Our Amish Experience

Friday 23 September – Ottawa-Adams

We woke before 5 am this morning and quickly finished packing for Lynn to drop us at the station by about 5:45am. There was very little traffic so we made good time and after ensuring we had the answers to all our questions Lynn bade us farewell and went off to work very early.

As the train pulled in dawn was absolutely magnificent and pink. It was magic to watch the sunrise over fields covered in low fog and all dewy. I saw one flock of wild turkeys in one field we passed.

A two hour trip to Montreal, a reasonably short wait in another queue and difficulty handling our bags off and on trains saw us on the Amtrak train headed south to Albany (our stop) then New York City.

Customs officers boarded at Rouses Point and we had a long wait while they processed all our documentation, had all the foreigners fill out another form, pay $6 then stamp our passports.

It was interesting travelling south along Lake Champlain in New York state because Surrey and I had driven up that way last time we were here and seen it in spring from the road.

We arrived into Albany a little late and a lot exhausted. Barre and Marion were there to greet us. We then drove east over the mountains to North Adams and had dinner at the Boston Seafood restaurant. It was a huge meal even though Elaine and I shared one meal between us.

After dinner we drove home and collapsed after a long and tiring day.

Saturday 24 September – Adams

Both Elaine and I woke at 6:30 am quite independently after a good night's sleep. We had a slow start to the day with coffee with Barre then breakfast when Marion got up.

Today we both opted for a slow day but had a nice walk in the beautiful fall colours along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail with Marion in the morning. http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/western/asrt.htm

 

There was lots of research about where to go for our Amish trip for the next few days and lots of talk about where we'd been so far.

After lunch Marion took Elaine on a quick tour of Adams but then we downloaded pics, updated the blog and caught up on emails. Of course there was also lots of quilting talk and some show and tell opportunities.

It was just great to feel so at home and relaxed before we begin more adventures.

Sunday 25 September – Our Amish Experience #1

One place Surrey had always wanted to take me since he visited in 1983 was the Amish country in Pennsylvania. To fulfil that dream I asked Barre when arranging this visit if he could take us down there. Hence our Amish Experience.

Up for a quick breakfast, leaving the house for our tour earlier than planned. Barre drove us via some scenic roads skirting Pittsfield till we joined Route 9 then the Taconic Throughway. The leaves are all still green this far south.

We had a quick stop at West Taghkanic where police and others were out in full managing traffic for the bike leg of a triathlon. We continued south to join Route 84. At Fishkill we stopped for lunch at a Cracker Barrel. http://www.crackerbarrel.com/ What an experience! We had to walk through a gift shop full of junk while we waited for a table in a very noisy cafe. Some people actually waited in rocking chairs on the porch. However, the food was excellent but of course far too much as usual.

Then on to join the 87 and 287 passing within sight of New York city (except for the big stone walls along the road). We then headed west on 78 and southwest on 222, eventually finding our motel, the Days Inn, with the help of our very useful GPS lady and 6 hours of driving.

After dumping our things we drove around the area a bit just for a look. There were lots of Amish in covered and uncovered buggies drawn by beautiful horses. I guess they were all heading to or from church. Others were walking and one girl even pushing an Amish 'scooter'. They were all dressed in traditional outfits and looked amazing.

Even more amazing were the farms and animals we saw as we drove along some more minor roads – horses, mules (Surrey was very impressed with the mules when he visited the area), cows, chooks (free ranging even near the roads). It's the sort of place that driving at 40 kph would seem too fast.

We then headed for Miller's http://www.millerssmorgasbord.com/ for dinner but found a quilt shop first. Barre was very patient while we three browsed through hundreds of beautiful quilts and smaller things. http://www.millerssmorgasbord.com/shopping.php Of course I bought a few of the smaller things.

For dinner I had chicken on waffles – Miller's original German dish (called Dutch from Deutsch). Far too much again!

Back to the motel to write up our diaries and prepare our tour of the area for tomorrow. The temperature was max 83 F (about 26 C?).

Monday 26 September – Amish Experience #2

We arranged to meet and go down to motel breakfast at 7:30 am. It was a very basic breakfast included in our price.

We then headed for Bird in Hand Bake Shop http://www.bihbakeshop.com/ which had all sorts of home made baked goods and preserves as well as other treasures and gifts.

