An online home where I write, teach, publish, and explore
By Michael Downing Last semester, after I completed a required online training module at my university, I provided feedback to the university training coordinator. The point of my feedback was that there was more than one “correct” answer for at least two questions. The coordinator thanked me for the feedback and told me that the... Continue Reading →
We left the hotel, made our way across the Rideau River, down to the 416 all the way to the 401. I haven’t said much about Canadian drivers but they are definitely aggressive and can be inconsiderate. Curious that a culture that is so dedicated to being kind leaves that behind when they get... Continue Reading →
We stayed just outside Ottawa and took an Uber to ByWard Market, which was pretty cool. Lots to see and do, including a suspended cloud sculpture called McClintock's Dream. We also talked to a nice lady in her shop and we were happy to hear that at least from her perspective Canadians were not hostile... Continue Reading →
Algonquin was beautiful! I was initially wary--under the impression that it would be crowded on the highway at the height of the summer season. But it was not. There were hardly any cars at all on the Frank MacDougall Parkway (Highway 60) as we traveled east from Hunstville toward Ottawa. Along the way, we stopped... Continue Reading →
By Michael DowningAll photos by Michael Downing and Jacklyn Downing except as otherwise noted North to "The Bruce' We left our rustic cabin in Goderich and headed directly toward the Bruce Peninsula. Known to locals as "The Bruce," this segment of land juts out northwestwards from the rest of Southwestern Ontario, pointing towards Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin Island,... Continue Reading →
We drove from Pinery Provincial Park to Stratford, Ontario which took about an hour. We parked on Erie Street which was fitting considering that we both grew up in Erie County, Pa. We backed into a spot and Jackie's attention was immediately called by a sign that said "Oysters," so we went to Lovage and... Continue Reading →
We drove from Pinery Provincial Park into London, Ontario and had breakfast at Katie's Kitchen on Oxford Street. The food was fresh and the people were kind. We had internet access so we got caught up as best we could. We went to Walmart to get some essentials and then the real adventure began. I... Continue Reading →
Long Point, Ontario, Canada has always played in my imagination because when I was a kid growing up in Erie, Pa., sitting on the shoreline with my friends, we could often see Long Point, some 30 miles to the north. Conditions had to be just right but we could see it. Swimmers who swam across... Continue Reading →
We left for our big 2025 Canadian Trip on July 1: Canada Day. We prepped the van and left Union City, headed north, up Route 89 to Interstate 90. From there a short drive into Buffalo and across the Peace Bridge. Customs went without a hitch and we wrapped around the tight right turn, out... Continue Reading →
By Michael Downingwith Reilly Fitzgerald "Ferryland Lighthouse" (2024) by Reilly Fitzgerald. 18"X24" acrylic on canvas. Many who see Reilly Fitzgerald's art and learn of his long-term physical challenges note the juxtaposition between a life of pain and a painting style that consists of bright and colourful images. In other words, you might never know his... Continue Reading →
My Writing Wanderland 