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An Unexpected Ottawa Gem – Petrie Island

Isn’t it ironic that sometime, you plan everything but the destination sucks, and sometimes you end up somewhere and think, “Wow, that’s nice, if I had known, I would have packed better!”

Well, this is exactly what happened to us over the weekend.

We decided to go check out Petrie Island, right on the Ottawa River, near Orleans. This is a part of the city we rarely venture to—Orleans is East of Ottawa and we live in the West end. I don’t have a high opinion of Ottawa’s public beaches. Most of them are overcrowded, dirty and a pathetic excuse for a “beach” for anyone who grew up by the seaside.

Once we arrived at Petrie Island, I realized I had been too negative. The place was lovely. It wasn’t too busy, there was a decent stretch of sand, and the water looked clean—it was surprisingly clear actually.

“Damn, we should have brought towels! Oh shit, I wish I had my Kindle. And my swimsuit! And drinks!”

I complained for a minute or two (my French side) and we adapted (my Canadian side). Feng took off his tee-shirt (yep it’s that easy for guys!). I stripped Mark down to his onesies, paused for a second and then took it off as well—he was clearly heading for the water anyway, his diaper was enough. As for me, well… a Calvin Klein bra can pass as a swimsuit top, right? Yeah, I know, not really (judging by the puzzled looks I got) but who cares, really? Eh, in France I would have gone topless!

The three of us had a good time by the water—the temperature was perfect. And next time, we will come prepared!

Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
Petrie Island
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Zhu

French woman in English Canada.

Exploring the world with my camera since 1999, translating sentences for a living, writing stories that may or may not get attention.

Firm believer that nobody is normal... and it’s better this way.

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