We then took minor roads south to the Strasburg Country Store and Creamery. http://www.strasburg.com/The-Strasburg-Creamery/

It was then time for total immersion into Amish life style by first visiting the Amish Village http://theamishvillage.net/ where we had a guided tour of the house. It was really very interesting to have a few of the myths debunked and other facts clarified. Some of their alternate energy options are really interesting – they do not use grid power in the house as 'the wires would tie them to the outside world'. This was a reconstructed village but an original house and barns.

Then we decided it would be best to put some of the food back into the motel room as the temperature was already into the high 80s. Our next stop was the Amish Farm and House http://www.amishfarmandhouse.com/ . This was actually Quaker built but the last occupants were Amish. The guided tour was much the same as before but we did learn a little more.

It was then well and truly lunch time so we stopped at the Good 'n' Plenty Restaurant http://www.goodnplenty.com/ not far from the motel. Here I had baked ham, corn and beets followed by strawberry and rhubarb pie (actually crumble). It was all yummy, the only thing missing was the custard.

The afternoon was spent visiting quilt shops and fabric shops with a pretzel shop for Barre and Elaine.

First there was Riehl's Quilts and Crafts http://www.padutchcountry.com/members/riehl_s_quilts_and_crafts.asp which was actually a working farm with a quilt barn. It was great to watch the family at all their normal activities.

 

Then there was Smucker's Quilts http://www.amishnews.com/Shopping/smuckersquilts.htm and http://www.800padutch.com/y/smuckersquilts.html which was also a farm. What a pity the Amish don't like their photos taken because there were so many fabulous scenes of everyday life.

After nearly having an accident on the way out of Smucker's we headed south on minor roads to Intercourse where we split up to do our own things. Barre and Elaine towards the pretzels and Marion and I towards the fabrics. I bought four more fabrics for my project then sat exhausted in the car with Barre, Marion & Elaine not far behind.

Back to the motel to escape the busy crowds on the main roads and recuperate in time for dinner.

Tuesday 27 September – Amish Experience #3

Breakfast at about 7:30 again after a good night's sleep.

We were on our way home soon after 8 am via a slightly different route till we got to the Taconic Throughway again. It was nice to get of the main highways and away from huge fast trucks.

We had lunch at the Apple Village at Milford where Elaine and I shared a chicken toasted sandwich.

When we arrived back in Massachusetts Barre took us on a quick tour of Stockbridge and Lennox to see how the rich people live.

At last we arrived home, ordered pizza for dinner then caught up with emails and diary before watching the new NCIS on TV. It was great to have very short video chats with Ellen, Luke and Alex and also with Geoff.

A Few Days with Lynn

Tuesday 20 September – Ottawa

My cold is still around today so I have decided to stay at home or I might not recover as quickly as I should. My voice has returned a little today but is very husky.

Again a slow start as Lynn did not leave for work till 11am. It was so lovely to have fires on and washing done and just sit around on a misty damp morning in the woods. The leaves are just beginning to turn here.

Lynn and Elaine left and I decided it was best for my cold if I stayed at home and rested for the day. Of course I did not stay in bed but spent time on diary, blog, photos and email and recharged all batteries including my own. I was also able to take some pics of Lynn's trees and garden plants and of course Nutmeg and I had some long chats.

Elaine had a great walk through some of the interesting parts of Ottawa. She went to the Parliament buildings, the By Market, the Notre Dame Cathedral, across the bridge and ended up at the Museum of Civilisation where she had arranged to meet Lynn at 6 pm.

I had dinner ready for us when they arrived home. While Lynn worked on a lecture after dinner Elaine and I downloaded her photos of her day and she took me on a virtual tour of the experiences she had had.

Some of our washing is actually dry but the jeans will probably need another day. The temperatures are still quite reasonable (max about 20 C) and I am still happy dressed in a singlet and blouse until the evening when I put on a cotton jumper.

We've seen a grey/black squirrel and a chipmunk in Lynn's yard so far.

Wednesday 21 September – Ottawa

This morning I have my voice back! I have a bit of a cough but it all seems to be loosening up and progressing well.

