Our group was welcomed with entertainment by FF of Ottawa and a potluck dinner.
A short drive from Ottawa brought us to the Ottawa Valley and Millar Brooke Farm…..
a 650 acre equestrian training facility with a long history of championships, many won by Big Ben, one of the world’s greatest show jumping horses.
While there, Ralph tried out the jumps before……
posing with all the ambassadors from FFCNC and FF of Florence, SC.
The afternoon was spent in the quaint town of Perth which dates back to 1816. Nancy P. took time to pose with her day host, Joyce, by the Tay River which runs through the center of the town.
Shop signs such as this one identify the many stores and restaurants such as the oldest continually running pharmacy in Canada.
The Canadian Museum of Civilization, the most popular and most visited museum in Canada, traces Canada’s intriguing history from prehistoric times to the present.
From its inviting Grand Hall….
to the beautiful dome in the ceiling, it is truly an architectural gem.
The Spirit of Haida Gwaii, sculpted by British Columbian artist Bill Reid, represents the Aboriginal heritage of the Haida Gwaii. You will see this image on the Canadian $20 bill.
There are a dozen totem poles displayed in the Grand Hall.
One of the ubiquitous signs in English and French.
Nancy and Peter P. pose outside the museum with their second day host.
Many of our group spent the afternoon along the Ottawa River and the Rideau Canal which links the Ottawa River with Lake Ontario. The locks could be seen from below…..
and above.
The Lenons enjoyed a river cruise which took them right up to the Rideau Falls, named by the French for its resemblance to a curtain (“rideau”.)
Many important and beautiful landmarks of Ottawa can be seen in this area including Parliament, the Peace Tower, and ………
the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a famous hotel in downtown Ottawa.
Another day found our group in Gatineau Park on a car rally – a treasure hunt for information. Pictured here are Peter P. and Betty M. of FF Florence who, along with the rest of the ambassadors, were given questionnaires with clues.
One of many stops included the former home of Prime Minister Wm. Lyon Mackenzie King where Jane C. posed in front of one of the PM’s collection of “ruins” – an old abbey. The team with the most correct answers won the rally.
A visit to Ottawa would be incomplete without a tour of Parliament…
outside of which is a memorial to five Canadian women who fought for women’s rights (along with Karla S. and Judy G.!)
The Cauthens reported that “Canada was wonderful!” and our hosts made certain every day was packed full of activity.
The farewell dinner at the Hungarian Community Center included yet another entertaining skit!