At the farm.

While in Canada I was finally able to meet Mike’s parents… and their 54 cows! (I think I got the count right.)

Mike and I drove about two hours outside of Toronto to his family’s farm. I had heard so much about it over the years that I was excited to finally check it out. Plus, I did have a phase in my youth when I wanted to be a farmer… and a different phase when I was obsessed with cows… soo…

We spent our time out in the pasture with the cows (and donkeys), exploring the land on a four wheeler, and sitting down to a few delicious meals with his parents. We also attended a production of Queen Marie (about Marie Dressler) by the Fourth Line Theatre.

The next day we were back on the road headed to Ottawa.

xo, jill

The little I saw.

Visiting Toronto didn’t quite go as planned. We spent the morning walking through High Park with two of Mike’s friends and their adorable baby. It was a pleasant walk but the weather was a bit too hot and humid. I was so uncomfortable I was secretly hoping it would hurry up and rain to clear the air.

Well… it did. After saying goodbye to Mike’s friends and taking a bus farther into the city, we noticed that the sky was quickly turning black. A few minutes later the rain was dumping. Luckily, we were only a few meters away from Second Cup so we ducked in to wait it out.

Eventually, we decided to just spend the afternoon at the cinema watching a movie set in Toronto. So at least I was able to see the city via Take This Waltz.

Here are a few other shots I took while in the city.

I think I might need to take another trip to Toronto one day.

xo, jill

When I arrived in Canada to visit Mike, we spent the first day exploring the town where his family lives, Oakville, Ontario.

We started the visit with a veggie burger from Licks and a Canada Dry ginger ale. It was a pretty good welcome meal.

Next, we headed out to the waterfront to see Lake Ontario. Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes (but still quite impressive!), and the second that I’ve visited.

It was strange to look out over the water and see glimpses of the US on the other side. It was also fun to see where Mike grew up during middle and high school.

The next day we headed over to Mike’s university town, Kitchener-Waterloo to meet up with some good friends from Abu Dhabi. We had lunch at a pub that might want to rethink the message its logo sends. Is it a grill or a gay bar or both?

I was so happy to be able to meet up with Sarah and Skylar before they left on their grand European tour. Plus, it’s always nice to know that friendships transcend political borders!

and changing light.

Our last evening in Canmore, I went out for a short walk. The path led through a field of wildflowers. I couldn’t help myself and had to run up for my camera.

That’s the last of our trip to Banff National Park. I look forward to returning one day.

xo, jill

The “twenty dollar view.”After hiking out to Consolation Lake, we joined the other onlookers at Moraine Lake. We hiked up the Rockpile Trail to see one of the most photographed locations in all of Canada. Goodness, gracious. I can see why.

Not only is the water a gorgeous blue-green but stretching out behind the lake are the Ten Peaks. It’s easy to see why this view was on the back of Canada’s twenty-dollar bill (1969 and 1979 issues).

In fact, my mom said it was the most beautiful sight she’s ever seen.

After admiring the lake from above, we walked the trail alongside the water to the opposite end of the lake. It’s hard to pull yourself away from such a beautiful natural wonder.

Later in the day we attempted to fit in one more hike at Sunshine Meadows, but we just missed the shuttle bus. Luckily, we got to see this herd of longhorn sheep instead.

The next day we started early and managed to drive all the way back home!

xo, jill