Lynn went to work at 7:30 am to give a morning lecture. We stayed home to do the dishwasher and pick all the remaining basil ready for freezing.

When Lynn returned home at about 1 pm she had a quick lunch (we had already had ours) then she drove us further north along the Gatineau River to a small town called Wakefield. There is a steam train that runs up and down the line for tourists but it has not run for most of this summer because rain has washed out the track in places. We stopped at a beautifully restored covered bridge almost 100 m long. We did grocery shopping for dinner and bought bread at the bakery then stopped at a spring to refill Lynn's water bottles. Apparently Lynn's well water has a bit of uranium in it so it is not suitable for drinking.

Back home via the scenic route and came to another covered bridge, again recently restored. This one was about 30 m long.

At home we sorted things for a picnic dinner. Sylvia (who stayed at our place when Lynn stayed some years ago) came over so we headed into Gatineau Park. Sylvia and Elaine parked near our dinner cabin then went for a walk through the woods to Huron lookout while Lynn and I drove to Champlain lookout, back to Huron lookout and then to the dinner cabin, Shilly Shally. The views from the lookouts were misty but beautiful and the colours in the autumnal leaves are beginning to look magnificent.

We enjoyed our gourmet picnic dinner by candlelight in the cabin then walked back out of the woods to the car in the dark. What an incredible experience it all was!

Thursday 22 September – Ottawa

We woke to misty drizzle this morning but as Lynn had organised to take the day off we were not deterred from our intended jaunt though we did have a slow getaway. Home-made blueberry waffles with maple syrup was a gastronomic experience.

We drove along the north side of the Ontario River to the Quyon Ferry (http://quyonferry.com/ ) where we crossed to the south side. It was only a tiny 5-car ferry and pulled into the wharf sideways. There were lots of Canada Geese feeding in the shallows.

Lynn prefers to take the minor roads so I navigated to our next destination by zig-zagging along minor roads. We stopped at Fitzroy Provincial Park (http://www.ontariotrails.on.ca/trails-a-z/fitzroy-provincial-park/ ) to find a 'rest room' then had a quick tour of Fitzroy Harbour before continuing on south to Almonte. There we found the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum (www.mvtm.ca ) Lynn had found for us to visit.

It is a great little museum. There was an historical display upstairs, active weavers on looms downstairs, an exhibition by two quilt artists and a gift shop where I bought some scraps of fabric and a beautiful star heat mat.

We drove back into the old village and had lunch (quiche and soup) at a little cafe called Foodies (http://foodiesfinefoods.ca/ ). We then strolled through the village and actually found two quilting shops where I bought some fabric for my Fall project – Textile Traditions (http://www.textiletraditionsofalmonte.com/ ) and Quilting Quarters (www.quiltingquarters.ca ).

 

We then took minor roads through farmland again towards Richmond where we headed for The Country Quilters (http://thecountryquilter.ca/Welcome.html ). I had found this shop on the internet. It was really very nice and had some beautiful quilts on display. We photographed one in particular that reminded us of our picnic dinner in the woods.

W then found a coffee shop called Never Too Latte (http://www.nevertoolatte.ca/AboutUs.html ) where the coffee was weak but the white chocolate and raspberry scones were fantastic. We also had their chocolate banana bread which was also good.

This was followed by more minor roads until we met the Rideau River and Canal (http://www.rideau-info.com/canal/ ). We stopped at one of the many locks along the canal, the Black Rapids Lock 13 and enjoyed a little wander.

 

It was then time to head home via Route 73 alongside the canal, through town for me to see some of the sights I missed on Tuesday then home by about 6 pm. The max. temperature during the day was 27 C but it was down to 21 C by the time we arrived home. It had been a very hot drive so it was great to get home to some cool air. On the way home I saw two ground-hogs feeding in the green pick on the side of the road.

Lynn and Elaine then went for a walk with Nutmeg while I caught up with diary and dbegan preparing our gourmet left overs for dinner.

The leaves are beginning to turn colour beautifully and Lynn's house is bliss to live in surrounded by woods.

Toronto and Niagara

Saturday 17 September – Toronto

We arrived into Toronto (pron. Tronno by most) soon after 10 am today then collected bags, collected tickets for our remaining train journeys and dragged our bags the “short” walk to our hotel – about 7 blocks. My cold is worse and I needed a few rests along the way. I'm feeling a bit useless at the moment.

