Southwest Ontario

As we had never been to this area of Ontario before, after the reunion we decided to cross at the Detroit Ambassador Bridge crossing and stop immediately across the border as it is another well known wine region. We haven't done the Detroit crossing in many years. The approach on I-96 through town and right up to the bridge is great with nice roads and not much traffic. But after you cross the river the customs booths are old and the road structure is totally under construction; in a year or two they will be really nice, but we'll still hit Port Huron or Watertown as better choices.

Once across the border and very near the casinos of Windsor we stopped at the Wildwood RV resort and golf course. This is a nice Florida style park with paved infrastructure and about 99% seasonal residents; we were the only daily visitor. Nice park around a pretty golf course and clubhouse.

Near the park on the Detroit River was the little historic town of Amherstburg. Famous for #1 holding off the aggressive Yanks during the War of 1812 and then later as the terminus of the Underground Railroad for slaves in the Civil War. This was the shortest crossing of water between the US and Canada and made this a haven for escapees and their descendants are still living here today.

It was a gray day but as is our habit we sought out the nearest pub for a bite before the physically intensive touring. This is the Lord Amherst Public House in Amherstburg. The flowers .... wow! We haven't see hanging baskets of this size and fullness since Germany, and there were hundreds of them throughout the town.

OK ... lunch. Take a look at the pic above and what would you expect? Probably wrong, eh.

Jo-Anne is sampling a "Stuffed Yorkie" ... not the dog mind you, but with Yorkshire pudding, sauteed beef tips, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, and horseradish fraiche ... $11.

And mine is the traditional bangers and mash with garlic and unique mashed taters with the skins still on, Yorkshire pudding, and fresh veggies ... $16.

All served with a local Merlot from the Pelee Island winery nearby and a Guinness ... yup ... good ... and the T-shirt above the bar came home with me.

Add to that the current savings of the Canadian dollar being about 5% off the US making for an additional savings; every time I go to the ATM, I smile.