Sunday - July 23

  Sunny start to the day and we had a leisurely morning - Mark made eggs and toast and we left at 11 for Colchester.  Waves were 1 footers but going right into them made for a little rocky trip, but now too bad and only an hour.    Lots and lots of grass in this marina - the young girl (dockhand) said they clean it out every morning but just comes bac?.   

We were all settled by 1, got the bikes off the boat and away we rode to The Crew Estate Winery of Colchester.   So glad we found this place when we drove here last Thursday checking out the Kingsville and Colchester marinas.    It was 8/10 away from the marina and great bike path.   What a nice place......The Crew has been around since 2003 but in new building since 2019.   We sat on the screened-in porch overlooking the vineyards.   Michelle was our waitress and explained about the different flights we chose.....we each enjoyed our choices and lunch (Mark had the summer berry salad with mixed greens, chicken, blueberries, strawberries, oranges, feta and a wonderful light dressing - I had the chicken/bacon egg rolls and we shared)!    

Rode the bikes back and saw the big crowd at the beach.   The clouds rolled in and weather was threatening, but most passed north of us.

The plan was to visit 12 small towns on the northern shores of Lake Erie - only 6 could accommodate Catrina  - Turkey Point, Port Dover, Port Colborne, Port Stanley, Erieau, Colchester and 4 nights in Leamington (3rd visit).    But we were able to see the other six (Port Maitland, Naticoke, Port Burwell, Port Bruce, Port Glasgow, Kingsville) by peeking in as we went by or by land on our trip last Thursday.

Last night around 9, it started sprinkling (that was a surprise as it had been such a nice evening) and then much heavier rain came.    Their crops and lawns are so abundantly green in these towns along the lake.  And of course, the gorgeous flowers love all that rain.  A bunch of wheat fields were also along our route last week.   And today around 4:45...the rain came again!

Docked beside and in back of us are three 40' houseboats thru Air BnB called the Vintage Grapes for a weekend getaway here in Colchester.   These luxury boats are fully furnished and with the beach, splash pad, concession stand, restaurants and many wineries nearby, a unique and different adventure from staying at a hotel or B'nB.   

This candy bar from Canada is sooo yummy.   Our niece, Megan got some for us and so "when in Canada....buy some more"!       Got the little bars in a 10-pak which is just the right size.   They are made by Cadbury and similar to a butterfinger, but softer with caramel.

Only 6 on zoom tonight but never a lack of chatter!

We are just 20 miles from the good ole USA but sure have enjoyed our time in Canada!