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The first weekend in February was the Ottawa Trip. Eleven huggers (5 singles and 3 couples) joined the Kodak Ski Club and other folks from Rochester for the bus trip to that beautiful city. Mike brought a terrific movie for the way down, "The Fastest Indian" starring Anthony Hopkins. It was the first weekend of Winterlude, so the ice blocks had just been delivered for the ice carving competition, so we got to see the whole process of ice carving start to finish. The Lord Elgin Hotel had been beautifully renovated since the last time we were there --- plus it's such a great location. It was very cold, so 7.5 KM of the Rideau Canal were skateable, and many of us ventured onto the ice right upon arrival. Our Bock Tours trip leader, Tim M., broke his wrist in his first 20 minutes on the ice --- OUCH!!!. We were off in various directions to the wonderful restaurants the city offers. Our first evening was the official opening of the Winterlude, so we all went over together to the Museum of Civilization Friday night (for free, and a world-class museum) and then outside there for the best fireworks display we had ever seen. It was a non-stop, sky-filled 20 minutes of fireworks set to music. INCREDIBLE (that alone was worth the trip).
The next day, most of the Huggers went off to Chateau Montibello for 2/3 of a day of glorious skiing/snowshoeing on beautiful trails. Some partook in the lunch and tea options at the chateau. Meanwhile, sightseers were off to the Aviation Museum. The hot tub and pool were enjoyed by the skiers upon their return. The wine and cheese party was a roaring success.
Sunday, the skiers and snowshoers were off to Gatineau Park -- another sunny but cold day. Then back to the hot tub and pool for rejuvenation. The sightseers saw the National Gallery (of art) --- fabulous. That evening we all went to an Irish Pub to watch the Super Bowl (some played Bananagrams there). Monday everybody explored the city (and some shopped) before heading back. On the way home we watched the movie "August Rush" which everybody enjoyed.
Everyone said it was a marvelous trip and they were so glad Huggers offered it. We have great memories in delightful Ottawa.
- Sue Q.
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