En Francais??

We left Nevis and grabbed some additional supplies and started our trek to the east.  First stop was Ottawa where we found a Parkade near Parliament Hill and walked around the perimeter. There are spectacular views of the Ottawa River valley from the back.  Noticed a heavy police and security presence after passing a spirited discussion between a young cyclist with a back pack on the front steps.  Wondered down by the Chateau Laurier and down into the market area where we spotted a veranda overlooking the human traffic (Pour House).  Great table allowed for some primo people watching.  Ran into the Mark and Paul Gallant Families there.  After lunch, at the suggestion of our waitress, hopped in a Uber to cross over to the Museum of Civilization - oops, Museum of History.  Apparently “civilization” triggered someone???  Spent several hours to only cover a part of the museum - very enlightening, but a long haul.  Decided to see if we could water taxi across the river to Bytown (named after Joseph By - instramental in building the locks up from the river to the start of the Rideau canal system.  I had learned that the canals were conceived after the war of 1812 wherein the risk of a naval blockade of the Saint Lawrence could have devastating consequences for the British dominion of Canada..  These canals connect Ottawa to Kingston and thus the Great Lakes.  After contemplating the climb from the river up Parliament Hill from the perspective of the Museum, we decided to walk across the bridge instead to maintain some elevation.  I was a nice walk along boardwalk and up to the war memorial where we stopped briefly to pay respect.  Back to the car for the pleasant drive to Montreal.  Found our loft apartment near Notre Dame and nearby parking.  The loft is a bit sketchy, but will suffice, Once settled in, off we went to commence our Voyage Gastronomie with Myles identifying th nearby (not so nearby) Boullion Bilk which he had been wanting to try since a previous visit to Montreal.  Very fine dining indeed.  Matthew asked what the name of the restaurant might mean, I offered “Boullion is soup stock and they just bilked me out of $500”. Walk to and from passed interesting street people with one scary but harmless fellow accosting us about our sexual preference.

Wedding festivities complete

Missed a couple of days, so now have to fill in some blanks (there may be some blanks that are unrecoverable!) Saturday morning arrived and we enjoyed a great breakfast prepared by our hostess Jenny.  Everyone managed to get out for some activity and I went on a long walk through town with ML and had a great visit while covering lots of territory.  Got prepped for the wedding and shuttled folks over to the BW for a 30 minute bus trip to Taggart Island.  What a beautiful setting on the shore of Big Rideau.  The very brief and efficient celebration wrapped up with cocktails and appetizers followed by a short bus ride to a farm near Lombardy.  We had no trouble getting overserved again while enjoying highly entertaining speeches from the bridesmaids, best man and Parents.  We learned of a different side that we hadn’t known heretofore (about Alanna that is).  Much more revallry ensued at a perfect venue under the big top (it was a bit of a circus - good time had by all!)

Sunday was a bit sluggish for me - and others, but we made it to Keith Taggart’s cottage just down the lake from the Taggart Island. Beautiful spot and vantage point from which to enjoy the lake.  Brunch was fantastic and I really enjoyed learning more about the Taggart heritage in this area.  After brunch there was a lot of napping back at the Nevis Estate.  Once everyone was rested, we made our way over to the cottage being rented by Brother Matt and his extended clan from the Gallant side, for a hot dog and a beer or two on the dock.  Mom has been feeling good (even though she was overserved at the wedding too - according to Marcia who bore the brunt of senior care this weekend), and as ever up for anything anytime.

On the road again

Our 2018 summer vacation starts with a family wedding - our nephew Daniel is tying the knot with Alanna Taggart, whom Danny met while studying at Dalhousie and who hails from Ottawa.  The lake community of Perth Ont. just 50 miles from Ottawa is where the nuptials will transpire, at Alanna’s family cottage which was originally acquired by the Keith Taggart’s great grandparents in 1908.  Actually, he bought the whole island for $250.  Through the generations, the island was developed to accommodate more families, but being an island, ran out of room.  Some of the gang were “voted off the island” to find more space, and the Taggart clan has made an indelible imprint on this part of Big Rideau lake.  BTW, “cottage” is a euphemism.

But first, the travel east.  Our flight was uneventful (on time, no problems with luggage, check in, security) right up to the final approach into Ottawa.  After getting shaken around (a little) in some low elevation turbulence, the pilot pulled out of landing pattern due to a storm cell moving right across the runway.  I was able to see the storm as we banked away starboard and thought to myself - good call.  The delay was minor as we circled and landed about 30 minutes late without and trouble.

On the other hand, Marcia didn’t fare so well as due to some extreme ineptitude by the WJ staff, she and my Mother missed their flight and wound up having to await another flight (which they did and were about 4 hours later than originally scheduled).  All was fine and Mom considered it a minor inconvenience and delay, Marcia - not so much.

In the end, all of my extended family found their way to the Nevis Estate B&B in Perth.  From the top Mom, Mary Lynn, Sarah & Rohan, Kyra, Myself, Karen, Myles and Matthew, Marcia and Rachaelle.  Mark & Leslie, Reed & Bailey, Liam & Gillian (with Rose) all stayed at the Best Western.

Friday night was Pub Night where the fun commenced.  We met many of the wedding guests and enjoyed a few libations.  Afterwards we stumbled into the Golden Arrow where we had a pizza and more beer with the younger set, Pizza was fantastic, albeit a poor choice at the time of night (and at my age).  While there, a large group of revellers from the wedding party waded in and took over the dance floor.  The solo singer/guitar player might have been a bit overwhelmed by the sing along he inspired.