Making final use of our museum passports, we made one last museum visit to the Canadian Museum of Nature in the am, then commuted the one and a half hours to visit Mike and Alison, family now working and living in Pembroke. I had never driven this far west from home so everything was new... the Ottawa Valley laid awaiting!

Canadian Museum of Nature - After another huge Cora's visit and check-out from our comfy hotel digs, we took the short trip down Elgin to the Canadian Museum of Nature. Under construction at the time of our visit, we entered and started our visit at the top floor. Great choice, as the exhibit was a wonderfully interactive presentation of the birds of Canada. With everyone interested, we swept from activity to activity, trying activities which highlighted bird habitat, characteristics, calls, migration and the list goes on. We were a full 45 minutes on this floor looking at birds, reading information and exploring the displays. The Mammal and Dinosaur exhibits were also very informative, with fossils and dioramas which represented live animals and the days when dinosaurs roamed. Special attention was given to the prairies and the inland sea which once laid through Alberta. Jane noted the complete absence of the maritimes, and the important archaeological finds from Joggins and the surrounding area. Great museum, and in viewing the planned improvements online it will only be better!!!

Pembroke, Ontario - At about 12:00 noon we hit the Queensway and headed west for Pembroke. Mike and Alison are family that now live and work near Pembroke, so we decided that it would be nice to visit after being so close (about 1 1/2 hrs). We set out only to arrive about two hours later and were made to feel welcome. After dropping bags, hanging swimming trunks and catching up on all the news, Jane, Alison and the kids went to partake in Pembroke's gigantic ice cream cones, while Mike and I checked out the waterfront entertainment. We grabbed a few ales, sat to an excellent supper, some well deserved evening sociables and a warm bed by 11:00 PM. A totally relaxing evening for a pretty road weary group.

Unsure as to our "next day" plans, we decided to take Mike and Alison up on their offer to do a day of R&R at a nearby campground that was hosting a kids event.