Christmas in Quebec (almost)

This trip began (as many things this day seem to) with a dog walk. As i was walking around the block on a relatively balmy late December day, just before Christmas, I thought “I think we should just get going and visit our friends in Huntingdon, Quebec. Jean and Hugh live on their farm, and have been very welcoming. And we needed a break from the construction at Hope Street, and from our standard regime.

Somewhat to my surprise, Darlene agreed, and I went ahead and booked places to stay in Kingston that were dog-friendly - both for the way there and the way back. It turned out to be easier than I had thought it would be. And it broke the trip up into smaller, manageable chunks or 3-4 hours per day.

And that’s how we ended up at the Super 8 Motel in Kingston on Boxing Day.

Actually, it turned out that I had booked on-line, and chosen the incorrect date: I had us arriving on Christmas night. Oops, but there was a room (#124) that served us well for the night. And Lily was happy woith it as well, and turned out to be a capable dog for travelling.

The next morning, we had a breakfast at the motel, and headed off for another three-hour drive. The GPS had trouble finding our friends. Their postal address is Huntingdon, Quebec, but the GPS (it turns out) had them in the hamlet of Godmanchester—who knew! But with a short stop in Gananoque for electrons, we were able to get there in pretty good time, and everyone was happy.

Then we had two full days of collegial company, good food and lots of talking, with Jean and Hugh. We admired the work they have done on their house, walked a bit around the property (it was pretty muddy, so not too far), visited the sheep (Lily was curious, and a bit uncertain), and were made to feel very welcome.

We started back on the Friday, again stopping for a charge in Gananoque before getting to Kingston for the night. this time, we had decided to stay in the Hochelaga Inn, a B&B in the downtown area. We were pleased with the coincidences: our room number was 401 (and the highway. we were on was 401); and the Inn was on Sydenham Street! So we felt at home, and the puppy was welcome. A fine breakfast in the morning, then back on the road. Fortunately, traffic was good, the roads were dry, and we made good time, after a longer stop in Belleville to charge up. And we went the 407 because, it felt safer than the 401.

So our first trip overnight with the dog, gong a distance, was a success. We’ll do it again.