We received an offer on our condo within 3 weeks of listing it. So the time has come, time to pack and time to say goodbye. Moving is tough both emotionally and physically. I did not want to ship anything back, so the furniture was sold with the condo and everything that would not fit into the SUV got tossed or was given away. I also had 3 bikes, tons of books, and clothes. My decision was that after closing, we would make our way west along HW 17 through Ottawa, Pembroke, North Bay, Sudbury, through Sault Ste-Marie to Munising MI. This would allow us to see some peak foliage in the Michigan UP. Then we would drive south through Columbus to visit with relatives, with a quick stop in West Virginia and then back to Florida. I had spent the week previously packing and visiting with friends. The execs at my office invited me to a farewell dinner which was very touching. I received gifts and well wishes from everyone. This made it all the more difficult to leave. As we turned in our condo keys and headed out of town Dorian and I were in tears. It was very sad and both of us knew that we were closing out a very special time in our lives. The weather matched our feelings as it was drizzling cold rain. I met my close friend Ed outside the city to give him my phones and router. We hugged and said goodbye.
Québec/Ontario Autumn gallery.
Soon we crossed into Ontario and we noticed the foliage was brilliant. Although the rain continued the trees were in their peak transition. We managed to stop at several parks and turnouts along the way. First night was in Pembroke at the Econo Lodge. I made reservations on line at various places. You never know what you are going to get but we were please with the accommodations. Night number 2 was in Sudbury at the Parker House Inn (a B&B). I would highly recommend this place, great restaurant and very nice people. After 2 days of driving we crossed back into the US at Sault Ste-Marie into Michigan and headed to Munising . When we crossed the border I had another moment of sadness as I said goodbye to Canada. The Soo locks were very interesting and we did not allow time to photograph there (next time) as we wanted to make it to Munising before dark.
We arrived at the Sunset Motel on the Bay and Lake Superior greeted us with rain and gale force winds. Forcast? Rain and wind for the next 3 days. Lovely.