The Noes showing off their new Jeep in front of

the big Jeep sign near Toledo.

We continued north past Detroit and I thought we (actually I -- the others were along for the ride) would try something else new.  I have continued to search for interesting ways to cross into Canada rather than the old bridge crossings in Detroit and Sarnia.  Through research I discovered a ferry that goes from Marine City, Michigan to Sombra, Ontario.  I had never been on it, but thought it might be fun, so we took exit 248 (25 Mile Road) off of I-94 and headed east to Marine City.  We made it no problem to the small ferry.  Only twelve cars could get on and take the 10 minute crossing over the turquoise blue St. Clair River.

Looking across the river from the car.  Missy and Adam enjoy the ride.

The little border entry in Sombra, ON.  It took us five minutes at customs.

Sunset looking at the US along the St. Clair River on the St. Clair Pkwy heading north to Sarnia. 

It was a beautiful drive along the St. Clair river as we made our way into Sarnia.  We passed a number of viewpoints until we got to the large petro complexes south of Sarnia.  From there we hopped on the 402 and drove straight to Woodstock.  I then threw the next surprise that Julianne and I had concocted...Adam and Marissa were told they would share a room with us, but instead had their own room at the hotel...it was so much fun to be able to do that for them!!

July 4, 2008: We had a nice sleep after a long drive yesterday and prepared for our long trip today.  Plans were to visit Shakespeare, Stratford and St. Marys.  (See my earlier trip report about these areas).

Our first stop f the day was a visit to Jakeman's.  The family has thoroughly enjoyed the maple syrup I have bought back before and so we made a quick stop so that they could meet Mary and Bob and their family.  It was a beautiful day and it was also different to see the maple groves all with leaves.

Jakeman's as it looks in the summer time

At left is the Jakeman family: Mary, Bob, Chad, Kimberly & Devin (not pictured is Stuart)

On the right is Marissa, Adam and Joselyn Noe, Julianne and David Kravetz (me!)

They even have some new products out: Beaver, Bear and Moose Nuts!!

I used the moose since I have so many other moose things on my sites

From Jakeman's we headed north through Embro and then to Shakespeare.  I really like this little town.  Lots of unique shops, etc.  Julianne and Marissa also seemed to enjoy it.  We visited Bears Am I and I introduced the family to Sue Gueguen, the master bear maker.  She was working on a quilt bear when we got there and also showed us her "suit and tie" bears, which come from old suits and ties.  These were pretty fun.

Sue works on a bear made from a quilt

Julianne looks at Sue's workmanship; the suit and tie bear; a bear made from raccoon fur

Inside the shop; a construction worker bear greets us; granddaughter Joselyn models some "bear" ear muffs

We also went next door to visit Terianne Miller at Funky Junk.  She has accumulated more flamingo things since our last visit.

Funky Junk has some fun stuff...

...including more of the folk art that I am so fond of

These pieces are made by Sharon Ogden of Kitchener, Ontario

Iron Beaver Industries

We also visited the shop next door to Funky Junk.  Though the gal in the shop was too involved in her book to give us any attention, I did enjoy the things we saw in Mezzo.

Mezzo has some real fun stuff outside...a yard decorators semi-paradise

A metal sculpture; a glass rendition of Gustav Klimt's "The Kiss", which is one of Julianne's

favorite works of art; then a crane made from brass and copper

I like the uniqueness of Shakespeare with all of their little shops.  Here is a collection of photos of places in Shakepseare:

A typical house; Chanticleer; an old antique shop

Bears Am I, Mezzo and The British Touch

And we can't forget the Quilt Place...Julianne was on this trip mind you

Before we left Shakespeare, we stopped at the highly recommended Rose Marie's for lunch.  They were celebrating Christmas in July.  They all walked and I drove down there with the car.  We enjoyed some great sandwiches and soup and then finished off with Christmas pies.

Rose Marie's...Merry Christmas in July

A few of the flowers seen in Shakespeare

From Shakespeare we headed to Stratford.  Along the way we ran into another wood artist's place...funny that I missed it before.  The place is called Robbin's Amazing Art.  He is one of many Chainsaw Woodcarvers.  I have not actually visited him, but we did stop outside his place and get a few photos to add to my collection of strange and interesting folk art work.  I really did like his creativity.

Robbin's Wood Carvings: Bears and angels

Dolphins and eagles

A dancing pig and who knows what?

We made it into Stratford and our first stop was to see the swans.  Marissa was really excited about this and looked forward to getting pictures of Joselyn with the swans.

Marissa and her third eye

Missy and Adam enjoy the swans of Lake Victoria

A couple enjoys mingling with the swans from their canoe

A tour boat trudges by...and a closer view of the beautiful lakeside home

After seeing the little tour boat, Julianne wanted to go take a ride and we all thought it might be a pleasant break from driving on the road.  The lake is in a beautiful setting in the midst of Stratford.

Boat tours are taken from the tourist office in Stratford

Paddleboats are also available as are "Boathouse" Cones

Our pilot takes off and Marissa, Adam and Joselyn enjoy the ride

Julianne enjoys a Boathouse Cone while David looks on

Three of the many bridges to be seen on the lake

Long boats are stored on the lake out of reach

A beautiful tree lays on the lake as folks walk along the shore

Downtown Stratford as seen from the lakeboat

One final look at the swans

Stratford has a lot of little shops and sidewalk cafes.  Unfortunately, we didn't really have time to see them.

A couple of shops and the tower that overlooks the Shakespearean Gardens in Stratford

From Stratford we meandered our way to St. Mary, Ontario.  Marissa wanted to see the large murals on the building there.

Some parts of the murals on the side of the community building in St. Marys

The water falls on the river in St. Marys

It was a long day.  We soon returned home, but, Marissa being pregnant and all, she needed to stop. We tried a couple of Variety Shops but they did not have a public restroom so, here we have...

:

....Marissa in a pit stop

July 5   July 6

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