Beantown

When we weren't hitting the road for day trips we were either walking across the bridge to the North End or hopping the ferry to Long Wharf to experience as much of Boston as we could. Our time in Boston was our shortest leg of our trip thus far, three weeks, and to say we felt a bit rushed is an understatement. Fortunately Boston is a city that we have spent time in before, so the typical tourist clichés we've done before. Crossing off Cheers and the Freedom trail from our list of must do’s was pretty easy since we've “been there, done that,” it gave us more time to focus on getting to know the neighborhoods and taking part in community events, exploring the real Boston.

Square in the North End

Now the Freedom Trail as I mentioned in a previous post was right outside our front door and although it wasn't part of our agenda, we couldn't avoid running into it, so we got to wave hello to many of history’s famous places on a daily basis and some days being so close to tourist central proved more difficult than others. Those days included my morning runs when I’d chance upon the Freedom trail, where I felt like I was playing “Frogger” with tourists, but hey, I looked like a savvy local and I got really good at navigating and recommending places to stop for coffee. Plus, constantly seeing historical landmarks is pretty impressive; especially on the days that they take the U.S.S. Constitution out of her slip for a quick sail, which by the way, requires a lot of effort by the Navy and the Boston PD, and seeing such an old ship at full mast is phenomenal!

The Freedom Trail

Some days were mellow and just involved us strolling the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill or the North End, stopping and sitting for coffee and a pastry in the community square, or perusing the local shops and sitting back and taking the time to visit with some boisterous natives. Other days, perfection was offered up by just popping a squat in Boston’s Public Garden and watching the Swan Boats pedal by or getting lost for hours at Brattle BookShop; running my fingers across books wrapped in plastic, books older than my great grandparents, and just letting the smell of wisdom and the written word envelop me. Days like this, while casual, were blissful and full of cherished memories.

Beacon Hill

Then there some days, you stumble upon Fisherman’s Feast, a festival that has been occurring annually in the North End since 1910.  This is a gala that dates back to the 16^th century and the tradition was brought over by the devoted fisherman from Sicily. Their ancestors still honoring the Madonna del Soccorso by throwing her a party every year while she sits at its center after being moved from her home at the Fisherman’s Club. She is gallantly carried by those faithful to her where she sits witness to the festivities at a chapel at epicenter for the four day celebration. Tom and I witnessed this time honored homage as they returned the Madonna to her resting home for the year - the fireworks, the streamers and the prayers in her honor in return for her blessings of help and protection; a wonderful sight and one of those gems we will relish having witnessed.

Madonna del Soccorso

Other days, we wore our tourist caps and would visit revered Universities, hoping the mass brain power would some way rub off; as if just being in the presence of the genius would in turn, by association increase our IQ. Perusing Harvard’s Old Yard, touching the foot of the bronzed John Harvard for good luck and immediately regretting the decision and wishing I had brought baby wipes with me - but hey, I do feel lucky so it must have worked even with the plethora of germs we may have contracted.

John Harvard

Overall, Boston was too short a stay. It is a city unique and full of its own captivating charms, a city that we will greatly miss, especially those crisp evenings and our strolls along the harbor. It was one of the harder ones to bid adieu to and one we look forward to returning to soon. In the meantime here are some more photos from our time there and hopefully they'll hold us all over. 

USS Constitution

Swan Boats in the Public Garden

Boston Sunset

Bunker Hill

Brattle Books

The Coast and an Island

We really wanted to make an extended stopover in Portland, Maine a part of our agenda for the East Coast, unfortunately the flight schedules and costs for Tom to get to San Antonio didn't work in our favor and it had to be axed. However, being in Boston and so close we couldn't resist the temptation to zip up for a fun filled day trip to this eclectic and vibrant city, and of course, knowing us, we had quite a few exploratory pit stops along the way.

First stop was Rockport, MA for what can only be described as a breakfast of champions at Roy Moore Lobster. Tom’s face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning as he bit into his lobster roll, lobster as fresh as you can get it, as in just off the boat that morning, something that can only be likened to biting into lobster flavored butter. Even Miss Ethel was spoiled as the chef brought her out bites of fresh smoked salmon, perfect start for all, getting us geared up for our day pack full of adventures. We sat out on the back deck in a slight sprinkle of rain, devouring breakfast and looking out over the bay, taking in the ambiance of what a true fisherman’s wharf looks like; lobster cages lining the docks, fishing boats parked along the deck and men hauling in their fresh morning catches, all just making the experience of this town all the more captivating.

