Aufruf Trip to the Greater Toronto Area

As I have posted previously, this summer I have been staying within a shortish drive of Oakville, the hometown of my niece who is getting married September 10th.  I was figuring there would be a number of events leading up to the wedding that I would want to attend, so being relatively nearby would make doing so less arduous.  

This past weekend, August 24 - 27th was one such case.

My neice and her future husband were being called up in synagogue to recite a blessing over the Torah during the Saturday morning service, followed by a luncheon at what is called an Aufruf.

In order to make the most of the trip, I scheduled a few other events during that time frame. 

I booked myself into the Bronte Creek Provincial Park, in Burlington for 3 nights.  I hadn't stayed there before, but seeing as I was not very happy at Milton Heights, and it is quite close to Oakville, I though I would give it a try.  I had to rally a couple of other campers to help me get backed into my site, because it required backing up on the "blind side," something my instructor said was unwise to ever do.  Other than that issue, I enjoyed the park and will plan on staying there again in a couple of weeks for the actual wedding.  I did scout out other large sites where backing in from the other side is possible. 

Once the trailer was situated, I drove into Toronto and visited my cousin Judi to see if she might have had an outfit I could borrow for the wedding.  We came up with something, but it isn't exactly what I had in mind, so I may or may not wear it, time will tell.  As my schedule permits, I may look for something else.  After "shopping" her closet and doing a load of laundry, the two of us and her husband went to a nearby Middle Eastern restaurant for a bite of dinner and a good visit.  It was a very enjoyable time.  I look forward to seeing them again at the wedding. 

Early Friday morning I dropped the bicycle I had purchased at Rock and Road Cycle in Burlington off for a little check up that they had offered when I purchased it.  I then drove to Scarborough to have a massage with my registered massage therapist Janice.  She had helped me tremendously with the last massage, relieving most of the pain I was having in my right knee and a few other spots.  After the massage I treated myself to a Chinese buffet for lunch.  After that I went to several shops looking for a different wedding outfit, but left each one discouraged. On the way back I picked up the bicycle, which passed its check up with flying colors.   

Saturday I attended the Aufruf followed by lunch.  I was given the honor of opening the arc in order for the others to take the Torah out.  My brother Peter got to carry the Torah around, I then undressed it in order for it to be read.  My brother Stanley and his wife Shirley were honored with re-dressing and putting the Torah back.  The lunch, catered by Pickle Barrel, was very nice and gave a good chance to visit with cousins Larry and Marleen and my brother Peter. 

Later in the afternoon/early evening I played a round of golf at Millcroft Golf Course, a course in Burlington I hadn't played before.  I played with a friend.  After golf, we went for a bite of dinner at Ricky's All Day Grill. 

Sunday, I packed up the trailer and got to play Heron's Point Golf Links with a different friend.  The course was a real challenge, (I didn't score very well) with several blind shots, lots of strategically placed bunkers, fescue grass and challenging greens.  There were players walking, which would take good conditioning as the course is very hilly, up, down and sideways.  I was glad we were riding, otherwise I would have been too tired to drive back to Appin.  I would like to have the opportunity to play the course again.  

60th North South for Senior Women at Pinehurst, North Carolina

I made a quick trip to North Carolina from Appin, Ontario in order to attend my 2nd Senior Women's North South Tournament at Pinehurst from August 10th - 18th.  The main draw for attending this year was that the famous course No. 2 

was part of our rotation, along with No. 5 & No.6.  No. 2 is the course that has hosted US Open's for both Men and Women over the years.  The most recent was in 2014, when they hosted both on back to back weeks, the first time that was ever done.  I think they found it to be a little hard on the course. 

The evening before I departed was a fun night and dinner for the Wardsville Ladies' league.  My partner (selected at the last minute) and I were fortunate enough to win the event, for which our picture appeared in the local newspaper.  We enjoyed a nice dinner of Ceaser salad, garlic bread and meat lasagna after the round. 

The trip is about 14 hours each way, driving, which is too much for me to do in two days with the trailer, so I broke it up over 3 days.  On the way down I arrived at PInehurst early enough in the day to get some practice in the day prior to the official practice round day.  On the way back I headed out directly from the golf course, rather than having to go back to where I was camping to pick up the trailer.  I spent the night before and after the tournament at Jomeokee Campground, which had a great view of Pilot Mountain (too bad the weather wasn't clearer.)

For the duration of the tournament I stayed with a nice couple, who I met via the Boondocker's Welcome website, more than a year ago.  They weren't going to be home during last years tournament, but were willing to let me stay at their place anyway.  Not knowing what it was like I declined, but was excited about meeting them and staying at their place this year as they were going to be home.  It turns out their home is in a country setting with lots of space around it.  They had a full hook up for me along side of their home.  I was able to get in and out quite easily.  We had several good conversations about our respective travels.  Knowing well in advance where I was going to be staying, and with their permission I was able to order a few items for the trailer to be delivered to their place.  I was happy to pick up my outdoor mat and a suction cup toilet paper dispenser.  

