Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

We slept in a little this morning but were on our way in no time.  Today we crossed the boarder into Canada with little or no wait at the border which was a surprise.  Right off the bat you realize gas is more expensive here – about $4.28 per gallon but with the currency exchange rate it’s about $3.00.

The trip through the Detroit area was crowded and you could tell the city still lives under a black cloud – you could feel the depression.  The roads were terrible and everything looked dirty – doesn’t mean that there aren’t some parts of Detroit that are beautiful but this is what I say.

Canada is different – the roads are smooth – traffic was light – rest areas are beautiful.  The first rest area we came to we stopped for gas and to use the restroom.  Inside there was a KFC, Tim Horton’s and an A&W along with a convenience store.  We passed several of these on our way to Hamilton.

Our site at the RV Park was not very level so we had to really work at getting things leveled up side to side and front to back.   While we were in town there was a rainstorm and you can see it in the distance in the panorama above.  PRC

Before crossing  the border  we  managed  to pick up some Bettermade Potato Chips for Steve S. If we somehow run out (?) we can always pick some more up on our way back.

Shortly after getting on the highway to our RV park in Ontario, we made a routine stop for gas. The gas station had a market and a couple  of fast food places attached.  So  I had my first order of “poutine” in French Canada. This is a popular dish in Canada especially  in this part of the country. It usually consists of French fries, cheese curds and gravy. I’m probably done with that for now, unless it’s made with lobster. Besides it’s cholesterol city.

Once we drove into Canada, it was still 150 miles to our RV Park.  Flamboro Valley Campground is  a family oriented RV  park. In fact I can see one of the playgrounds from the dining  room window as I type the blog.

Pros and Cons

As you know we only spent one night at each destination as we  drove across country. There was no way to get to know the location or relax as we needed to get up the next morning and take off again. As we didn’t unhook from  the trailer,we were  literally tied to the trailer with little  freedom to get to know the locale.  After the first night boondocking in  the casino parking outside of Flagstaff, we did hook up for water, electricity and sewer which didn’t take long.

So now that we are in Canada we are staying at this location a week.  Settling in took longer  since we had to level the trailer and unhook the truck. It took longer than before but we were able to explore the nearby small towns. Tomorrow morning we will go into Waterdown and do some laundry.  Peter will get a haircut.

Flamboro will our HQ for two main diversions. 1) We will go visit Peter’s friend we met last summer on our  Southwest RV trip. Gabriel is 7 years old and lives with his family in Toronto.  Peter will tell you this sweet story.  2) We’ll go to Niagra Falls.  I bet lots of you have been there. Who has been there?  It’s the first for me as Peter has seen it several times.  JY