View from Roy Moore Lobster

Rockport is more than I ever envisioned. The village is picturesque; charming shops sandwiched between narrow streets and the sea, locals out for their morning run and gathering together for quick morning hello’s with their neighbor. Down the road at the center of town, lies a park, where the farmers were setting up their produce for the weekend farmers market, all adding to its allure. I can easily see why this town attracts so many visitors and those making their weekend escape from Boston.

Stomachs full, we hopped back in the car and headed towards Portsmouth, NH to check out Fort Constitution and the lovely PortsmouthLighthouse. Fort Constitution sits adjacent to a U.S. Coast Guard Station, in fact you literally walk through the Coast Guard compound to access this historic site, following a red line as your guide, so no one gets’ lost or worse, mistaken as a threat. Once inside the fort, you are again free to roam at your own will, reading plaques and learning the history of a place that has been defending our country since 1631, and I was bewildered to think that we have fortresses guarding us against sea bound threats dating back that far or ever for that matter. The entire concept seemed so European and sea side Castle like to me, the idea of this in America was a surprise and fun learning experience about our countries history.  

Portsmouth Lighthouse

Just outside of Fort Constitution sits the stunning Portsmouth Lighthouse. The morning fog hadn't quite dissipated and the white from the lighthouse just seemed to pop among the mist coming off the water, which in turn made for some great photos. Now the lighthouse itself was closed so my photo ops came at me climbing down into a fort window, and me hanging out the side to get the shots; a precarious situation, but dammit, I need to capture the moment! Sometimes I think Tom should follow me with a camera just to photograph the positions I put myself into to get the shot, now that would make a pretty entertaining Instagram page.

Portland Dock

Our detours complete we were officially Portland bound. We rolled into the historic downtown and took time to walk, shop and eat ice-cream, taking in all the magic and ocean breeze two humans and one dog could handle. The people-watching in Portland was my favorite, I could have sat for hours, completely mesmerized by that burly fisherman look meets hippy flare that every local there seemed to sport; trying to determine if a person was just coming in off a boat after months at sea or heading off to a local drum circle was quite the conundrum; the two energies were fused together like the twins of zodiac sign, Gemini. Needless to say, the people seemed really cool and like those we’d like to grab a drink with, if only we had the time.

Portland Head Light

We made one more stop before turning around and heading back to Boston and that was at the Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest and one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses. This lighthouse is in Fort Williams Park creating this scene that just beckons you to relax and then we realized this would have been the perfect spot to sit down with a blanket, a picnic basket and a bottle of wine. This is a place you could easily spend hours; just caught up in trails, or lounging away listening to the ocean wave’s crash while lying in a blanket of grass. But alas, it was getting late and Boston was calling and homeward bound we had to head.

Heading north would not be the end of our coastal adventures, we still had one magical island to visit; a place where swag and charm collide creating an idyllic fairy-tale setting. The three of us hopped on the ferry from Cape Cod bright and early one Saturday and set sail for this illustrious place, this isle called Nantucket! We were immediately met by Heather and her friend, Malissa, as we exited the boat and readily made our way down the cobblestone streets to the Prince’s holiday retreat.

Brant Point Lighthouse

Willy, Heather’s husband, was kind and courageous enough to take on the task of dog sitting the high maintenance Miss Ethel while we snuck out for a guided bike tour with Heather and Malissa. First stop though was suiting Tom up with Nantucket Reds and a welcome mudslide before heading over to the bike shop to pick up our bikes and my favorite, getting to see this island through Heather’s eyes, a tour I was truly looking forward to since I know how much she loves this place. Heather weaved us in and out of enchanting neighborhoods, cottages big and small lining the streets and the sea. Quarter-boards dawning the name of the homes which immediately piqued my interest; I wanted to know the story behind the name of the home and how it came to be. I immediately burst into thought about what Tom and I would name our next home when we settle down again, but know this, it will have a quarter-board; I was that intrigued and in love with the idea. Our bike tour took us to the beautiful Brant PointLighthouse. The sand warm on my feet, seashells that glittered in the sand and the view of the lighthouse and the marina, it was a place I could have easily just spent the day. If only I could control time.

We headed back to the Prince retreat to bid our adieus as we set out for some family time, dinner and the boat trip back home. We took a nice stroll down the streets, talking with the locals; I am always so amazed at the conversations that strike up because you have a dog and the people you meet because of it. Two men stand out, both prior humans to dachshunds; one an oysterman and the other, well, his family has been on the island forever as he put it. Meeting with the locals just adds more appeal to this place and I can truly see why it is a destination of not only the wealthy, but for all of us day trippers as well.

