Day 62-64 July 26-28 Ottawa 77K

A very relaxed start to the day, everyone full of energy prior to our anticipated arrival in Ottawa. Unfortunately, Dave II had to ride the bus due to a gimped rear wheel. Ah, what's life without a few surprises.
We were met in Arnprior by a contingent of the Ottawa cycling fraternity. It was a beautiful ride through farm land seeing many brick farm houses that dot the landscape. A few impressive lightening strikes had us pausing st the side of the rode for a short time while the storm passed us by.
Our time here was much more than enjoyable. A outdoor concert by the Creaking Tree string quartet at Rideau Hall, a fine meal at one of Carol's old haunts along the Rideau canal ( the Canal Ritz ), a multitude of bike repairs, the Byward market and just generally hangin' made for a very pleasant two days off.
Nancy, Paul, Ed, Elizabeth, Lynne, Lorna, Ian and Renaud ( I hope I didn't forget anyone )all treated us royally and went far out of their way to make sure that all of our needs were met. A special thanks to Mike at Kunstaadt bike shop for doing such a great job on all our bikes on such short notice.
We're going to be escorted beyond the confines of Ottawa tomorrow morning,
after which we will cross the Ottawa river and, bingo, we'll be in la belle province. Can anyone say " poutine! " --Adele and Pat