Explore the Bruce Adventure Pass

When it comes to travel I always try to find the positive in every unexpected turn of events and take it as an adventure not a horrible experience...so this review was not the easiest to write.

Weather in Bruce County changes quite fast -
 this torrential rain lasted 15 min

10 years ago the +ExploretheBruce started as a school project and it promises to take any participant on a County wide scavenger hunt in search of 12 different attraction points. The Passport is supposed to provide directions to 12 "passport points" where a clue is located. figuring out the clue gets you to a box in which a hole puncher is placed. Each point has a different shaped hole punch to prevent cheating and each year the attractions are changed.

In theory it sound like a great thing, especially when you add the fact that the completion of the passport (7 or more locations) qualify you to a draw for different prizes. Unfortunately, this years adventure came with quite a few issues.

There are a few ways to get a copy of the passport. You can get one from any point on the map, from past or present sponsors, from visitor information areas or print one from your computer. 

After looking over this year's Passport Stops I decided that we can hit at least one before reaching Tobermory (which is where the first stopt is located), so I tried to print the passport out...this turned into a huge frustration.

The PDF is not sized to a regular sheet of paper and this causes huge problems when printing (if you use Windows), you either end up with a portion of the page or a small rectangular image going from the top of the page to the bottom (too small to read and no way it can be hole-punched). So, on to option two, find an Explore the Bruce box and get the needed copies from there. I did download a copy of the passport onto my phone (just in case)

With the exception of Point # 3 there are no actual directions to any of the points, just a general location. The maps that are attached are also very general not providing the exact spot of the clues. Ok, so we all use GPSs these days so why not just enter the coordinates provided and get to the clues...but to me this is the first missed opportunity. This could be a perfect opportunity to teach kids to read a map and follow directions...and keep them from asking the beloved question " Are we there yet?". 

You could enter the coordinates in your computer and write down your own directions or print out a google map with directions for the kids to follow from the back seat (we will try that for the rest of the stops next time).

The directions to stop #3 (Skinners Bluff) are provided from Wiarton, however if you are on your way to Tobermory from Toronto the GPS will take you on a different road, DO NOT listen to your GPS (wow that is the first time I ever said that), you want to make sure that you enter Colpoy's Range Road from Concession 24 and not from the other side, which is the way we did. The GPS took us on a scenic road from Owen Sound using Gray Road 1 then Coles Side Road and finally Colpoy's Range Road. 

This is when the puddles started with the first of the big puddles
in the distance (once the road got worst taking photos was the last
thing on my mind)

When you enter Colpoy's Range Road from Coles Side Rd you will notice a sign warning you that this is an unmaintained road, this did not mean much to us because we used unmaintained roads in the area before and they were just gravel roads, which is what the first 500m of this road looked like, however this road should have said "if you drive a sedan turn around NOW". The road itself is only wide for one car so if there is any incoming traffic there is nowhere to go, and this is not even the scary part.

After 500m we found the first puddle, and then another...and another,and..you get the idea...the road started to climb a bit and the puddles got wider and longer. Learned a new thing, how to gage the depth of a body of water. When the puddles got wider then the car and longer the half of the car length my husband started getting out in front of every one and tossing a stone in the middle, this told him the approximate depth of the water (cool trick to know). The last puddle was the entire width of the road and longer then our sedan, the water was deep enough to make a wave when we drove into it and for a moment I was certain the engine would choke, but we got out. I was just starting to be enjoy the dry road when we saw that the road suddenly became very rough and to top it off it was climbing again. We drove 3km on this road and had 800m left to get to the clue the only thing between us and the end of this nightmare was a 300m 15degree incline, if you are in a SUV or a truck this is no problem, but if you drive a sedan this is not something you want to try for fun. We are lucky, my husband is a good driver with extensive car knowledge, so if it is technically possible he can drive thru/over it, but even he was extremely reluctant and if it would not have been for the 3km of road full of puddles including the last huge one. So, up and over we went. It was the most terrifying part of the road with a cliff on one side and a huge drop on the other, a 15 degree incline and no cell signal...perfect.

