Awatto, Ottawa!

Is it Ottawa or Awatto?

A palindrome reads the same way backwards or forwards (such as kayak, mom and pop); a reverse gram or a mirror word is the formation of a new word when you flip the order of the letters, like lap and pal. Although Awatto has a FaceBook page, it’s probably not a valid “word”.

Lock 13

Many of the canals in Canada allow a few transient boaters (usually about four, depending on size) to tie up on the wall near the locks.  Surrounded by a pristine view, Lock 13 was a restful haven.

Ottawa – Museum of Fine Art

The Spider Art at the entry of the Museum was daunting, now I know why Rick has a healthy fear of spiders, and he insists on bringing in the shoes every night!

 

It was a treat to see one of my favorite pieces from Van Gogh inside the Museum!

Chateau Montebello – celebrating Father’s Day

Thank you to Ray and Caryl for encouraging us to enjoy the Father’s Day brunch at the Fairmont Chateau Montebello.  In Rick’s opinion, the meal was ranked in the Top 3 brunches of all time, over the course of six decades (yep, he’s that old).

For all of you dad’s out there – hope you had a wonderful Father’s Day!

Canadian Museum of History

We highly recommend the Inuit Art Gallery – reportedly the largest totem pole collection in the world.

Rideau Canal

Ottawa marks the beginning of the Rideau Canal, a 125-mile canal system connecting natural lakes and rivers, in a combination of dams and locks, to Kingston. Completed in 1832, there are a total of 45 locks at 23 stations located along the canal, beginning with a stair step of 8 locks  to learn more click here.

In winter, a section of the Rideau Canal passing through central Ottawa becomes officially the world’s largest skating rink

Changing of the Guard and Parliament

At the top of the hour we heard the traditional bagpipes during the changing of the guard at the Memorial Park.

Hello Craig & Maureen!

Craig and Maureen joined us at Hurst Marina in Manotick (Ottawa), Ontario. Together we traveled to Merrickville, where Craig handled the locks like a pro, while Mo took over cookie duties (dock trash).

Thanks, Parc Canada – we are truly enjoying the journey in your canals.

Thanks Houlegan again for navigating, and traveling with us, you are the very best buddy boat!!  MOST OF ALL thanks for hanging out with MS in Ottawa while Rick made another side trip to LA.

Dogs of all Sizes love Ray!

Canadian Geese

We reported earlier about Coyote lawn art – these Canadian geese were not fooled.

Next Stop:

Heading towards Kingston along the Rideau Canal with our most experienced crew members, Craig and Maureen! And, YES, they brought lots of fresh coffee beans.

Where Have We Been So Far?

States and Provinces traversed on the water, commencing March 1, 2018:

U.S. Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Vermont.  Canada: Quebec, Ontaria.

Side trips (via land or air):

Los Angeles (MS [April and May], Rick [May and June] & Maddie [May], Cleveland (RMG, Craig, Maddie, & MS [April])