June 28, 1969
Back on Catrina after a wonderful "second" honeymoon in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Friday.....#50 for us and it's a glorious summer day (just like 50 years ago but oh-so-hot that day and no AC in church or at reception). This morning we had breakfast at The Shirt Factory (connected to the Hart House Hotel) and then we were off. Nice pleasant 1hr. 15 min drive, thru some of the little towns along the canal - good memories from last summer and then a pretty quick entry into Canada.
Arrived at Niagara-on-the-Lake around 10:30 and oh my........................this place is just spectacular with flowers, flowers and more flowers everywhere, plus oh-so-charming with the old-fashioned light posts, horse-driven carriages, etc. Mark wanted to check out the marina (the original plan had been for us to come here by boat, but lady at marina a few weeks ago, said "she wished she could accommodate us, but water levels were so high and we would be walking in water to get to office, parking lots and docks were under water." And that's exactly what Mark saw - unreal! We've seen so many pics lately of just how sad this whole situation is up here and a lost boating season for many marina owners, etc. We heard one estimate that it could be October till things settle down.
While he was in dismay seeing all this water, I was high and dry walking the streets and browsing the many neat shops. Lots of people out and about as Monday, July 1st is Canada Day (like our July 4th). They are expecting throngs of folks in for the long weekend.
We had ice cream treats at Cows - a wonderful Canadian "must do" and then strolled along Lake Ontario, thru residential areas with cute little cafes tucked here and there and many B 'n B's. We were able to check into the Prince of Wales a little early - this beautiful old historic hotel in the heart of town was built in 1864 and oozes with Victorian charm.
Us on Lake Ontario
Prince of Wales Hotel
Last summer I took so many pics of luscious blooms,, but had to get this charming old bicycle.
We had a wonderful dinner at Noble and then more strolling around town. Mark had a beef tenderloin and I had lobster fettuccine. Both excellent and topped off with this elegant dessert...
The population is 17,000+ but so fun to meander around the downtown area and all the lovely homes and of course, everywhere you go, everyone has flowers and more flowers.
Pistachio cheesecake covering a waffle donut all topped with strawberries and chocolate stick!
Mark had a strawberry/cherry creme brulee.
The population is 17,000+ but so fun to meander around the downtown area and all the lovely homes and of course, everywhere you go, everyone has flowers and more flowers.
Saturday - another gorgeous day. We walked across the street to Balzac Coffee Co. for coffee/latte and shared a hobbit muffin. Then we did a little shopping, checked out of our hotel and were on our way. No special plans today - had thought we would go back to Two Sisters Winery (great visit and lunch last summer), but we were only 2 miles away and not hungry as we've eaten so much lately.
Mark wanted to check out Lock #3 at the Welland Canal and the Museum at St. Catharine's. This was about a 20-minute drive from our hotel and lots of people standing on a high viewing bridge to watch the action. We saw 2 ginormous freighters (1000+ feet). Been thru many locks but the Welland Canal (8 locks) takes them to a whole different level. We continued on, stopping back in Medina for late lunch at Zambistro - more great food!!! (I had a bacon brie burger and Mark had a salad with tenderloin tips.) Got back to Catrina around 5:30! What a special little getaway celebrating our 50th. Highly recommend "Niagara-on-the-Lake for a visit you won't forget!!!
Leaving hotel with these gorgeous roses from my honey!
Mark wanted to check out Lock #3 at the Welland Canal and the Museum at St. Catharine's. This was about a 20-minute drive from our hotel and lots of people standing on a high viewing bridge to watch the action. We saw 2 ginormous freighters (1000+ feet). Been thru many locks but the Welland Canal (8 locks) takes them to a whole different level. We continued on, stopping back in Medina for late lunch at Zambistro - more great food!!! (I had a bacon brie burger and Mark had a salad with tenderloin tips.) Got back to Catrina around 5:30! What a special little getaway celebrating our 50th. Highly recommend "Niagara-on-the-Lake for a visit you won't forget!!!
Sunday - Much cooler today - 70 with off and on sunshine and strong winds. We went to Central Square (north of here) and had breakfast at Good Golly's (cinnamon swirl pancake!)
YUM Then to 10:30 Mass at Divine Mercy - wonderful 40-year old priest who gave a very uplifting sermon and a great guitar player/singer. Had a brief shower while in church. Stopped at Wal Mart for some piddlies and on home. Opened the windows and let in the fresh air....
Winter Harbor is not a big marina but squeezes boats in here and there during a crises like the recent lock closures. But a few of the places current boats hail from are Park City, Utah, Marathon, FL, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Seattle and Louisville. And this beauty is going to be launched tomorrow right in front of Catrina. "Diva" from Fort Lauderdale is an 82' 2013 yacht. It sold in 2017 for $3m. This past winter it got a brand new paint job here at Winter Harbor! What a beauty!
Got the suitcase unpacked and now preparing to pack again for trip coming later this week....at 5:30 this afternoon, we did a conference call with all the kids discussing our upcoming dude ranch trip. Lots to discuss and ponder and everyone so excited!!!
Huge thanks for all the cards, e-cards, Facebook messages, texts, videos, etc. for our anniversary. We so appreciate your thoughtfulness!!!
Here's to a great week! Bye bye June!!!
YUM Then to 10:30 Mass at Divine Mercy - wonderful 40-year old priest who gave a very uplifting sermon and a great guitar player/singer. Had a brief shower while in church. Stopped at Wal Mart for some piddlies and on home. Opened the windows and let in the fresh air....
Winter Harbor is not a big marina but squeezes boats in here and there during a crises like the recent lock closures. But a few of the places current boats hail from are Park City, Utah, Marathon, FL, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Seattle and Louisville. And this beauty is going to be launched tomorrow right in front of Catrina. "Diva" from Fort Lauderdale is an 82' 2013 yacht. It sold in 2017 for $3m. This past winter it got a brand new paint job here at Winter Harbor! What a beauty!
Got the suitcase unpacked and now preparing to pack again for trip coming later this week....at 5:30 this afternoon, we did a conference call with all the kids discussing our upcoming dude ranch trip. Lots to discuss and ponder and everyone so excited!!!
Huge thanks for all the cards, e-cards, Facebook messages, texts, videos, etc. for our anniversary. We so appreciate your thoughtfulness!!!
Here's to a great week! Bye bye June!!!
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