Once back on the boat and on our way out to sea, we watched as the sun made its last dance across the water, twinkling across the ocean as it made its descent and off in the distance we could hear the faint sound of the Boston Pops playing at an outdoor concert on the beach. All making for a perfect send off to one of the most captivating places I've ever been. Nantucket we will be back! 

Home Sweet Boston

Front of Complex

We found our Boston home smack in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Charlestown dawns the prestige of being the oldest neighborhood in the metropolis of Boston, as well as home to the U.S.S. Constitution and BunkerHill. Being situated right on the Boston Harbor and Mystic River, makes for an excellent front row seat to the sunrise over the city and lovely evening walks for the family right along the harbor; we really couldn't have asked for a more perfect location to stay while here.

A little history on the area: Charlestown was the first capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony all the way back to 1629 and it is home to the oldest Navy Yard in the country. The U.S.S. Independence, the very first Navy ship, was built right down the road from us and the area we are staying is now part of the National Park Service. Our home in Boston isn't to be excluded from this history either, it was once the metal shop for the Navy, of course completely rehabbed but still exudes that character of what it once was.

Our condo represents a plethora of history and when the building was converted in the 1980’s they did an amazing job at leaving the facade of its roots, many of details were left so that you can still see the representation of its rich past. Each unit holds the original windows and the exposed brick interior walls, adding that rustic old feel, while blending with a touch of modern. This is a place where you can feel the history, but still relax in the comfort of current day amenities; I can only begin to imagine the stories these walls hold. Besides beautifully shaped arched windows, this place boasts vaulted ceilings, a giant skylight and a tin roof. The tin roof I had the pleasure of thoroughly enjoying yesterday as a rainstorm came in, listening to the soothing sound of the “tap, tap, tap,” of the rain as it hit the roof; hearing that cleansing rejuvenation of the rain just added to the charm and energy of this place, causing me to fall even more in love with it.

View from Harbor Walk

And to top off the perfection of this place, the building itself as well as the community are very pet friendly. The condo complex has a huge dog park for the resident critters as well as being one block away from the Boston Harbor Walk and kiddie corner from Menino Park along the waterfront. Needless to say, Miss Ethel has plenty of options to mark her territory and explore which makes for a happy girl, which in turn makes for very happy humans.  

Charlestown gives that small community feel while still being able to be part of big city life. We are just a quick walk across the bridge or we can take the ferry over to Long Wharf in Central Boston, depending on where we want to go and what we happen to be up to that day. Being in a walking city again is so refreshing, knowing we never have to pull the Flex out of the parking garage and that we can access anything we need by foot again has breath of fresh air. Who knew we would fall in love with the idea of not having a car and the convenience of public transit; a shocking surprise for both of us and a definite must to wherever we land.

So here is our Airbnb gem and Navy Yard Condo for the month of August:

Meandering

Mapping out one location to the next can sometimes be a little crazy and doesn't always work the way I envision, sometimes leaving gaps in landing places. It could have something to do with availability in the cities we are bound for, or it could be my procrastination and indecisiveness. It can be a struggle to find a place because we can’t make up our minds where we want to go next, but it all works out in the end and gives us an opportunity to see sights that would have gone unseen by us otherwise. We had five days between Toronto and Boston, five days with the open road and no agenda, nothing to do but explore and spend quality time with friends. 

Cayuga Lake

Our week of meanderings took us to the Finger Lake region of New York and then to the official “Jersey Shore,” Monmouth Beach where the “Compagno Car of Chaos” descended upon the Prince family. We left Toronto, bound for Ithaca, fairly early in the morning, hoping to avoid the mayhem of traffic at the border, but alas everyone else had the same agenda! We sat in a line of cars for close to an hour and part of it on a bridge spanning Lake Erie no less. Now I don’t know about you all, but being grid locked on a bridge sort of freaks me out; it tends to make me feel vulnerable. I don't like the lack of an escape route other than jumping to my death, maybe I am being paranoid or I have seen way too many doomsday movies, but seriously it kind of scares me.

