We have just arrived home from another successful camping trip at Fish Creek Pond, located outside of Lake Placid in the beautiful Adirondack’s. Compared to last years trip to Algonquin Park, which was overflowing with animals, we did not see any wildlife (which was explained to us at the end of the trip) but the fishing was awesome. Dylan caught 37 fish and Jack 5. All were released, except one which was hooked beyond repair. The lakes are stocked so fishing is a popular sport in the park. We were lucky to find a shallow stream in which to canoe and it was teaming with perfect little fish for the kids. This was Dylan’s favorite activity, she did a lot of fishing
On our first day we drove up White face Mountain, yes its America and you drive up to the peak of the parks highest hill. Where at the top you are greeted by parking attendants who help you park. Just in case you didn’t know what those white lines were for. The view was beautiful, on a clear day they say you can see the St.Lawrence. We didn’t spend much time taking in the view, but instead we played “hang onto Jack” who in turn was playing “run to close to the edge”. It was a stressful activity remedied with wine afterward.
Biking, beach and more fishing…..
Where did all those animals go?
On our last day in the park we visited The Wild Center. This beautiful new facility did a wonderful job of showcasing the best of the Adirondacks, which is its lakes and streams. The center was a mini aquarium with 4 large tanks, each having its own theme and special design. The shallow lake, the deep lake, the stream and otter tank. All tanks had multiple live specimens of the fish and other creatures plants and trees which lived in those areas. It was all kid friendly and they were allowed to touch everything! This was also where we read up on the history of the park and found out that most of the animals, fish and even birds were hunted to extinction when the park was first populated in the 1800′s. Many of these animals had to be reintroduced to the park and are still slowly making a return.
We happily road our bikes downtown to partake in the the Capitals Canada Day festivities. The city had conveniently set up secure bike storage locations, they were free for the day. And we got our spot on the lawn in preparation to see the grand arrival of our Queen. She arrived in a horse drawn carriage, which was lead by the Musical Ride Mounties and a band of bag pipes. Harper arrived first in a car, not quite as spectacular, but much faster. After her inspection of the fancy guard she took a place in the throne box to the right of the stage. A very witty Christopher Plumer (Hollywood actor, Canadian) introduce her majesty and the 1 hour musical show. This included “well know Canadian musical acts”, but I only recognized the Bare Naked Ladies. Perhaps its my lack of musical knowledge or maybe Canadian musicians need more airtime.
After the snowbirds closed the show with their flight just to the left of the Peace Tower (they missed the center run over the tower according to Cory) we moved over to Major Hill Park for the kids festivities. All in all it was a wonderful Canada Day and also marked one year since our arrival in Ottawa. Can’t say enough about biking around this city, it makes life so much more enjoyable. Although the Monarchy is arguable losing ground with current generations, I still feel quite a thrill in seeing Queen Elizabeth II.
We took the opportunity last night to attend the RCMP Musical Ride Sunset Ceremony here in Ottawa. The show was free of charge and held at the RCMP training grounds. It was a great show and the kids really enjoyed the chance to get close to the riders and horses at the end.
The grounds of the RCMP facility was set up with a few displays, vehicles and of course ice cream vendors. One of the interesting displays was of the Fox Moth which was built to fly the Prince of Wales. Jack loved the tractors that brought and took away the different items need as part of the show. He was super impressed that one of the tractors looked exactly like his favorite tractor….what are the odds that a green John Deere tractor would show up???
Finally an update on Ottawa Bird Watch 2010 v2.0 – mama bird managed to keep the cats/raccoons/squirrels away this time and we are happy to report that the first chick hatched yesterday. More pics to follow once they stop being so ugly.
We have had a very exciting final week of school in the Kwasny household and I am very proud of my family. Dylan received the Core French Award during her Primary Assembly, for excellence in a second language.
Cory received two Commander’s Commendation’s, one for his work in Afghanistan the other for his work at Command Headquarters. It was very exciting to watch all the men and women receive their awards and medals. Also to meet and chat with General Lessard. Dad, he recommended some vineyards to visit while in Lake Placid, apparently the whites are quite nice:)
And not to be left out, Jack graduated from Parent and Tot swim class and will now be swimming on his own in Preschool 1.
We love visiting the Canadian Museum of Nature. And since the new exhibits opened we love it even more. The new exhibits included Aqua-live, skeleton and models of the fish and other animals which live in oceans, rivers and lakes. The center piece of this exhibit is a blue whale skeleton.
Jack’s favorite exhibit is the Dinosaurs. Which now includes amazing touch screen interaction games and lessons for kids.
Cory received some lovely gifts from the kids but Jack’s song takes the cake.
PS – this is our 200th post on thekwasnys.com! Quite the milestone if we do say so ourselves.
Recently Dylan requested some photos of Cory when he was little. Cheryl sent us a great bunch of pictures which we all laughed over at the Kwasnys expense. Each of us chose our favorite, this one is mine.
Mother Robin has reclaimed her corner in the rafters of our deck and built and rebuilt her nest. We checked this morning and found 4 new eggs.
Hopefully she has learned a new trick to defend her nest against the cat, squirrel or raccoons which previously destroyed her nest and ate her eggs. If a T-Rex has a brain the size of a walnut, how big is a robins brain?
Speaking of nests, Cory has been working his butt off finishing our landscaping, photos too come soon.
