Lorraine’s First Day at School
Good Monday morning. I just came back from dropping Lorraine off at Georgian College in Owen Sound. I shared with you last week that Lorraine has decided to sail again, and part of that adventure includes taking a four-day online course, a three-day course at Georgian College, and a few other things. Today is her first day at school, and I dropped her off bright and early.
Lorraine’s first day “back to school” She completed the 4 day online part at home and is now attending the 3 day firefighting and water survival part of the course at Georgian College in Owen Sound. I took the same course in 2019.
We always try to make road trips fun, and this "back to school" trip was no exception. We stopped at friends' just outside of Brockville and had a wonderful mini vacation. They are great hosts, and the weather was spectacular. We did all my favorite things, watched for ships, ate great food, had a bonfire, and laughed and told stories.
We watched as the Frontenac sailed up river. We didn’t expect to see her because she was unloading just down the road in Johnstown. We didn’t see any other ships on their way on the marinetraffic app. What a nice surprise to hear the engines even before the Frontenac came into sight. That was the old fashioned way of ship watching. You could hear them before you see them. The Frontenac was my first ship in 1981.
The Atlantic Huron passed and I messaged the cook to let her know we were waving at her. I enjoyed working on the Atlantic Huron. I was there twice for sure, maybe three times? I would have to check my discharge book.
In the distance you can see a ship sailing down river. Both mornings I set myself up outside before everyone got up to work on my e-magazine. I had promised Lorraine that I would show her the magazine when it was far enough along and Saturday was the day. I showed both Lorraine and our friend Tammy and I was so pleased that they both liked it very much. It is very close to completion and they both commented that they think you will really like it. I was excited to show them that they could click on the videos bringing the stories and recipes to life.
On our way of the first leg of our trip we stopped at our favorite Lebanese store Adonis and bought some marinated meats. We got the chicken, port and the seasoned (Kafta) ground beef.
Our friends had the Cadillac of a BBQ and Lorraine enjoyed grilling on it. I was in charge of the timer and every three minutes would let Lorraine know and she would make a quarter turn of each skewer. She did a perfect job.
During our delicious supper we saw the cruise ship pass. They really are big.
The bonfire was the perfect end to our day.
We drove to Rockport to replenish the bookshelves at the Andress Boat Works Village Shop. The owner had called, saying she only had one of the original cookbooks left. We dropped off the books and then took a walk along the waterfront. There were many people taking the Thousand Islands boat tour. I couldn't help but look out at the water and wonder when I will get a call for a job and which ship it will be. I am 7th on the board at the Union Hall, and I am also on the list at the office, so we will see who calls first. I am excited to sail again.
We dropped off more cookbooks at the Andress Boat Works Village Shop in Rockport.
It was a fun outing with our friend Tammy and we sat for a while enjoying the beautiful day, watching the 1000 Islands cruise ship drop off and pick up more excited tourists.
The beautiful weather and trees changing color brought out many people to the popular 1000 Island Cruise.
We left Brockville on the Sunday morning to make the almost 6-hour drive to Owen Sound. We opted to add an extra 15 minutes to our trip and take the 1000 Island Parkway as far as Gananoque before joining the 401 westbound. We reserved an Airbnb and made great time. The home was not yet available, so we took a beautiful walk by the water until check-in time. It was nice to stretch our legs after sitting in the car. We could not have asked for nicer weather. I pointed out the grain elevator to Lorraine that I had been to when I was working on the original Oakglen in 1987. I was able to recall the date without the help of my discharge book because the local Owen Sound newspaper did an article on the ship being in Owen Sound over the Christmas Holidays, and I had my picture included in the article. Owen Sound is the size of Brockville, and after our walk, we made our way to our Airbnb. It is very nice. There were so many little surprises that added a special touch to our temporary home. They left coffee and coffee cream for our breakfast, as well as chips and chocolates for snacking. It has a walkout to the most beautiful backyard with a little bridge that looks like it belongs on a postcard. The trail that takes you over the little bridge joins the Bruce Trail, which runs from Niagara to Tobermory, a distance of 890km (550 miles). It's a beautiful spot.
We went for a beautiful walk along the water while we were waiting for the check-in time of our Airbnb
behind us is the grain elevator where we unloaded in 1987. I was a relief 2nd cook on the original Oakglen.
I only have a little time before I go back to college to pick Lorraine up for lunch. This afternoon, she will do the water survival part of the three-day course. I have obtained permission to take photos and printed off release forms from those who may appear in my photos. I did this course myself in 2019, so I know what to expect. Tomorrow will be firefighting, and on Wednesday will be the balance of the course and a final written exam. Lorraine is a good student and has been studying her manual (she is more diligent than I remember being). I have just enough time to load the photos and wish you a lovely week. The pretty bridge is not loading fast enough so I will share it with you next time. Take care.