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.