Ferry, Friends & Fall

September has come and (almost) gone which is a shame because it's my favourite month of the year here in northern Ontario. The temperature is moderate, there are virtually no bugs and the vibrant fall colours are a spectacle that continue to amaze. Add friends and cottages, a second Chi-Cheemaun ferry ride as well as a second successful cataract eye surgery to the mix and what's not to love?

Lake Huron from Fred & Maxine's deck

Chi-Cheemaun, Cataracts & Coons

My primary goal this summer was to keep the calendar clear to accommodate my cataract surgery and once the dates were set, the next item on the agenda was to ensure we arrived at the hospital in southern Ontario on schedule. (My right eye surgery was set for August 3.) The forest fires, especially the Parry Sound 33 fire, were worrisome, so we opted to take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island to Tobermory.

Storms, Fires, Friends & Family

The old adage that time flies is proving correct this summer. In the six weeks that have passed since my last post we've been busy, busy, busy and it's been hot, hot, hot.

Back in Canada A Month!

We've been home a little more than one month and it's been an enjoyable albeit busy four weeks. We've reconnected with a good many friends and family and settled back into a routine that for a change does not require a backpack! Even the gazebo is up, making the backyard a lovely outdoor space without the bugs.

Brighton, UK

After completing our Nice housesit we flew to Gatwick and before our return to Canada on May 13, 2018 we took the Thameslink southbound train to visit Brighton. 

Monaco

Last year when we visited Menton, France and Ventimiglio, Italy we travelled through Monaco, but did not set foot on terra firma of this postcard-size country. For that reason I did not feel comfortable mentioning or claiming it as a country we've visited, but as of this week that's all changed. Monaco is officially #27 on our list.

Vence & Cannes-sur-Mer

Two easy to reach destinations by public transportation from Nice include Vence: a hilltop medieval village and Cagnes-sur-Mer: a lovely town on the Mediterranean where the French painter, Auguste Renoir, lived and painted during his final years.