Fish and Chips Food Review (Tobermory, Ontario)

                        As I continue to talk about my vacation away, today's blog is a food review and is one of two food reviews. I am excited to be bringing you guys this but first this place came to the back of our mind as the other fish and chips place was busy. I do not even know the name of the place but it is near the Peacock's Foodland at the end of the road. It's a small little place and I think it only outdoors and take out. I cannot even remotely find the name of the place but cute quaint place for fish and chips. It was called "All You Can Eat Fish and Chips."  I had the White fish and chips. The fish was nice and soft and tender and melts when you put it into your mouth. It was really, really good fish and chips. Craigie's which unfortunately they do not do fish no more, it's more a breakfast place now.

             Now the fries that came with it was nice and crispy and they were good. I added vinegar which is very rare when it comes to french fries, I'm usually a ketchup guy which I'm usually a ketchup guy which I'm at home but this time around I changed things. Anyways the meal alone I would give a 10 out of 10 as it was amazing meal. It didn't seem like much and I am glad I went with the one piece fish as it was a good size but either way amazing. Only thing that they didn't keep the skin but I use to hate the skin on the fish but I really do not mind the skin. If you are in the area visiting to check it out but I'm sorry that I do not have the actual name but it was good either way and I will talk to you all tomorrow for another food review.

 

 

Chris

Tobermory 2022 Trip!

                    Well this is a trip I will never forget. I will talk more about Thursday at the other half of the day on the podcast this week as it is podcast worthy content even though it was scary. We got up there with 0 problems and it was a busy day of travelling up there. Tuesday, we went to the Grotto and we actually ended up going on the wrong path and the long way around to the Grotto to my dad getting injury # 1 of the trip, cutting the top of his hand and blood coming out. What happened was we went on the wrong trail, we were on Horse heads Trail not Georgian Trail so that was a mistake and a half. Yes these are actual trails up there but if you go up there that is lesson one to make sure you are on the correct trail. We ended up on the bumpy and tough trail to the Grotto. 

                    Wednesday, we were on the Great Blue Heron Cruise around the islands, Cove Island, Flower Pot Island, etc. Was a really nice trip and worth 50 something bucks for the entire cruise as it was an hour and a half long cruise so was definitely worth the time and money to go on and if you ever Visit Tobermory, Ontario, I recommend that cruise or even a cruise to Flower Pot to do hiking. Now Thursday was the longest of days I will talk about the first half and will be jumping over to Friday all of a sudden it's cause I am waiting to talk about it on the podcast on Thursday as it is better platform for it. So we got up at 630 am, dressed and ready, we packed up and got there. We tried to go to Craigies but was way too busy and we should of gotten there but found a bagel place that kicked me out cause of my coughing and it's not my fault and I had my mask on and covering and trying to not cough as much as possible. Anyways we ate our bagel and drinks and got on the ferry and relaxed all the way there. We made it to Grundy which I will be talking about the rest of that day on Thursday at 1 pm EST on Audio ONLY. Friday we headed home and stopped in Gravenhurst to look at the Cruise boats Segwun and Wenoah II which Wenoah II left after we finished eating Pizza at Boston Pizza which a review is coming at Wednesday. We stopped at a park before we left and headed home. Most part that is the vacation and was fun up to the end of the week when it got crazy but stay tuned for the podcast and I will talk to you all tomorrow!

Chris

2 More Things On My Bucket List for Tobermory I'd Like To Do!

                  There are two more things I'd like to do in Tobermory are things I have not yet done with the trip and I took my time to write because I do not remember what the second but writing this part I just jogged my memory so without further ado here is my list of 2 things I'd like to do before possibly wrapping up going up there as I am running out of things to see and do but will always cherish the memories that's for sure but here is my list:

1) Fall Cruise on the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun: Hopefully if things get better soon, I'd like to do the Fall cruise from Tobermory to Owen Sound when the ferry goes back to it's winter birth for the winter time while we have the white stuff on the ground and would be neat to see it in the winter but we do not live anywhere near Owen Sound. 

2) Cruise Around The Islands: There is a 2 hour cruise I'd love to take around the islands on the Great Blue Heron and that is a big big if as of right now we're still in a pandemic right now and nowhere near close to being able to do a lot of normal things right now and probably isn't the right time to be traveling or going on a vacation but it is on my bucket list and my dad's not getting younger it may not happen but least it is on my list either way.

                      There are my 2 things left and I am sure by the time this happens and if I get to do both especially the 2nd one definitely make a visit to the Norisle up there if it is still sitting in the one part of the shores of Manitoulin Island or South Baymouth. but hopefully I can do both but if I had to chose one it would be the Fall Cruise but we'll see and maybe we'll get a chance to do both but this pandemic has to end or it will not happen and my goals will be gone but who knows I have to remain positive. Until tomorrow's blog post have a good rest of your Thursday!