Only thirty minutes of being petrified on a bridge before we finally approached our gate, passports handed over, we were asked a few questions and then because I had put Tom’s Global Entry pass in his passport for safe keeping, we got sent the inspection zone! Sitting in a building, wondering if they were going to inspect the car, pull out all of our strategically packed belongings and us visualizing our cargo pummeling the Customs Agent as he opened the car door, but the stars aligned and they only asked us a few questions and then cleared us for Sentri. Although looking back I feel like I was robbed of a great photo op, Customs Agent having to be rescued after bag after bag falls from the Ford Flex, arm extended, reaching for aid, between the Samsonite luggages. I should stop now before they revoke our privileges, especially since I now feel obligated to take another trek across the border in order and utilize our expedited credentials.

Swimming Hole at Robert H. Treman State Park

We landed just outside of Ithaca for two nights, ready to take on the Finger Lakes region, hikes, wine and all, and mostly just ready to move our legs after spending the majority of the day in the car. I had researched some of the pet friendly hikes and vineyards so we had a pretty good grasp on what we could and couldn't do in town, definitely more than a day and halves worth of adventures, forcing us to pick and choose our favorites. The downfall was we were constantly on the move and didn't have the pleasure of taking our time - we lost a bit of the leisure aspect of travel we both enjoy so much, but still spectacular.

Finger Lakes is surrounded by stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, we only hit three of the many that surround the area, ones that we knew where in pet friendly parks and we knew Ethel could join us. We started with the Lower Falls in Robert H. Treman State Park and I wish we would have come prepared in a bathing suit. This is an amazing little water fall that cascades right into a giant swimming hole, with a diving board and all. The place was just beckoning us to jump in, it was so hard to resist stripping down to my skivvies and not taking a dive.

Lucifer Falls

Further up the park lies the magnificent Lucifer Falls, a bit of a jaunt to get down to it, and Miss Ethel demanded to be carried for half of it, her poor little old legs! Dog in arms, we made it down to the base, in awe of the energy and yet the serenity of this fall - here lies that moment that I wish were not rushing, because this is a moment that I would have loved to of been able to bask in.  It would have been nice to sit and listen all day to the gush of water as it fell from the mountain, enjoying that wondrous mix of vitality and peace that only Mother Nature can give.

After hiking back out, we were ravenous and thought it would be best to stop for a bite of food before heading off to a wine tasting. We stopped right in the heart of Ithaca, ate some lunch and perused the streets. I was slightly disappointed since I had heard how adorable this town is, but unfortunately it was under some major construction while we were there, entire streets blocked off, masking its certain charm.

Full and ready for some vino we headed off to Six Mile Creek Vineyard for a wine tasting. Six Mile Vineyard was great, the staff was exceptionally friendly and they let Miss Ethel into the tasting room with us, even offering her own water bowl. The wines were tasty, the atmosphere excellent and the view and the grounds were gorgeous. Throughout our eight months we've been to quite a few vineyards, of course most during the off season, but it was so nice to finally see succulent grapes growing on the vines - the fruit of the nectar of which one is drinking.  The staff encouraged us to take Miss Ethel for a walk through the grounds. The landscape was stunning and a lovely way to relax. It’s nice when we can bring the critter to places like this with us. I highly recommend this place to those of you who are traveling with your dog and if not, still stop in for a tasting.

Six Mile Creek Vineyard

One last hike to snap us out of our food and wine coma, a stop at Buttermilk Falls. Again we were taunted with another swimming hole at the base as we hiked up the side to the top of the falls. Once top side and sitting in the shade, we looked out as the water rolled down the mossy rocks and into pool below, the screams of children splashing and playing in the background was surprisingly calming. Sitting for a moment, we relished the mood before heading back down the hill and into the car for a ride along Cayuga Lake.

Buttermilk Falls

The next day we were Jersey Shore bound, to stay with the Prince Family for a few days, in their beach retreat and summer escape from Brooklyn. Heather greeted us with wine, dinner, good conversation and of course lots of laughter. I was looking forward to one of my favorites, "Heather Adventures" - in which I was so spoiled with as part of our NYC jaunt! She always has a way of finding the best “off the beaten path” excursions to do and she never fails us. This time, lavender picking for all of us, so excited I could almost smell the rich scent of lavender. Now I think we all had in mind lush fields of lavender, visualizing the Provence landscape, rolling hills of incredible rich purple. Imagine our surprise when we rolled up to some ladies house; yeah we went lavender picking out of somebodies back yard! Even though it wasn't what any of us had in our mind’s eye, it was still an adventure for the books! Chickens were running amok, stories of bee swarms and the eccentric group of ladies shopping in the lavender store for pillow sprays and lotions, made it all worth the drive. Did I mention the store was the front yard, next to the badminton court?

