We remember…..

 

Our Location: 

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

– Major John McCrae

Artillery Commander 

Brigade Physician 

Canadian

We shall never forget. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, your honour and dignity, thank you for giving us something of yourselves that we can never repay. 

Deb

We have arrived…..

 

Our Location:

Cabo San Lucas

Baja California, Mexico 

A short post just to let the masses know we have arrived safely. It has been a very stressful trip but all went smoothly.  My last post was from daughter Bradey’s lively house in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. We stayed from Fri-Mon, Bradey drove us to the Hamilton Go Station on her way to work. We travelled by GO Bus back to Toronto’s Union Station where daughter Courtney met us, an Uber ride later we arrived at her much quieter home. Normally we would have taken the subway but it was out of service for a short section and the Uber was easier. We stayed with Courtney from Mon-Wed afternoon, Riley and I then took another Uber to the Four Points on Dixie Rd. An early morning shuttle had us arriving just before 6 am at Pearson International Airport, Toronto. Everything went very well and we easily passed all of the security checks. 

San Jose del Cabo, at the airport waiting for our ride.

Our departure was delayed about 2 hours, seems the front tires didn’t look right, so the auto club came out to change them while we waited on board. So at approximately 11:20 am we finally taxied to our runway and we were soon hurtling down the runway and into the air. The flight was good, Riley did well, a bit of turbulence didn’t seem to bother her. We landed approximately 2 hours later than planned, with some difficulty in finding our driver but eventually we managed. The drive from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo San Lucas was about 40 minutes but Beto stopped at a Walmart so we could pick up a few things to tide us over for a day or two. Ever the gentleman, he pushed the cart, loaded and unloaded the suitcase and groceries upon our arrival. Majo our hostess greeted us, gave us a tour and she and Beto left.

Waiting for Beto to come pick us up.

Overall Riley did extremely well, she has had a number of very anxious, stressful new experiences but has reacted much better than I thought she would. Even though the preflight days were with family it was not our usual quiet routine, everything was different, beds, sounds, foods, noise levels, and bathrooms. The two nights we spent in hotels had a calming effect to a degree. I have changed our reserved seats for the flight home. Although I think the delay was a big factor in the overall experience, two less hours may have made it much easier for her. Overall she did well, we took a whole day to just decompress, enjoy the quiet and sleep. Yesterday we walked for a while, today we rest, tomorrow we will get out again, and so on. Our transportation will primarily be our feet, bus and taxi. I miss the Big Dog but we will adjust.

Our location is near a busy road and it is about 3 minutes walk on a dusty road to get to the sidewalks. The apartment is fine but not very bright inside. I will speak to the hostess to seek a different spot but if none are available we will make do with this one.  The people here are extremely friendly, very welcoming and I have no doubt we will enjoy our winter. The temperatures are high, hitting close to or reaching 30+ C/86F every day, by the end of November thru until February we should be down in a more comfortable range of 25C/77F for day time highs. In March it will once again start getting warmer and by the end of April we will be very ready to head home.

There are many things we need to learn and accept. I believe this winter will be a very educational adventure. In some ways Riley will have an easier adjustment than myself, she has a different approach to many things and I’m looking forward to learning from her about our new adventure.

Until next time……

Take care, stay safe,

Deb

We have left our summer spot…

 

Our Location:

Brantford, Ontario 

I wanted to use my last few fall pics and thought this was a good time to do that.

The ferns are pretty with their
curly leaves, like ringlets.

Porcupines have been feasting.

There is something fascinating about
thistle down.

The last few days were hectic at home, but we managed to get almost everything finished, the rest can be accomplished by phone. It seemed very odd and melancholy in a way to leave the Igloo behind as we drove down the hill for the last time this season. We were also a little sad as we looked back at the Dogsled parked out of the way for the winter but close to dad’s. Goodbyes were said over a couple of days, all of them something I dread but if we want to go that is part of the process.

I love this picture.

Woodpeckers and ants, the tree
never had a chance.

Nor did this one.

A last little bit of colour
before the wind and rain took most of them.

Thursday morning had us very busy, we finally pulled out of Rick’s driveway about 11:30 am heading to Sudbury. We arrived at our motel at about 2:00 pm, said a quick goodbye, first leg of the journey complete. Thanks Rick!

View out the train window.

I brightened the train pics
due to dark tint on the windows.

I enjoyed the views after it became daylight.

It was overcast for most
of the trip.

An overnight stay, early morning taxi ride, 4:15 am, to the Sudbury Junction Train Station for a 4:50 am departure but the train was late. Finally at about 6:20 am we were boarded and on our way. Uneventful, relaxing and scenic, we arrived downtown Toronto at Union Station ahead of the 2:30 pm schedule, climbing off at about 1 pm. Finding our way to the Union Station Bus Terminal easily, we climbed aboard at 3:00 pm, arrived in Brantford about 5:15 pm where we were met by Bradey and the boys.

Riley’s first train ride.

Lots of this kind of scenery.

I love the old pole!

The reflection is fabulous.

