm fresh water lake.. it was peaceful and serene. When we got back we changed and headed over to the diner. It was quaint and cozy. The food was homemade and top quality. We laughed so much that the waitress came and told us to stop having so much fun! After dinner we found a cozy spot by the fire and had a game of cards which ended an amazing day.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
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    Bartlett lodge day 2

    June 12, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We woke after a beautiful nights sleep, as it was so quiet and cool. It was drizzling this morning. The first rain I have had all holidays! But it was so refreshing after the smoke haze we have had over here. We enjoyed a delicious home cooked breakfast at the lodge and then we went for a trek out the back of the lodge around the island complete with umbrellas. We got quite wet but it was just so beautiful with wild flowers everywhere and dense rainforest to push through. Unfortunately no more moose were spotted! We then packed up - caught the water taxi back and drove home via a famous burger shop with old trains as the diner eatery area. We got home and Ted and Karen went out shopping for the ingredients for our last dinner together tomorrow night which is being cooked by Mel and Ted tomorrow and needs an early start.. Karen and I have 3 coffee appointments with different people tomorrow!! They came back and Ted served calamari as a snack and we ended another lovely day with a good old d&m.Read more

  • Fiona SmithUS, Canada AdventuresTraveler
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    Coffee catch ups

    June 13, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Today we had 3 appointments. The first at 9.30 was at Kayla and Jacob Hodge’s cottage with Hannah and Priscilla and all Karen’s grandies. Kayla made beautiful muffins and coffee and I sat and cuddled baby Jono and chatted to the girls. Kayla then gave me the tour of her garden of which the majority is veggies. I have loved getting to know these beautiful ladies and all their gorgeous kids. We hugged goodbye and then we headed to our next appointment at 11.45 with the lovely ‘Anna’ a dear friend of Karen’s. It was so nice to meet her and have some lunch together. She has promised to write to me and I will look forward to that! After that we drove to the local shops to pick up the rack of lamb for dinner, and then our last coffee date was with Linda Ghent. It was so nice to connect with her as she knows Mum and Dad and had a few good stories to tell on a few trips they have shared together. We left there and headed home to the chefs cooking up a storm for our last dinner together. Mel had prepared duck tacos for the appetisers and Ted was organising the crust for the rack of lamb. Karen and I were on desert, which were special chocolates and affogatos. It was another delicious meal. We finished a lovely evening and memorable day with the Bible readings.Read more

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