Heather and her adorable boys

A visit to the Jersey Shore wouldn't be complete without a stop to Point Pleasant to take in all the clichés that give Jersey its reputation for being a little rough around those refined edges. Point Pleasant didn't disappoint, we were surrounded by Snooki and Pauly D’s look-a-likes galore. My jaw dropped as I just sat back and watched the people walk by, surprised that it really was true, that reality television hadn't failed me and that this world truly exists; people watching at its finest!

Ethel, taking time to smell the lavender or possibly chasing a chicken

Of course being on the ocean, Tom, Ethel and I stopped over at the pet friendly Asbury Beach for a bit, to breath in some of that salt air. It is amazing what a sea breeze, the crash of the waves, and the sand between your toes can do for your center, such a calming essence, it gets me every time. It was exactly what we all needed before taking the trek the next morning for Boston.

Sunset in Jersey

Our five days in between homes was a great opportunity to catch up with friends, wonderful late nights full of reminiscing and enjoying the sights we wouldn't have had the pleasure to see otherwise. Thank you Prince Family for letting us invade your beach escape for a few days, and introducing us to new friends. We loved being able to catch up with you all and your hospitality was much appreciated! Next up Boston!!! 

The Amazing Prince Family!

Ontario Outings

Oh, Ontario and your adventures. My favorite of course was that jaw dropping waterfall, but let us not forget perusing downtown Toronto, the Distillery District and the Belt Line. This post is directed at our Ontario based excursions and all the fun we had while pretending to be Canadian for one month.

Let’s start with my favorite, Niagara Falls! A-freaking-mazing! Granted driving into Niagara you feel like you've taken a detour and have suddenly landed in the Canadian version of Las Vegas. It is kitschy, full of casinos, Ferris wheels and total Niagara clichés, but in reality the city does need to provide some other form of entertainment, I mean one can only stare at a waterfall for so long, regardless of how remarkable it is. 

We had made plans to meet up with Tom’s long lost cousin, Tim and his partner Steve from Buffalo, while visiting Niagara, but first we needed to take in the fury of the river. We arrived a couple of hours before our lunch date, bound and determined to hike into the whirlpools; unfortunately heat and lack of adequate planning prevented us making it before having to turn around and head back into town. Feeling slightly defeated, but the excitement of meeting family members for the first time quickly overcast our brush with failure.

Tim is a cousin from Tom’s biological father side and since Tom was quite young when his mother said sayonara to Ralph, that part of his life has been minimal to say the least, especially since he passed about eighteen years ago. Fortunately though, Tom’s brother, Todd, did some genealogy research, looking for family members, medical history and what not and came across some long lost cousins, including Tim. Being able to connect with him, learn that part of their genetic make-up has been a great experience and learning what little was known about Tom’s biological father has been fascinating. Meeting up with Tim and Steve made for a wonderful afternoon; we spent hours chatting, getting to know one another, learning about that side of Tom’s heritage and it’s definitely one of the greatest treasures we've had on our journey. Thank you Tim and Steve for making the drive across the border and dining with us even though we were a little ripe from our hike; we did test that unconditional family bond by meeting up post exercise. 

Tom and his cousin Tim

On our way back into Toronto, we took a quick drive through the thriving wine town of Niagara on the Lake, of course part of me want to stop, taste the wine, but the urge to shower and crash had a greater pull. Although I would strongly recommend for those honeymooners or couples checking out Niagara Falls area to stay in Niagara on the Lake. The streets are lined with flowers, adorable cottage homes, a park as the centerpiece of the city and vineyards just around the corner; this is a city that exudes romance and full of so much more whimsy than Niagara Falls.  

Tom taking in the Distillery District

Toronto and our excursions here were pretty mellow, taking them a day at a time to peruse the downtown area, the urban beaches, the Distillery District and the Belt Line. All unique and each got their own day of adventures. Why? Because Toronto is the Los Angeles of the East, seriously! This town is so spread out and you literally have to drive everywhere and in horrific traffic; it was a quick reminder of my strong dislike of LA and why I could never live there. Although there was lots to see and do in Toronto, it was my least favorite city so far, and maybe it had to do with how spread out it is and that everything is at least thirty minutes away by car. Or maybe I have become accustomed to walking cities and having everything one could possibly need within a fifteen minute walk from our apartment, literally being able to run out for something is a true gem.

