On the Go with Momma Jo &amp; Steve

On 10th August 2019

In Events

No matter where I roam, Cape Breton will always be my home.
Frequently stated by Momma Jo’s Dad

Well, we are on the road again and this time we are traveling to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Now the last post had us in Fredericton New Brunswick, which is (1025 kms from Ottawa) From Fredericton we are adding another 650km, stopping to pick up Jo’s Mom and Dad for the party. It is, after all, Jo’s uncle getting married. Imagine finding true love at 71!

Cape Breton Island has this beauty that captures our hearts, the ocean views, the coves, the culture, the music, the Ceilidh, the hospitality and of course, the world renowned Cabot trail. Both of Jo’s parents were born here in Sydney, (South Bar & Lingan Road) and both love the chance to come back.

We stopped at the Farmers Daughter Market off the highway 105 in Whycocomagh. (Try saying that 10 times really fast). Ice cream and treats! Tried out the really nice outdoor rocking chars (would love one for my new deck) and the huge Adirondack chair (not for the deck). A great place to wander around and shop or stop and have a bite to eat, and their baked goods look amazing.

Our stop for supper took us to the Bonnie Prince Restaurant – Jo’s mom’s favorite – for really good steak. Did I mention they have Breton Brewing Company Beer for sale? Due to a lack of time we could not make the brewery this trip so we tried a few beers. Which I have to say were served with an ice-cold glasses – How does it get better than this? We tried the Island Time Lager and the Black Angus IPA. Definitely a craft brewery to visit on next years bucket list.

The wedding was a fairly-tale type day, with fantastic island music and Cape Breton hospitality! It was the largest wedding I have ever been to with over 300 people!! But Oh, what a party!! It was so great to catch up with family!

Before we headed home on Sunday, we checked out Wentworth Park, the flowers were in full bloom, the sun was shining and it was a great day for a walk. Then we took the NS-4 down the other side of Cape Breton Island. With stops at Irish Cove (beautiful views) and then to St. Peters Canal Historic Site which was celebrating its’ 150^th year. Had to check out the place where apparently when Jo was young and wanted to go fishing, they tied her to the parked car so she wouldn’t fall in the canal!

We then found a light house for a photo op. We had lunch at Jiggs Take-out which a place I don’t have to come back to if you know what I mean. One last stop at the Causeway to wave good bye to the island, then homeward bound.

Oh, what a party – Cape Breton Style!

Fredericton, New Brunswick

On 6th August 2019

If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.
Anonymous

It’s been a while since we were on the go but it’s time to head back to Nova Scotia and this time in our SUV with a trailer load of household items. Our first stop was in Fredericton, NB.

Well these feet were made for walking! So off we go, there is a paved path that leads from our hotel into the city of Fredericton. It is a multi-use use path, and it runs along the St John River Bank. Along the path there were various touristy thing to stop at and admire. One of them was the water level posts that showed you how high the water flooded in various years. In the picture I am standing between the posts that represents the water heights of 7.5 meters and 8 meters. Imagine that this water which you see behind me rose to a level of 8.9 meters in 1936. That’s a lot of water!!

The chess table park was cool to see, would have been fun to play – maybe next time we will carry an extra set of chess pieces in our back pack. Checked out city hall, and the light house that was a Mac and Cheese shack. And you all know what comes next, we ended the morning at the craft brewery we found. Greystone Brewing. We enjoyed a flight of beer and had some amazing food from the food truck Monks & Jonesie that was in their parking lot. Spicy Cauliflower wings and Pulled Duck Poutine!

Yep, you guessed it “How does it get better than this!?”

McGregor Lake

On 28th July 2019

Life is Better at the Lake
Anonymous

Today’s adventure takes the whole family and both dogs in tow to our friends’ cottage, on McGregor Lake which is in Quebec about 30 minutes north of Ottawa. It was a beautiful day. Having everyone together at the same time was a lot of fun. We did learn that all dogs don’t like to swim, no matter how much you coax them.

For as many years as I can remember, we have been coming up to the cottage, to visit our dear friends the Styles family. It is really neat to see how much each of our families have grown from bottles of milk to bottles of beer. The fun and cheer is always here. We love you momma duck! It is a cherished memory that we will have for ever, and will give us an excuse to come back to Ottawa. Maybe next time we will checkout the McGregor Lake camp ground and visit at the same time.

