Ottawa

May 9-12, 2024
AC7712 YTZ-YOW, AC7709 YOW-YTZ

We are big fans of 90s Canadian indie bands, and were really excited to learn that the Trans-Canada Highwaymen, featuring lead singers from the Barenaked Ladies, Sloan, The Pursuit of Happiness, and the Odds, were touring Canada. Unfortunately, the Toronto date had conflicted with our Okanagan Trip, but luckily for us, they also had a concert in Ottawa at the National Art Centre at a convenient time. I also immediately thought of inviting my good friend Lynn, who lives in Ottawa, and who loves the same music.

It was a great weekend starting with the concert, touring around Ottawa during the Tulip Festival, and connecting with old friends.

Ottawa sign in the market adorned for the tulip festival

Parliament Hill, ready for the Tulip Festival

With Lynn and Marnie ready for the Trans-Canada Highwaymen

Trans-Canada Highwaymen at end of an excellent concert

Mixing with the fans at the autograph table

Nighttime sign view on the way back to Byward Market

After the amazing concert, which was an amazing collection of all the hits, we navigated through Byward Market to our hotel.

May 11

After a workout at the gym and breakfast, we reconnected with Lynn to finally make our way to the Diefenbunker in Carp, just outside of Ottawa. The Diefenbunker is a Cold War artifact, that the Canadian government built in the 50’s and operated into the early ‘90’s, as an underground bunker designed to operate a small contingent of the Canadian government in the event of a nuclear attack.

Byward Market decorated for the Tulip Festival

Outside entrance to the Diefenbunker

Making our way down the entrance tunnel

Some of the medical facilities near the bunker entrace

Somewhat dated communications infrastructure

Command conference room

More of the government operations

Contingency CBC Radio studio

Prime Minister's shadow office

Bank of Canada gold vault, built to preserve Canada's gold reserves

After a visit to the Diefenbunker, we stopped for lunch at the Carp Farmer’s Market, and visited more with Lynn, before heading back into the city. We later connected with our other friends Neel and Geoff for dinner.

May 12

Although we had a great visit, unfortunately, Tom and I had a rough night as we suffered through the effects of food poisoning, and although it wasn’t the most comfortable trip, we did manage to get home safely.