At registration we were presented with two lovely gifts:

I had played No. 5 in last years event, so chose to play No. 6 for my practice round on Sunday.  For that I only had to pay a cart fee, whereas if I wanted to practice on No. 2 it was going to be an additional $200.  I though that was a bit too much, seeing as we aren't playing to win anything but trophies.  I had a nice group for the round and really liked that course.  Following the round was the welcome cocktail party and buffet dinner.  Both were as I remembered from last year, very nice. 

Day 1 we played No. 6.  I'm not that good at playing first thing in the morning, so the 7:30 tee time didn't please me. I wasn't totally on my game, I shot 87.  Day 2 we played course No. 2 following a 60 minute fog delay, Canadian Geese were at the tee to greet us. 

I shot 86, which I thought was pretty good for my first time on the very difficult course playing without the benefit of a caddy (and additional $100).  On day 3 we played No. 5, the course I was most familiar with and shot 80.  I finished 19th out of 37, last year I was tied for 20th.  Two of my Canadian friends finished tied for the lead, with Mary Ann Hayward in her first appearance, defeating the twice defending champion Judith Krynis on the first hole of the sudden death playoff. 

Short Trip East

In late June, I travelled from Appin as far east as Kingston.  On the way to Kingston I stopped in London for a couple of hours of driver training at the Ontario Truck Driving School.  I was hoping specifically to improve my skills at backing up the trailer into a simulated campsite.  I had a very patient instructor and during the two hour session, I had many opportunities to drive up and back into a designated spot.  Based on his instruction, I had previously been over-steering the rig.  He introduced me to an easier way and also showed me how to properly set the rig up to begin backing up.  It was time quite well spent.  After that I ventured onto Toronto where I stayed at Glen Rouge Campground, a place I have stayed a few times before.  It is very convenient for being in the east end of Toronto.  I collected some items from my storage locker to sell at the upcoming Canada Day at Silver Dove Estates.  I also had great visits with friends from the area.  I also visited my family doctor, podiatrist and massage therapist.  

From Toronto I headed to Kingston to play the Field Day at Cataraqui, a tournament I have played quite regularly over the last number of years.  Several usual participants were skipping this event because the Provincial Senior started right afterwards.  I wanted to do both, especially because Cataraqui was celebrating their 100th Anniversary.  I stayed at the same campground near the golf course I had last year, Rideau Acres.

I had booked a back in site, but my new skills eluded me and weren't really necessary as that part of the campground was quite empty, which allowed me to pull through instead of backing in.  I hadn't felt that I played well in the Field Day, but I guess the course was playing tough for everyone given the rather soggy conditions, the result of a very rainy spring throughout Ontario.  I placed 7th, which got me seeded in the Eastern Provinces Match Play Tournament.  I won my first match easily 5 & 4.  The second match was closer 3 and 1.  Winning twice on Sunday meant I had to play Monday, which was practice round day at the Senior.  I lost Monday morning in a close match 1 down.  The gal I lost to lost in the final, so I basically came 4th, the furthest I had advanced in all my previous efforts in this event. I was pleased with this accomplishment, even though it wasn't the strongest ever field.

Before the morning match, I had packed up the trailer and driven it to the golf course, so as soon as the round was over, I spent my winnings in the pro shop, grabbed my voucher paid lunch from the half way house and headed towards Wild Fire.  On the way there I spoke to the owners of the campground I was intending to stay at for the tournament and they were O.K. with me shortening my stay by a night.  I contacted the golf course and they were O.K. with me staying in the trailer on their property for one night, so seeing as I was arriving latish in the day and had an early tee time for the first round I changed my plans and stayed at the course.  When I arrived they were off the course due to lightning in the area so many players were disadvantaged by a reduced or no practice round.  I was able to preview Wild Fire last summer as it was on the GTA Amateur league schedule. We played from shorter tees at the Senior than I did playing the A flight on the GTA Amateur tour.  I had also played the course as a stop on the GAO Member Days tour, so I knew it pretty well.

The first day I didn't play my best (90), I was likely a bit tired from the 4 rounds in 3 days in Kingston.  Day 2 I played a bit better (84) and made the cut.  I improved a further one stroke on Day 3 (83).  Once again the course was playing extra long due to the wet conditions, that got worse as the event went along.  Most of my third round was played in the rain.  At one point play was suspended for about 30 minutes as the greens were flooded and needed some time to dry out.  I finished 18th, which was a ways from my goal of top 10 in order to make the Ada McKenzie team, but such is life.  I'm not that disappointed, because there is a chance that I will be a long way from Ontario in the spring of 2018 when that event will be played. 

