Arrival in Toronto on first day - 16 September 2009

As I did not have access to freely available PC facilities on the trip I am posting the following comments and those on subsequent dates as I have opportunity after my return to the UK.

The flight to Pearson International Airport was uneventful and arrived an hour early after a trip of only six hours. Fortunately I had the good company of two ladies who proved to be most amusing company.

I had intended to take the Airport Express bus to the Radisson Hotel on the Harbourside, but one of the ladies was being met by her daughter who had available transport and who kindly provided a lift.  Her name was Alison and she was employed by the Canadian Girl Guides Association.  Not only that, but as an expat from the UK turned out to be an Everton Supporter and member of the 'Toronto Toffees' supporters' club. It truly is a small world!

After a short trip out downtown and dinner at the Richtree Market Restaurant, a favourite of Joyce and myself, I retired to prepare to revisit places I like in theToronto area on Thursday. My hotel?  Overlooking Lake Ontario almost in line with the base of the CN tower above.

Dave and Chris Whitehead meeting 23-24 September

Well that is great news!  Dave and Chris will be free to meet me on 23-24 September and we can catch up on life in general and recall our misspent youth in particular, no doubt with a strong seasoning of information about former companions both male and female at the Wallasey Grammar and High schools together with reflections on the rectitude and intelligence of our behaviour as scholars (in the absence of a suitable alternative description) there during the 1940s.  The latter should take all of five minutes!  I may also have the opportunity to meet again Vicky, their daughter, whom I last saw as a small child living near Kendal in the UK, as she now lives in Toronto.  Dave and Chris have settled in Fergus, Ontario some 1hr 40 minutes drive from downtown Toronto where I shall stay at the Radisson Admiral close to the Harbourfront.

Itinerary 16 - 25 September 2009

I leave the UK on Flight TCX88K from Manchester at 12.35 on 16 September 2009.  I shall stay at the Raddison Admiral, Toronto for two nights, then leave for Gravenhurst Friday 18 September on the 08.40 Northlander (above) arriving at 10.50. The wedding is on Saturday 19 September at the Marriott Residence Inn, Muskoka Wharf, where I shall stay until 22 September returning on the 16.10 Northlander for Toronto and back to the Raddison Admiral. My return flight to Manchester is TCX14L leaving at 19.55 local time Toronto on 24 September arriving back in the UK at 08.00 UK time on 25 September.

Wedding of John and Barbara Ann at Muskoka Wharf 19 September 2009

I have been invited to the wedding of cousin John Klinck and Barbara Ann Chidiac in September, and, apart from the pleasure of joining them and members of my extended family again on this wonderful occasion  I am taking this opportunity of revisiting a part of the world that holds dear memories of the many visits that Joyce and I made for over 30 years. If possible, I shall also see if I can meet up with an old school friend, Dave Whitehead, now living in Fergus, Ontario, while I pass through Toronto en route to Gravenhurst.

The above photo is of the vessel Segwun in the dock of Steamship Bay where the new hotel has recently been established.