Saturday 13th August

For our first, and only, full free day in Ottawa, once again the team went in many different directions for a days entertainment. 

With several team members now having caught the ‘Escape Room’ bug, an early morning trip to get the brain cells engaged for the day meant we ticked off another two successful escapes. 

Some of the team drove up into the mountains in the afternoon to Camp Fortune. By winter, a ski resort, and by summer a destination for various other outdoor activities. An Aerial treetop obstacle course (akin to Go Ape in the UK), several zip lines, and an adrenaline pumping mountain rollercoaster filled the afternoon. 

Saxon Going Ape

For those less willing to risk a pre-shoot injury, there was a sightseeing trip to Ottawa, taking in a tour of Parliament Hill, although the building itself was closed for repairs. They also took in the splendour of the locks connecting the river to the Rideau canal. Then followed a search to find the Captain a decent cup of tea which was provided by the Ottawa Bike shop and Tea Room. 

A third group visited the Diefenbunker – a vast underground bunker designed to keep Canada’s government functioning in the event of a nuclear attack.  It comprises 4 levels capable of accommodating 500 people, with a permanent staff of 100 who maintained a state of readiness while also handling Canada’s most secret communications.  Every essential need was catered for, including a well-equipped surgery and dental facilities.  The complex was also designed to house the nation’s gold reserves in a vault that would make Goldfinger quiver with excitement.  One member of the party – who admits to a bizarre interest in early mainframe keyboards – was also quivering with excitement at the display of teletypes, terminals and mainframe equipment from the 60s onwards.  The visit was a fascinating but sobering reminder of the threat we lived under throughout the Cold War.  

In the evening a small party we’re entertained by well known GB shot John Carmichael, who emigrated here several years ago, and his good lady, Deitra. They were treated to a tour of the house with the main points of interest being the ‘man cave’ i.e. reloading room, and the immaculately restored WW2 Jeep in the garage.

John Carmichael. Catching up with old friends

Some of those not visiting John took a jaunt into downtown Ottawa for some chicken wings, and locally brewed beer, while others took the opportunity to tick up the Lobstometer.

Breaking the Lobstometer