New York Central Fitness Trail & Red Umbrellas

On 26th July 2019

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
ALBERT EINSTEIN

Sounds exciting doesn’t it? New York, Central Fitness Trail – perhaps not as exciting as the name implies but it was a lot of fun!

From 1898 – 1957 this trail was the main railway track that commuted between Ottawa and New York. In 1979 the communities of Embrun and Russel changed it into a multi-use recreation trail that connects the two communities.

Today we met our good friends (Angela & Murray) in this little town called Embrun, ON at the trail head which conveniently is the old train station building that has been converted into a coffee/smoothie shop. The 12 km trail is paved, which makes for an easy drive and a great one for having conversations while catching up with good friends.

Now here is where the red umbrellas come in. After we finished the bike ride, we wanted to catch a bite to eat and a beer. Well on the way to the bike path Jo noticed the beautiful red umbrellas… So, we checked it out and you guessed it, it was a microbrewery. Man, I must have a nose for craft breweries!

Brasserie Étienne Brûlé Brewery, claims to have Organic Craft Beer and locally sourced food, and we know they have bright red umbrellas. The flight of beer today had the Vagabond Blonde Ale, Notre-Dame Pilsner, Strawberry Milkshake and Black Creek – Black Pale Ale. The beer was good, the Strawberry Milkshake was interesting to say the least. The food and company were fabulous.

Biking, Beer and Red Umbrellas – How does it get better than this!!

Black Dog Bistro

On 25th July 2019

In Events

Good Food and Good Company are two of life’s Simplest Yet Greatest Pleasures
Growit media

Today was a beautiful day for lunch on the patio. And the best part of it was that I got to spend it two of my best friends. Now that we are on the go so much and will be moving in the new year it is important to capture these moments. Seize the moment, as I truly believe.! What a better place to do so then on the patio of the Black Dog Bistro in Manotick Ontario.

The hostess was friendly and cheerful, and greeted us with a beautiful smile. Of course I was somewhat biased as the hostess was our daughter, Rebekah! Our table was on the partially covered patio, which gave us some protection from the hot sun but allowed us a comfortable temperature to be outside.

The food was excellent, the sharing dishes of Spinach cheese dip, fish tacos and the Charcuterie board paired well with the wine, sangria, beer and laughter. The main course was even better than the appetizers. As our laughter and stories got louder, we enjoyed our French Onion soup, Beet Salad and a Chicken Wrap. The dessert menu looked decadent but maybe next time…

If you are ever in the area I would suggest you try the restaurant and I hope we can make it back here again. It is always fun to reminisce about days gone by.

Riding the Wave

On 24th July 2019

Today we headed out with our goal of making it to Parc national de Frontenac in southeastern Quebec. The park is close to Thetford mines and Halfway between Quebec City and Sherbrooke. We heard that they had some great bike trails, so off we went.

Now it was the middle of the week, so we quickly checked and saw that there was some availability, so off we went. The one thing we didn’t count on was the fact that the province of Quebec closes all construction down for the last 2 weeks of July! Meaning that there is a lot of people out on holidays and you guessed it, when we arrived at the park there was no availability! Our luck at riding the wave of cancellations was now officially over…. Darn. Well we did take the bikes off and go for a lovely bike ride around the lake. This looked like a beautiful park to camp and we will definitely try again in the future, maybe next time with a reservation.

Google, help!!! We lucked in and found a place not too far from where we were just on the other side of the lake. Marina Camping Le Grand Blue . They had a spot for us; Yeah!! This lovely little campground had mostly seasonal camping but did have a few spots available. The people were extremely friendly and spoke English too! It had a fabulous bike path on the paved road. A restaurant and bar in the club house that had the view of the marina. We walked around the marina and watched the boats come and go; we watched the waves turn into ripples then to a peaceful calm. Part of us wished we had a boat…. but we have our dream “Winnie” who is on wheels.

Eastern Passage

On 23rd July 2019

Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.
Anita Desai

For many years my mother has made frequent trips to Eastern Passage to pick up fish for her shop. The first time she took me here I instantly fell in love with it. Now, every time I am in town I jump in the car and go with her because this little village makes me feel so good. It makes me think NOVA SCOTIA!

