Up We Go: The Cloud-Capped Mountain!

Places Ontario Series.

Mr. Sun in Ontario is now-you-see-me, now-you-don’t. What could make a good summer digital entry on gravity.ph than going on a trip? With lockdowns easing, fully vaccinated and the city's opening, we are sure to have another beautiful summer story to tell! Choosing a destination wasn't all hard, we already set our eyes on Blue Mountain. Blue Mountain is known as a favorite winter ski resort with its alpine and cozy villages. It was ultimately made as an all-season destination, all for a good reason. The offerings at Blue does not limit to their popular cloud-capped greens. Attractions are a dime a dozen, shops of little curiosities that could make a good souvenir shopping. Toy stores for the little adventurers and eats and treats just as much as the vast area could hold. Blue also provides wide choices of lodgings, from hotels to private homes. We had a favorable forecast, all packed and ready for that much-awaited tan! 

June 30, 31 - August 1-2, 2021. MBGXBlueMountain.

Incomplete vacation.

Before all that excitement, we had a little sad start to the trip. We left half our hearts at home, knowing little Cookie is not with us. We plan to bring our Cookie kitty along but no matter how many times I begged (yes) a few weeks before going, Blue Mountain resorts do not house cats yet, they only accommodate dogs. We had to leave Cookie in the care of our friend.  We had a pet camera installed, and we talked to Cookie a lot, whenever we can. 

Trip up the mountains!

We rented a luxury line for this trip and paid an air mile worth a penny. Why? Marlon wants to go extra and it certainly didn't disappoint! We hired a Denali SUV and a driver in a suit to the wheels! Wow!  We were transported from home to the hotel, hassle-free thanks to Luxury Coach. It was a relaxing trip to the mountains of warm summer paradise ( we thought) but ended up having a little winter in July. It's been raining and chilly during our stay, with Mr. Sun decided to come out on our last day. Rain and wind didn't stop us from having fun, whatever the weather was, Blue Mountain certainly lives up to being an all-season and an all-weather destination.

On the road.

The serene stretch of grassland, big and beautiful houses and the little cluster of flower beds averted my eyes from my Kindle. I went places in the stories I read, but the real journey is right in front of me. I put down my e-reader, took in the tranquility, oh how beautiful the world God made! It takes only 3 hours from Toronto to Blue. 

The Blue Mountains. 

Why it is called the Blue Mountains, that I didn't know. One thing I could think of, as the name suggests, the mountains touches the vast blue sky. It is an enclave of all things wonderful, nature at its best! We stayed at the center of the hub, close to the party and festivities. We choose The Village Suites for convenience and easy access to endless delights and events. The Village Suites offers 3 lodgings, strategically situated across the village, not one similar to the other. The Grand Georgian, Weider Lodge, and Seasons at Blue are the 3 main hotel buildings you can choose wherever you fancy staying.

Seasons at Blue

The Seasons at Blue was our home for 4 days. The hotel is centrally located in the village and conveniently close to the shopping district and eateries. We booked the Village One-Bedroom Suite with Den for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Seasons at Blue has a wide and open lobby, a pool, and an outdoor hot tub which unfortunately was close during our visit.  Our room is spacious with a full kitchen complete with accessories and tableware. A huge dining table at the center, next to the couch that leads all the way to the balcony, flat-screen TV, and a fireplace. 

Day 1.

We came to play and play we did! Marlon bought us a Play All Day Pass to max out on our first day. Luckily, Marlon, had the play tickets pre-booked as it was only sold and capped at a minimum to avoid crowding. We had to register virtually to hold our spot on the queue to the attractions. We then get SMS notifications when it's time to hop on the fun.

We had brunch before we blow off steam from the 3-hour idle on the road. We brought our big appetite to Sunset Grill, this restaurant ultimately was our brunch station in all 4 days.

The Mill Pond.

The first activity and I think was the most popular for the not-so adventurous like me was the Mill Pond. You have an option to choose your water stroll by using a big trike or a paddleboat. We choose the paddle boat to accommodate all 3 of us and because we want to experience the ride as a family, char.  The truth is, the paddleboat was easier and more leisurely, you don't need to paddle as much. 

Open Air Gondola.

Taking our appreciation up high in an open-air gondola ride to the summit of Blue. The village looks marvelous from above. The top has a restaurant, hiking trail, and segway trail. The ride high up was delightful and exciting and a breath of fresh mountain air.

Ridge Runner.

Adventure favors the bold. Go wild with freedom! Ridge Runner was the best in Blue. It will take you spiraling your whole summer adventure and keep you wanting for more! 

Season at Blue Swimming Pool.

We were back at the hotel enjoying the pool. It was chilly for sure but the water was heated making for a nice swim complimented with the nice view of the mountains. 

Our first day ends with a good splash at the pool and had some take-away for dinner.

Day 2.

Mr. Sun and Mr. Rain couldn't decide who's the boss on our 2nd day. It was sunny with a little bit of rain but we stop at nothing to enjoy our first full day at Blue. Our play all-day tickets were only good the day prior, so we had to purchase individual entries to attractions we wanted to try and repeat. Brunch this time was at Rusty's without the appearance of coffee but Moscow Mule and Beer and orange juice for Biw.