Once we got over that "hill" the road got better, no more inclines or puddles. We were very happy to have made it an now all we wanted to see is that parking lot the pamphlet mentioned. We drove all the way to Centre Road and found no clue, no yellow marker.

As happy I was when I saw the paved road I was just as angry at the time waisted with no result...but we were all in one piece and the car did not suffer any damages (just looked like she rolled in mud). 

We decided to stop in Wiarton to stretch our legs and relax a bit before trying any more of this...adventure.  We parked near the visitor centre and while my son ran for the playground followed closely by my husband, my daughter and I decided to try to see if Willy the groundhog is out in his little observation area. Even with the hot summer day he was not interested in all the curious faces waiting for him outside, but if you wonder inside there is pakedermy of the previous Willy standing proud in a case on the corner of the counter. The good news was that between the information pamphlets on the wall next to him we found copies of the Explore the Bruce passport. 

Giant kites being launched on the Wiarton beach

After my daughter took a photo next to the Wiarton Willy's statue we reunited with the boys and while we enjoyed the country music the kids played in the pirate ship shaped playground. Because it was 1st of July there was a concert going on and different food vendors as well as arts and crafts stalls. We wondered around a bit when the kids got bored and came across a stall that was selling popcorn ( Prancing Pachyderms Kettle Corn Co) and got a bag of maple popcorn for only $7. Delicious!

It was getting close to lunch time so we took off for Tobermory and Passport Stop #1.

We parked the car across from the Princess Hotel since the parking lot by the dock was full and we were walking back to the dock when my daughter spotter the Explore the Bruce box (we never did go to see the clue since we spotted the box first). After this mornings disappointment we were glad to find this one so easy. For those that are planning to do this scavenger hunt I will not divulge the exact location, but I will say that it is by a landmark.

For lunch we decided to try the Crowsnest Pub, they have the best view of the dock. and a nice patio that can be enjoyed on sunny days. We opted for a booth inside since it would be easier to handle our 3 year old son. The pub was packed as we arrived at the end of the Argentinian game and there were plenty of fans glued to the big screens. A booth became available next to a big group of fans and we were able to sit down and ordered. 

local art

historic images of the area are displayed as you go up to the pub

kids meal

There is one dish that you can not go wrong with in Tobermory and that is Fish and Chips...and that is exactly what we had, white fish and chips. 

I know that not everyone is a soccer fan but we are and there is something contagious and exiting about watching a good game side by side with fans of the winning team. By the time our food arrived the game was over and the fans paid and left. The food was very good (4.5 stars). If I had one complaint or suggestion for this place would be for them to invest in a few high chairs with seatbelts. 

After lunch we left in search of Stop #4 Fen, Oliphant. Now, Oliphant is a town between Lion's Head and Sauble Falls, the direction to the next clue simply says "located at northern entrance to the Fen" there is no mention if this Fen is a town, a street...or what?...Turns out what we were actually looking for is a wetland area boardwalk called "The Fen". We only figured this one out because some locals pointed us in the right direction. The clue itself is easy on this one so I will not give it out at all.

Stop #5 Sauble Sand Dune was selfexplenatory once we actually found it but, because we are not from the area we took a few wrong turns. The directions simply said "located in the parking area" so we drove to Sauble Beach and looked around the Sauble Beach sign, we showed the pamphlet to a few locals, that sent us to the parking lot where the public washrooms are, then to a different Sauble Beach Dunes which is a few km away. I was getting frustrated when a local pointed out that the photo on the pamphlet is of the sand dunes next to the highway. So back we went towards Oliphant and found the huge dune that we drove by on the way to Sauble Beach and for the first time noticed what they called the parking lot. The clue sent us up to the top...I did mention this as the climb to the top starts as fun and by the time you are half way up you realize it is not as easy as it looks (unless you are in shape) and if it is a hot sunny day it may not be such a bad idea to take your water bottle with you.