The smell of the salt water, the fresh fish, the picturesque ocean view, the boats in the harbor, the lobster traps on the shore, the buoys on the fence. What screams Nova Scotia more than that? Now the bonus is that this area has a little board walk and some very colorful tourist shops to meander around, and the local restaurants have the best Fish and chips that I have ever had. The ladies at the information both were extremely friendly and helpful.

Today I ventured into Jo’s old Time Candy and Ice Cream Parlor. (It was the name that initially drew me in!) Unfortunately, it wasn’t open for another hour – I really wanted to try their saltwater taffy. Guess that is for the next trip down; and believe me I will be back – this little village is part of me now.

Still craving a sweet treat; we learned about the Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop in a book that we picked up at the tourist information booth. So I put the address in the GPS – it was on our way home……………Checked it out. ……………Decadent! I think this will be one of those stops that I need to make more often, if you know what I mean.

The Cobequid Trail

On 21st July 2019

Every person you meet knows something you don’t; learn from them.
H. Jackson Brown

We woke up today to the most beautiful sunrise; Oh, how very beautiful! This is giving us the inspiration to get out and enjoy this beautiful day. Before we left for the day, we met a fisherman who stopped to buy some bait and he said that he had to get out fishing before the bad weather comes in. We never thought anything of his comment, the sky was blue and not a cloud to be seen for miles. So, we packed up the bikes and headed to the town of Truro; to bike another part of the “Great Trail”, The Cobequid Trail.

This trail offers some of the most amazing views of the Cobequid Bay. We picked up the trail at the Fundy Bay Tidal Bore viewing area (one of the areas that you can watch the Tidal Bore come in). Which to some people it is a way to marvel at the magnitude of nature and Tidal changes and to others it is just a bore. For the most part the trail hugs the bay, but it does pass by a few farmers fields. And a lot of Cow’s Parsnip!

We headed back down the trail and decided to take into town. Not as peaceful as the first half of the ride but there was a microbrewery at the end of the trail! And it was a hot day and we deserved a cool drink! The Salty Dog Brewery, this was the first time Steve had a chance to enjoy some of their beer. They had four fruit inspired beer on tap today; Blueberry, Strawberry, Rhubarb and Gose. Surprisingly enough the Rhubarb one, with its sugared rim, was very enjoyable! Now we did notice that there was a lot of dark clouds coming in – so time to head back. After we packed up the bikes, we sat on the bench and watched the storm that was a brewing come up the Cobequid Bay. As we were marveling and taking pictures of the storm from afar, we realized that the storm was probably directly over Debert where Winnie our RV was parked. Panic sunk in as we remembered that we left ALL the windows and the sun light vent open!!!! OH Boy! Now Jo’s dad managed to close the windows from the outside so not too much water came in that way. But we had over 4 inches of rain in a short period of time and yep it did, it all came through the open roof vent. What a mess! What a frenzy.

So, when you meet someone new, they might know something that you don’t; learn from them. If we had listened to that fisherman, we might have closed the windows and doors in the RV.

Save Water, Drink Beer!

On 18th July 2019

Well, we are all about conservation. So, when the sign says “save water drink beer” who are we to argue. Today’s mini adventure took us to Meander River Farm and Brewery. Located in a small area called Ashdale, Hants County, Nova Scotia sits this family operated farm that grows lavender, perennials and fresh cut flowers and they also have pastured livestock. The farm provides an opportunity for its visitors to connect with rural Nova Scotia and experience its natural beauty. The area is beautiful, and tranquil. We caught it on a quiet day and enjoyed the peaceful ambiance. Well, of course while enjoying a few of their beer and ciders.

Today we tried their Little Big Lager, Lunch Box Pale Ale, Surf & Turf Scotch Ale, First Frost Cider, Small-lot Brut Cider, Shack Wacky Cider, Ashdale Honey Brown, Seeing Double DIPA. Now I know you all think; OMG how much do they drink? But what you might not know is we usually buy a flight of beer which is a great way to sample a variety of flavors. Usually each glass that you see is 4 ounces. So, a flight of beer is equivalent to 16 ounces or one pint of beer each. Not too bad hey?

