This past long weekend (Labor Day) we entertained Rafa, his wife Pilar and son Pablo, from Montreal. We have known this wonderful couple for a few years now, having been introduced to them by Fernanda while we were still in Ottawa. It was their first time here, although they had visited Mont Megantic before and driven up to the observatory, not aware we were living only 15 minutes away! We hadn't seen them since Amy's birthday party in January in Montreal and we were eager to see them again. Pablo and I get along very well and he is such a bright little boy for only 2 1/2!
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| Pablo and me reading National Geographic Traveler together |
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| The next Carlos Santana |
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| Lac des Canards |
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| Pablo and red maple leaf |
We walked down to the swimming lake the next day, Pablo and me wading in looking for frogs and crayfish. The weather was typically late summer on the mountain, warm with clear nights. Rafa and
Pilar were utterly amazed at the starry skies and laid down by a roaring fire every night on a blanket with Pablo, staring up into the heavens and counting shooting stars. While they were down we had a chance to visit Lac-Megantic, walking around the disaster area and visiting the memorial plaques along the new boardwalk, We also drove up to the Mont Megantic observatory where we took a long walk through the woods along a narrow trail that followed a small river rushing alongside us. I think they had a wonderful time while they were here and hopefully when they return the cabin, which Rafa loved, will be empty and ready for them. It is still being used for storage until the house is completed.
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| Me and Pablo, Lac de la Passe |
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| Pablo having fun in the restaurant exploding creamers |
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| St Agnes church, Lac-Megantic |
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| site of train derailment, July 6, 2013 |
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| "On the night of July 6, 2014, a 72 wagon train carrying crude oil derailed in the middle of Lac-Megantic. The resulting explosion claimed the lives of 47 people and destroyed half its historic town centre ." |
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| view of lake from impact zone. This view was blocked prior to the disaster because of commercial buildings |
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| Marie & Pilar |
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| Pablo at memorial plaque |
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| Sitting by the lake |
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| Mont Megantic interpretation centre |
Rafa and Pilar became the newest Canadian citizens recently at a ceremony in Montreal. Now they must learn to walk with a Tim Hortons coffee cup wherever they go, recite all the stats for the Canadiens hockey team and put maple syrup on everything they eat.... Welcome eh and good luck amigos! gws
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| Back to Montréal |
