Travelog for: Thrud

...time to say good-by to the Rideau Canal (that's my buddy "Grin" sitting with me)...

...and time to say hello to more adventures.  We pass some great spring scenery from the train as I travel with my hosts back to their home....

The very first thing we did when we got back, was to go in a fund-raising walk - here I am in  front of the sign before the start - Kid's Help Phone is a great cause and I'm happy to do my part!

The very same day my host brought me along to visit her spouse who lives at the Continuing Care Centre at the local hospital.  He was severely damaged by a stroke some years ago and she visits him frequently.  Along with working full time and helping to look after her mother, my host finds it difficult to have time to make my travelog updates - but she's trying!  She tells me that I will be sent to my next host via something called CANADA POST - I am enjoying this - at the end I hope to be able to sing...'what a long, strange trip it's been' because that is one of my host's favourite songs!

I finally arrived at THE icon of St. Thomas...the life sized statue of the world's largest elephant JUMBO!  Alas, he was undergoing renovation and I could not experience him in all his glory as you can see from the scaffolding...but to give you an idea...my host will post a photo taken of Jumbo this past winter...when he was wrapped in blue shrink material to protect him from the elements.  And another time he was painted with PINK primer!  He was a very popular elephant at that time - people came from miles around to see the pink elephant. 

Here is the winter photo - this was the first time they wrapped JUMBO - a local group knitted a scarf to go with his 'coat'....

This plaque tells you about Jumbo's history - if you need more information on JUMBO or ST.. THOMAS ONTARIO, you could Google it (or maybe "Good Search" it...that search engine supports charities...)

It's not easy living in a town that is famous for killing an elephant....

It was very nice living with Iggy and Cali these past few months but it is now time to spread my wings - and what an opportunity!  Iggy's niece is home for a visit but she will be leaving again soon and is heading to Australia!  So I will be packed up along with at least one of her trolls and together we begin the long journey to down under - will everything be upside down?  Who knows?  But I've been told that I'm in for a wild ride with my new host!  This is a picture her - my new host standing with me in front of the refurbished Caledonia railway station.  Next time you see me, I will be on my way!!