We are on a mission to sample or 100 different types of craft beer this year. Everyone needs a goal!!

Peace by Chocolate

On 17th July 2019

A success story; doesn’t everyone love to hear them? What about a Syrian Refugee family who immigrated to Canada and is now giving back to the country that welcomed them in. The Hadhad Family, had a successful chocolate factory in the middle east until a bombing destroyed everything they owned and they were forced to flee their country. They immigrated to a small town in Nova Scotia called Antigonish, which is less than 90 minutes from Jo’s Moms place……DAY TRIP!!

We all piled into the van (Nanny and Gramps in tow) and headed out. Now when we first arrived at the Google address, we were very surprised at how very small the building was, it looked like a quaint shed. But inside this tiny little building was a small room packed with CHOCOLATE!!!! Everything inside here promoted Peace, – the décor, the apparel, and most of all the chocolate, named for Peace.

Forgive and Forget, Turn the Other Cheek, Bury the Hatchet, One PEACE Won’t Hurt, the Harmony bar, the Resilience bar and sow the peace chocolate bunnies with a packages of flower seeds to plant.

Mr. Hadhad, the master chocolatier, was here today and with the help of his granddaughter shared some samples of his chocolate. Unfortunately, he did not speak any English, so he couldn’t share his story with us; which for my dad and I is the best part of any adventure. However, today we let the chocolate do the talking. You can check out Peace by Chocolate to learn their story. Where they lost everything, came to Canada and started over, and from this little building now have built and opened a chocolate factory that employs 25 people. Now really, how does it get better than that!

Not quite ready to let the adventure end for today, we tracked down on a brewery in the town of Stellerton, “Backstage Brewing company” (You know us it has been a few days since we found a microbrewery and no trip is complete with out it.) This little brewery was started by a musician who wanted to re-create the backstage feeling. We tried 4 of their own brews. “Hangover Helper”, “Little Sister”, “Stiff Hopper Lip” and the “Coffee Black Dog Stout”. I have always enjoyed the names!! Even got Nan and Gramps into the action. We really enjoyed this stop. Definitely a place to try again.

Chocolate, beer, and lastly we topped it all off with wings at The Thistle restaurant in New Glasgow. Notice the Chocolate was first! Always have dessert first!

Deeply Connected – The Trans-Canada Trail

On 15th July 2019

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been

Our travels today have us stopping at the République Provincial Park, New Brunswick. Now I know we have mentioned this park before but this little gem is the perfect stop. It is the half way point between Ottawa and Nova Scotia and this is a drive we have done many times and will be doing a lot more until our house is done. The park is nestled on the Madawaska River, and offers access to some beautiful views of the river. It is also next door to the New Brunswick Botanical gardens and a train museum, if that is the sort of thing you like to do.

This time however we actually took the time to venture out on the bike path the “Trans Canada Trail” – “The Great Trail”.

It is where we all have a connection to the Trail – It connects places and it connects people. In 1992 two visionaries, Bill Pratt and Pierre Camu, were inspired to create a multi-use recreational trail that would be a thread to connect Canadians from coast to coast. By 2017 they created the world’s longest network of multi-use trails. Both Steve and I donated to this cause many years ago, but I honestly think this is the first year that we have taken advantage of this trail. We picked up the trail-head just outside of the campground and headed west towards Quebec. This part of the trail has some views of the Madawaska River, weaves through some forested areas, and some residential areas too. At one point it actually goes under the Trans Canada Highway. The border crossing between Quebec and New Brunswick is very well marked with signs that welcome you to their provinces. Depending on which direction you are heading you will be welcomed into the province with a huge sign.

“You are now entering Quebec/New Brunswick the people of Quebec / New Brunswick welcome you and invite you to enjoy the natural beauty and blessings of this part of the Trans Canada Trail. It is a lasting living legacy to our love of nature our land and our people”

My only wonder now is if all the provinces have the same sign, guess that gives us a reason to explore some more bike paths. Due to time constraints on this visit we only did 31 Kms. But I assure you that the next time we are here we are heading further into Quebec.

FAN-ATICAL!

