June 15th - Toronto to Niagara Falls - 130 km

Said my goodbyes to Kim, Karissa, and Dave then headed off to the Falls, arrived mid afternoon, checked into hotel then downloaded my pics. Finally figured I could post my vidoes on YouTube, so I sat most of the afternoon having a giggle with those. Went out and had dinner then back to host TOC and TD Hunt and then figure my plan to see the falls the next day. The day started out really nice n sunny, I managed to get the Journey under the Falls and the Maiden of the Mist tour done then the heavens opened big time. We had 4 separate thunder storms during the day. I stood waiting for the bus for the next tour and down came the hail. At least I was dry with the latest fashionable plastic rain coverall provided during the tours, standing in the pouring rain, hail bashing me from all directions, thunder roaring above and the lightening flashing above also. The didn't allow the weather to dampen my day, I was in total awe of the falls. Only thing I didn't get to do was the ride the rapids...grrrrr, they cancelled the last tour because of weather.

I then met up with Lori from TeamPlay league, we went to the casino, but no big wins for us. We spent a few hours together and that was nice to meet up with her.

June 17th - Niagara Falls, Ontario to Alma, Michigan - 562 km

Set out from the Falls to head across the border back into the USA to Levi's in Michigan. Yep they let me back in, was easy too...lol. I arrived at Levi's late afternoon, to a warm welcome from him, Jenny and his 3 dogs. We all sat outside most of the evening just chatting away and taking in the nature. His home was in a beautiful setting in the woods, was so tranquil and peaceful, in total contrast from the hustle n bustle of the cities. Jenny cooked a lovely dinner, steaks over the open fire in the yard and yummy salads. Awoke the next morning to the sounds of the birds and amazingly in the woods at the end of the yard was a deer. I sat all day just watching and waiting for more. I had the most relaxed and lazy day of my whole trip just doing absolutely nothing and capturing the nature and tranquility of the surroundings, was totally awesome. I watched the humming birds come in to feed, but geez they fast lil buggers and only just managed to capture a pic or two. The deer made a few appearances too. Levi cooked banana bread during the morning, smelt so good, couldn't wait to try it for afternoon tea. Yep it was as good as it smelt. I was well fed and looked after the whole time I was there and I enjoyed my stay immensely and didn't want to leave. The deer came out to say goodbye to me the next morning as did the wild turkey, that made it harder to leave. Thanks heaps Levi and Jenny for a memorable and relaxing stay in your home.

June 19th - Alma, MI to Milwaukee, Wisconsin - 360 miles

The drive through the countryside, past the corn fields in Wisconsin was so nice. I covered 4 states into Indiana, then Illinois. Driving through Chicago was the pits, road construction the whole way through Illinois, I finally arrived at Nicks in Milwaukee mid afternoon. After chatting a bit we set off for downtown to the park in the city for the weekly Jazz in the Park session. The park was a whole block and by the time it started there wasn't a blade of grass in sight. We claimed our picnic table, bought out the snacks n drinks and waited for Nicks Mom Irene and niece Leah to arrive. Was a nice relaxing evening in the sun, and had a nice time with Nick, Irene and Leah.

After breaky and catching up on laundry, I made Nick take me to the mall to get a wax job...lol. I am sure he enjoyed the experience watching.... I couldn't get him in the chair though..lmao The day was full of total contrasts, after lunching at the mall, off into the country to Holy Hill. The Basilica of Holy Hill was a beautiful Catholic Church and the setting on top of the hill was just so picturesque as was the inside. Yes Nick took me took to me church. but....we went from church to the brewery...lol. We took the tour of the Miller Brewery, was interesting in the quantity of beer that place produces daily. The free samples that followed were enjoyed.

Off to the baseball weeeeeeeeeeeee, Brewers and Orioles, my first game ever of baseball after watching plenty of games from home on TV.  just loved the whole experience. Miller Park was an awesome ball park too. After making our way through all the party goers in the parking lot, and of course I just happened to stumble across yet another friendly cop. After finding our seats was food time....yep just had to have a bratwurst hot dog and of course a beer. Much to Nick's disgust I rooted for the Oriels...lol just had to be a rebel. Although I must admit that Bernie's few trips down the slide when a home run was hit, and the fireworks was cool. It was great to just be there amongst the atmosphere. I really had fun, even found a dick head in the bar....lol the hat says it all. Thanks Nick for a fun time in Milwaukee, and sorry I couldn't stay for your party.