On the positive note, in 11 years of driving by this dune we never considered to climb...we did it now.

With so much time waisted on looking in the wrong spots we decided it is time to return home and return on a different day.

Since we had to fill up on gas we ended up in Mildmay where the gas attendant told me that we were only 2 blocks away from the Artesian Well (Stop #9). I convinced my husband to drive up to it with the excuse of needing water and why buy when we are just a skip away from "the most delicious water in the County". The well was not hard to find, but when it comes to the clue I will tell you only that you do not need get back in the car.

With our passports stamped and fresh water...and a few mosquito bites we were finally on our way home.

So with mixed feelings we finished this adventure only to contemplate how will we complete the remainder or stops.

Until next time 

happy travels

Flight delay and my best flight yet

Have you ever thought about the best airplane ride? I am sure you can go on and on about your worst, but the plain uneventful ones get lost...What if I tell you my best was my worst?

My father used to tell me often that "you catch more flies with honey then with vinegar"...probably because I was always quick to anger and never shied away from saying exactly what I thought, but I never put much thought into it until faced with a pissed off check-in agent on what I hoped will be my perfect anniversary trip with my husband.

I must have been just as angry as the check-in agent because the same man that upset her was the man that just cut infront of me in line and spoke loud enough to hear how rude and ignorant he was, but I must have been more determined to not ruin my trip before it begins because what I did surprised even my husband. I approached the agent with a smile on my face, said good morning and apologised for having to deal with such a rude person and added "I sincerely hope the remainder of your shift will be the complete opposite". She stopped and looked up at me, she must have been at least twice my age (not that it mattered) and she smiled back....she even thanked me....I never thought more about how what we do can affect the outcome of our experience. We got checked-in and pointed in the right direction very quickly and strolled through the security checks with a smile still on our faces. 

Our next hiccup came at the check in gate when I pointed out to my husband that the crew was boarding..which meant that we will be boarding soon...about 5 minutes later my husband asked me "and what means when the crew leaves the plane?" I started laughing until I looked up from my book and noticed he was not joking. Before I could answer the agent at the boarding desk told us we will actually be leaving with the plane parked at the gate next to us and boarding will start about 5 minutes late. All the luggage from the first plane hat to be transferred to the second plane in a hurry. I looked at our carry-ons and smiled.

The flight from Toronto to Miami was uneventful (other then the turbulence that seemed to last the entire flight). 

When we landed in Miami we were advised by the pilot that our plane changed gates and we now had to make our way all across the airport to a satellite building to get to our flight to Costa Rica...did I mention we had a 1 hour connection? it was hard to not let the panic set in because I knew the Miami airport was huge and I never been in it before, but as soon as I stepped in it and asked the first agent for directions she reassured me we will be there in less then 5 minute....and she was right. The signs with directions were everywhere and the train that takes passengers to the satellite building runs every minute, but when I got to the gate there was no boarding line and just people seated and waiting. 

I have to admit my first thought was we missed the plane, and when I approached the boarding agent was told to sit and wait for the announcement. Well we did not miss the plane but the announcement was not encouraging, maintenance was on-board.

After a few more of the same announcement we were boarded in a plane that took a few more minutes to cool off (no air-conditioning when maintenance was on-board), but we were on board and just when I thought this is it....the pilot advised us that an oil leek was discovered when the pre-flight checks where done and they where in communication with Head Office requesting permission to proceed. 

This is probably the point where you want to crawl under a rock and give up...right? Well this is where one flight attendant made a huge difference. He started strolling up and down the aisle saying Hi to people and asking them random questions (where are you from?...what is you final destination?...) this when on until he made it to the first kid and asked him if he wants to see a magic trick (what kid would say no to that...) he made his way from first class all the way to the back of the plane repeating the same trick. Ok, nice , but then he when back to the first class and started a new trick....by the second or third trick even the adults were more interested in how he did the trick then what the captain was saying. 

