Friday July 1: Orillia

 Crossing Simcoe Tuesday was a non issue. No sun but no wind either (well, light from the NW) so it was an easy 3 hours to Orillia once we were through the final lock on the canal.

First thing: Steve wanted to get the mast refinished so we could get it put back up. Sand, 3 coats of Brightside with sanding in between the coats.

So over the past few days and the next couple, some time was spent each day working on the mast. The boom also needs repainted (Steve already sanded it) but that would wait until both were installed back on the boat.

Fortunately we were saved from working on Thursday! Cindy drove to Orillia (they live about an hour from there), spent Wednesday night, then Thursday drove us back to their place for the night.

We just had to see the treehouse Randy and his son-in-law has been building for the grandkids. Truth be told we think it's really for Randy as it's complete with electric lights. Thinking it might be a 'Randy Cave' with a twist!

And every treehouse needs a face right?

It was a nice stop at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Center in Gravenhust which was on the way to their place. I had heard of the wooden boat collection there but had never seen it. Very well done videos to boot!

 The Muskoka Lake region was very similar to Stoney Lake with the steamship the transportation of choice to the private cottages on the lakes until roads into the region were built.

It was lots of fun to be able to see their place and we were treated to a wonderful dinner by Nick and Niki (son-in-law and daughter). We had first met them when they made a visit to Banana Bay last year.

Loved the kid sized entertainment center :-) Perfect for entertaining Liam and Mea ... when they aren't in the tree house of course.

It was back to Orillia on this morning for the Canada Day celebration – not the best of days for sure. Overcast and rainy most of the day. Just when you thought it was done the rain was back. Worst day of weather we have had for weeks.

We thought we were getting carried away with our warm clothes until we saw Karen had on winter boots! Must be the warm California blood in her :-)

We headed out to check out the vendors in the park and snag a piece of the Canada Day cake but turned around when it started raining yet again. Karen to the rescue! She and Craig brought not only braved the rain but also brought back a tray with 6 pieces of cake back to the boat!

It was quite good …. what nice friends :-)

Finally – about 10 pm – it was dark enough for the fireworks. We were on the flybridge with all of the plastic in, a space heater running, and as many blankets as we had! Underneath the blankets, Cricket and Gigit were taking advantage of being bundled up – as all of us were as well.

It was a GREAT show :-)