Locks of Love at the Distillery District

Although we were ready to head back stateside, there are a few things we will miss about Canada. Poutine for one, the delicious concoction of fries and gravy, I mean, what’s not to love!  Plus by the time we had left I was mastering the metric system and my ability to read directions in French, phenomenal! And, I am not going to lie, Netflix in Canada, awesome! Thanks for the adventures Canada, but it is time to bid you adieu. 

New France

Sometimes I get a hankering for Europe, it feels like too long since we last crossed the vast sea to Italy; that urge to surround yourself with old, to be sucked into a culture that just engulfs you at every turn and just suivre le courant. Plus it feels as though our friends have been taunting us this summer, as numerous amounts of them have spent their spring and summers abroad this year; they have been instantiating my desire to return, a yearning I haven’t been able to let go of and so what does one do when they are already on the road trip of a lifetime and can’t quite make it happen? Well you head to Quebec for a long weekend.

View of Montreal from Mont Royal

Quebec is a French paradise without having to leave the soil of North America, from the language, food and architecture, something we haven’t been able to surround ourselves with since leaving New Orleans. Now don’t be mistaken, New Orleans and Quebec are nothing alike, both vastly different; Quebec is refinement at its finest, while New Orleans is its rowdy sister, both exuding a culture and experience each their own.

Habitat 67 in Montreal

It has been ages since I was last in France and needless to say what little French was still my head I had to pull from the archives of the brain in order to retrieve what little remained so not to look too ignorant while in Quebec. Other than catch phrases and basic language skills, I relied mostly on a phrase that worked wonders for me the last time in Paris, “'Desole, je ne pas parler le francais. Mais, tu parle l'anglais.”  It works, I promise! Although I found we really didn't need it in Quebec, French Canadians are so quick to switch once they see you are processing what they are saying, they don’t make you struggle a bit to comprehend, they just automatically adjust, which was very refreshing.

Ethel Enjoying the Grass

We checked into the Omni, in Montreal, just down the hill from Mont Royal and were ready to explore and experience all that this city had to offer. We started of course with what was in sight, so up the hill we climbed to take in the cityscape and get a general layout of the land. Once down from our trek and checking with the concierge about our dining options which had to include Miss Ethel, we noticed the Jazz Festival was in full bloom. Since it was outdoors at a local park we thought we would join in; the concierge confirming it was at a dog friendly park, but once we arrived at the gates we were shot down with “no pets”, which meant Ethel got her way, as she was ready for bed. Tom and I were a little disappointed since we were looking forward to popping a squat on the grass and taking in some smooth tunes.

Down by the Tracks in Old Montreal

Looking back, not being allowed access to the concert was probably a good thing, since we were up with the sun and off to Quebec City to explore for the day, a bit of a drive, but so worth it. Quebec City really is like jumping into France: the scenery, the sounds, the architecture and the food, ah heaven! We spent the day strolling the streets taking in everything we possibly could, trying to relish as much of this city as we could in one day. Getting lost in the neighborhood streets, sitting for a glass of wine and just soaking up the little moments that I miss most about Europe, plus people watching the tourists is a pastime favorite. Even Ethel had fun, Quebec City was by far the most pet friendly city we experienced during our month stay in Canada, chilling with us in the cafés, even she seemed to be swept away by the easy going atmosphere, or just picking up on Tom and I’s relaxed vibe.

Before heading back to Montreal we made a quick pit stop at Montmorency Falls for a bit of a nature hike mixed with a mild shower from the falls, waking us up from our food coma in order to make the drive back. The falls gorgeous, the stairway daunting and all worth the expenditure of energy in order to get those endorphin's flowing again.

Staircase Leading Down to Bottom of Falls

We had one more day in Montreal before heading back to Toronto, so we took to Mont Royal again, walking around to the cemetery and over to the Saint Joseph Oratory. My pictures of this place do not even do it justice; the basilica’s copper dome is the highest point in Montreal, and the second largest in the world, only Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome being larger. Getting up to the doors of the main entrance is no small test, one must climb more than 280 stairs, or as we witnessed, some faithful members can choose to take the separate staircase of 99 steps by climbing on their knees, stopping to pray on each step.

St. Joseph Oratory

Before hitting the road, we stopped in Old Montreal for a cappuccino, perusing the streets and stopping by the Notre-Dame Basilica to listen to the bells as they rang for their Sunday afternoon service. Feeling nostalgic and not quite ready to hit the road back to Toronto, we turned towards the river, stopping for gelato, and taking everything else we could possible commit to memory, relishing the moments and thinking about how fortunate we are to be on this journey.