Toronto, Ontario, Canada
While travelling solo in Indonesia back in 1988, Elenka met Renatka Schönbach on the isle of Bali—they’ve been friends ever since. Renatka has three daughters who we’ve travelled with a number of times. She brought her two eldest, Simonka and Ninka with her to Canada for a visit.
Elenka and I have hiked the chaotic streets of Phnom Penh, Kathmandu and Tbilisi in Asia; trekked the busy boulevards in Odesa, Bucharest and Warsaw in Europe; and been enchanted by the avenues and streets of Montevideo, Chicago and Montreal, here in the Americas. Try doing any of this anywhere outside of the CTU in Ontario though, and you’ll be shocked by our lack of urban-ness. Right from the get-go I told the Schönbach trio that there was nothing but trees, rocks and water—oftentimes frozen—in the hinterland. But damned if that’s not exactly what they were looking for, one tree after the next, after the next, after the next, climbing over rocks, swimming in cold waters, and photographing it all.
The first hike was 16 kilometres in the Niagara Peninsula. Next it was the boulders and bushes of the Bruce Peninsula. This was followed by a plan to visit a place called Algonquin Park. My back was very sore and our cats needed company, so I made them take me home. Then the four of them struck off for the Algonquin place.
When they returned to the CTU, I learned that these gals also like urban hiking and biking. My back was better now, so pretty much all of the rest of their time here was spent doing just that. Nuff said, let the pictures do the talking.
Peter
2023-09-18
One of my favourite things about travelling is meeting and making a few lifelong friends. Happy days.
Michele
2023-09-19
Looks like a wonderful visit!
Renate
2023-09-19
It was such a great repetition. Thanks for the time we spent together. Especially the hours by a cocktail in the backyard, made and served by Jacks. Well done. 😎
Majka
2023-09-19
You seemed to have a great time together. There are still some beautiful places we haven’t seen in Ontario.
TOTO
2023-09-19
Look like everyone had a good time
Catherine R O'Reilly
2023-09-25
Did they take time to sleep…..looks like they managed to accomplish quite a bit……..lovely pictures.
margo
2023-09-26
looks like you all had a fantastic visit and went to so many places. I've never been to Tobermory and, the hiking, wow!
Irene
2023-10-07
You both certainly have a way of capturing the true beauty that abounds, every where you go! Ontario is a beautiful province without a doubt, you certainly did us proud. Thanks for sharing AND thanks for the recap starting with your first travels I have never been, but am grateful because I would have missed so much as a run of the mill tourist. You both awesome