We rented a cottage for 8 persons for the Family Day weekend. It was located at the end of Ohio Rd, Combermere (Ontario) and was facing Kamaniskeg lake. The lake was partially covered with ice and snow and it has been possible to walk on it. On Sunday, we did some cross-country skiing on trails maintained by Opeongo Hills Nordic Ski Club. We took the easiest trail to start with as some of us were skiing for the first time. But, it seemed like that first trail wasn't that easy with several down hills sections. We were going too fast without being able to slow down. So, we ended up loosing our balance and most of us feel down. The second trail was ok, but down the road we've been forced to take the trail number 6 which welcomed us with a "Caution Steep Area" sign. So, safety first. I did not want to ended up on a tree thus, I did that part on foot. Ben did the same thing. But, the reckless persons in our group, tried that dangerous fast track path. That was a beautiful day to ski in the wilderness and we cannot wait to do that again.


Nous avons loué un cottage pour 8 personnes le weekend dernier. Il se trouvait au bout d'Ohio Road, Combermere (Ontario), au bord du lac Kamaniskeg. Le lac était partiellement recouvert de neige et de glace; il était donc possible de marcher dessus.
Dimanche, nous avons fait du ski de fond sur des chemins entretenus par une association de ski nordique. Nous avons choisi le chemin le plus facile pour commencer, car certaines personnes n'avaient jamais fait du ski auparavant. A notre surprise, ce chemin comptait de nombreuses descentes et ne semblait donc pas correspondre au niveau de difficulté indiqué. Nous allions tous très vites en descente. Il était impossible de freiner et lorsqu'on se démenait pour freiner, nous perdions notre équilibre et tombions dans la neige. Le sentier numéro 2 était plutôt facile en comparaison. Mais un peu plus bas, nous avons été obligé de prendre le tracé numéro 6, au début duquel nous avons pu lire "Attention, pente raide" sur un panneau. Comme je ne voulais terminer ma couse sur un arbre, j'ai descendu ce sentier a pieds alors que les skieurs les plus expérimentés du groupe, sont eux restés sur leurs skis. Ce fut un jour fantastique pour skier au milieu de la foret. Nous avons déjà hâte de refaire du ski de fond.

A VIEW OF THE FREEZING WEATHER FROM OUR WINDOW. Well not that freezing when you know that is minus 37 degrees in Winnipeg right now.

Our Holidays' parties at work: so, Ben had an ugly sweater competition at work and clearly won it, while I challenged myself with some sewing task to be able to come up with a spiky head wear for my Annual Holiday's party in Montreal. Back in Toronto, at work, I've been able to enjoy board games, a pancakes breakfast and some fun moments with the team like a when we tried to win an online challenge consisting in showing all our faces (see picture).

 

 

 A week before Christmas, we've experienced our first "Ice Storm". Apparently, it happens once every 10 years! I think the pictures below speak for themselves. It has been impressive and wonderful too. Everyone was out taking pictures. Ben was scared the whole tree could end up on my head while taking the pics as the ice was making them bend.

25/12/2013

On our way to Montreal to celebrate Christmas with Miss D and First Canadian. We took the plane from Toronto's Billy Bishop Airport that is located on an island, a few meters off-shore from Toronto's skyline. At our arrival, we took a greasy sandwich at the airport. That was our 1st Christmas meal of the day later improved by a tasty turkey prepared by love by the boys while the girls where discussing life's topics in the living room.

En route pour Montreal pour feter Noel avec Miss Donna & First Canadian. Nous avons pris l'avion depuis l'ile de Billy Bishop sur Toronto. On y accede en 3mins par Ferry Boat. Lorsqu'on l'avion s'envole on peut admirer, vu du ciel, les immenses buildings du front de lac de Toronto dont la Tour CN.

We took Via Rail Canada to reach Ottawa.

Nous avons pris le train pour atteindre Ottawa.

 

If we ask anyone 'What is the capital city of Canada?' They may unfortunately answer 'Toronto, because of the fact Toronto has been very much in the news these days thanks to our infamous mayor. But, the actual city of Canada is Ottawa, or Ottawa/Gatineau, I should say. The city is divided by a natural frontier, the Ottawa River. Is is a frontier between Quebec, the French Speaking province and Canada. In winter time, when the river is entirely frozen, people can ice-skate to go to work. The city allow them to use a 7,8kms ice-ring to ride. As always, Ben and myself aren't visiting places at the right time and without also being well-informed... We actually presumed we would have been able to enjoy those 'Winter Wonderland' festivities in Ottawa, but we failed to inquire about the timing. The ice-skating program on the river actually starts in January or so... when the city council is 100% sure the ice is frozen ice to put thousands of people on it... That was disappointing but at least, now we know! The only place we visited was the Parliament Hill where you can find all the governments' buildings and statues of the Great Britain's monarchy.

Ottawa est le capitale du Canada. Mais, on devrait dire Ottawa-Gatineau.

This is the art of the 1st Nation people. We should listen to them and stop destroying the Nature before it is too late. But, no one listen to wise talks when it is a matter of getting wealthier thanks to Mother Nature...The Nature is still very much around us until we'll see just concrete blocks and deserts. Then our leaders, we'll act and tell us "Let's try to bring Nature back".

"Watch out guys, there is a monster behind you!" / "Faites attention les gars, il y a un monstre derrière-vous! "

Some friends suggested that we should meet at the ROM Friday Night Live.
The ROM is the Royal Ontario Museum on Toronto. It is composed of 5 different sections: Archaeology, Palaeontology, Mineralogy, Zoology, and Geology. 
Every Friday Night (except in Winter time), Torontonians can party on the first and second floor of the musuem, in areas dedicated to the Prehistory. For the first time, we've got to experience the real city life at night. That was a sophisticated night out, super arty and fun. An experience that will be reproduced next year. 

And even the Dinausurs are rocking. Check the animated gifs.

http://www.rom.on.ca/en/activities-programs/rom-friday-night-live