July 10 - Ottawa to Montreal

Canadians resent the fact that most Americans can't even name the Capitol of Canada. To avoid such embarrasment make note of today's post.

We had a most wonderful morning in Ottawa near the Parliament Buildings. We attended the Changing of the Guard which was most impressive. There was a parade in review including an impressive marching band. The soldiers stood for inspection the formality of which was remarkable. These have been time honored ceremonies in the British Commonwealth for centuries. The Canadian Royal Guard in their red coats and tall fur hats looked very much like the Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace in London.

To our delight the Changing of the Guard was followed by the performance of a drill by the King's Guard of Norway. I actually liked their parade better because there was more action. The inspection got a little slow and boring. The Norwegians looked so smart in their dark uniforms. The white stripes on their trouser legs really accentuated the syncronization of their drill. They also had a fine band supported by a group of fanfare brass. It was interesting that for hats they wore bowler derbys with a plume attacted to the side.

As we watched I noticed a soldier standing at attention behind us. I wasn't sure she would speak to me, she seemed so focused and resolute. She did however, and we enjoyed a nice and informative conversation. The Norwegian Army consists of career officers and conscripted troops. Each young man in Norway, if he is fit, is required to serve in the armed forces for one year. These young people have only served since September. It is amazing how polished they are in only nine months. They will return to civilian life again this coming September.

We thought it cool that this was the first time the Norwegians have performed in Ottawa and we were here to enjoy it.

The city is magnificent as are the many government buildings, monuments and shrines that surround Parliament. We'd like to come back and spend more time here someday.

July 9, 2007 (Toronto to Ottawa)

We got up and ate breakfast in the cafeteria. They provide a very nice breakfast bar which is included in the price of the hotel room. There was fresh fruit, eggs prepared in various ways, bacon, sausage, pancakes or French toast, cereal, yogurt, whole apples, oranges or bananas, muffins, croissants, juices, and even my morning diet coke. All in all, much better than a continental breakfast. It was 10:15 as we were leaving the cafeteria. Since they quit serving breakfast at 10;30, all of a sudden the students were swarming in – sleeping as late as they could without missing the food!
Before leaving Toronto, we went to the reference library and took a few pictures. We thought it impressive, but nothing over our own Salt Lake City library. We expected an old building, instead we found a modern one. Then we went to an old church centered in a graveyard. There was a funeral being held inside, but the seats were out of sight from the open front door which revealed the beautiful stained glass windows at the front of the chapel. We drove around the old cemetery and saw some wonderful headstones and nooks and crannies.

It was then on to Port Perry and Scugog Lake where Candleman has some ancestor’s. He was trying to locate their headstones. We first drove to Scugog Island to visit the museum. Then drove around the island looking for a cemetery. We found one, but it was an Indian cemetery with only a few headstones. There was one larger monument with all the names they knew of. Candleman followed one clue after another. Each clue provided an important piece to the puzzle; and each led to the next. As Candleman narrowed the area, we stopped at a farm house to ask for help. The sweet lady who answered the door told us that her property was the original Scoville homestead and pointed us around back to the cemetery. Candleman was able to locate the headstone of both Rebecca and Stephen Scoville. It was very thrilling.

The Scugog Island is a little quiet community, but there is a casino up north on the reservation. Both its big parking lots were packed.

After our success finding the cemetery we went back to Port Perry, a beautiful little town. The storefronts are all fixed up so lovely and quaint. We ate a delicious early supper at the Court Jester’s, a restaurant recommended by someone from the blogging community. I’m sorry to say I can’t remember who because I would really like to thank them for the great recommendation.

We hadn’t expected to be in that area for so many hours, so we didn’t get on our way to Ottawa until nearly 5:00. The scenery was beautiful but the speed limit was only 60 mph. I thought I’d go crazy at first, but soon I settled down. We arrived in Ottawa about 9:00. The chintzy hotel wants to charge us $11 a day for internet connection.