June 21st - Milwaukee,WI to Minneapolis, Minnesota - 337 miles

Was up bright n early and left for Minneapolis at 7am, I had a good run finally not much road construction to deal with. Drove for 5.5 hrs to meet Barbee n Merle at the camp site. After finally meeting up with Barbee yes we just had to do it !! off to Sexworld. First we had to get directions how to get there, and wouldn't ya know it....there just had to be a cop patrolling around the campgrounds....lmao.... Adam was so cute and friendly and we all had a laugh getting directions from a cop to Sexworld.....but by gosh he knew where it was ...**wink*wink** I drove us all into the city to find the famous 10 footer we beeen talking about for so long. We walked in and there it was all shined up just waiting for us. When we both jumped on together, lmao we were soon kicked off...no sense of fun from the woman behind the counter...lol I said hurry Merle snap that quick before they come drag us off. We had lots of laughs and was a blast. We left our friend behind...lol and headed to the Mall of America. We all walked around a while that place was hugeeeee, right in the middle was an amusement park with rides...couldn't get Barbee on the roller coasters but did manage the water ride, even then coming down she buried her head and shut her eyes.....whoosieeee...lmao. We then headed back to the campsite, made a fire and sat and chatted the night away.

June 22nd - Minneapolis, MN to Winnipeg, Manitoba - 456 miles

Was up early and Barbee n Merle cooked Bacon n Eggs for breaky before we packed up from our campsite to head back to Winnipeg. After the 7 hr drive and an hour wait at the border and being interviewed by immigration...hmmm last time I cross a border with a polak in my car...lmfao, we finally made Winnipeg, took a quick shower then was party time !!! Barbee's Mom taxied us to the legion, we met up with Claudette aka HRHClaud, we sat outside in the beer garden listening to the band and dancing n drinking the evening away. We then headed to Claudette's for our own karaoke session. Was a fun time singing the night away, Barbee's Mom came to taxi us home but she could see the fun we having and she joined in with us for a while. All the videos are on my YouTube sight, even Barbee's Mom...she cracked up at that.... nobody is safe !!!!

left to right: Merle, Me, Claudette, Barbee

  Here's the link to YouTube for more laughs !!!

  ~*~ YouTube Videos ~*~

Monday was a lazy day at Barbee's although did manage to get an oil change on my car and catch up on league things. Tuesday morning we headed off to the cabin on the lake for a few days of solitude and good r & r. We caught some sun and just sat around doing absolutely nothing, was a nice change of pace. We BBQ'ed for dinner and had an early night. Was awake at daybreak, bacon n eggs for breaky. I cleaned out my car then set off to Gimli, a small village closeby. We walked the pier and the local stores before heading back to the cabin. We both snoozed during the afternoon, then got out the double canoe and paddled quite a ways on the lake, it was relaxing and so peaceful on the lake. Quite a few fish jumping and the pelicans just drifting by. BBQ'ed again for dinner and sat and chatted til bed time.

This morning we were awake yet again at daybreak, Barbee had the coffee brewing already. Sitting there sipping our coffees then out came the fox from the woods, and wow then a 2nd one. We had seen them before but they were too quick for me to get pics. This morning they stayed around a lil longer taking in the sunshine.

We returned back to the city to Barbees, unpacked then I headed out for manicure and hair trim, lol zinger more like it. Claudette was our taxi ride to the bar, downed a few cold ones then Candice aka Sappy from Fairplay league arrived to join in the fun. I met Keith the stud in Barbee's life, we had a lotta fun and he's a cool dude. Seems the Karaoke peeps forgot to turn up..lol so we headed to another bar and found our fun there. The night was full of laughs and joking around and of course more videos...lol

left to right: Claudette, Candice, Me, Barbee

Friday morning we visited Mona, she had just baked fresh bannock bread, was yummy. We chatted a while over coffee, then headed back home for a restful afternoon and evening.

Saturday morning was spent doing very little....was nice just relaxing. Sherry aka lotsahuggs came over for lunch, and we chatted away the afternoon, plus had time for a little handy work. Margaret ( Barbee's Mom ) came out with hammer and screwdriver in hand...we said ummm what ya gonna do with that... her reply was fix the gate. Well of course out I go to help fix the gate..... mission accomplished. Then was off to Claudette's for dinner and yahtzee. Claudette cooked ribs and veggies...and ohh the gravyyyyy....yummmyyyy. We were debating going to sex bingo....but decided nah we just happy relaxing at home.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Barbee, after such a long time saying I'll meet ya one day. I shed a few tears as I left Winnipeg, time goes by just so fast. Thanks also to Margaret, Barbee's mom for making me feel so welcome in your home, you are a remarkable lady. Like I say to everyone I'll be back one day and do it all over again !!!!...lmao when I win the lottery !!!! One thing I wasn't sorry to leave behind...those bloody MOSQUITOES omggggg...I'm covered in bites and itch........no wonder they call em the Canadian National Bird !!!

29th June - Winnipeg to Weyburn - 520 km

30th June - Weyburn to Saskatoon  - 378 km

2nd July - Saskatoon to Calgary - 616 km

3rd/4th July - Calgary to Vancouver - 971 km

Upcoming dates to mark your calendar

July 4th - 10th - Vancouver, BC

July 11/12/13th weekend - Seattle, Washington

If I'm close to you along the way please give me a yell either on msn or send me an email to loraway50@hotmail.com, would love to meet you.