Sentimental Journey...continued

While we were at Creek Cottage in Newaygo, Quebec, we had a lot of fun remembering the things we did there when we spent our summers in the Laurentians at our grandparent's cottage.  There was a favourite rock in the back that we used to challenge ourselves to run up and jump off.  We are bigger now, and were able to climb up on it for a picture.  The lake was as beautiful as ever, and the dock has been replaced with a more modern one, where we enjoyed the fresh breeze and sunshine.  We remembered learning to swim in the cold spring water lake. Marilyn used to crawl through the culvert where the creek empties into the lake (our grandmother didn't know about this, or she would have taken a "fit").  What a wonderful time we had visiting this enchanting place.  Since the cottage is rented out to guests, we may indeed return again.

The next day we carried on to Two Mountains, now known as Deux Montagnes, the town where we lived for about ten years when we were growing up.  We went to our house, which had been built by our parents in 1955, when it was the last house on the street with fields and woods beyond.  It still looks good.  The young couple who had recently bought it welcomed us in and they were delighted to know more about the first family and how the house was back then.  It is basically the same, with an updated bathroom and very different landscaping.  The little trees we planted grew so big; they had to be cut down!  Our mother's "dream home" still holds a warm feeling.
We really enjoyed being able to go through our childhood home, and thank the current occupants very much.

Sentimental Journey - Going back to Quebec

The beautiful chalet where we stayed at Fiddler Lake Resort

Gail's family has deep roots in the province of Quebec, though there are no longer any relatives living there.  When sister, Marilyn, and her husband, Les came to visit recently, we decided to take a trip back to find our childhood home and the cottages of our grandparents in the Laurentians.  A beautiful chalet was booked at Fiddler Lake Resort, not far from where we spent our summers as children.
The fresh mountain air took us back to the summers we spent in the area and we were filled with fond memories of the creek that ran beside our grandparent's summer house that we always called "The Country".  Relying on Google maps and memory, we were able to find the house.  It has been much renovated, but I still recognized it.  There was a "For Rent" sign in front.

1939

1964

Creek Cottage as it appears now

The very gracious owner, Anne, happened to be there at her home next door. She invited us to have a look inside.
It has been beautifully updated, and remains the comfortable, welcoming place that it always was.  Anne rents it out to people, fully outfitted, for vacation stays.  How cool!

Kelowna in the Spring

Lakefront park in downtown Kelowna

We were happy to be home for three weeks, and then the travels started again.  Off we went to Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley, which is arguably one of the most beautiful areas of Canada.  There is also an abundance of fine local wine.  For us, one of the greatest attractions is the three grandchildren who live there with their parents, who we miss so much of the time. 

Grand Hotel Complex downtown Kelowna

While we enjoyed the sights of Kelowna, especially going for walks along the waterfront, we also went on an additional adventure with the whole family to Vancouver.   While driving through the mountains (early May) we saw a great deal of snow on the side of the road. The hotel where we stayed had a nice pool, hot tub and waterslide.  This was especially popular with the two boys, aged ten and seven.  We spent a fascinating day at the Vancouver Science World, where there is a great variety of interactive displays and activities for children, young and old. www.scienceworld.ca

The mountains in May

                                                           Having fun at Science World in Vancouver

Science World was fun for the whole family

John and son-in-law, Jeff enjoyed going out for a photo shoot, which they usually do when we are out that way.  They always manage to capture some of the overwhelming natural beauty of the area.

Hardy Falls, near Summerland, south of Kelowna

Pond at Lakefront Park

View of West Kelowna from St Hubertus winery

Those who follow this blog will recognize the “Flat Stanley” characters that went with us as we travelled around Europe in the fall and to Hawaii and Florida in the winter.  The two characters were made by the two boys from Kelowna, so they went home briefly.  They will be on the road with us again for our upcoming adventures.

Graham and Everett with their "Flat Stanley" figures at home

The stream through the park

Everett and Ava on a saucer swing at the park

Amazing sunset colours on the drive home from the park