To beat the heat sometimes you need to leave the city.
I’ve only been in Ottawa for a short time but already I have experienced the mugginess that Central Canada is famous for. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about the heat, especially since I come from Vancouver and we’ve had a fairly wet Spring. It’s just that I’m not used to the sticky and sweaty condition called summer in Ottawa. Like any good Ottawan I decide to escape the city for a few days and enjoy the surrounding cottage country known as the 1000 Islands. Along the way though I take the chance to stop in and visit with my good friends Kris Masseur and Jeff Parks. I’ve heard stories about the renovated Farm House they are living in and I want to check it out for me. So 30 Days In Ottawa is off to the country!
Just a quick 30 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Jeff and Kris live in a small community called Vernon. It is literally on the farthest limits of the Ottawa City Limits. One neighbour pays Ottawa taxes while another pays North Dundas taxes. I’m assuming there is a difference 
Meet my hosts for the night Kris and Jeff and their slobbering Saint Bernard Buddha.
Their home is exactly what I pictured it to be, large and full of old country charm. To respect their privacy I’m not sharing pictures of their private living space but one look at the outside and I think you get the idea. Best of all for me was a beautiful Lilac tree in the yard. One of my favourite flowers and scents lilacs bring back memories of my parents house and the large lilac tree that grew right in from of my parents bedroom. Deep breathe…. Ah… the scent is heaven.
A great meal, a couple of bottles of wine and an early night in bed. Heaven. We are up early though because I’ve been promised a trip to experience one of the counties weekend Flea Markets. Perhaps I’ll be channelling Antiques Road Show and I’ll find a piece worth big $$$. A boy can dream right?
A quick stop into the town of Winchester to pick up some supplies for my 1000 Islands adventures and we are off to the flea market.
We found it. It’s actually a first time visit for Kris as well. It’s always fun to explore something new with a friend I think. It gives you an extra set of eyes just in case you miss something. I’m just along to explore but Kris is on the hunt for some “country” items to decorate the farm house with. I wonder what we will uncover.
What a diverse collection of items we saw. If you can think it we saw it. Here is just a sampling of things we saw. Everything from Jewellery, Silver tea sets, produce and some some funky signs.
There were some really cool pieces though that caught our eye. Kris was especially excited to see some antique milk containers which she is converting to an end table.
I loved the old library filing cabinet and an antique Stop Top/Fireplace Oven. Man if only I had room in my suitcase I would have snatched that piece up.
There is a whole building to explore at this flea market as well. The best thing we saw inside was a lady selling doll houses she builds and decorates.
What a great way to spend a morning and less than an hour from Ottawa. It kind of reminds me of taking a trip out to Fort Langley back home. It’s right there to enjoy and experience but it’s not something we often think of doing. What a shame.
Well this trip was a huge success for Kris and I. I had a great time and Kris came away with her antique milk container. All in all a very successful morning in the country.
We say our goodbyes and Kris returns to her farm house and I head off to begin my retreat to visit Gananoque and the 1000 Islands. I’ll give you a hint. I had such a great time that I’ll be dedicating quite a few posts to my adventures! You can’t spend 30 Days In Ottawa without some cottage country time after all.
Once again thanks to my friends at Ford in Ottawa for providing me with wheels for the trip. This little Ford Focus ST made the road trip FUN!
