Shediac!

Arrived Friday afternoon and greeted with hugs from dad's cousin Camille & Maria, Cam's daughter Rita, and son in-law Dan. At dad's request, Rita had made reservations for 12 at "Fred's Restaurant & Lounge". He had been dreaming about Freddy's fried clams since we planned this adventure last Spring.

 Beginning lower left and going clockwise: dad's cousin Rita, dad, mom, cousin Dan, Rita's husband Dan, Kit's excellent half Dan, (a Dan trio!), Camille's daughter Rita, cousin Dan's wife Diane, Camille's friend Maria, Camille, and cousin Jenie. 

(Not pictured: Moi)

Excellent meal of clams, shrimp, scallops, cod, fries, cole slaw, and my favorite - sweet potato fries. 

Late sleep followed by tour of Shediac beginning with Rita's cottage at Cap Pele, just 15 minutes away and right on the Northumberland Strait. Nearby bridge to P.E.I. is 8 miles long.

Tour ended at town entrance to  lobster capitol of the world.

Malleys in Shippagan

Our train was delayed for almost 2 hours just outside of Toronto so we got comfortable with snacks & puzzles.

A bit late into Montreal but were able to catch an excellent meal right next to the hotel at La Medusa. We seem to gravitate toward Italian food for some reason and not yet disappointed.

Did not see enough of Montreal but did make time for a quick walk through Old Montreal and tour of Basilique Notre-Dame. It seats 3000 and is more impressive than I could capture in a photo. Would love to have been able to stay an extra day for an organ concert but had to put some miles behind us.

From Montreal we followed the St. Lawrence River and spent the night in Riviere-du-loup where we watched the Cubs lose in French. 

Wednesday in Shippagan, New Brunswick, to learn more about where the Mallet ancestors lived when they arrived from Normandy, France. We met Lucie Mallet for breakfast. She is from the historical society and an endless source of knowledge about the area and all things Mallet, Mallais, and Malley. She introduced us to almost everyone who came into the cafe and they were all Mallets! We followed her to the Historical Society office at the university where the ancestoral research happens of the local Acadian families. From there we visited the future site of the Mallet monument that will be erected in 2017. The foundation is poured and Maple tree planted. Excellent location with the Chaleur Bay for a backdrop.

Lucie Mallet, dad, & Kit

Currently raising funds for the monument. More info? Go to the facebook page or   www.fafa-acadie.org  Cut & paste into google translator. 

Time for the evening meal. Already?

Niagara Falls Tour

We lucked out with a small group - we four, Jenna from North Carolina, and our guide Paul. Niagara Falls is approx 1 3/4 hours from Montreal though we took the scenic route stopping in Niagara at the Lake, a small town with fun shops.....and ice cream. Dad found date bars but assured me that they are not as good as mine. #1 daughter on this trip (sorry Jo - ha!)

A few more stops at tourist sites: floral clock, smallest chapel in the ?, and a winery. Paul did a great job - full understanding of Great Lakes geography and water flow. Did you know the Great Lakes hold 20% of earth's fresh water? Paul's 1st job is with oil refineries so dad peppered him with many questions, perhaps seeking insider tip?

Arrived at the falls noon-thirty and were left on our own for 3 hours. Dan & I opted to go up in the Skylon Tower which is shaped like the Space Needle. Not sure which is higher but the Skylon afforded excellent views of American, Bridal, & Horseshoe Falls. Our tour-mate Jenna went on the boat ride....you can see her waving in the photos.

Above photo is of the American side.

Tomorrow we ride Canadian rail to Montreal and begin the automobile leg of the journey - yikes! Counting on the rental having a GPS.

Windsor, Ontario CANADA

Arrived Detroit depot 11:30 p.m. Friday night, taxi ride through tunnel below the Detroit River and over the border to Windsor Riverfront Hotel without a hitch. We were in pajamas in time to watch Hillary & Donald trade jabs at the Al Smith dinner. Saturday was open. We took advantage of the work out facility, wallked around town, and had a delightful meal at "The Bistro At the River". Detroit skyline in the background.

Asleep by 7:30 p.m.!!!!!

Chicago!

Our hotel is the one to the right of the London Hotel. Two separate sleeping areas + sitting area so Jill & Berto came over after Korean meal in Chinatown to watch the debate. We had a rushed toast to their engagement - quite lame on my part I have to admit as Hilary & the Donald were entering the stage. We are THRILLED they are strengthening their committment and excited about what the future holds. I owe them a re-toast!!!!!

We were on the back side of the hotel with a view of rooftops & buildings so opted for a river & lake tour.

The weather could not have been nicer. The cruise was wonderful. Guide is an architect born in Chicago full of architecture and historical info shared with entertaining stories. We cruised right by Jill's office at Whirlpool in Chicago.

City bus tour between checkout & train embark times, nuff said there.

Thanks Jill & Berto for a great time, excellent food, and getting us from one place to the next!

I Walk the Line

Excellent classic Italian meal at Maggiano's. When dad ordered his pasta with clam sauce he requested they play Johnny Cash (instead of Sinatra).  The manager came by with birthday wishes and after the meal he surprised dad with candle lit dessert complete with "I Walk the Line" playing on his phone. Great night, except Cubs are behind, 0 - 4. 

Happy Birthday Dad!

 Celebrating dad's 91st on the train today after bunking last night in our sleeper cars. First impression of the accommodations were, " wow, this is much smaller than it looks online."  But once bags are tucked away in the cubbies it is quite comfortable. Dan & I already thinking of future trips.....very relaxing way to travel. We'll see if we are still so enchanted at the end of the rail portion of the adventure. As described in Washington Post article, the food is "good enough."  The crew, though, are delightful and go above & beyond to make us comfortable. Birthday wishes from the crowd at lunch today.

Bringing congratulations in person to Jill & Berto on their recent engagement - the party continues!

Doodles, and more

Our time with Lee, Josh, Moose, & Sarah flew by! Good grub at Nickel Charlies, card games, Grandpa's stories and laughs. Kalispell is beautiful; can't wait to come back and stay longer. Thanks Lee & Josh for your great hospitality.......even gave up your bed & camped on the floor!

All aboard!

Awaiting arrival of the Empire Builder, ETA Pasco 8:59 pm. Thanks brothers Brian, Tim, & Mike for the send off! Anxious to see Lee & Josh tomorrow morning in Whitefish, MT.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

• Train tickets √
• Hotels / Couch Reservations √
• Car √
• Plane tickets √
• Figure out blog √ ?

Reservations (mostly) confirmed. Bill & Gladys, a.k.a.dad & mom; Dan & Kit board the Amtrak Empire Builder in one week with destination Shediac, New Brunswick, the lobster capital of the world.