Sudbury
The main feature today was Science North. I had never been to Science North since it opened a few decades ago. We had planned to go a few years ago with Corbin, but the satellite attraction, Dynamic Earth, was being expanded.We arrived not too long after the facility had opened. The parking lot, which cost $4.00, was not even partly full, which meant we had a close parking spot. I purchased the Dynamic Duo Passport, which included admission to Science North, Dynamic Earth, an IMAX movie and a Virtual Voyages ride and it was good over three days. A little pricey, but it made for a full day today. We decided that we would the Dynamic Earth attraction tomorrow on our way out of Sudbury.
Our first stop was the Wings Over the North: A 4D Bush Plane Adventure - the wait was not too long (we seem to have good luck on vacations with arriving at certain attractions or events at the right time - in other words, not waiting too long). This is a show that you wear special glasses for a 3D effect. The 4D comes into play with additions such as compressed air and water. Both Jeremy and Corbin enjoyed the show.
We walked up to the exhibit areas and the boys got hands on. After an hour we headed back down to the IMAX theatre to watch Fighter Pilot: Operation Red Flag. The movie was spectacular. The images are so crisp that they look too real. Tina said that she almost got sick a few times, especially the during the take-off scenes. Corbin loved the movie - planes, bombs, missiles and explosions - what else could a boy ask for. Jeremy was a wee bit weary, but survived the show.
Back to the exhibits. Both boys laid on a bed of nails, though Corbin was worried that he was going to get hurt. Jeremy had no qualms laying down. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits and both boys had a great time. We grabbed a bite to eat and lined up for the Virtual Voyages ride. I had some reservations about this since Corbin and I went on one at the CN Tower - it was unimpressive. Now the ride at Science North, is much different and much better - even Tina had a fun time.
After a six or so hour day at Science North we headed back to the hotel for munchies, a swim and relaxation. But that was not too happen. See Part 2 above.
Posted by Adam
Camp Winston to SudburyAfter having lunch at Camp Winston, Corbin said good bye to the staff and we headed up to Sudbury.
We took Southwood Road (County Road 13) north from the Camp to old Highway 169. Southwood Road was exciting. It is a narrow twisty and hilly road - which made for a fun drive. You know you are in trouble when a sign warns you that the road is twisty for the next 22 km and you see additional signs for even curvier sections. We travelled through the quaint cottage country town of Bala.
The drive up to Sudbury was beautiful but uneventful. The Province of Ontario is upgrading Highway 69 into the four-lane limited access divided Highway 400. The only problem we encountered was the passing lane areas. Seems many people are translating the Passing Area sign to mean Speed Up and then Slow Down. It was infuriating. I can't wait till the 400 is built all the way up to Sudbury.
Finding the Holiday Inn in Sudbury was not too difficult - it's on the same road you enter the City from the south. We checked in, relaxed and then headed out for some dinner and some mini-golf. We had dinner at Pizza Hut - it was affordable, fast and provided us with leftovers to eat the next day.
Now about the mini-golf. On the way into town, I stopped at Tourist Information and grabbed some info about places in and around Sudbury. One was a mini-golf place near the Pizza Hut. After supper, we went looking for it but could not find it. Eventually, I saw a place that looked like a mini-golf place - seems the place when out of business. Fair enough, but it looked like it had been out of business for some time - yet the tourism center had brochures about the place. No mini-golf tonite.
Back at the hotel, the business was still listed in the yellow pages. Very odd. So, the family put their bathing suits on and we headed for a swim, in a cool pool. Why can't hotels heat their pools?
Posted by Adam
Well, our arrival in Brantford last evening was interesting. Seems that Jeremy worked himself up so much, that he threw up a few times. He was anxious to see us. Poor little guy.This morning we are driving up to Camp Winston to pick up Corbin before heading on vacation. I'm sure that Corbin will have many tales to tell us.Posted by Adam
Well, I suppose that all good things must come to an end. It's time to drive to Brantford to pick up Jeremy and then head up to Camp Winston the next morning to get Corbin, and then began our mini-vacation of northern Ontario and Michigan.
Oh, almost forgot - and a stop at Stan's Chip Wagon in Brantford.
Posted by Adam
With Tina's help - she did all the edging in the bedroom - I managed to finish both the hallway and bedroom. Both look much better than two days ago. Our bedroom looks fresh and inviting. New matching side tables and a dresser need to be built, the curtains changed and a closet organizer installed. A new door and flooring are all that is left to do - the door this year and the floor next year.Posted by Adam
Today, I began painting the hallway and our bedroom. It was a long, exhausting day.
I did manage to prime the walls and, with Tina's help, get one top coat on the walls. The Blue Silk has transformed our bedroom - no more dirty pink walls AND ceiling. The Amish Linen in the hallway makes it much brighter. Just one more topcoat and it's all over - for now.Posted by Adam
With no kids around the house, Tina suggested to Jen that the four of us should go out for a dinner and movie. Jen found a babysitter for her boys.We headed to Tony Macaroni's in Tecumseh for a pleasant dinner. The food was hot and tasty, but the service was faster than anticipated. So we decided to squeeze in a game of mini-golf - Tina won. Next, it was movie time. We picked the new Transformers movie. We arrived early enough to get good seats. The movie was a riot - non-stop action from beginning to end - the perfect summer time movie. The visual effects were amazing - the Transformers looked real and blended right in with the 'real world'. All in all, a great night spent with good friends.Posted by Adam
The main feature today was Science North. I had never been to Science North since it opened a few decades ago. We had planned to go a few years ago with Corbin, but the satellite attraction, Dynamic Earth, was being expanded.
Our first stop was the Wings Over the North: A 4D Bush Plane Adventure - the wait was not too long (we seem to have good luck on vacations with arriving at certain attractions or events at the right time - in other words, not waiting too long). This is a show that you wear special glasses for a 3D effect. The 4D comes into play with additions such as compressed air and water. Both Jeremy and Corbin enjoyed the show.
Back to the exhibits. Both boys laid on a bed of nails, though Corbin was worried that he was going to get hurt. Jeremy had no qualms laying down. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits and both boys had a great time. We grabbed a bite to eat and lined up for the Virtual Voyages ride. I had some reservations about this since Corbin and I went on one at the CN Tower - it was unimpressive. Now the ride at Science North, is much different and much better - even Tina had a fun time.
After a six or so hour day at Science North we headed back to the hotel for munchies, a swim and relaxation. But that was not too happen. See Part 2 above.