Our rooms were not ready but the hotel stored them while we walked down towards the harbour. We passed hosts of people heading towards the Rogers Stadium - http://www.rogerscentre.com/ . It appears that the baseball finals are this weekend.

Down near Union Station - http://www.trha.ca/unionstation.html - we found a free outdoor train museum which was lots of fun - http://www.trha.ca/index.html . Jeanette even went for a ride on the model train.

We then walked towards home via one of the underground paths stopping to have a rest (and fresh carrot juice for me). We discovered a museum of media - http://cbc.radio-canada.ca/facilities/toronto/museum.shtml - under the CBC building, the equivalent of our ABC building.

We returned to check into our rooms and catch up with emails and photos. We had dinner at Pizza Rustica - http://pizzarustica.ca/ - which was quite close to our hotel then came home and collapsed into bed.

Sunday 18 September – Niagara Falls

We had an awful night with loud partying noises till almost 3am. As requested we met in the lobby at 9:30 after our Starbucks takeaway breakfast of yoghurt and muesli.

The bus came early to our tour to Niagara so we were on our way to collect others. Unfortunately we were delayed by almost an hour by some paperwork mismanagement on the company's part. Eventually we headed out and had a brief orientation around Niagara town (all hotels and casinos) then went to or buffet lunch. The lunch was delicious and, thank goodness, was included in the ticket (unclear in the itinerary description).

Our most exciting time followed with a 'Maid of the Mist' boat tour around the falls - http://www.maidofthemist.com/en/ . So much water! Apparently there is a webcam of the falls - http://www.niagaraparks.com/webcam/index.html

We were then able to walk along the cliff top to Table Rock and saw a beautiful rainbow forming as the sun dropped lower in the sky. This was at about 4:30 pm. We were to meet the bus here but one of the party was missing so we drove along the walkway to find him waiting at the wrong end. His wife and daughter were very concerned and upset.

The next lookout was at the Whirlpool Rapids - http://www.niagarafrontier.com/whirlpoolrapids.html - while others opted to take a helicopter ride over it. So much water!

A quick look at the Floral Clock - http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden-trail/floral-clock.html - then on to Pillitteri Wines – www.pillitteri.com – for a very quick wine tasting. Only one red and one white. The white was OK but the red was awful. They specialise in Ice Wine, a dessert wine made from grapes picked in winter when they are shrivelled and frozen. Very expensive and it costs to taste it. I don't like sweet wines anyway.

On the way back we drove slowly through Niagara-on-the-Lake which looks as though it would be lovely to browse through for a whole day. It reminded me of Berry on steroids.

Back to our hotel where the four of us went to buy a Subway roll for dinner. Elaine even had to order my subway because I had no voice to do so. We ate them in Jeanette and Graham's room because they had more chairs. But after dinner Jeanette and Graham came up to our room to admire out beautiful view of the CN Tower - http://www.cntower.ca - all lit up and to look at our patchwork. It turns out Jeanette does patchwork and spinning as well.

We thought we'd sleep better tonight because there were no party noises but it started late in the night and continued again for some hours.

Monday 19 September – Toronto-Ottawa

We had a lovely slow start to the day today. Plenty of time to pack and be ready to meet Jeanette and Graham at 10 am in the lobby. We shared a taxi to the station for all our luggage and the two 'sticks' (Graham and I), Jeanette and Elaine walked the 7 blocks unencumbered.

After a coffee together we said our farewells to Jeanette and Graham and they boarded their train for Montreal. We then bought wraps for lunch and boarded our train for Ottawa.

The journey started by Lake Ontario then through mostly farmland and small towns with a few stops along the way. There was a little colour in some of the leaves on the way.

Lynn met us at the station and we recognised one another easily. A quick drive home to Chelsea via a small supermarket brought us to Lynn's fabulous house in the woods. Her dog Nutmeg welcomed us and eventually allowed us in.

We enjoyed a slow dinner of tourtiere (Quebec meat pie) made with bison. There was also corn, squash and potatoes.

My voice has completely gone (for the last few days) so chatting is not a good option.