July 9 - Scugog

The first photo is of the farm that now stands on the original Scoville homestead. The next is of the land next to the cemetery which as you can see runs down to the lake shore.

Finally, a photo of Stephen and Rebecca Scoville's broken headstone.

It lists both of their names and their dates of death. He died 26 February 1869 (born in 1783). She died 28 February 1870 (born in 1782). You can't see the small inscription arching across the top of the stone but it reads, "Who bears my cross shall surely wear my crown."

I don't know if I can adequately express how I felt at discovering their final resting place and being able to walk on that sacred ground. I did the original research that tied them to my family history. I stood proxy for Stephen in the Temple when he was baptised, ordained to the Priesthood, endowed and sealed for time and all eternity to Rebecca and his posterity. Perhaps because of the spirit of Elijah as foretold in the book of Malachai, my heart has been turned to my fathers. I feel like theirs have also been turned to me. Ever since I learned of them I have longed for this day when I could touch the ground wherein they lie and walk upon the soil on which they toiled. The difficulty we had in locating the spot only enhanced the earnestness in which I sought the place. It seemed as though a miracle that we found it at all. Clue lead to clue, chance and opportunity lead to kind people and finally success!

I couldn't choke back the tears at the thought, that I should have this privilege and experience these feelings and touch this beautiful place.

I feel like the link that has been forged in my connection to these wonderful people has been strengthen and confirmed. I am theirs and they are mine, forever.

Here is a Google Earth image of the Scoville Family Cemetery.

July 8, 2007

What a day! We are staying at the 85 Chestnut. That’s the name of a hotel that the University of Toronto purchased and now operates. Our room is set up as if it’s intended for two students – two double beds, two closets and two desks, so we think it acts a dormitory in the winter months. We have a breakfast voucher that allows us to eat in the cafeteria. Again, very much the college atmosphere. It’s been a fun experience.

We rode on an English-style double-decker bus for a tour of the city. We wanted to sit on the top, open deck because it offered a better view, so when it started raining we decided to stay put. At the end we looked like drown rats, so the rest of the day I was concerned about my straight hair. Our tour guide was very good – informed us and kept us laughing, too. After the tour we ducked into the Hard Rock Café to buy Candleman a new pin for his collection. Thankfully, it cost much less than the $17.50 pin from Hard Rock Niagara Falls. Everything was way overpriced in Niagara, but we expected it would be.
Back to Toronto. We went to the Eaton Center and looked in a couple of shops. The noise was comparable to the buzz of thousands of bees in a hive. At first I felt claustrophobic. Picture Christmas shopping in a Utah mall and you sort of get the feeling. At some point I tried to relax and enjoy the energy, but that didn’t last long. From the mall, we went to the Trinity Square Maze. Myke was very impressed and took several pictures. I think we can expect a maze in the backyard some time in the next little bit.

Then we drove around taking pictures of a couple of beautiful Catholic cathedrals and a few other buildings of interest. This is a picture of our new dream house. This evening was one of the best on our trip. Lotus Reads and her husband and beautiful daughter picked us up and took us to dinner at La Boujadi, a Moroccan restaurant. The flavors were so new to us, but absolutely delightful. The best part of the evening was visiting Lotus and her warm, courteous family. This is the first person I’ve met someone who I only know through blogging and it was so much fun. You know how sometimes you wonder what you will say? No problem! We could have talked nonstop for several more hours without a single lull. Candleman and I fell in love with these gracious people, who were so willing to answer our questions about lifestyle, religion, etc. And I thought it was neat that both our husband’s were more than willing to join us. Mr Lotus Reads is just about as amiable as Lotus herself. This evening will always be a highlight of our trip and I will always have a soft spot in my hear for Toronto because of Lotus and her family. Thank-you, dear Lotus. We cherish this memory.

