The break since convention has been a real treat. My parents found a campsite on Calabogie Lake just an hour from Ottawa. We spent the week there and did a trip into the city. We had planned on going to Question Period at Parliament but found out that our government goes on vacation for the summer months. We did get to see some charming Mounties!! There was much discussion on whether the maple leaf is shaved into the horses hair or just brushed. If anyone has an idea let me know... We never did come to a conclusion.

Of course another photo of my photogenic parents in front of the Parliament Buildings. For the record they had their 30th anniversary 2 days ago. My grandparents had their 6oth yesterday.

That same week Jenna, Aunt Diane, my parents and I went white water rafting on the world class Ottawa River. What a blast... The best part was when we were in the boat. (Photos 37 through 25)

Twice they let us into the rapids without the boat. Pictured below is the scheduled "body surf." Jump into the water upstream, swim out a ways and let the water take you...

Please note the red lines (below-right). The small one is the size of my helmet, the big one the size of the wave. After riding the first wave there was 3 milliseconds to breathe before being swallowed by the 2nd, 3rd and 4th waves. Apparently in my excitement when I first jumped in, I swam out further than I should have and went down on the outside... Jenna went right down the middle (above-right).... She quite enjoyed it! Smiles come naturally after those kinds of experiences.

The second chance to 'go with the flow' was the opportunity to jump off a 15ft(?) cliff. into swiftly moving water. That seemed a bit more relaxing. Most relaxing was the chance to float lazily beside the raft in the calm waters between rapids.

Following is an example of my new craft. On the paddle is the logo of our tour group: Wilderness Tours.