Not just another birthday. I am 57 years old today, feel like I'm 27, and am not afraid of 87! Always remember - life is too important to take too seriously!

The folks next door at the Ambassador Motel in the Soo - John and Virginia McDonald from Wawa (enroute to Michigan) - had also heard Basic Black, asked for pictures (granted) and made a generous, unexpected financial donation for wheelchairs in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows. Elaine caught John for the digital photo file. Note to Pooh Central - how are Ridge Meadows residents getting behind our hospital's need?

After a quick T.H breakfast, Colin led the way to Sudbury. He is traveling quickly and with confidence. In fact, he slowly draws away so I must put in a sustained 120 kph burst to catch up (the only time I am not being passed by every other vehicle on the road!).

Blind River was a great coffee stop...and led to the news that a Mini in a field was ours for the taking. Sounded like a typical, rusted out shell (no floors, etc.). Unfortunately, there was no one home to admit us to the field. Colin may follow up on the way home. However, while in town, a young fellow in a typical, rusting Camaro (Ontario's winter salt not GM) asked if we had been to Quebec? He too had listened to Basic Black and would like a Mini. Told him to sniff around town as there was one he might be able to start with!

On getting to Sudbury, halfway at about 400 kms., Colin headed south to visit family, while we forged eastward to the Ottawa Valley. He will connect with his twin, David, in Kingston, Ontario and both will proceed with their Minis to Mt. Orford Park in two days.

We drove straight into town and up to the famous 35 foot Nickel. Norther Ontario is mining country, gold, uranium, copper, nickel etc. and Sudbury is a world-class mining camp. Then it was on to North Bay, home of Canada's national (secret) electronic sleuths, Chalk River, home of Atomic Energy's laboratories, Petawawa, home of Canada's (sadly tarnished) Airborne Regiment, and on into Ottawa. [Our son Tyler qualified as a parachute reservist with the Royal Westminster Regiment. His training took place in part at Colin's home town...Cold Lake, Alberta! Small world.)

We were delayed frequently today by highway construction, including blasting. However, we reached Ottawa before dark and Cliff and Andrea's home for a late supper.

Pooh has covered almost 4,800 kms. so far. We have used 2.5 litres of oil total (remember original, circa 1979 bottom end, and I think it's the tranny shifter too!), no coolant, no air in tires, no repairs...whew. Will change oil/filter tomorrow and bathe the little thing. Pooh is filthy with construction dust etc. but just as loveable and reliable.

Drum brakes need regular adjustment to work well, and they do, up to about 90mph (145km/h). Get to know those six little protuberances! Rear brakes are adjusted clockwise. Front brake adjusters are turned... towards the front of the car. Who said the brakes had to be in the same time zone?