Some Photos of Toronto

July 7 - Niagara (Hamilton to Toronto)

Niagara Falls was so very majestic and awe inspiring. It is hard to comprehend the magnitude of what your able to behold at such amazingly close proximity. The mist blocks much of the view, but I was most impressed with the way the water curves over the brink and then turns to foam.

It is a bit startling that the noise isn't deafening! We could chat in conversational tones right next to the falls.

The place has become a tourist trap, full of glitz and plastic. The crouds were enormous and as we departed found the approaching freeway to be a 40 mile long parking lot. We felt we got out of town just in time.

We're so glad we saw the magnifience of the falls, but couldn't leave the crowds behind soon enough!

July 6, 2007 (Bay City to Hamilton, Ontario)

I got a good night’s sleep, but Candleman stayed up late working on our blog and then he always wakes up early so he’s a bit tired today. He went to get the oil changed on the car while I slept. I did wake before he returned and had time to post a review on a book which we listened to.

We stayed in Bay City last night and today are driving around the ‘green thumb’ of Michigan. Beautiful farm land dotted with lovely groves and forests of deciduous trees. There is the occasional sighting of Lake Huron. The temperature has been between 69 and 71 degrees. Right now I am sitting under the shade of a large maple tree and there’s a cool whisper of a breeze through the car windows. Myke is looking at gravestones in hopes of finding his ancestors graves. We had much luck earlier finding ancestor graves in Unionville, MI.

One of the delights of being in the East is how soft it makes your skin, hair, and fingernails. I wonder if they sell lotion back here. I’ll bet if we could see the demographics for hand lotion sales, Utah would be a contender for #1. Our fame would be expanded from merely being the Jello capital.

We almost drove ourselves too far today. I don’t know what I did when planning this day, but it ended up being far longer than we expected. Candleman was tired from too little sleep the night before. We were both ready for more of the car time. From Michigan’s thumb we had a bit of a wait trying to get across the border into Canada at Lake Huron, Michigan. When we got going, Candleman said he had seen a speed limit sign. I said that I just saw one and the speed was 70. He gave me this knowing look, which I interpreted to mean, “I know it’s slower and I know you’re just trying to encourage me to drive faster.” Come to find out that was what he was thinking at all. He told me I wasn’t believable, that it was probably more like 100. I said that if I had said 100 he would know I was lying. His reply was that I better be smarter in the future because we were in Canada now and it’s in kilometers now, not miles. Live and Learn, I say.

We ended the day in the very bizarre world surrounding the beautiful Niagara Falls. Truly a wonder to behold. We saw the fireworks at night and saw the colored light on the falls. Very lovely.

July 6 - The Green Thumb

The Thumb of Michigan is full of rich farmland and wonderfully tended and prosperous farms. The crops are beautiful and seem weedless and bountiful. The farmyards are neat and painted and lovely.

Our first stop was Unionville where we found the graves of my grandmother's grandmother, Amaressa Scoville Beattie and her parents Oliver T. H. Scoville and Mary Burke Scoville. Oliver was a veteran of the Civil War. The graves are left to right, Amaressa, Lizzie, Mary and Oliver.

Next we drove to Huron City where we found Amaressa's Husband and my great great grandfather John Beattie.

Huron City doesn't really exist anymore. But there is a wonderful museum which is a collection of houses, a church and some barns from the period. The weather was cool and the scenery pastorially perfect!

We drove on down to Port Huron and across the St. Clair River in to Ontario, Canada. We got a pretty stiff interview while crossing the border, even with our passports.

Our next destination was south of London, Ontario where we found, by pure luck, the Pond Mills Cemetery. We had hoped to find John Beattie's parents, William and Martha Beedon Beattie, there but were unsuccessful. We did find John's brother William though. It was such a beautiful place and so thrilling to be where they were.

July 5 - UP (Marquette to Bay City, MI

Michigan's Upper Pennisula is a very unique place. They seem to have a culture all their own. The trees struggle here. There's plenty of moisture, but the weather is harsh. They get an average snowfall of 15 feet each winter.