It as nice of Wild Fire to host us, but the prices for carts, food and drink are quite high, and the head chef seems to have free reign with the menu and prepares things that are quite out of the ordinary.  Many of the players didn't appreciate his creativity with the banquet offering.

Being in the Lakefield area will give me a chance to visit my high school friend Keith McIntyre and his family, as I did last year.  I had dinner there my last night in the area.  The menu was pretty much the same as last year, BBQ steaks, baked potatoes, grilled veggies, mushrooms, etc.  very yummy.  

On the way back to Appin I stopped in Toronto for another massage, managing to find a place on a side street near my RMT's office to park the truck and trailer combo.  My right knee had been bothering me quite a bit since early March in New Orleans.  I had an MRI done on it in Sarnia in late May.  My family doctor had given me the report on it (arthritics), which I shared with the RMT.  Armed with that information she worked some magic and it has been much better for about 5 weeks so far.  Well enough for me to commit to playing the North South in Pinehurst in mid August, which will be my next trip. 

When I arrived back at Silver Dove Estates, one of my neighbours offered a little guidance while I back the trailer into my site, quite expertly, with my new skills. 

1 Year Anniversary

The end of May, 2017, marks the one year anniversary of my beginning the RV lifestyle, and what a year it has been!  It has all been fairly well detailed in the chronology that precedes this post. I've traveled a bit in both Canada (4 provinces) and the United States (19 states plus Washington D.C. I stayed in and 6 others I passed through). I've put a bit over 33,000 km on the truck (Ann). I've stayed in some interesting places, seen sites, met lots of people, played many different golf courses and eaten a few great meals, all those things I was expecting to enjoy, as I traveled with my new home on wheels (Shelly), able to sleep in the same bed every night, and have my things neatly put away. I've been on a land cruise.

I've learned quite a bit along the journey, both about myself, both countries and my new equipment. Thankfully, I have not had anything more than a few minor hiccups along the way. (I've seen too many Facebook posts about tire blow outs and RV fires.) I've also never felt unsafe or threatened, another concern documented on Facebook by other women looking to set out on a similar journey.

My travel planning has been assisted by my memberships in: Harvest Hosts, Boondockers Welcome, KOA, Good Sam, a few Facebook Closed groups for RV'ers, Google Maps (though it sometimes leads one astray), Roadtrippers, I-exit and Gas Buddy. 

I want to thank my brother Peter for all his support in this endeavor. I'm looking forward to having my new friend John along on some more parts of the journey ahead.

I'm ready for year two. I'm not entirely sure at this point where I will be going (Tucson, Arizona is a good bet), but there is plenty of North America yet to see, and I will endeavor to keep the blog going to document what lies ahead.

Thanks for reading.

Settling Into Life in the Country

Shortly after returning to Silver Dove Estates, I went to check out and play Wardsville Golf Club.  It is about 15 minutes west of the campground.  They have 27 holes.  Each 9 is named after one of "The Chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore."  I ended up deciding to join after conversations with the co-owners, Laura and Carl.  I also joined the Ladies League that plays on Wednesdays.  I've met quite a few ladies and have already have games set up for Monday's, Wednesdays and Fridays, something I never had at my previous club.  

Alvin and Simon are the older 9's with small greens and well treed fairways.  There are also a few ponds around to make things interesting.  The greens have some contour to them, which can make putting interesting.  Theodore is newer and a little more links style, though the outskirts are treed.  Overall the course is kept in very good condition and the greens run true.  Compared to the courses in Arizona, the bunkers are excellent, though that is not incentive to hit them all the time.  I am enjoying my time at Wardsville very much so far. 

I contacted the London District teams coordinator and will be trying out for their team to play at the Provincials.  They are conducting two qualifying rounds, one at London Hunt and one at West Haven.  Getting to play those two courses for cart fees will be a treat in itself.  I have played West Haven before, but I have not played London Hunt. 

In my travels, I came across a notice for a nearby church roast beef supper.  I had 11 people interested in going, but by the time I was getting the tickets only 5 were left.  I parred the numbers down to the original 5 and we went and had a lovely dinner.  I especially enjoyed the HOT horseradish and Yorkshire pudding with gravy.  On the way out I noticed a sign outside the church across the street for a similar dinner in a couple of weeks time.  I'm not sure I will go to that one.  

I'm enjoying my time in this part of the world.  This weekend will be the busiest so far at the campground as Victoria Day weekend signals the official start of summer. 

First Month Back in Ontario

It has been over a month since I arrived back in Ontario.  I wasn't sure that I would keep writing the blog, seeing as I figured most people are interested in the new and different places I visit, and time spent in Ontario would seem mundane, but I will do some writing just so no one will think I fell off the face of the earth. 

