Lots of thoughts on this trip… they are all wrapped up in a big thermal blanket to keep the cold out! Seriously, the cold weather was part of most every decision that we made over the five days on the move. Whether driving, walking, biking, skating, sledding & tubing, snowshoeing, or even swimming, the weather conditions impacted how we prepared. We never got crazy cold, that achieved through dressing appropriately and respecting the conditions and any requests made by our group to duck in somewhere warm.
We really were over the top about how our two nights in Quebec City unfolded. Mike Hinchey says it’s like “…visiting another country”. I so agree. The attachments to Europe in food, language and architecture make it feel like one is visiting a city somewhere in northern France or Belgium. And winter… they have that solved! It’s really quite simple, just dress up warm and have fun outside.
But I think our favourite part of the trip, beyond travelling with the kids, was definitely all the outside winter activities we participated in. We knew the Fat Biking was going to be a blast! That lived up to expectations. However, who knew that the skating rink in d’Youville and the toboggan slide on Dufferin Terrace would bring so much enjoyment? Just simple, plain fun! It’s weird… If we were at home we wouldn’t have tried any of this, but purposefully organizing this type of adventure seemed to force us out and bring on that try anything attitude. The anonymity was very nice!
And of course, it was great to be on the move as a family again. Great play lists for the long car rides and video from Peter. Monica’s efficiency, knowing where everything is and quick wit kept all hands on guard. Janie made sure all that was needed was nearby and is a superb co-pilot (always knowing directions, potential stops and distances / time). Solid team on the road!
Finally, a big shout out to the many folks who work all winter to keep our highways passable and safe. We met vehicle of all type, from multiple provincial Dept. of Highway divisions, during our 2,000 km trip over the Holiday season. They were scraping, clearing and salting the roads so travelers like us could move quickly without fear to our chosen destination. Many thanks, on behalf of the driving public, to those employees and their very professional efforts!