Ottawa

Our final stop in Canada was Ottawa.  Katie was counting down the miles until we were back in English speaking territory.  We got an early start so we could stop at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum on the way into town.

Just as we got there an ejection seat presentation was starting, so we boggied to the back corner of the museum to take that in.  After that, Katie hopped in an F/A-18 (actually a CF-18, the Canadian version) and did her best Maverick impersonation.

Since we were already in the military section, we spent the bulk of our time checking out all the military jets.  They have flow a lot of U.S.-designed aircraft, but the Canadians took a lot of pride in airplanes that were manufactured in Canada.  Apparently their first Canadian-designed military jet stopped just short of production after some international incident convinced the government they needed something else.  But still a lot of aviation heritage up in Canada, especially now on the commercial side with Bombarier.

Speaking of business, I found one aircraft with Hamilton Standard stickers proudly displayed on the props.  I also spotting a promenant display of the original Goodrich aerospace product, the wing de-icer, a rubber bladder on the leading edge of the wing.

So after our first and only real museum experience of the trip, it was off to the finale, something Katie had planned since the beginning.  But not before checking into the Best Western and checking out Parliament Hill.  Inside was closed but it was still pretty impressive to walk around the grounds.  We walked around the downtown area a little before heading back to the hotel.

Finally the finale!  Katie pretty much planned the whole trip around getting to Ottawa on Friday evening for the Ottawa Redblacks game.  Researching the park and surrounding Landsdowne Park / Rideau Canal, Mike naively thought we could just drive right up the stadium and find parking.  Ignoring some pretty obvious signs, like thousands of people walking in from all directions, we still gave it the old college try.  But we smartened up, headed back to the hotel, and took the bus.  Fortunately we had given ourselves plenty of time.

Unfortunately didn't bring the camera.  There was some incredible spirit for a team that is only in their second season.  But they've been playing professional football in Ottawa for over 100 years.  The rules are different, and with only three downs it forces a funny kind of predictable, but uptempo motion offense kind of game.  Beautiful stadium, great crowd, awesome game!

REDBLACKS took a close one against the defending Grey Cup champs, Calgary Stampeders , 29-26 in overtime.

http://www.ottawaredblacks.com/video/index/id/113569