Went to Jeffery’s last weekend and had the most wonderful time. The twins were just too cute and Matt was there and beaming. We hadn’t seen him in a while, so it was a big treat for all of us. The best thing about growing old is our grandsons. Bedtime came for Josh & Caleb so Jeff, Matt and I started discussing our next backpacking trip in May with Kim. Now since Jeff is from the Niagara area and we’re from the Windsor area, we were thinking of meeting just North of Toronto and taking one vehicle up highway 10 to our destination. We figured that it would save us some time but there is one small problem. For us to meet at this area Kim and I would have to leave home at around 3:00 AM to meet Jeff at 7:00 AM then drive for a couple of hours then hike for about 8 more. Now the key phrase here is ‘to leave home around 3:00 AM’. This means getting up at 2 and making a long, hard, deadening day. None of this makes any sense. What we will do is go to Jeffs’ on Friday night and leave from there at 6:30AM…Much better. Matt’s 12 years old and will join us on a special trek this summer during his vacation. He’s pretty excited.
Anyway Pam, Jeff and myself brought Matt to Medieval Times. Jayne had tickets too but got sick on the day of the show and couldn’t make it. We tried to sell her ticket at half price at the door but it seemed like everyone purchased them online…like ourselves. Medieval Times is the dinner theatre that’s the end all of dinner theatres. You are in a coliseum with long banquet tables all around. In the center you are in the midst of the King Arthur days. Knights have several challenges with jousting competitions, sword fighting, all of the medieval weapons are used. You wonder how no one gets hurt, as they violently have their gladiator-like skirmishes. You place yourself in the setting of this olden time. All of this is done while you gorge yourself with a fantastic dinner that starts with garlic bread and dragon soup. Next the half chicken comes with baked potato and ribs dripping in rib sauce. Did I mention that there is no cutlery? Oh…there’s no cutlery. You eat with your hands, while you cheer on your favorite knight…waving your huge chicken leg. Coffee and dessert follow. You can have drinks from the bar if you want.
You feel like you’re back in time. The crashing of the mace on the shield makes you jump. The actors are well practiced and convincing. Matts’ eyes grew like copper pennies as the ball and chain flung across and caught the knights sword. Being the perfect age was to his advantage. He will not soon forget the show this time. The exhibition was exhilarating and the story line was easy to follow. You will find a plethora of souvenirs that mostly are reasonably priced. Matt recommends this place as do I and Pam and Jeff.
Jim Bondy

Author of: Friday on the Trail
A book about our backpacking adventures in Ontario Canada
http://jimbondy.webs.com
effexus3@yahoo.com