Today we went with the Merpaws. They wanted us to see the beautiful fall color up in the Gatineau Hills. Gatineau is just north of Ottawa. First we drove to see the country retreat of Mackenzie King- the 10th Prime Minister of Canada for most of the the 2 decades between 1920 and 1940.
The grounds were absolutely beautiful. He had many statues and art work brought in to beautify the grounds.
The home - Kingsmere - is sort of like our Camp David... just with no security. It was what King used as his getaway place. He was a little eccentric: never married, thought he could communicate with the dead, etc.. Still he was very smart - got his PHD from Harvard. The home has been refurbished to the time period, but they won't let you take pictures inside.
It was wonderful to go inside and see what life was like in the 20's and 30's. Then we strolled the extensive grounds and took in all the gorgeous color...which doesn't look nearly as wonderful when you look at the camera's pictures!
We love having Connie and Sheila Merpaw as our tour guides. They have lived here all their lives and know so much about the history of every place we visit. Plus, they feel it is their DUTY to make sure we see and do as much as we can! They have become great friends.
Next we got back in the car and drove up to the top of the hills where there is a gorgeous spot which overlooks the entire valley.
It was a glorious day. We saw gorgeous fall color, beautiful vistas of the Ottawa valley, and had a great time with good friends. As the sun began to set, it became increasingly cooler...reminding us that winter will be shortly on the way!
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