Our Summer 98 Trip

We headed for Sault Ste. Marie on our first day. We stopped here to enjoy some active time in the water. Bill, mom and the older kids swam way out to the platform. Billy and Adam watched the camera, kinda.
The next day we had a chance to watch the large freighters go through the locks. There was a working model in the museum that showed the details of how locks work. This was not our only chance during this trip to see some locks up close and personal. Later that afternoon we headed for Manitoulin Island.
We had a beautiful drive to Espanola. The scenery along the north shore of Lake Huron is spectacular. This part of the country is not congested. We all crashed into a small motel room for the night. Just prior to bedtime some of us visited a nearby park. Great sunset! The hot shower felt great.
After breakfast, we hit the road for the short trip out onto Manitoulin Island. We used an old swing bridge for one of the access points. By afternoon we had our camp site set up right in the middle of a half mile long sandy bay. The campsite was part of the South Baymouth Resort. The resort is just a short bike ride from the Ferry Landing at South Baymouth.
The ferry arrives four times a day. For about five minutes after each ferry arrival the road is busy. For all the other times of the day the road is quiet.
While doing some skin diving, I located a small wreck in about 15 feet of water. The bay is very quiet. Few boats are seen during an entire day.
After a few days at the beach, we too drove our van onto the Chi-Chimerran (Big Canoe) and headed for Toronto.
After a beautiful boat trip, we drove down the Bruce Peninsula and then camped on the outskirts of Toronto. The next day we took our bikes downtown and biked much of the lake shore. We parked our bikes at a children's sailing school and toured some of the sites, including the world's highest structure
While it was somewhat hazy, the view was worth the price of admission. The downtown was busy. We used the subway and did some window shopping.
Back to camp for a quiet evening. (Except for the trains)
We spent an entire day at the Toronto Science Museum. This is the absolute top hands-on museum we have ever visited.
Live demonstrations were occurring regularly through out the day. The presenters were talented and knew their material. Here Adam operates a simulated jet controlled vehicle.
The next day we went to Niagra Falls. We enjoyed the Canadian views and activities. Since it was the 4th of July, there was a firework display over the falls.
On to Niagara-on-the-Lake. On the way, we toured a butterfly exhibit. Thousands of live butterflies and lush vegetation made the visit a highlight of the day.
On to Rochester, New York to visit Joeli. This is Joeli's house, not bad for a poor resident!
Joeli took us out for lunch and gave us a tour of her main hospital. During the stay, Joeli took us for a bike ride along the Erie Canal.
We had a great side trip to Letchworth State Park. The gorge is beautiful. Three major falls in the park plus two large outdoor pools.
After another visit with Joeli, we headed off to Uncle Bob and Aunt Kay's house in Ohio. We had a great time visiting with all the relatives. Billy was the ring bearer for the wedding of cousin Robby and his wife Cricket. Our family had great fun at the reception. We especially enjoyed the dancing. Mom had a chance to dance with all her boys, even the one with gray hair.