So some time ago Mrs Caddie bought Mr Fogg a book all about toilets of the world. There are loads of funky places featured, one of which was the Whisky Cafe in Montreal. Far be it from us to let an opportunity pass so we hiked the several miles out of the centre of Montreal to find this gem.

On arrival at the very cool and hip bar we met the owner who was delighted to give us the guided toilet tour! The gents has a steel wall of water that drops like a waterfall from the ceiling as men approach. It’s fab and immaculate. And yes he took us both in there and demonstrated it!

Unfortunately the ladies toilet used to have a female urinal complete with bendy hose and paper cups, but this was sadly taken out in 2007 as the company who made them and maintained them went bust. Aww, such a shame, but such a lovelly owner to show us around.

So we are having a celebratory drink in the Whisky Cafe, having had the opportunity to tick at least one of the loos off on our little book.

Also today we visited the Olympic Tower, at 575 feet tall it’s the worlds largest incline elevator so it was cool to go up and look out over the city. We also visited the Biodome which has a number of different habitats, it’s ok but quite small, although the penguins are sooooo quirky.

Next stop is for food once our feet are rested and we walk the several miles back to the centre.

Cool place Montreal, very diverse, but a big homeless problem, particularly around the ATM machines.

After a gentle drive up from Sherbrooke through Magog and then Lac Brome, which was very picturesque (oh and lunch at a greek taverna of “Home made Fish and Chips”, yeh only if home was a Birds Eye production line), we arrived at Downtown Montreal which is a sprawling Metropolis.

A gentle stroll around the old town was followed by a Sapporo each (ooh yes Japanese beer) whilst watching a busker trying to get rid of a drunken bum who kept trying to spoil his set and a bloke dancing to the music in a style that is best described as “yer dad drunk at a wedding”.

Food as Mrs Fogg mentioned was at “Le Keg”, which appeared to be quite upmarket and the steak was fantastic.

With a gentle 4 mile amble after food to walk off the excess we eventually wombled back to the Holiday Inn for a well deserved rest, with Mrs Fogg planning the next full day of sight seeing including the underground city, the tower at the Olympic Park and the Whiskey Cafe (which has rather funky toilets in it a “gents water wall” and a ladies “femi urinal” a must see for everyone).

Montreal is a real eclectic mix of smartly dressed trendies, beggers who sit next to the ATM machines with cup in hand and tourists. The shops are a real mixed bag too, with uber posh clothes and antique shops in amongst thrift stores, peep shows and gentlemens clubs. A very diverse city well worth a visit.

Bonjour all from Canadian Quebec. It’s our second day in the north and we have arrived in super cool Montreal. I made Mr Fogg amble around the old town this afternoon. It signals the half way point of the trip.

Tonight we plan to start exploring the underground city and keep Mr Fogg as far away from the Apple shop as possible.

Our hotel has a lovelly feel to it, reminiscent of the Brighton Hotel in Kyoto. For now though it’s time to eat at The Keg in the middle of the old town.

Yup it’s true Mr Fogg has a long lost twin brother in the guise of Kevin at the Gale River Motel in Franconia (obviously Mr Fogg secured the good looks in the deal).

According to Mrs Fogg, this is her worst nightmare, two of me with banter that never stops.

Thanks for a great couple of days Kevin, keep in touch.

For anyone coming out this way the Gale River Motel in Franconia is a must , along with the pancake sampler at Polly’s and the 22oz T-bone at the Woodstock Inn.

See ya later bruv.

See the Gale River Motel here

Well this our second day in the White Mountains stopping at the Gale River motel with the fantastic, fun and lively host Kevin.

Today the Mrs took me to Franconia Notch state park (after uber super pancakes at Polly’s in Sugar Hill). We walked up to see the Flume waterfall which is fantastic. The picture is me, the tour guide trying to creep up on me and over in the background is a covered bridge on the flume trail.