Cascade Putting Course.

A mini-golf course with scenic landscape, you'll stop at every turn for the pose and snap moments. We let loose our Tiger Woods moves and played the best we could. There we had a nice swing and awesome panoramic views.

Playground.

Free entrance to the playground situated in the midst of the action-packed village. The play area is not expansive but not boring. Kids will have to make their way with the ropes and dislodge lumbers to get to the singular slide. It is a race to those obstacles that make the playground entertaining albeit the size and the limited play facility. 

Don't lose your feet or you'll fall and you'll have to start on the ropes again. It was not written anywhere but kids in the area had this unspoken rule they like to follow even if no one is watching the other. 

Around Blue.

A little village tour amid the shower and wind. Blue is a Shangri-la we never want to leave. The grass and earth on our feet, mountain at the backdrop, clusters of flowering plants high and low gently dancing with the breeze.

The center of the village will bring you back to earth. Packed with people, shops and eatery, activities and events, concerts at the central, laughter and happy faces. 

Back at the Ridge.

Need I say more? We're back because this ride was awesome!

Shopping.

We shop every day! I always made it a point to shop for souvenirs in every travel destination we had. Blue Mountain is no exception. My souvenir agenda has a hierarchy of figurine, ref magnet, and shot glass, one or plenty each. Little odds and pieces were added after my 3 holy grail of souvenirs must-haves were accomplished. 

We concluded our 2nd-day dining at the quayside with fried chicken and beer at Wild Wings. Cheers, Blue Mountain, what a good time we had!

Day 3.

The third day at Blue is The Biw Day. In every vacation, there is always a dedicated day just for Gabby. That day is called The Biw Day. On Biw days, Biw will take the lead. Where to go, what to do, what she’ll buy as souvenirs. She often plans with Papa, but most of the time, spontaneous and random.

Started off with a brunch at Sunset Grill. The 3rd day was of incessant rain, fun nonetheless. 

Swimming. 

We couldn't book The Plunge as the capacity was kept to a minimum. Biw instead enjoyed our hotel's own pool. She met a friend who is a fish in the water like her. There were lots of diving, swimming race, and papa-help-me moments.

Candy Land.

Since it's a Biw day, I can't say no to candies. The candy store is a sugar haven enough to make you gaga. We ended up buying more than we intended to. They have vintage flavors like the cry baby and the caramel bar I forgot what it is called. Popcorns of caramel, cheese, salt, and bubble gum! Lollipops of swirl, rounds, triangles, mermaids, and poop. Chips, gum, gummies, chocolates name it all! Gabby is not much of a sweet tooth as I am, you can guess easily who was the happiest that time!

Toys and Souvenirs spree. 

Biw day is not complete without toy shopping. Biw bought pop-it's, slime, plushie, and souvenirs to go to her friends. 

Segway Tour.

Mama and Papa day made a little way from The Biw Day. We sneaked in a few minutes of mini hiking and segway tour on the escarpment. It was raining hard when we did this, the rain making the wooded trek all mystifying and otherworldly makes for a memorable activity. Cold but gold, lol.

The rainy 3rd day ended up with rather disappointing burgers at Chuck's. A bottle of beer always saves a bad day, I guess all is good then.

To make out for the not-so-happy dinner, we grab some Beaver Tail's famous flat donuts with lots of delectable chocolate toppings!

Day 4. 

The sun, at last, reclaiming summer was back in its full glory! The sun was shy on us on our first 3 days but we did have fun without. The number of mountaineers doubled this day, thanks to the nice weather. All the play all day tickets were displayed sold out, restaurants capping off reservations, and the social distancing measures fully implemented. We avoided all this at the cost of wet sweaters and shoes but I am not complaining. 

Breakfast at Sunset Grill again with the usual bacon, eggs, sausages, toast, coffee, and hot cocoa. Lots of butter and jam to the side. 

We had a happy Biw because papa extended our stay until the afternoon so we can enjoy the hot weather. 

Swimming. 

A splash in the pool and hot weather is summer in all essence. Here Gabby enjoying the dip with her friend. We had the pool to ourselves for a couple of minutes since we were allowed an early entry ahead of our schedule. Residents can only book the hotel for a maximum of 1 hour and only once a day. 

Painting and Pottery. 

Biw's been eager to do this right on our first day but we couldn't book a slot. Finally, we did right on our last day! The shop was full of pre-made pottery of different designs. It ranges from decorative pieces to kitchen and utensils, tableware, pots, animals, and even pet food bowls. The selection was endless whatever you felt like getting your hands on to showcase your artistic side. You can also order pots and paints to go!

Lunch before going back to Toronto.

We decided to have our lunch at the foot of the mountain to fully appreciate the scenery once more before we go. Our lunch was nothing special, the moment was. It finally was time for our coach to arrive. We did sure packed with us memories of a beautiful rainy summer escapade.

3 days of rain and a day of sunshine, still a Summer vacation worth looking back to. We planned to go back when the cloud-capped mountain becomes a snow-capped cone. For now, a warm sunny picture of MBGXBlue.

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