The folks are independent and say "eh," a lot.

We enjoyed looking around Manistique. Here is a photo of their lighthouse.

Another unique item in the UP is a food called Pasties. Meat, potatoes, rutabega, onions, carrots, all go inside a crust which is baked. Then gravy or butter are poured on top and you eat it. Some say it came here with the Finnish, others claim the Cornish miners brought it with them. We say it's tasty and are bringing home a recipe.

Booklogged had a blackberry/peach pie at the Pasty shop, it was delicious.

July 5 - The Mackinac Bridge

We crossed the Mackinac Bridge from the Upper Penninsula to the "mitten" of Michigan. What an imposing sight.

We pulled off at the South end and stopped in a little park to take a few pictures. It was wonderful to watch the ships pass beneath this beautiful piece of engineering.

We enjoyed it so much we just sat around in the cool shade watching the world go by.

We're having such a wonderful time together and seeing such wonderful things. We live in a marvelous world.

We stopped for the night in Bay City, Michgan. Tomorrow is hunting for Candleman's ancestors graves and Ontario!

Giggles

We've enjoyed some good laughs so far on our adventure. Here are three favorites.

July 4 - Independence Day (Hibbing to Marquette, MI)

We had quite a time getting to Lake Superior. Being the 4th we had detours in nearly every little town we encountered. We saw some of several parades. Here we are almost 2000 miles from Utah and people and celebrations aren't all that different at all. We finally made it to Gitcheegumee and the Split Rock Lighthouse. We had a great time seeing how things were back in the 20's when the lighthouse was in it's prime. There were folks in period costumes and period furnishings in the Keeper's house.

July 3- Bismarck, ND to Hibbing, WI

We slept in a bit in a comfy bed in Bismarck. Ooo and the pillows at the Comfort Inn were soooo nice. They had a note that informed us that if we stole them they’d charge us $15.00 each for them. When Candleman went to check out he offered to buy a couple. They informed him that they aren’t for sale and begged him not to steal them. Alas and alack, we left them there.

North Dakota’s Capitol building is more like a grain elevator than a house of state. We took some photos anyway. We also visited the Old Governor’s Mansion and the Bismarck Temple before leaving town.

July 3 - The Mighty Mississippi

Minnesota is a wild and woodsy place. We were amazed at how many resorts and trees we found.

We were caught in what, back home, we'd call a gully washer, but here was little more than an afternoon shower. No wonder there's water all over the place.

We made our way to Itasca State Park to visit the headwaters of the Mississippi River. We enjoyed wading from shore to shore.

Candleman figured out how George managed to throw a silver dollar across the Patomac River.

This was a cool refreshing and fun filled break.

July 3 - Lady's Slipper

Ever since Booklogged first started chasing wildflowers we've longed to find a Showy Lady's Slipper.

Poking around in Itasca State Park we found one!

They're much larger than we expected.

We still hope to find one in Newfoundland, that and a Piping Plover for Candleman's bird collection.

July 2 - Devil's Tower

If you're ever cruising I-90 and see an exit sign for Moorcroft, Wyoming, and you're tired of fast food, be sure to pull over at Donna's Diner. There is no Donna, but there is great dining!

Candleman had the second best Chicken Fried Steak of his life!

The service was fast and friendly, the price was right and the food was great! Booklogged enjoyed Chicken Strips that would embarrass the McDonald's version.

Devil's Tower was very impressive.
Candleman kept humming, Da Da Da Dum Dum in the deepest voice he could muster. I think he's wanted a Close Encounter ever since he saw the movie. The hills and dales of this corner of Wyoming are green and forested, with wonderful farms nestled here and there. We loved it!

July 2 - The Big Horn Mountains

Crossing the Big Horn from Tensleep to Buffalo was awesome. These rival the Colorado rockies in majesty and beauty.

The highway was great and the scenery breathtaking at every turn.

Powder River pass is at 9600 feet.