Our attention was so concentrated on the entertainment he was providing that we did not notice more then an hour passed before we were asked to leave the plane to board one at the next gate. (Toronto all over again)....when we were back in the waiting area of the airport My husband finally understood why I was smiling at our carry-on luggage. You see we had 10 days planned in Costa Rica but not more then 2-3 night at one location and only the first and last night in the San Jose, so lost or delayed luggage would have been something that I could not afford dealing with (we travelled only with carry-ons and no checked -in luggage).

When the boarding agent advised us that the crew exceeded there flight hours (only 8 hours from first flight to landing the last) the people were upset...but when the same agent advised us that we get to keep the flight attendants the same people were applauding and happy...

  

Most people know that just like weather delays, mechanical delays are out of anyone's control and no, the airline does not have to compensate you for it, but they have to keep you informed and the information provided and how it is provided makes the difference between a horrible experience and a "hiccup" in my book....and the actions of that flight attendant made this unpleasant experience into something that I will always remember with a smile on....it was the best delay ever and if every delay would come with such a wonderful person I would not mind even if every flight would be delayed.

Shortly after that we received a $10 food voucher per person (4 hour delay) and 1 hour later we boarded a different plane were a complementary blanket, pillow, snack and headphones were waiting on each chair.

So here is the story of my most memorable flight.....what was your best flight experience?

Until next time happy travels.

Adventure Day - Private tour in Arenal

After a long day of emotional rollercoasters and almost no food it was nice to know that we had a private driver that will be waiting for us and taking us to all the places we wanted to see...and more importantly, he knew exactly where to bring us back to.

The private package we picked was is my opinion the perfect one to see the most of the area's attractions....but before we even drove a few meters from the resort entrance the driver slammed the breaks and the car came to a halt...I was about to ask what happened when he pointed up a tree and the guide sited next to him got out the car quickly and opened our door very quietly "Come out, and see the ...bird". He got his book out and started flipping pages until he found what he looked for " in English you call it ...Peregrine Falcon"...we started smiling and got out of the car to see a beautiful falcon very high up in a tree....we really needed to get used to this, it seemed that every guide and driver understood how important and interested we were to see the wildlife and they always stopped to point them out.




After a nice drive we arrived at the National Park where the guide took care of the entrance fees and started our tour.








It was around 11:00am by the time we arrived, so I had no great hopes for any wildlife photography....for that we should have been there at dawn or dusk when most birds leave/return to their nests, but the jungle is beautiful and the hanging bridges are a must see.

Our guide took us on the a snaking hike through the park while providing interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the region as well as information about the area and the Arenal Volcano. One of the first hanging bridges we crossed gave us a breathtaking view of the volcano and instantly made me regret that we could not stay an extra day to take a hike up part of it ( an other very interesting tour available).










While, as I expected, we did not see any birds (heard a few), we did however see some leaf cutter ants and some lizards. One of the lizards that captivated me was one that had the tail a different colour then the body.

The trail that we fallowed took us over a few bridges and closer and closer to a waterfall that looked very small from afar...but was surprisingly tall with huge boulders at the bottom of it.






I should mention that if you have the same love for heights as my husband has you should not look down when you cross the bridges and you way wanna wait until everyone else is off the bridge before crossing, as it does move a bit and if you have someone coming from the opposite direction it becomes quite snug when passing....the view from the middle of each bridge it is well worth getting over any fear of heights or bridges.    

                      

The trail ends in a nicely groomed garden with lots of flowers and shrubs that attract a huge number of different butterflies.

           

Our driver was waiting for us and at the guide's suggestion we agreed to change our lunch destination. We did not know the place that we were suppose to go to in the first place so going to the restaurant that was on the property where the guide was employed seemed like a good idea...and it turned out to be a great choice.

