Saturday, May 16, 2009

Tulip Festival

Sunshine and blue skies visited us yesterday, so we set off for the Tulip Festival in Ottawa. There were many venues, but our favorite spot is the Parliament Hill area so we headed there first.
After we parked at the Art Gallery, this was our first stop. Pretty huh?
The tulips are just about done, but the lilacs are starting to bloom, filling the air with their delightful fragrance. The whole hill behind the Parliament buildings is full of lilac bushes.
We sauntered around Parliament Hill soaking in the beauty of the day and the area. This is a view looking down at our bike trail from the the top of the hill beside the Parliament buildings.
Had to stop for a picture with Laura Secord...
... before setting off on a walk along Sparks Street, then a trek through the Byward Market to shop at some of the outdoor stalls.
As much fun as the crowded market streets were, I much preferred our stroll through a park beside the water at the end of the day. This path wove in and out of the trees all along the Ottawa River, just minutes from the busy downtown area.
We enjoyed a picnic supper in Andrew Hayden park, feasting our eyes on this scene, whilst eating our dinner.

Ahhhh, what a great way to end a totally fabulous day.

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