Grab your paddle and drum...

This weekend was the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival. It takes place on Mooney's Bay which is about a 10 minute walk from my place. I decided to head down earlier today to see what it was all about. WOW! The event had taken over the park with various vendors, live entertainment with beer garden and a tent city for all the participating teams.

I found my way to the bleachers on the beach and sat down to watch the races where I noticed a group doing Tai Chi. In amongst the hussel and bussle, these 20 or so people were doing their best to bring a little peace and tranquility to the event!



I watched the 100 m final race which was pretty much over in about 20 or so secods. The photo below shows all the boats lined up at the start line - I tried for a finish line shot but unfortunately in the excitment of things, it didn't happen.



Between races I decided to wander around the site a bit more. In my travels I came across the team staging tent where groups go to wait for their race to start. I wish I took a video as the teams waiting were performing cheers and getting ready to race.



I decided to wander to the food vendors and grab a bite to eat before heading back to the bleachers to watch some more races. As I sat down with my food, raindrops began to fall. At first it wasn't a big deal, but then it started to pour, I mean like buckets. The crowd all fled for cover and I managed to find a spot under a nearby tree so I could continue to watch the races. I can only imagine what it was like for the racers out on the lake caught in the down pour!

Once the rain had died and I'd had enough of watchin the races, I wandered over to the beer garden to check out the live entertainment.

Can anyone name the band in the photo below?



It's 54/40. I last saw them about 14 years ago...so definitely a blast from the past. I stayed for a few songs but decided to head back home before the rain got out of control again (and so I could catch the World Cup Brazil vs. Cote-d'Ivoire football match).

Cheers,

T.

Reunion! (Reliving my Rotaract/Western Days)

For several years, I was an active member of the Rotaract Club at Western. I made some great friends and had been missing the comradery during my internship.

This past Friday I had the chance to relive a bit of the fun with a mini-reunion in Toronto. I left right from work and headed south on the 401. Four or so hours later, I made it to the hotel. The main event of our evening was sponsored by Alumni Western and featured none other than Rick McGhie, a local London musician who has been serenading Western students for over 30 years. We were entertained by Rick in the roundhouse at Steam Whistle Brewery just across from the CN Tower. All was going swimmingly (apart from one missing friend who was trying to make it through the terrible post Jays game traffic) until mid-way through the song Layla when all the lights went off!



At first we thought it was a blown fuse at the brewery, but we soon found out other buildings by us were also affected (i.e. the CN tower)! We headed out to the patio and a few minutes later we were imformed that the city was experiencing rolling brown outs and that the event could not continue because the fire alarm system needed power to work. This was a HUGE bummer for us and we were just about to head to get in line to have our unused drink tickets refunded when the lights came back on! YAY!!! Needless to say those who were still present (about 70% of the original group) had a great time singing along with Rick for the rest of the evening. Our missing friend joined us shortly after power was restored and finally we were together to celebrate at last!

The next morning warranted a large greasy breakfast at none other than Fran’s Restaurant. While we did have a few issues with our meal, overall the food was good. If I can offer any advice, the portions are BIG so think conservatively when ordering.

We said our goodbyes after brunch and I hopped back in the car to head back home. In no particular rush I decided to take a few detours. The first was in Colborne at a place I’d wanted to go to for I’d say close to 20 years! For those who have travelled on highway 401 between Toronto and Kingston, you will see the HUGE red apple on the south side of the highway. I’ve travelled past this big apple numerous times and have never (that I can recall) stopped to see it close up. That has now changed! I am happy to report that I can now strike this off my to-do list. Photographic evidence of this visit can be seen below.



Besides my detour to see the apple, I also decided to veer off the 401 a bit and take a little drive around Prince Edward County travelling through Wellington and Picton. This is BEAUTIFUL country and there are more than a few wineries along Hwy 33. I’d love to go back and stay at one of the many inns or B&B’s I saw and visit some of the vineyards and partake in the Taste Trail.

My final detour was travelling along the 1000 Island Parkway which is also a very scenic ride. While it may have taken me an extra hour or so to get back to Ottawa, as I’ve said before, the journey is often just as important as the destination.

Cheers,
T.

Poutine and Patty Boland's...

Friday night I was able to experience a little of Ottawa's night life.

The weekend got of to an excellent start with a barbeaue (can't get much better then that). While the weather wasn't entirely cooperating (cooler), we did manage to make it downtown to a popular pub called Patty Boland's. There was a live band and they played fantastic music.

The band. You can clearly see everyone was enjoying themselves!

After dancing for a while, it was time to head out to find a late night snack before heading home. I was fortunate enough to be with some knowledgeable folk who knew all the best places for poutine and we found ourselves at Mello's Restaurant. Walking in it looks like the place hasn't changed since the 1950's!

The nice French man that made our poutine for us.

Mmmm, poutine.

All in all, a fantastic night!

Cheers,

T.

One Night in Kingston...

Last Friday night I got a text on my phone asking if I was interested in a ticket to the Hip Concert in Kingston on the Saturday. I am a fairly big fan and so how could I say no?

I packed my bags and headed down the road to Kingston to meet up with some friends. It was an amazing concert followed by an even more amazing after party featuring the Trews and an 80's cover band called 80's Enuff (which by the way, were fantastic).

The Hip doing what they do best.

The next morning we had a great greasy breakfast at Morrison's Restaurant (those who have been to Kingston will I'm sure be familiar with this establishment). Before I knew it, I was back on the road to Ottawa. I decided to the 1000 Islands Parkway and was able to capture some very nice photos (it was a beautiful sunny day). This road always reminds me of when I was a kid and travelled with my parents to visit our extended family.

View of the St. Lawrence River (I was trying to drive and take photos but soon realized this was dangerous and pulled over).

Chimney Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence. When I was small I would always look for the island. There is a story as to why the chimney is there, but unfortunately I can't remember.

Cheers,

T.