Three days on the VIA rail 'Orient Express'

Wednesday 14 September – Jasper-Toronto #1

This morning we both woke without an alarm as early as ever but it was nice just to wake up by the lake at our own pace. Coffee and cereal in the room then the job of re-sorting and packing so that our big bags could be booked through to Toronto.

We then went over to the main lodge and treated ourselves to a latte. Elaine then went on the 3 km walk around the lake while I went back to the cabin to download photos and charge cameras.

Once we had our bags ready we rang for them to be taken to the lobby. The little buggy came and the man gave us a ride as well. We checked out and spent a little time enjoying the ambiance of the huge fireplace and all the large comfy wing lounge chairs in a huge room of stone with wood panelling. Jeanette and Graham arrived with their bags and we ordered a taxi to take us to the station to check in our bags and collect our tickets. We were then free to wander the small town of Jasper.

 

We had seniors lunches at Smitty's. It was delicious and just the right size.

After we had browsed through town we sat on the railway platform and watched the trains and people for the rest of the afternoon. One freight train had 116 trucks and 2 diesel locos. All the trains are extremely long.

Boarding the VIA Rail train was at 5:30 even though the train had been in since 3 pm. The cleaned the train inside and out and I guess had deliveries of food and linen.

We inspected our cabins (Jeanette and Graham are in the next door cabin!) then headed to the Activities Car for the Welcome champagne and hors d’oeuvres. 

Then into the Dining Car for dinner. I had savoury crepes and they were delicious.

We then sat in the Observation Dome to watch for wildlife and enjoy the sunset. The scenery changed to more clearings amongst the trees, less mountains, but still the fabulous “Christmas trees”.

While we were at dinner our carriage assistant Jessica prepared our beds. Once we returned to our cabin we had no space to do anything except take it in turns to change and get into bed where I wrote up my diary and we both read for a while before turning off the lights.

 

Thursday 15 September – Jasper-Toronto #2

Overnight on the train was relatively good. I slept most of the night in the top bunk but Elaine did not sleep well. She was in the bottom bunk. The room is extremely squishy whereas Jeanette and Graham's next door is, by comparison, palatial. however, we do not seem to be spending much time in the cabin.

We spent the day in the Activities Car playing Take Two, writing diaries, typing diaries, labelling and editing photos, or in one of the Observation Domes. There was a game of Bingo (I won a bookmark) and a talk about Winnipeg a few hours before we were to arrive there. The staff changes at Winnipeg and the train is cleaned again so we'll be there for about 3 hours.

 

The scenery has changed from flat prairies when we woke then to more rolling farmland in the afternoon. Apparently they have had a dry summer but there is water everywhere and the rivers we've seen today have been quite fast running.

There have been many times today that I have really missed having Surrey here. All this farmland that he would have enjoyed seeing. Every now and then I take a photo of some farm thing thinking I'll ask him about that when I get back. I guess I'll just have to remain ignorant or find out for myself. I miss him too for just being with. He would have loved this trip.

The meals continue to be fantastic. I just love the times we don't have to find food especially as always seem to have to find it ourselves in really expensive places. One coach driver explained that Banff actually stood for Be Aware Nothing For Free. And how!

One of our servers at dinner gets his guitar and serenades us. He is really quite good – just two or three songs.

 

As we pulled into Winnipeg the moon rose over the city large (just past full) and red (from the stubble burning still done by some farmers in the area). The Winnipeg was actually longer than 3 hours but I was asleep by the time we pulled out.

Friday 16 September – Jasper-Toronto #3

We woke close to 7 am today to more trees, lakes, a frost, and fog on the water. Quite beautiful, in fact, watching out over the scenery at breakfast with the autumn colours just beginning to show. We had both slept well too.

We've now seen a few beaver lodges but no beavers yet. I saw a fleeting glance of a moose by a lake just nearing Armstrong.

We are now in the Eastern time zone which we will be on for the next few weeks. No more time changes for a while.

We stayed in trees-woodlands-wetlands-lakes type scenery for the whole day with the speeding trees beside the railway prohibiting most photography.

We were entertained before dinner with another game of Bingo and a few games of Take Two and after dinner we watched the movie “Because I said so” - a great chic flick which Graham left early to go to bed.

A quick fix of our broken chair in our cabin.