The restaurant was part of the Hotel Castillo del Arenal, and it has a beautiful view of the Arenal Volcano. When we arrived the restaurant was empty so we were able to get a table by the window and enjoy the majestic volcano while waiting for our lunch. The lunch that was part of our package included only juice as a drink, but when we saw Mirinda on the menu (a Pepsi product similar to Fanta and Cplus...only better) we had to order it....the last time we had it was when we left Europe. We ordered one of the fish options after consulting with our guide that assured us that it was the catch of the day.

We took our time and enjoyed our meal and the view. Most of the clouds forming around the volcano cleared by now and with the help of my camera's zoom we got a good look at the side of the mountain where the lava would be visible during the night...now it looked like sandy ash.

A small banana tree was growing on the edge of the hill next to the restaurant and on the other side across the road on one of the trees a turkey vulture was perched looking for pray in the valley bellow.



Our driver returned to pick us up shortly after we payed for our bill (the drinks). Because the tip is calculated  as a percentage of the bill we added a bit more to it because she served us more then just the drinks. I should mention that we always tip based on the service and I have no problem with walking out without tipping if service is that bad, on the other hand I tend to add more then the costumery percentage if the service is very good.


The next stop on our tour was the La Fortuna Waterfall (the fortune waterfall). The fall is fed by the Tenorio River and has a 200 feet drop into an emerald pool.

                         


The decent to the fall may be a short one (about 10 min) but it is not an easy one. Going down I had the mountain wall on my right and the jungle on my left...no railing to hold on to and the wall and stairs going down were wet from the humidity in the air. There was not much air movement and the mid day heat was getting to me...we stopped a young couple and found out that the hike back up will take us at least twice as much. It was the first time that I gave up on a hike, but I do not do well with heat and humidity and I was feeling my chest closing in after less then 5 minus so we headed back up.





At the top of the trail we found a nice observation deck with the best view of the falls and we spend a bit of time enjoying the view and the breese.

We return to find out driver waiting for us in the parking lot, we explained that I am the only one that swims so we decided not to get in the water (much simpler to explain...)






He took us to the Baldi Hot Spring Resort next where he talked to the desk and gave us our day pass bracelets and we booked our buffet dinner time-frame so he knew when to pick us up.






The Baldi Resort has a few different pools with water at different temperatures including a hot pool with a smaller cold one in the middle, one with 2 slides (do not use if you do not swim...is all I will say about them) and even a pool with boiling hot water surrounded by signs not to touch the water and benches.




The small shallow pool with extremely hot water is creating a open air sauna...this was the first time I was able to enjoy and understand why my husband enjoys saunas so much. While the air was humid and hot, similar to the one in the traditional sauna, here there was a different air circulation that did not gave me that sensation of suffocation that I usually get in extremely hot places.

     

The resort is big, the grounds are very well maintained, and the property is clean. They offer towels and lockers for the day pass holders and a nice selection of drinks at the bars.

The rain started, but only lasted about 20 minutes and was followed by a nice orange sky and a rainbow....we dried off, changed and went to have dinner.






This was our first so called all-inclusive resort buffet experience and I was not at all impressed. We were seated at a table for two and decided to take turns getting our food (by this time we had our small backpack and valuables with us). The buffet offered a nice variety from salads to desserts and fresh fruits...and every course in between.



The staff was friendly and attentive cleaning any finished dish immediately and refilling all the water glasses....our dislikes came from the other guests...or some of them...that seemed to have forgot there manners home. A few young ones decided that they looked too good to wait in line like everyone else and it made me laugh when the server just skipped them and served the person after them that they cut in front, he must have done this at least 5 times before an older lady pointed them out where the line starts. The other thing that made me cringe was the amount of food left in the plate....did they really thing they can eat that mountain of food in one sitting? What a waste.

After dinner we left the property and found our driver waiting for us to take us back to our resort.

Oh, bed sweet bed! it looked so much better when not starved.

Until next time
Happy Travels