Chris

1 Year Ago I Was On A Spring Cruise On The Chi-Cheemaun!

                             So 1 year ago well about days later from the actual 1 year anniversary, to be politically correct 5 days. I went on a Spring Cruise on the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry! Boy what a long but fun trip and it was weird to see snow there. Also the fact Flower Pot was really quiet and just odd to see anyone and plus the town of Tobermory was quiet and never seen a town so silent and quiet. I still remember exactly what we had, potatoes, Roast Beef and some kind of square which I believe was lemon actually.  I know there was a ton of down time between the departure and arrival but I was always looking around especially when I got around the Grotto. One thing I loved was the Captain blasted the Chi Cheemaun again on the way out at the entrance/exit to Owen Sound Harbor. Also those hanging out at the Grotto as there was 1 or 2 people there if I remember correctly.  I believe there was a few people even in Tobermory when we arrived to greet the boats arrival for the brand new Ferry Sailing Season. Feels like it has been longer then 1 year and definitely a memorable moment. It was neat we got to enter through a side hatch on the side of the ferry which is a very rare occurrence as you normal enter from the "bow" or "stern" as that is the proper terms or the side ramp either side Tobermory or South Baymouth (Manitoulin Island). It was amazing to see what a great turn out it had and unfortunately the ferry service is on hold due to our situation with the virus but glad I got go last year with my dad and my dad traveled from pretty far from the South East end of Ontario like 3 hours away from here. 

                           I would love to complete it all and do the Fall Cruise with my dad next year which would be pretty beautiful up there but we would have to book a hotel and get a school bus from Owen Sound and up to Tobermory. I am on their social media pages liked and following them on a regular updates and asked them questions if I had some. Either way there is 2 more things on my bucket list with Tobermory and that is for another post for another day. It is a fun trip and if you live in Ontario and when this is all done and hopefully things go back to normal, I highly recommend this trip even if it isn't a Spring or Fall Cruise it can be a normal trip from Tobermory to South Baymouth or the southbound trip but it don't matter really what direction but it is worth the time to go up there. Finally I have been doing this trip for ages and like I said there are 3 things still on my bucket list. What the heck really, they are the 2 hour cruise around the islands during the day, exploring Manitoulin more and finally the Fall Cruise. I know the fall cruise will be similar but it will be in the opposite direction which is south down the peninsula.  Either way it was a fun time and I enjoyed it and cannot wait to do the fall one. 

- Chris

Plans For Traveling This Summer?

             So this has been coming in my mind a lot lately and the question I am going to answer for you guys is am I going to go away on holidays this year? Well I hope so! I do not think we will be traveling to the U.S. this year, Minnesota especially but you know I would love to go back to visit cousins down there but again it's a money thing especially to fly down. However I do have 3 places in the back of my mind actually and I am going to mention them in this post:

1) The one place is going back to Pelee Island with my mom and dad as we would love to bring her there but could also be just my dad and I that is undetermined right now. However either way I would love to go back on more time.

2) Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid, New York- Been there so many years ago, I was fairly young at the time but I just do not know if I would ever go back anytime soon it is hard to tell. Also I do not think it would be this year as I do not want to go back to back years going to the U.S. so more then likely be a trip somewhere in Ontario but again you never really know. 

3) Third and finally is Tobermory once again. There is 3 more things on my bucket list I want to do before I finish everything off with what I want to see and do. One is take the Great Blue Heron for a 2 hour cruise around the islands which we have never ever done during the daytime. Still do our trip to the Grotto and Singing Sands Beach as well if we have the time to do that. Finally spend an day on Manitoulin Island and explore the island a bit and yes see the good old Norisle that is sitting there at the shore slowly sinking. Just hope they can restore it eventually it would be nice to actually go on there and see what it is like. 


               There is my list and more then likely this year, my dad and I will be doing Tobermory and just do not the full extent of the plan but the 2 Hour Great Blue Heron Cruise and exploring Manitoulin Island but not sure if we will be able to squeeze in the Grotto and Singing Sands but we can do a full 5 days Monday to Friday with the Friday to come back home after the trip. So I think that is the plan but there is one other thing but it would be quite a travel as we have to go to the U.S. for this but see the Museum where the Edmund Fitzgerald's Bell is which they pulled up after she sank in the water. I'm not sure if I'd ever do it but it is definitely a dream to do and something I'd love to see in person. 



Chris

First Ride On The M.S Chi-Cheemaun Ferry (Throwback Thursday Story)

           So this is very fitting being a week later after going on the Spring Cruise on the M.S Chi-Cheemaun and this was actually inspired while being on the ferry boat that day so that is where today's post came from. Anyways today's throwback story is my very first ride on the M.S Chi-Cheemaun Ferry. Now this is going way back like way back in the late 1990's into the 2000s when my dad and I made a trip up there for the very first time. Now back then Tobermory was different compare to now. The Seaview III was still operating and did even several years ago under Blue Heron Cruise Company which I found out by looking at the boat later on. So anyways, the night of us heading onto the boat and across the lake into Lake Huron was different and it was the first time getting up the next morning at 5 am to get down to the docks for 530 am in advance. Anyways those were the days when the Dockside Restaurant was still around. I remember my meal very well even to this day being 10 + years ago now and it was a western sandwich which had eggs, onion and ham in it and honestly I haven't had a western in a very long time. Of course I remember hanging out on the back deck of the boat and always has been our hangout place.


