Snow Queen Ottawa One

Another day of contented grins.

Our birds-eye view his morning revealed an Ottawa blanketed in white. More gasps.  The monotone city was crisis-crossed with black stripes as the night crews ( a terminology we learned about later in the day!) had been clearing the streets and some footpaths to enable the working day to flow unheeded.

We had planned today's route from above, noting parks, lights and historic areas. Although our first destination was not far, there were too many fairytale scenes to make it a quick walk. Finally in the park, Heather saw her first- ever Totem pole.  Walked over a bridge that straddled the Rideau Canal. When fully opened the 7kms that runs through the city is the longest skating rink in the world. Today the scene from the bridge was simply very pretty. To another park where we met a fellow who was clearing the ice from the steps to an impressive War Monument. He was in for an informative chat, hence the night-crew knowledge! We passed significant monuments all day...to The Fallen, Firefighters who have lost their lives, Indigenous contributions to the development of Canada, Cooperation between Nations...all looking more poignant with their white highlights. We wandered past the 19th century solid stone public buildings, built to reflect the status of Ottawa as the capital.

On advice from the security lady in the impressive Library we embarked on a half hour walk to the Museum of Canada. This time a bridge crossing over the Ottawa River.  Must have been lunch time 'cause there were significant numbers of runners passing us! Impressive.  Also learned of the extensive logging industry in days gone by. Lumberjacks cut the timber during winter and stock-piled it here on the river. In spring they floated it downstream for milling.
Ottawa is in the province of Ontario. When you cross the river, you are back into Quebec province. On one side of the river, the English of the bilingual signs is written first, on the other side, the French is presented first.
Finally reached the museum and had a very average bite to eat. However, the museum was impressive. It actually tells of the Story of Canada and is divided into significant periods of the history. Heather and I wanted the very early time and Chris wanted the era after the English had defeated the French at Quebec.  We went down our respective curvy passageways. The presentations reflected the up-to-date methods of keeping the wandering public engaged. Very well done.

A successful visit to the gift shop followed.  Being 4.45, our emergence into the outside world was in darkness. The night was perfectly still, I could actually walk without gloves, the lights were delightful as we completed the circuit via another impressive pot-revitted iron-bridge to the city centre.  More grins.
Decided that "Joey Rideau" deserved another visit. This time our waitress was an Australian who was to return to Sydney after having used her 2x2yr visas in Canada.  She said that the 7 month winter of last year was bit trying!! In two weeks she will be warm- Sydney bound.

Back to the apt for rhubarb pie and a cuppa.

Below is a selection of photos taken by Heather and I. They reflect our day.

Outside a gallery. 

Typical street scene...Chris investigating a plaque. 

Taken from the museum 

Wonderful mural painted by an Indigenous artist in the dome of the museum foyer. 

Leaving the museum.

A perfect night for a walk.