On 13th July 2019

In Events

Football, Fans and Food Is Always a Fabulous Combination!
momma jo

If any of you follow the CFL (Canadian Football League) this year, you know that the Ottawa Redblacks were not having the best of a season. But one still should take in one game a year. If nothing else, to people watch. This is always fun to check out the level of support each team has. How many people are supporting the home team by wearing their Red and Black colors, or team merchandise and what about the ones who go to extremes and paint their faces with the red and black! Then there are the ones supporting the opposition team, a watermelon cap really?

Let’s remember the Cheering!! You have the loud and rambunctious cheering, and the subtle light clapping cheering. Then the best of all is the drunken cheering which gets a little louder, as the game goes on. My favorite are the ones who are carrying small pieces of a Fence and the letter D to help them cheer “D-Fence” during the game. The ones with the loud horns, the cow bells, the drums and various other noise makers. The ones waving the flags. You have the ones who blame everything on the white and black stripes (the referee). Good thing those referees have broad shoulders. Then of course our very own cheerleading and stunt team who are always smiling no matter how bad the game really is. Football fans are the best!

No football game in Ottawa should go with out visiting a local establishment for food before or after the game; and to meet up with some friends. In our case it was before the game, to grab a drink with our friends Daphne (aka Momma Duck) and Devin her son. Mostly to have reasonable priced beer and food! I am really not a fan of overpriced hotdogs at a game. Today we went to a Quaint little Mexican restaurant called Feleena’s. Just a couple a blocks up from Lansdowne Stadium, on Bank Street. No, it was not just because Feleena’s starts with an “F”. Really it was because the Patio was open and the Coronas were COLD!!

The décor was lovely, with the Mexican inspired wall murals, vibrant colours on tables and chairs. Mexican music and Margaritas too! Tacos, enchiladas, burritos, beans and rice.

How does it get better than this?

The Osgoode Link

On 9th July 2019

It is not about the Destination, it’s about the Journey
Betina woolbright

This is one of my favorite bike paths. It connects the south end of Ottawa to a small community south of the city, called Osgoode.

The path is 21km long, one way – formed on the old railway track. It is a flat path of stone dust that winds it way through farmers fields. It is a very pleasant and relaxing, almost meditative, bike ride.

We normally jump on in the middle; sometimes we head north but most times south, as there is a lovely café called the Red Dot that is in Osgoode. Unfortunately, today it was closed. Just another reason to take the path again on a day that the café is open!

It is all about the “R” factor

Railway track Reused

Recreational activity

Rejuvenation – keep in touch with the outdoors

Re-Fuel at the Red Dot Café

Repeat do it again…. If in the area, please take the time to enjoy the bike path and a meal at the Red Dot.

Childhood Dreams

On 7th July 2019

I always dreamt that I could make a cookbook. And when I was a kid, I would pretend I had a cooking show. Watching my daughter grow, we had hours of videos of her pretending that she too had a cooking show.

Now that I am retired, I still dream and love to cook. However, unlike the cooking shows I don’t have the dish that comes out of the oven 1 minute after I put it there.

So, every time I come up with a flavor combination, I Google it; then try and create and adapt the recipe a small pinch!! I tell you; it is really watching too much MasterChef and reality cooking shows.

There is a sense of accomplishment when you can start and finish something in the same day. How many of us start these projects or have jobs that is a never-ending feat? And let’s not forget the satisfaction of a good meal too or the simple fact that I like FOOD!!

Today was Chicken Tetrazzini, Mexican Diablo cookies, Toffee Crunch Blondies, and Lemon Blueberry Streusel Muffins. Now the blondies are a family favorite. The Tetrazzini was because I had a craving! The Mexican Diablo cookies were because I and Rebekah remembered having them in San Antonio, Texas and we tried to recreate them. And how to you beat a lemon and blueberry combination?

Everything tasted much better than the pictures! – Just sayin’! I don’t have photo shop LOL. Well, enjoy the pictures.

Cooking at home is different than when you are on the road. Please remember that a little meal prep does go well in freezer of the RV!

HAPPY CANADA DAY 2019!

On 1st July 2019

In Events

My FAVORITE HOLIDAY – it’s a no strings attached day! Just fun, a little creativity and oh, what a party!!

For our 30 years in Ottawa – Canada Day has always been about the party. In our earlier years in Ottawa, it was down on Parliament Hill; watching the fireworks from the roof tops of a friend’s business. To now, where we watch them from the hill in our backyard in Greely.