Upon leaving the McLarty's farm, I went to Silver Dove Estates, a campground I was trying to get into last fall, instead of being at Milton Heights.  At that time they said they didn't have any sites available but would be creating new sites over the winter.  I asked for them to save one for me for early April.  I contacted them in late March and according to them all was in order.  When I arrived, they had sort of forgot I was arriving that day, and due to the relatively mild winter, they hadn't been able to build the new sites.  They did have some newly vacant ones and suggested #52 for me, but the road to it was blocked by a pile of gravel and the whole area was quite wet from snow run off and spring rains.  I was planning on staying about 6 nights, so they allowed me to stay next to the clubhouse, where there was a full hook up available.  

Camping next to the clubhouse.

Part of my purpose of being there at that time was to see if I might like to spend the better part of the season there, as I didn't have a burning desire to do much traveling over the summer months, partly because my niece is getting married in September and there are some events planned in advance of the wedding I should be in the area for.  

Silver Dove Estates had a number of year round residents in park model homes.  They have a series of social activities planned both winter and summer, which give the park a real sense of community, which I have only previously found in the USA.  During my 6 night stay, I enjoyed coffee clutch most mornings at 10:00, they only have regular coffee, so I have to bring my own, but it isn't so much about the beverage, as the conversation and camaraderie.  Wednesday at 11:00 is exercise to a video, Friday is Xbox bowling league, Saturday evening was a pot luck dinner and hearts. Everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming, I couldn't help but decide to plan on spending the bulk of the summer.  The seasonal fee seems very reasonable to me, compared to other places I have stayed, so it seems like an easy decision.  In the summer there are horseshoe games, a pool, bingo, tennis, live entertainment on holiday weekends, and other planned activities.  I'm looking forward to meeting more people here. Photos of the site I will occupy for the summer:

Left side of site, viewed from road.

"Street View" Trailer goes on gravel, fire pit on grass to left.

My next stop was to take the trailer in for some routine maintenance and minor repairs while I was staying at my brothers and celebrating the first couple of days of Passover.  On the first night my entire immediate family was in attendance, which was a treasured time as it doesn't happen very often.  

After that it was back to Milton Heights for a couple of weeks, in order to deal with all my stuff in the Toronto Area and to co-host a bridal shower for my niece. 

I was not satisfied with the work on the trailer, so I returned to the dealership on my way to Stratford for a couple of nights.  I was able to find a nice farm to stay at nearby and the owner of the farm took me on tour of two others.  That was fascinating.  I saw a dairy barn set up with a robot to do the milking and an egg farm that was high density, yet humane and very highly automated.  I was given a free tray of freshly laid eggs, 30 of them:

I saw the play Guys and Dolls, which was very well done, with great singing and dancing.

After all these activities, I was happy to be returning to Silver Dove in order to relax a bit and settle in for at least a couple of months until my next short trip. 

Final Portion of the Journey back to Canada

Packing up and moving onward on Thursday was somewhat difficult.  I had become reliant on John's help with things.  He picked up on it very quickly and was a great help.  

Sever weather was in the forecast so I was looking for a safe haven from potential tornadoes and large hail.  I spent two nights at the Sumner Crest Winery, members of Harvest Hosts, in Portland, Tennessee.  They have a large selection of wines and an amazing antique and gift-ware shop. 

These are a few of the things I liked, but didn't buy:

I did buy some cheese and raspberry/jalapeno jam. 

The next stop was the golf course at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort and Spa near Lexington, Kentucky, a member of the RV Golf Club.  I believe this is a place where my deceased friend Ted Diakun visited on business.  As I recall from his time spent at this hotel he always came back with a little gift, be it a suit bag, business card album, letter opener, shoe bag, there was always something and this was the only hotel he visited where he got this kind of stuff,  It is in the Eastern time zone so I loose an hour as I get close to it.  On this trip I spent quite a bit of time in the Mountain time zone and then the Central time zone. 

My final stop in the US is at Fulton Farms in Troy Ohio, who are members of Harvest Host.  Although their farm stand is closed at this time of the year they still offer their yard for overnight stays.  If I was a few weeks later I would have been able to pick and eat asparagus.  While I was there I had a look at their sow, turkeys, goats and cows.  This would be a great place to bring young children. 

I crossed the boarder again at Windsor/Detroit and spent my first night in Canada at the McLarty farm, where I spent my last night in Canada, 144 days ago!

This, my first winter trip as an RVer was a great experience.  I visited with old friends, met wonderful people along the way, saw some amazing sites, played lots of golf and enjoyed wonderful libations and foods.  The weather wasn't always perfect, but was better than Ontario has to offer between mid November and early April.