July 2 - Thermopolis Hot Springs

Thermopolis, Wyoming is famous for it's hot mineral springs. They have several resorts and spas where you can soak in the hot soothing (smelly) water. In fact The Wyoming Bath House is state run and you can soak there for free! We didn't take the time.

The minerals in the water form travertine formations that are interesting. The first photo is of a mound made by standing a pipe vertically and letting the mineral water flow out the top. The minerals build and build until you have an interesting and quite pretty mound. The second photo is of the terraces that have formed naturally were the water seeps from the hillside. The springs are on the bank of the Big Horn River, which is the same as the Wind River but changes names at the mouth of the Wind River Gorge.

2 July - Pheasants

We were amazed at the vast beauty of the Dakotas. Green grass prairie, wheat fields and other crops rolling over the hills as far as the eye can see.

Regent, North Dakota claims to be the pheasant hunting capitol of the world. We believe it! The place is infested with them! Candleman tends to stretch the truth at times, but honestly, we saw hundreds along the roads!

They are big, healthy and abundant.

July 2 - Enchanted Highway

Between Regent, North Dakota and I-94 lies the Enchanted Higway. Every few miles along the route we found gigantic figures of sheet metal standing along the road.

We've not learned how they came to be. We assumed they were to draw tourists, but Regent doesn't have any place to accomodate tourists.

We found it an amusing way to finish a wonderful day.

1 July 2007 - Utah to Thermopolis, WY

Candleman and Booklogged have completed their first day out! We didn't get on the road until noon, but still made great time and finished the day in Thermopolis, Wyoming.

Crossing familiar territory gave us a good shake down. By the time we got on new turf we were already in the groove; settled in and over the giddiness of being underway.

We stopped in Rock Springs and grabbed a couple of Travel Bugs and some geocoins to carry to points beyond. From there we travelled north where we intersected the old Pioneer Trails and crossed over South Pass. Approaching the Wind River Mountains was awe inspiring. They're so rugged and majestic. Their foothills lead us into Lander. Candleman had been there as a boy and was excited to revisit The Sinks and The Rise. Here the Popo Agie River roars down a steep canyon, makes a hard right turn and dives into the mountain. It is amazing how much water the cavern can swallow without even a burp.

A quarter mile down the canyon, the water calmly emerges at the rise in a large pool that overspills and flows on toward the valley. The Rise has a lofty perch from which one can see into the pool and watch enormous rainbow trout cruise in the pristine spring waters. We encountered a couple from Derby, England at the Sinks. They were a delight to visit with, not only because of their delightful accent, but because of their enthusiasm for life!

We stopped at a little Thai restraunt in Lander for a lovely dinner. Our server was a handsome young Thai man named Neung. In his broken English and on a napkin, he explained that Neung=one, in other words, number one son. He also told us that his brother's name is Song. Sure enough, Song=two. Booklogged had veggie sandwich, but Candleman had Thai food, a plate of sticky rice noodles with bits of pork, green onion, peanuts, preserved radish and fried egg. It had a rather sweet sauce and was amazinly simple and tasty.

After dinner we headed on North. We stopped between Arapahoe and Riverton at a filling station/casino on the reservation, where we found gasoline at 2.80 a gallon! Obviously, they planned on making their money inside. (*Note added 1-10-2009: Gas prices that summer were over $3/gal. Right now in Vernal they are $1.69. We've seen gas as low as $1.35 on the Wasatch Front)

Along the river was pretty and green, but much of this area is dry and quite barren. Not too many interesting features either. Soon however, we approached Boysen Reservoir and looping around it we entered the Wind River Gorge. It's stark majesty is very impressive. We were amazed at the number of mountains in this region. We followed the river to the valley below and Thermopolis where we spent the night.

It is a bit tricky to match text and photos in this program, so I'm just going to include a few along with the dialog. They'll be in order and pretty much self explanitory in most cases. Hopefully, we can give a good enough sampling to let you see what great sights we're seening.

July 1 - Photos