A Girls' Only Road Trip

March Break is over already one week but I thought that I would include a little anecdote about another road trip - our "Girls' Only" Road Trip.

Denise convinced me to travel with all five girls ALL the way to Timmins. While most people travel south on March Break the Tamming and Gibson girls headed north.

We met at Orangeville to squeeze the girls and all the belongings that seven women would need for a five day excursion. Believe me, the van was packed. Once all that was possible to fight into every nook and cranny of the van we were off to our first stop in Bracebridge. We planned a stopover at Denise's sister-in-law's home. We would invade the most home that mostly boys resided in. Lisa was gracious enough to allow us to take over her complete basement level of her home. When her two young boys woke up in the morning I think that they were a little overwhelmed to see so many girls playing with their stuff.

The next morning we were on our way to meet Mom in North Bay. She was a bit smarter to stop farther along the trip to make it a shorter drive. It is amazing how well the girls traveled. Although I have to admit that the technological age in which we live helps - in car DVD players are amazing. I loved the fact that Denise made a mixed CD for her and I to listen to . She had captured all the old favourites that we as kids enjoyed and were subjected to - The Gambler, 99 Red Balloons, Girls Just Want to Fun, Wolverton Mountain, - to name a few. I had the pleasure of a chauffeur so my trip was enjoyed with a little nap along the way too. Between Mom and Denise I don't know who was more concerned about me tiring myself out.

Once we arrived in Timmins, we piled out of the van and slid to the front door of the Peloquin household. Yes, we slid. In Orangeville my girls had worn shoes but here in Timmins the boots, snow pants, gloves, and hats would need to be worn. The snow was almost as tall as Sarah. The girls loved tobogganing down the man made hill in the park behind Tammy and Mark's house. It was a great way for them to wear of some of the energy that was bottled up during the trip up. At night the kids found whatever space was available to sleep on in the basement. Courtney and Sarah were lined up on the couch with Ryan lying on the cushions beside. Elissa, Meagan, and Nicole claimed the couch. It was good to see Ryan enjoying the slumber party.

The next day we had a wonderful time was began slowly. After we enjoyed a delicious homemade waffle breakfast, we planned the days outing. It was off to the local alley for a game of bowling, followed by a tour of the wine store. Tammy gave each an explanation of the wine making process. She taught us a couple of wine quality "things" - like that fact that wine has legs - who would have know. Then it was back to the home so that the kids could toboggan once again and supper could be prepared. A nice packed day!

That night we were planning where we should made our stopover on the way back home. Tammy suggested that go to the Clarion in North Bay and swim in the outdoor pool. Yes, you read that right - OUTDOOR. I was very skeptical of this because the girls were looking forward to swimming in a pool and staying in a hotel. For Courtney and Elissa this would be their first time in a hotel - we wanted it to be a grand experience. Once convinced, Tammy made the reservations. We were now committed.

The next day we loaded up the van once again and headed in the direction that most people travel on Spring Break - south. This time it seemed like the trip was longer than going up. It may be due to the number of stops that we made. Aside from bathroom breaks, there was the lunch break and the "bison" statue.

The hotel was very fun. We had planned for the younger women in one room and Denise and I in the other. That way we each had a bed to our self. Wonderful! The girls were excited when the door between the rooms could be opened. Once all the goodies were in the rooms it was time to done our swimming suits. Off to the pool! Now this was a little mind boggling. Every pool I have ever gotten into I had to dip in slowly. First my legs, stop, then my stomach, stop, then the rest of me. Here, my first toe dip was delightful - warm like a bathtub. The girls enjoyed jumping in several times. It was a little chilling watching them climb out of the pool into the cool winter air. They could not get enough of it. After a nice dinner out, it was back into the pool for the evening swim. You would think that it was a hot summer day for the amount that the girls wanted to swim. Denise and I sat on the edge bundled in mittens, winter coats and towels while the girls enjoyed the water this time.

The next morning we could not leave without a morning swim. You should have seen the steam coming off the water. Well, the pictures show a little bit. Take a look at the snow in the background! Crazy but wonderful! We really do need to thank Tammy for this suggestion. It was a highlight for me!

On our way home we made a stopover in Barrie. It was good to see Gene, Monica and their two sons. I was taken back at how much Joshua looks like his dad when he was little. The girls enjoyed playing with the boys for a couple of hours while we enjoyed the catch up with our cousin. Then it was back in the van for the last leg to Orangeville before we parted our ways.

I was glad that Denise suggested this trip. I was good to visit our sister once again but this time on her own turf. It was good to experience something new - swimming outdoors in the winter. It was good to see that seven girls can have a wonderful time on the road. Sometimes it is great to make road trips!