This afternoon we ventured to Meredith (dull and lifeless) and now we are in Woodstock, the home of free love in the 60’s (ok I know that was in California not New Hampshire, but I liked it and it was a very dull title without it).

And now grub at the Woodstock Inn Brewery with it’s own micro-brewery onsite. Oh me oh my a 22oz T-bone on the bone steak, fantastic.

Me might get a little tipsy and stuffed tonight.

Tomorrow crossing the border to Canada for a few days.

Bye bye Maine, hello New Hampshire! Last night we stayed at the wonderful Noble House Inn in Bridgton, ME. This was a fab experience. Our hosts Julie and Rick (plus Daisy the dog) were warm and friendly. Our b&b experiences just keep getting better. The whole property was sooo comfortable, tall bed to sink into and unbelievably a two course breakfast with all the courses homemade. We didn’t walk out of the Noble House, we rolled. It’s another fan place to add to the list of recommendations.

So, on through the Kancamagus Highway climbing to 3000 feet (complete with snow, brrr) before dropping a little into Franconia and the heart of the White Mountains. This evenings accomodation is a gem of a place with someone as mad as Mr Fogg!!

Full review when we leave on Wednesday!

Note to self, next time pack more jumpers, gloves and hat, it’s bloomin freezing up here with temperatures plunging to around 20 Fahrenheit overnight. Better still, steal Mr Foggs nice fluffy fleece!

Yup the Mrs and me have ticked another off our “To Do before you snuff it list”, the American institution that is/ was the Drive in movie theatre.

Sit in your car, watch a movie on a 60 foot screen and tune your radio to a set frequency to hear the sound, fantastic. Bridgton is home to a dual screen movie theatre showin not one but 4 movies back to back. You choose the two films you want to see (in this case Iron Man 2 and Shutter Island), for the extremely reasonable price (Britain take note) of $3.25 per film per person (that is actually £2.19 in today’s monopoly money). So we really pushed the boat out, a gallon of popcorn, litre of tea and coffee for, are you ready for this $7 (£4.71). Can anyone tell me why we get royally shafted in the UK?

The screen was perfect, the sound excellent, Iron Man 2 was brilliant, the company as ever was fantastic and the best bit, no annoying people to disturb you with loud conversation or mobile phones.

What a top night, again all part of the meticulous planning by my Tour Guide.

Bridgton Drive in Movie theatre you rock!

Here’s the new beast of a car that we collected yesterday. Huge is an understatement.

Tonight we are off to a drive in movie, with seven seats in Bertha we can either rent them out or each pick a row!

So last night we stayed with Bob and Marcel at the Morning Glory Bed and Breakfast in Salem. What can I say but fab fab fab!

It’s such a shame we were only staying one night but this b&b is a must do in New England (Mum, you gotta stay here!). Not only was the decor and attention to detail fantastic but our hosts were welcoming and charming with so much personalised touches that so many places lack. From the moment we arrived our first names were remembered, time was spent sharing details about Salem and attention was on providing a true service (which felt very genuine) we met another couple at breakfast (practicing pagans no less, complete with capes!). Bob shared his icebreaker trick for those quiet breakfasts by telling us how he gets peole talking about their pets and clearly loves to see his guests relax, chill out and enjoy their stay. Everything just felt right staying here.

On then to a review of Salem itself, ok, it’s gone witch mad, has a quirky feel but is charming in itself. There is limited real historical parts left, but a wander around reveals wonderful old buildings and some funky Wicca shops that you just wouldn’t see anywhere else.

Overall, fun location to visit, I’d have stayed longer just for the accomodation.

So onwards north towards Portland on the US-1 (in torrential rain and thunderstorms). It’s a long trek through normal American townships interspersed with large retail outlets and walmarts. We just had to try the states biggest success- Dunkin Donuts, so stopped for a bite on the way. Hmmm, sugar rush anyone?? Not a habit we will be repeating again soon.