Gals' Trip: No Guys, No Stress, No Rules!

 Secret To Summer Happiness

In life, it’s not where you go - it’s who you travel with. - Charles M. Schulz

Second Daughter had me and Favorite Grand/D at Gals’ Trip!

It was bad manners to keep a vacation waiting, so off we went on a four-day road trip to Ontario.

Here are pics to document our adventure.

Life is short, the world is wide. We better get going.

Good company on a journey made the way seem shorter.

Favorite Grand/D had a way of turning our trip into a fun adventure.

I believe in manicures, I believe in primping at leisure, and wearing lipstick.

To travel is to evolve… into a master of napping anywhere.

Waiting at the Canadian border was like a bad relationship: long, tedious, and full of uncertainty.

But we made it.

BONJOUR CANADA!

FIRST STOP, ELORA

First panel: ELORA, one of the many small villages located along the gorgeous Grand River in Southern Ontario, has been called Ontario’s Most Beautiful Village.

Second panel: Former VICTORIA STREET BRIDGE, primary crossing over Grand River in Elora, Ontario

LODGE CAFE serves coffee, matcha, and fresh food in a wood log cabin.

NEXT STOP, FERGUS

FERGUS is approximately three miles from ELORA.

Nestled on the banks of the Grand, historic FERGUS embodies its rich Scottish heritage through its natural limestone buildings, parks and public gardens, trail network, unique shops and excellent restaurants. 

Picturesque Views From Second Daughter’s Morning Walk

First panel, top: LAKE HURON, the third-largest inland lake in the world, boasts of wildly wonderful stretches of pristine coast looking out into the endless blue horizon.

First panel, bottom: BRIDGE MENESETUNG (Laughing Water), formerly a railway structure built to serve the CPR line between Goderich and Guelph, spans the Maitland River near the mouth as it flows into Lake Huron. The bridge stands 60 feet above the river, and its span is over 700 feet.

TEMPLIN GARDENS, located in downtown Fergus, feature a beautiful garden display. A large historical set of stone stairs spiral down the gorge wall to the river’s edge.

FINAL STOP, GODERICH

GODERICH is a small coastal town overlooking Lake Huron, known for its gorgeous turquoise shorelines and historic downtown district. 

Home away from home was HOTEL BEDFORD, a century-old three story walk up offering 35 rooms, dining, and old-fashioned charm.

No amount of smiling at the three flights of stairs made them into a ramp.

A must-visit in GODERICH on Second Daughter’s list was HURON HISTORIC GAOL, a unique octagonal building which served as the County Jail from its opening in 1841 until closure in 1972. 

When one door closes and another one opens, you’re probably in jail.

Sorry, I’m all booked up. Help!

Get me out of here! 

Mama to the rescue! Powered by love, fueled by coffee. Sustained by wine.

Busted out: escaped from jail.

Whee!!!

So, what was to do in-between touring times?

Left panel: Eat. Sleep. Makeup. Repeat. It’s a girl thing.

Wax on. Wax off.

Right panel: There are Brazilian reasons to get waxed.

Razors – eww! Just wax it.

This won’t hurt, right?

No, it will be fine.

GAH!

Oops…

A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it.

SHOPPING

Of course! To shop or not to shop. That wasn’t even a question.

Shopping is an art. I’m an artist. Respect me.

We went. We saw. We did a little shopping.

First panel: Men go shopping to buy what they want. Women go shopping to find out what they want.

We could give up shopping, but we’re not quitters. Just let us shop and no one gets hurt.

Second panel, bottom: VINTAGE shopping. Why buy new when you can buy someone else’s old mistake?

Third panel, top: Shell necklace pendant find by Favorite Grand/D. Perfect for Florida trip!

Third panel, bottom: GOODWILL HUNTING! Life is better when you’re thrifting.

Last panel: DOLLAR HAVEN is proof that you can buy happiness, one cheap item at a time. Where you find a whole aisle of things you didn't know you needed.

FOOD, FOR SURE!

Reminder: food is fuel. Not therapy.

First panel, top: JOLLIBEE's chicken joy and mango peach pie with a side of rice and spaghetti for lunch never fail.

First panel, bottom and second panel: DINNER FRIENDLY SOCIETY is Elora's best-loved neighborhood restaurant. The decor is romantic yet rustic, the vibe is hip and comfortable, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. It is located on the river, steps from the Elora Mill.

Eat to live. Don’t live to eat.

Girl, I’m on vacation!

First panel: DOOR RESTAURANT serves a lunch selection of wholesome and healthy salads, sandwiches, paninis and wraps, and a perfect daily 'soup of the day.'

It offers a view of the beautiful Templin Gardens and Grand River from its dining room.

Second panel: PARK HOUSE BAR AND RESTAURANT offers a recommended fish and chips dish, alongside the highly-praised fish tacos, juicy burger with all the fixings. Its ribs and wings combo has been described as absolutely delicious, perfectly cooked, and tender. The atmosphere is warm and homelike, featuring a wood burning stove.

Last panel: Life’s too short to not eat dessert. CULBERT’S BAKERY is Goderich's oldest and most famous bakery.

Established in 1877, it is well known for delicious sticky loaves, old recipe cookies, tarts and squares, home-made chocolate, holiday foods, buns, bread and doughnuts done the old-fashioned way.

Boston cream pie is life!

First panel, top: BEACH STREET STATION, housed in a renovated CPR train station, is a family-friendly restaurant on the shores of Lake Huron, offering casual fare and breathtaking waterfront views and spectacular sunsets.

Second panel: PADDY O’NEILS RESTAURANT AND PUB is a cozy establishment known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse menu including fresh local fish, pastas, and spicy chicken wings. During warmer months, guests can dine on the patio, providing a pleasant outdoor experience. The establishment is part of the HOTEL BEDFORD.

Together is our favorite place to be.

Does anyone know which page of the Bible explains how to turn water into wine?

Wah!!! Last day already? Let’s live it up.

Yeah, working is great, but… have you tried traveling?

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful. That was how our adventure had been.

Much thanks to daughter I.T.V. for yet another successful, fun, and entertaining venture!

Away is a place where it’s not about the money you spend. It’s about the moments you share.

The secret to summer happiness is a vacation well spent.

Wander often, wonder always.