But it was all about Canada’s birthday. Canada, my favorite place on earth! Canada, got to love us Red and White, “We the North” now “She the North” (thanks to US Open Champion, Bianca Andreescu). Home to the religion of hockey and Hockey Night in Canada with Don Cherry; the Maple Leafs, Canucks, Jets, Oilers, Flames and the Senators. The new NBA basketball champs; Toronto Raptors. Our MLB baseball team, the Blue Jays, with some great new prospects. And of course, our very own football league, the CFL! Where you only have 2 chances (3 downs) to get it right! Also can’t forget our higher percentage alcohol beer, EH!

Once we moved to Greely it was always a pool party at our house. One year we had over 50 people there, WOW! But what a party. Beer can chicken is always on the menu and Red and White was always a must!

This year was saved by friend Lana, who allowed me to throw a party at her place. She is a lifesaver – because it wasn’t happening in Barrhaven. THANK YOU, Lana!

The prepping for the party is a lot of the fun. Finding new, creative ways to showcase our true colors; Red and White. Red and white chocolate pretzels. Red twizzler nib licorice, white gum balls, Strawberry margarita jello shots, with white sugared rims. Red Sangria with white apple maple leaf cut outs for the fruit. But the party is always the best part, and this year was awesome, still surrounded by my dear family and friends, and watching fireworks on the “hill” in Greely.

Happy Birthday Canada – The True North Strong and Free!

The Satisfaction of List Making

On 23rd June 2019

Make a list…… A list of things to do when Steve’s away!

Spend time with my daughter. √
Biking in the morning. √
Making photo opportunities to take photos. √
Baking. √
Try a new recipe. √
Spend time with friends. √
Checking out new restaurants. √
Work on my blog

Made the list – There is something very satisfying about making a list and checking off the items. Always gives me a sense of accomplishment.

(#1, # 2, and #3) – Well, I am a firm believer that you should always start your day with exercise. Today I have Rebekah biking with me. How does it get better than an early morning bike ride through Beryl Gaffney Bike path with my daughter Rebekah? And of course, the first pictures of the day!

(#3, # 4 and 5) – Baking my kid’s muffins! I love to bake and create and they enjoy the treats. Today was also to try a new recipe “To die for Blueberry Muffins” or “How to get a boyfriend Muffin”– the internet what can I say! Critique was not as good as my regular Banana Chocolate Chip. But at least a great photo op!!

(#6 & #7 and yep #3) – Today’s mini adventure took us to Cornwall. A small(ish) town about 70 minutes outside of Ottawa. Again, with Momma Duck and her Rebecca. Once Rhonda (the GPS) found it, we checked out Thum’s Kitchen – Thai Cuisine. (I am secretly auditioning to be a food critic!😊) The inviting decor created an ambiance to enjoy. The dishes, the cutlery, even how the napkins were folded! The food was presented and plated beautifully. The variety was enjoyable. and the food tasted excellent. I tried the combo plate, as I could not decide – definitely a great choice! The service was excellent too, and the prices were reasonable! Definitely a little GEM in the town of Cornwall. If you ever are driving through Cornwall, check this place out. 5 out of 5 stars!! And once again another chance to take pictures!

(#8) – Updating the blog. Oh, well Ok I got 7 out of 8 done. I do have to save something for another day. The other day is today!

The things we learn along the way

On 22nd June 2019

Well, todays adventure took us to Laval Quebec. The “us” today was Momma Duck and her daughter Rebecca. (The and Steve is still in Newfoundland).

We headed towards Montreal – but landed in Laval (Lesson #1– Laval and Montreal are not the same). Laval is a lovely spot and we found this nice park that we wanted to walk through.

So, the quest was to find a parking spot. Eureka, we found one! The sign says “No Parking from 9-2 hours” but lots of other cars parked here. Ok – Great, let’s park and we pulled in at 14:10. Now the park was an interesting walk, there were some sights that never should be repeated or re-seen! But it was still a nice day. People watching at its best. When we returned to the car, we noticed a few things. #1 – we were the only Ontario plated car, and #2 – we were the only car with a ticket! $75. The ticket was issued at 14:12. Apparently the sign said “No Parking 9-21 hours” – we did not see that little 1 after the 2. Oh boy, what a costly mistake. (Lesson #2 Learn to read the sign!)

