Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

The same Saturday we attended the Topsfield Strawberry Festival Sarah and Tim suggested we go for an afternoon walk at the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary. It's located a short distance from their home and a perfect place to get a little exercise and reconnect with nature. 

Administrative building, shop, etc.

Topsfield, MA., Strawberry Festival

Last Friday morning we left North Hatley, Quebec and drove (another) 376 km to Topsfield, Massachusetts where we spent a great weekend with our daughter and son-in-law. Not only was it wonderful to see them again, but Mother Nature pulled out all the stops and provided the warmest and sunniest weekend the Boston area has seen so far this year. YES!

Dianne & Sarah in front of Parson Capen House

North Hatley, Quebec

Last week we made the long trek back to Ottawa as we were on our way to Boston. Stopping along the way in North Hatley, Quebec made the 996 km drive not only easier to manage, but it allowed us to explore a small portion of Quebec's beautiful Eastern Townships.

Shop window flower box and reflection of our Airbnb flat

Springtime in the North

We returned to Elliot Lake two weeks ago and the hottest topic of conversation on everyone's lips was this past winter. Long time residents said they'd never seen such a cold, long and brutal winter. It began in November and did not end until April. The total accumulation of 12' of snowfall (compared to the normal 9') would have been bad enough, but three or four ice storms added to the mix made the 2018/2019 winter a challenge for even the hardiest Canuck. 

As you might imagine I'm glad all that snow has melted, but daytime temperatures are low and most evenings we've had the heat on. Even tonight there is a frost warning. Brr! Enough already! Just the same, John's managed to go kayaking five times. 

Depot Lake

Canadian Tulip Festival

The Canadian Tulip Festival ran May 10 - 20 this year, but Mother Nature arrived a little late to the party! Still, there were sufficient blooms to appease the 700,000 visitors who came to Ottawa from far and wide.