We arrived back at Maureen and Pat's and spent the evening drinking, chatting and looking at old family photos - much to Graham's dismay, as there were several embarrassing ones of him (thanks Maureen)!

The next day we took a drive into Smiths Falls and went to the Rideau Canal Museum.It's a small museum, but really interesting and friendly, and includes a great film about the canal.There was an observation tower at the top, but the weather was really changeable, and whilst we were in the museum it rained a lot.Luckily when we came out it had stopped, so we went for a walk along the canal and past the War Memorial.We then drove to the Railway Museum, but this had closed for the season and was only open at weekends now.However, the trains are outside, so we just got some photos from the gate!

That evening we went out for Fish and Chips with Maureen and Pat, and it was fantastic.No mushy peas though!We then went to the Legion, where Maureen is the President, as they had a meeting.Whilst Maureen and Pat were in the meeting, me and Graham played pool in the bar, and then watched the 8 Ball tournament that was going on.They did invite us to join in, but the rules seemed very different to pool, and some of them seemed pretty professional with their own cues and special gloves, so we just watched!

The next day we took Maureen and Pat out to Pakenham, for lunch.We had driven through this small town a couple of times, and thought it looked pretty.We parked up along the Mississippi River and took a stroll down the main street, looking in the small gift and art shops.An old lady stopped to chat to us down the street, as she obviously did not recognise us as locals, so she wanted to know where we were from and what brought us to Pakenham.She was very honoured that we chosen to visit her small town on our round the world trip!We then had a fantastic lunch at 'Watt's Cooking' and just in time, as when we left there was a large queue forming for tables there.On the way home we took a detour to see the Mississippi Lake.We began to think that Patrick was leading us on a wild goose chase, as we drove for miles on country roads, but eventually we came back to their house!

On Wednesday we went to visit Graham's Uncle Guy and his wife Belva, at their summer trailer, at White Lake.They have a fantastic view of the lake and a beautiful dog called Missy.We had lunch with them and then took the dog for a walk around the park - I really want a dog!That evening we came back to Maureen and Pat's and had Steak and Kidney pies, which Maureen had bought at the nearby British shop.I think she was helping to prepare us for our return to England!

On Thursday we went took another trip into Smiths Falls and went to the Heritage House Museum.This is a traditional Victorian home (1867-1875) which has 8 restored rooms and many artefacts.There are two unique features about this house, which is why this one was chosen to be restored and made into a museum.The first is that it has a mirror image facade, as one side of the house faced the river and the other side faced the railway, and the owner wanted visitors from either side to feel equally important.The second is that it is the only house in Western Ontario with a two-storey privy!This was thought to be built as the owner was ill, and needed the convenience of an upstairs loo.I just hope there was no one sat on the lower level whilst he went!That evening, Maureen cooked us an amazing curry - Graham you need to get back into practice!

On our last morning we took Maureen and Pat to Dairy Queen, as we had not experienced this place yet and it came highly recommended by Graham's Mum, Pam!It was excellent, but Graham's eyes were definitely bigger than his belly as he could not finish it all.We then went for a long walk around their area to burn off some of the calories.

So, it's back to Ottawa, to visit more family....

Maggie x