Travel with Kevin and Ruth: Humane society and fishing

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Humane society and fishing

Monday morning we went and met for coffee with Mary and Blair, a retired Ottawa couple who are now living in their Airstream trailer, however have booked this winter at an Airbnb in Mexico.

They've been reading this blog for a while now, and wanted to meet up. And we like to meet our readers!

Of course there was lots of discussion about travel and Mexico.

Kevin, Ruth, Mary, and Blair.

A nice sunny morning in Ottawa!

In the afternoon, we went and visited with my mom, and then drove down to the Ottawa River at Remic Rapids to see the balancing stones.

The project is supported by the local government.

This is the guy who builds them.

Looking west at the Ottawa River.

Tuesday morning, we went to visit the Ottawa Humane Society.

My sister has been a dog walking volunteer there for over 25 years. So just for something different to do, I thought it would be interesting to take Cameron there and show them what they do and meet some of the animals.

It was a little disappointing.

Cameron and Ruth waiting outside the fancy Ottawa Humane Society building.

I remember at the time when they constructed this facility that it cost $12 million to build back in 2011 and there was a bit of an uproar due to the cost. I had never actually been there, but considering the Ottawa Humane Society is mostly supported with charitable donations, it seemed that this was a bit of overkill. Yes, the old facility had outgrown it's original design, but why did they need to build such a fancy building?

Anyhow, Elaine showed us around but the real disappointment came because we weren't allowed to associate with any of the animals. Far too many rules. I guess the lawyers have told them that if the general public gets a scratch or a bite they might get sued. I asked why we couldn't just sign a waiver or something, but then was told that they also limit contact because germs might get transferred. Okay, whatever. The receptionist suggested I visit a petting zoo!

I remember going to visit the Humane Society when I was a kid and you could just go in and pet the dogs and cats.

Life was better in the 1970's.

My sister Elaine at the Ottawa Humane Society.

Across the road from the Humane Society is an Audi dealership. Cameron spotted this, and wanted to go over to see if they have his favorite car on display... the Audi R8...

Yes they did... all $270,000 CAD ($196,000 USD) of it!

Audi R8.

After lunch, we met up beside the Rideau River with my old friend Russ. Russ is an avid fisherman, and so is Cameron! So Russ agreed to teach Cameron a few things about fly fishing.