OK, how to cheer oneself up? First off, let’s find a lovely spot on the river to eat. Now you know Jo – let’s find a microbrewery…. There is one in Deux Montagnes – umm- say’s it closes at 12pm – that doesn’t make sense. It is Saturday, after all!

So, off we go. Noire et Blanche Microbrasserie – Located in St-Eustache, Quebec. We found the town; another beautiful little spot. We found a clearly marked “Free” parking spot too! We walked up to the Microbrewery and it did look closed from the outside. It also did not look like the nicest place from the front. We thought, maybe a good thing if it was closed. Tried the door and indeed it was opened! (Lesson #3 – don’t believe all that you read on the internet!).

So now it was a decision time should we stay or should we go… Darn, the hostess is here. Ok, we will stay. Now she asks inside or out. We were nervous that there was no one out front but we followed her. Out back, … it opens up to the most beautiful patio on the river! Time to order!! White beer, Sangria, of course a flight of beer! (Litchi-Tchin(7), 93E-Resolution(8), St-Moustache(15), Pomme Porom Pom Pom(11)). Lobster rolls, Duck legs, Calamari, and a veggie bowl. Simply Amazing! We followed that with decadent desserts. Creme Brule, Pineapple Brule, and a Chocolate Brownie. Need I say more! (Lesson #4 Never judge a book by its cover). I would highly recommend this spot 6 stars out of 5!! I Just have to get the “and Steve” here to Check it out!!!

Ok, homeward bound – Rhonda (Daphne’s GPS) Take us Home! Oops, where are we? …OKA! There is no road here Rhonda… Ferry Time! It was so much fun being on the water. Stunning pictures…oops …darn, ran out of battery…. (Lesson #5 make sure your phone is charged). Thank goodness for friends with phones!!!

South Dundas – The way business should be…

On 21st June 2019

OK, I’ve been baking again! Time for another day trip. Today the “and Steve” is in Newfoundland, so our good friend Kim is my accomplice. Our mini road trip took us to Prescott, ON. I really wanted to check out the Newport Bakery and have their Pulled Pork. Now coincidentally it is located right beside the Windmill Brewery and the Kings Lock Distillery! Imagine that…

We arrived early so we took a walk down to see the windmill from the historic 1838 Battle of the Windmill. Today it was closed but for you history buffs there is a number to call to have someone open it. However, there are some plaques that explain what happened here.

The Newport Bakery & BBQ was almost another disappointment…… Now this was our second time attempting to eat here and we had just drove an hour to check this out! Last time they ran out of pulled pork and today they had no buns. Maybe I am not meant to eat here! We ended up trying the pulled pork on a taco shell. Very messy, but at least we can check that off our list.

Now next stop was the Windmill Brewery where we tried the 1838 Pilsner and the Barracks Black. Yep-only the two samples. Behind the next door is the Kings Lock Distillery. Their philosophy is “Live Life in small Batches”. Interesting place – took a private tour learned a lot about vodka vs. rum and moonshine. The owner Rob, was so nice and very informative. There were many types of distilled spirits to sample – even a garlic vodka; apparently good to cook with – no thanks – I will stick to beer! Rob then suggested that we visit a few other small businesses in the area, so off we went.

Next stop, Dentz Berry Farm for freshly picked Strawberries – these were awesome. Then recommendation number 2 the Upper Canada Creamy – Biemond fresh curds and cheese and organic natural yogurt. Really nice family-operated farm and dairy.

Now what goes well with cheese but wine! On the recommendation of Biemond we headed a little east to the Stone Crop Winery. By Now Kim is running out of steam, but being a great sport we tried a few wines here. The 2016 Frontenac Gris/Vidal (White), a 2018 Frigio Reisling (White), then a 2017-Frontenac Noir-Cabernet Franc (Red), and lastly the 2016 Fronenac Noir-Cabernet Sauvignon. I have to say this was the cheapest stop at a winery that I have ever done. Hmmm… Maybe because Steve wasn’t here and I don’t like wine.

The thing that impressed me the most was that these individual little business support and recommend each other – that is that way business should be done.

Dare to be Different!

On 17th June 2019