Canada Bound!

Last night we collected J from the airport and headed north! Five exhausting miles later we reached Center City Philly our not too ambitious goal for night 1.  We grabbed a few drinks and crashed with K to charge up.  

Today we set out early and after finally making it out of Philly traffic began making real progress in our northward trek. 

Riding our noble steeds northward.

We were briefly side-tracked in rural PA by signs advertising the world’s largest General Store and had to investigate.  After more than an hour, we found our way out of the maze of dollar-store items, Halloween decorations, Michael Jackson statues, and assorted Americana before finally making our way outside . . . to spend another 30 minutes in the barnyard maze.  Overall an interesting experience. 

General store fun.

Parliament at night.

First Ottawa views.

Back on the road, we made good time, crossing New York and into Ontario in the Thousand Islands   area (worthy of a followup visit).  Eventually we found our way into Canada’s Capital, and with some strong navigation work from J and K (overtones of “Men in Black”) drove right up to our home for the next two days, the Ottawa Marriott.  After grabbing glasses of whiskey and getting the lay of the land from the balcony in the Concierge Lounge, we headed out on the town checking out the Parliament Building and a few assorted sights, before settling in at a local microbrewery for some poutine, dinner, and yes a few beers.  One last stop at the hotel bar delivered nightcaps, the end of a jazz set (part of the Ottawa Jazz Festival), and some “interesting” company (sorry J).

Busy Day!