We are here at Bradey and David’s until Monday morning, we will then return to Toronto and visit with Courtney for a couple of days. Wednesday night we move to a hotel near the airport to fly out Thursday. We are as ready as we can be to start this new adventure in Mexico.

I do not miss driving in Toronto.

The CN Tower.

All of my unused photos are posted, or at least most of them. I hope enjoyed the last few. Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time….(if there is a next blog)

Take care, stay safe,

Deb

The days are slipping past…

Our Location:

Summer Spot

Near South Baymouth, Ontario 

Our time here is short, only a couple more days before we leave the Igloo and Dogsled behind for 6 months. A very new twist to our usual winter travels. Thursday is departure day from our spot, Friday brings us to Southern Ontario for a few days of visiting with each of my two other daughters.  On Thursday, Oct 30 we fly from Pearson International into San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.

Our packing this year is quite different, and as I am slowly packing suitcases, Patsy you are on my mind. Trying to figure out what to take and what to leave behind, what will we use, what does it weigh, do we really need it or can we just buy it if we need it. Then of course there are the other things that come with us naturally, liquids, grocery staples, batteries, fridge and freezer contents, etc. which all must be left behind this year.  I will admit it is a challenge but I think I have a good handle on it. Of course we will need to winterize this rig, something we haven’t done in the past. A definite learning curve.

We are finished work for this season. We stayed in the housekeeping line of work but moved this spring to a new to us motel, much closer to home. Should you find yourself on Manitoulin Island heading for the ferry, call to make a reservation at The Buckhorn Motel only minutes from the ferry dock in South Baymouth. The motel has been renovated recently, the flower gardens are lovely, free fresh produce is available from the veggie patch, a BBQ and Griddle in the back yard Gazebo are available for guest use. Each room is equipped with a small kitchenette, which includes a microwave, coffee maker, kettle, bar sink, small fridge/freezer, real dishes and silverware, real wine glasses as well. The usual coffee, tea, creamers, sugar are also supplied. The bathrooms all include rainfall showerheads, tubs, plush towels, and the usual shampoo, conditioner, lotions, mending kits, shower caps, etc.  Rates are reasonable, the rooms are clean, the folks are friendly. Call ahead, limited rooms! 

A farewell feast prepared by Barb this past Sunday is greatly appreciated. Sister Jan supplied dessert. Seating for 8, way too much food, always excellent! A laughter filled event! Thanks very much!

An overview of our summer spot.

A belated birthday wish goes to friend Linda, I’m sorry the time just slipped past before I realized. I’m sure you had a fantastic day! Early birthday wishes go out to Barb, her granddaughter Hazel, and her daughter in law Leah and sister Jan’s daughter Brittany. They all celebrate this month.

An old rail fence.

On that note I will end this post, it is a second writing as the first complete version somehow disappeared last night before I could install pics. 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed the visit.

Until next time….

Take care, stay safe,

Deb

Fall Photos..

 

Our Location:

Summer Spot

near South Baymouth, Ontario 

Fall always offers lots of photo opportunities. I strolled over the rock to about the half way point from Igloo to Sugar Shack. The day is cloudy, coolish, damp and a soft wind high in the tree tops.

There are lots of maples, some oak, some dead/dying spruce thanks to the spruce bud worm, as well as other varieties.  They make a rich carpet, some times crinkling underfoot, other times silent and sodden, cushioning each step. The spruce offer stark contrast, it is usually a ghostly white haze in the distance, upon getting closer the fallen branches and trees present a tripping hazard if one is not paying attention.

On this stroll everything was spongy and the rocks slick with wetness from last night’s rain. I noticed a new growth of poison ivy in a few places along the path. New growth green not yet relinquished to the brilliant red of fall one normally sees this time of year. I did not take any of the short paths to the bluffs edges, too wet and slippery. The colours do not appear as brilliant nor as varied this year but perhaps sunshine would change that situation.

A big cool down in the temperate from yesterday, about 10 degrees. Can you say brrrrrr ? The sun is trying to fight its way out but I’m not hopeful.

The ladder to nowhere…

Jim can you see it?

Brother Rick’s stand.

I often times think I should explain that Brother Rick is my brother not a Religious Brother. Sister Janet (Jan) is my sister, not a Religious Sister. Sister Jan has a partner named Rick. My late sister in law Janet was Richard’s sister. So the added brother/sister is now cleared up, I hope.

Insect tracks in the wood.

One of new cradles built last fall.

The apple holder is a dead spruce that has broken off,
the bush is full of them.

I hope you have enjoyed a glimpse of my morning stroll, I still have more photos but think this is enough for this post.  To the Canadians reading this we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving (coming this weekend). Always be thankful for what you have for someone always has less. You are blessed if your tables are ladened, if your family is near, and if your friends are dear. To our American readers, Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, we are grateful to know you, grateful that you take the time to check in, and grateful to call you friend.

Dead spruce everywhere.

A carpet of many colours.

Sunlight on the Maple Leaf.

Not much wind this morning.

Take care, stay safe….

Deb