ON THE ROAD AGAIN

As Wille so aptly said it....
"On the road again,
Just can't wait to get on the road again
like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
insisting that the world keep turning our way
AND WE CAN'T WAIT TO GET ON THE ROAD AGAIN"
ROAD TRIP- a journey via automobile

I guess driving the 22,500 miles to the Arctic Ocean last summer wasn't enough. So after overpacking the SUV again we are off and running to celebrate the open road. This year we are headed to the Eastern half of the good ol'USA on up to St. Edwards Island and Newfoundland. More family, friends, Fishers, faith and forests. Will we qualify as Professional Road Trippers? Is this the Baby Boomer version of hitchhiking? Does Dashboarding count as exercise? So glad I can pack the "extras" and not pay "extra" and so love not having to stand in line to take off my shoes to change states. Besides it's an excellent way to shed some skin and live out loud. Check out the schedule and see if you're on the trip tick. Our most valuable souvenir are the hugs and stories we can't wait to share. Look over at the archived blogs on the right side as it stores the "older" blog entries there....don't want you to miss the trip from day one!

CONFIRMED ROADIES

After last summers "once in a life time road trip" we were hooked-if bored one evening see pamelacollins.blogspot.com (North to Alaska) for sordid details. There are plenty of reasons to hit the road and celebrate America's (and Canada too!) cultural heritage and natural wonders. Although we haven't experienced the meandering version-our trip is kinda planned and suits our purpose. Our focus are the FIVE F'S (family, friends, fishers, faith, forests). With the blessing of health and time we are free to visit and experience our F's. We have also learned the way to a healthy life style on a long road trip....goal for this trip is to eat green and healthy- no more Bubba's Jerky and Corn Dogs. Bubba is even bringing his Vita Mixer. Nothing like a Slimey I mean green smoothie to start the day off. Pleep only indulges in the banana smoothies...no green for the Pleepmeister. And yes there has been a new addition to the Collins Road Family- Pleep now has a sister- Pleetisha (aka Sis). After he laid down the rules of the road to Sis and made it clear who is in charge of this rig she smiled sweetly and said "you bet Bro!" So come along for the ride- Happy Trails!


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If you want to make it easy to follow the action, you can subscribe to our RSS feed. Just scroll down through all the posts. When you reach the last post and just above the trip map, you will see: Subscribe to: Posts (Atom). Just click on that and follow the directions in your browser to add the "feed". If you would like to see any of the pictures larger (and maybe we'll look better or maybe not!), just click on the picture.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Day 50 MONTREAL CITY HIGHLIGHTS- BONJOUR!

MONTREAL is a jewel nestled along the St. Lawrence River. Once a fortified city, the old town is now a safe and vibrant community. Like Quebec City, Old Montreal is very European in character. Cobblestone streets, a café culture, and historic 17th and 18th century architecture, all contribute to the quaint charm of Old Montreal that is unique amongst cities in North America.  Our hotel located a couple blocks from Old Montreal- thank you William Shatner.

Recovering from the Green Fairy, a City Highlight tour to refresh the memory was in order.  We convinced our new pal, Helen (from Binghamton NY) to come along, as she heard Boca's Bus rides are always "MAGIC".  That funny funny Helen wore her most favorite piece of jewelry in honor of Boca and Bubba....her OBAMA 08 pin.  She insisted Bubs take a picture with her and the pin.  Helen, figured his redneck pals would tease him forever.  And I am sure she is "RIGHT"...PUN INTENDED.  We had a lot of fun with Helen and she is coming back for the internationally known MONTREAL JAZZ FESTIVAL.  Have you been??

Now can you believe we asked one of our fellow tourees to take our picture in front of the famous Olympic structure...and he managed to not only get the pole in the way but also a bus.  Duh.  Maybe he wasn't to keen on OBama either.....  I think Boca and Helen make a cute couple, like Salt and Pepper in so many ways.  After getting no where in trying to convince Helen to change parties to no avail, BOCA then moved on to why Helen should take the job offer and move to Spain.  Ole!  Eat, Pray and Eat Some More Helen!  

This structure was built for Montreal's 1976 Olympics, the impressive, grandiose structure drew controversy in public opinion but remains a Montreal landmark to behold.  The building itself may not be of too much interest other than for architectural or Olympic enthusiasts. worthwhile.




BOCA ALWAYS LOVES TO PEEK IN ON A WEDDING....invited or not.  Both of these were beautiful.  I think Boca must have been a Wedding Planner in another life.  And the offer stands for any of you to borrow any or all of the 162 Wedding Books I have....  It is such a pleasure to see a young couple get married in the old fashion traditional way- hello church.  
I know destination weddings can be fun and exciting but remember Boca is all about the church.  I know my Jewish friends that it is customary to have your service at the hotel but you always have that fabulous Chuppa so that counts.  Loved the brown bridesmaid's dresses...brown? Who knew? Oh so chic.  
Old town Montreal is quite the spot for a wedding.  We heard it is booked up years in advance...and remember the favorite daughter of Montreal, Celine Dion...her extravaganza, I mean wedding. Held here at the NOTRE DAME BASILICA.  NOW THAT WAS A WEDDING!  


More old Montreal fun...AMEN!  BEN AND JERRY'S.  BOCA pick me up when your done nosing around.  This is Bubba's version of the Green Fairy.  Ditto for Sis.  Boca and  Pleep still in recouping mode.











The Underground City

 
On a cold or rainy day, you may wish to visit the Underground City - a sheltered complex, which covers over 12 kilometers in Montreal's downtown and attracts hundreds of thousands of local and international visitors per day. Shop, eat, visit a museum or just escape the elements. 


The largest and best-known section of the city is located in the centre of downtown, between Peel and Place-des-Arts metro stations on the Green Line and between Lucien-L'Allier and Place-d'Armes stations on the Orange Line.  And yes BOCA AND BUBBA on the Orange line -quite a site!  We are talking shopping Mecca.  Sis had a ball shopping and hopping from store to store while Boca  got a manicure-finally.  Now if she could only find someone to do those never ending pesky roots...  Sis tried to convince Boca to go "green"  and Boca remarked been there done that my darling Sis.  No more Green Fairy for the Boca.

Another Long & Winding Road

Another Long & Winding Road
3,300 Miles Is A Short Haul For This Crowd