          Honestly I do miss the old days but we did find another restaurant to go to in the morning of the ferry boat even though we had a very bad experience there and waited till we got to Manitoulin Island which made me very, very crabby person all together. I do not know why the Dockside had to go but it is what it is I guess and have to just deal with it I guess and that is what we had to do but it will be a place for me to definitely remember. This feels like forever nearly 20 years of going up there with my dad and I am sure we will be up there again while he can still make the long trips like that as he will be 75 next year but age does not stop you whatsoever and I think either next year or the year after we are planning to do the Fall Cruise from Tobermory to Owen Sound but we never know what we are planning but it is not the last of us seeing the town of Tobermory, Ontario.




Chris

Chi-Cheemaun Ferry Spring Cruise 2019

         So obviously with the podcasts being late tonight however their all up on the platform makes you wonder where I've been lately. Well I have been away up north yesterday in Owen Sound for the Chi-Cheemaun Spring Cruise. We left early as we had a 3.5 to 4 hour car travel to do and that included the stop for breakfast at Timmies on the way up. Well we got there near 10 am 2 hours before the departure which is more then enough time till we left. As you can see there is a picture of the Chi-Cheemaun sitting in the port of Owen Sound and was easy to find when we got there as it sticks out pretty easily so it is very easy to find between Mid October and end of April when it is sitting in port there during it's winter birth. Anyways we go on between 1050 and 110 am EST and we went in through the side of the boat through a door that is on the car deck of the boat which I never knew there was a door there technically but probably for emergency uses I am pretty much guessing


      So throughout the trip we hung out on the deck towards the stern of the boat and up above where the funnel where the diesel smoke came out which you can see on the left side. We had lunch, they gave up Roast Beef, potatoes, cooked beets, I didn't have green or yellow beans and carrots as I am not much of a green or yellow bean kind of person. Also at the bow side inside we had entertainment and it was good and same with the food as well. We also got to go by the Grotto which wasn't visible and some caves as well. I posted it on my Instagram with tons of pics for you guys to see. I will post up some more this weekend. We also to go by Flower Pot Island and saw the Flower Pots. Also leaving Owen Sound the boat gave two final toots of the horn salute goodbye which was really neat to hear. Also arriving the usual horn and it is like she saying hey I'm back home. So it was a good trip overall even though we had to wait 20 minutes for a bus that wasn't full but still a great trip and both my dad and I are planning on going on the Fall Cruise down the road but we do not know when but it is still in the plans but we got some family vacations setup for the next year and a few months. Boston this year and Calgary the following of the year. 



Chris

I Am Glad It Is Spring Finally!

           I am darn well am happy that spring is officially here despite the really weird still winter esk kind of weather we had yesterday with a snowfall for an hour or two which mind you made no sense whatsoever. Typical Canadian Weather here honestly. So this also means my knees will be more at ease minus the Thunderstorms that come with the nicer weather. But I have noticed in the warmer weather my knees are not affected as much so the colder weather sure does have something to do with the weather with my knees. Also I can definitely can get out more and end of April I will be out as much as I can minus the days I am in the house looking after my mom as she will be recovering from surgery which is this Monday coming up, in 2 days from now. After she is recovered tho, I will be able to get out and I already have plans to travel again at the end of April for an eviction for Big Brother Canada again which will be my last for the season. Also on May 2nd, I will be off to Owen Sound for the Spring Cruise back up to Tobermory so I will be gone all day and it will be indeed a very long day for me with the next morning being a major podcast day for me. 


          I am sure I will be out and about in the start of May too and I am sure the day of the Big Brother Canada Finale, I will be very busy and out and about that day too I am pretty sure of it as I will be running around like crazy  I definitely wanna take the advantage and throw the ball around with friends and hit balls out as I rarely get to do that but at least once a year now. I know both Eric and I will go out and about to hangout and spend time with me and we already plan on a trip down to the lake where we use to film back in the old days of us being on YouTube as a team. It will indeed be a trip down memory lane for sure for not just me but the both of us.  I plan on some trips to Toronto with my dad and I am sure my niece and nephew which I haven't really mentioned them in quite some time but I am planning to get out. There is two local events I want to go to: Maple Festival in Bowmanville and also Food Truck Friday are on the list and it is an excuse to get out locally and attend the events.  Either way I am looking forward to the warmer weather and getting out and getting more exercise and more steps in now then I have been getting recently.





Chris