Tall Ship Rendezvous2017

I’ve taken in some of the special Canada150 celebrations this year in Ottawa.

Canada Day, of course, was a bit of a wash out! We didn’t make it on to the Hill for the festivities, in large part due to poor planning by those responsible for the line up process for entry on to the Hill.  We all understand that increased security is part of the world we now live in, and certainly around the Parliamentary precinct we are easily reminded of some of the security risks.  We are sincerely thankful to those who keep us safe.  However, we do expect those responsible for the logistics around these necessary processes have a handle on how to keep things orderly and moving efficiently. That didn’t happen on July 1st in Ottawa.

But we did have a great day, making our own fun.  We headed for a pub on Sparkes Street to watch the proceedings on TV, with the sounds of the crowds, Snow Birds, and music ringing through the streets of downtown.  We even had a special Canada Day cake to finish off dinner, thanks to Mary Jo.

On a day when it couldn’t decide if it should be sunny or raining, friend Nanci and I took in the horticultural display, MosaiCanada in Jacques Cartier Park.  The 150 statues were absolutely amazing.  The pictures don’t do them justice.  They’re there until October and it’s well worth the effort to take it in.

Then last weekend Nanci and I splurged and treated ourselves to dinner 150 feet in the air over Ottawa City Hall.  Sky Lounge was an Ottawa2017 contribution to Canada150 and was a unique experience where, after we were securely strapped in, our dining table was hoisted in the air for about an hour while we were served a three course meal and lovely wines by the chef of Feast and Revel in the relatively new Andaz Hotel.  What an experience! Not for everyone.

This weekend it was time for a road trip. We headed east of Ottawa to Quebec City for the Tall Ships Rendezvous 2017.  We arrived Friday afternoon and checked in to our lovely little hotel, Chateau de Pierre, conveniently located behind the Chateau Frontenac.  It being a fairly warm day, we headed off in search of a G&T.  We found one at the 1608 Bar in the Chateau.  They featured a lovely botanical gin made in the Eastern Townships.  We dined at La Bouche on Saint Louis, where the food was great. The night was young so we hopped on the ferry across to Levis, where there was music in the park and an excellent view looking back toward old Quebec City.  Although there were interesting clouds nearby we didn’t get rained on.

The weather today was absolutely spectacular.  It was warm and clear and bright blue skies, with a bit of a breeze to keep us cool while we stood in line.  And stand in line we did.  It was about a 2 hour wait in one line to see 8 of the 40 ships that were in port for the rendezvous.  Earlier in the day we went aboard the Lord Nelson which is a ship purpose built to allow for people of all abilities to be part of the crew.  There were lifts from one deck to the other to allow for those in wheelchairs, and a talking compass and raised markings on hand railing indicating the direction of the bow and stern for those without sight.  It was a long day, but really fun and intersting.

I’m having trouble uploading pictures tonight so I’ll add more from today tomorrow when I complete this adventure.  The ships all depart in flottila tomorrow early which should be an amazing sight.