Ottawa a Capital Idea

After the week we (or I) spent recovering from our restful weekend it was time to get up and go. So we got up and went....
We had been invited back to Ottawa to Sharon and Jim's for a couple of reasons but there was one thing we were expecting or hoping to see when we drove through Algonquin Park...

We wanted to see a Moose!!!!!

Now some questioned our sanity as they can be quite dangerous as they congregate near the sides of roads and lick the salt when the snow is thawing. They must have been on other roads during our drive because we didn't see any. We are beginning to wonder whether they are like the bears of British Columbia who seemed to hibernate for all twelve months while we were there. Maybe we need Melissa the Moose finder!!! There were even rumours of 2 Moose in Gravenhurst.

Apart from the lack of Moose or indeed Mooses or even Moce it was a very nice and even easy drive. We had done same the drive earlier in the year when the weather was not great and it was dark and Mrs Garmin wanted to send us on a road that we knew was a little "dodgy" so this time we got to enjoy some lovely scenery.

BUT NO MOOSE!!!!

After a quick bite to eat (Tim Horton's again) we rolled into Sharon and Jim's at around 9.30 and after a couple of drinks and a long and enjoyable chat we called it a night. They are a very great family and are always a pleasure to be around so the evening was nice. Sharon and I have one thing in common. Multiple Sclerosis!

One of the reason we had come back to Ottawa was to attend a meeting where they were going to be discussing Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency or CCSVI. This is a treatment that People With Multiple Sclerosis have been  using for some time with apparent success and I was interested in finding out some more, for obvious reasons. 

The meeting was very well attended and there is quite a lot of anger with the Canadian Government and the Canadian MS Society who aren't recommending the treatment at this stage. This is causing Canadians to travel overseas and undertake the procedure at considerable cost so I can understand the angst. I'm not sure whather the Canadians have a MS Advocates Program. Hmmmmm I wonder! Although I didn't have many answers I did have the opportunity to speak on the situation having friends who have undergone the treatment in Australia and on how the MS Community in Australia is advocating on their behalf.

And I only needed a  translator from time to time

 

From the meeting which was held in a well appointed  community centre (gym, 2 skating rinks, 3 swimming pools, basketball courts) we had a bit of a drive around the area (Nepean) where Sharon and Jim live. We looked for a park to go for a walk but the inclement weather made that difficult so we returned and prepared for a night out.
Now what was that night out going to be? And where were we going  to go? We were headed to Scotia Bank Place in Ottawa and it was Saturday night so that could only mean one thing.
Yes, we were off to enjoy Canada's favourite sport/pastime/religion Hockey, that's Ice Hockey to the Aussies. And this was going to be a game that featured arguably Canada's most popular team the Toronto Maple Leafs (sorry Habs/Canucks/Flames and Oilers fans) playing the home town Ottawa Senators.

Mrs Frost entered into the spirit with a Senators Jersey as we were going with true Sens fans and we entered a sold out Arena full of all the passion that neighbouring teams have (for Aussies think Manly Warringah v Anyone: Collingwood v Anyone). The leadup was fun and the giant Canadian Flag that was passed around the fans lead to an amazing rendition of the Canadian National Anthem. Oh Canada http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/symbl/MP3/O-Canada-eng.MP3 or if we were in Montreal http://www.pch.gc.ca/pgm/ceem-cced/symbl/MP3/O-Canada-bil.MP3 It is a wonderful anthem either way but really sounds great with 19,000 people in a packed arena all singing!!

The colour, passion and noise when the game started was amazing and even though the home supporters were outnumbered by the Leafs fans there was plenty of fun that kept all of involved. Unfortunately the Senators came second but it was sure good to be back watching a National Hockey League game.

Don't know whether I mentioned that there are some rabid Leafs fans. Change the colours to Black and White and he would easily be part of the Magpie Army. Similar intellect as well!!!!

Having a driver who had knowledge of the parking and the roads home sure made for an easy trip. What a great night, thanks James!!!

Bright blue skies greeted us (haven't we been lucky with the weather) on Sunday and after a great breakfast (thanks Jim) we went to look at some of the nearby Ottawa scenery. As with everywhere we go in Canada we find water and Ottawa is certainly no exception.

About 20 minutes drive took us to  this.......

And another Canadian trait that I can't help to admire. A sunny day and out come the toys



We left around 1.30pm and enjoyed a lovely drive through picture perfect countryside

Until that is we made a detour for coffee which led to some confusion for Mrs Garmin and led us the proverbial garden path........

Luckily we still had the snow tyres and the mighty CuRVy and the super driver made it look easy indeed.