There It Is...Our Ship has Sailed...Until the Next Time! September 02-September 29, 2012

So, just to make our Maritime experience complete, we thought it would be good to pull everything together and present our trip as bit of an overview in our usual tongue and cheek fashion.  Here goes...

In 29 days we:

Fundy National Park

1. picked up one hitch-hiking moose, severed his antler and ear, prep'd him for surgery, but the surgery was not successful.  At least the patient survived!
2. visited 11 liquor stores:
1. 2 times in New Brunswick (NB),  plus 4 wineries
2. 3 times in Nova Scotia (NS),
3. once in Quebec (QC) , but does this really count if you picked up the goods in a grocery store?
3. visited grocery stores 8 times, and in addition 2 bakeries:
1. 2 times in NB,
2. 3 grocery stores in NS, and one in Cape Breton (which is really Nova Scotia, but they don't like to think so!), and 2 visits to a local bakery (in the same day), 
3. once in PEI,
4. and once in QC, but we also bought bread at a local bakery there too.
4. searched for assistance from the services of 16 Provincial and Municipal Visitor Centres, and numerous friends:
1. before we left, we received mail from centres and campgrounds in both NB & NS, a care package of maps and information from Joyce, and a care package in lieu of signing up with CAA before we left,
2. We also visited centres at the KOA in St. Nicholas, Quebec, Fredericton City Hall, NS Boarder Info Centre, our personal tour guide extraordinaire Davis Edwards, Cape Breton, Beddeck, Cavendish, St. Stephens, NB/Quebec and Quebec/Ontario Visitor Centres.
3. On this note, if and when we travel again, or if you plan to venture out on North American  roads, we HIGHLY recommend stopping at this centres.  The staff are friendly, helpful and a huge resource to the areas they work/live in.  Without them, we would have been lost...okay, we still got lost, but we would have been MORE lost!
5. bought a quilt for our trailer,
6. saw whales,
7. sailed on a tall ship...okay, SAILED may be a bit of an exaggeration due to the weather conditions, but the intent was there,



Garrison District Ale House, Fredericton

8. drank beer with the locals in more taverns than we can currently count,
9. took a "dip" in 21 different bodies of water that linked us either to the Bay of Fundy or Atlantic Ocean.  These were the bodies of water (in order of appearance);
1. Walinaik Cove, Mactaquac Park Arm, Mactaquac, NB (linked to the St. John River)
2. Utopia Shubenacadie River, NB (an off-shoot river of the Bay of Fundy, during the floods of Hurricane Leslie near the Tidal Bore)
3. Cape Enrage, Chignecto Bay, NB
4. Hopewell Cape, Chignecto Bay, Hopewell Rock, NB
5. Hall's Harbour (Bay of Fundy), NB
6. Lower Economy, Minas Basin, NS
7. Five Islands, Minas Basin, NS
8. Spenser Harbour, Minas Basin, Great Village NS



Hall's Harbour Dip

9. Evangeline Beach Road, (Bay of Fundy) Grand Pré, NS
10. Mahone Bay, (linked to the Atlantic Ocean) NS
11. Lunenburg, (Atlantic Ocean)NS
12. Halifax, (Atlantic Ocean) NS
13. Pillar Rock Bay, Cabot Trail, NS (Cape Breton)
14. Baddeck Bay, Baddeck, NS (Cape Breton)
15. Cavendish National Park, (Gulf of St. Lawrence) PEI
16. Oyster Harbour, PEI National Park, (Gulf of St. Lawrence) PEI
17. Parlee Beach, Shediac, (Northumberland Strait) NB
18. St. Andrew (2xs), (Passamaquoddy Bay) NB
19. St. Andrew, Whale Watching, (Bay of Fundy) NB
20. Charoletteburgh, St. Lawrence River, Lancaster ON
21. Coburg Beach, Lake Ontario, Coburg ON
10. stayed at 13 campgrounds (sort of), 1 B&B, 1 Inn/Lodge Resort and provide our star rating opinions out of 5*'s:
1. KOA St. Nicholas, Quebec City (2 nights) ****
2. Mactaquac Provincial Park, Fredericton NB (2 nights) ****
3. Fundy National Park, Alma NB (3 nights) ****
4. Wide Open Wilderness, Utopia NS (1 night) ***
5. Land of Evangeline, Grand Pre NS (2 nights) ****
6. Camp Davis, Private TC Campground, Head of Chezzetcook, NS (6 nights)#  *****



Keltic Lodge, Ingonish NS

7. Bluenose B&B, Lunenburg NS (2 nights)#  ***
8. Whycocomagh Provincial Park, Whycocomagh, NS (3 nights)# ****
9. Keltic Lodge & Resort (Executive Suite)# (1 night...sigh) *****
10. KOA Cavendish, PEI (1 nights) **
11. Sun & Shade Campground, Borden-Carleton, PEI (1 night) ****
12. Rockwood Park, St. John NB (1 night) ***
13. Kiwanis Oceanview Camping, St.Andrew NB (2 nights) *****
14. Pointe-aux-Oies Campground, Montmagny QC (1 night) ***
15. Charlotteburgh Park, Lancaster ON (1 nights) *
1. #are nights the trailer stayed in one spot, but we stayed in other accommodations, matched with same colour#
2. Lodging cost us $707.53 (camping), $414.00 (B&B), $151.32 (Lodge/Executive Suite)
11. Tricia took approximately 3,604 pictures and 4 videos.  Thank goodness for digital photography!  Ken is still counting!
12. dined out 21 times (including meals within the lodging arrangements) - We admit, this was more times than we originally thought we would, but two things support an argument for this, a)  how else are you suppose to learn about the culture and b) we were on holidays!
13. experienced more than we ever thought imaginable...priceless.

We aren't sure how helpful any of this may be to us looking back, or to you in considering a trip similar to ours, but it was revealing to us in a few ways when we pulled this information together to post.

Finally, what did we learn?  Besides the obvious, how much we learned about the eastern quadrant of our amazing country, we learned:

•  we CAN live in 21' foot living quarters without killing ourselves doing, but 1 month made us both appreciate even more a luxury most of take for granted:  our own personal space to shower and clean indoor plumbing!
• Speaking and understanding French is not essential, but we can only imagine how much stress would have been avoided had we removed this barrier
• connecting with locals, showing the locals we are visitors and respect everything about their culture (on a side note, we witnessed a few "cruise folks" not displaying their best visitors face to the locals), minding your manners and being grateful as you go, ("please" and "thank you" go a long way, but so does respectful gratuities and simple gifts of thanks!) contribute to how, as a visitor, you are welcomed and wanted by the locals.
• We noticed several times along the highway, especially in NS and NB, folks who would stop their car along the highway, get out and pick up garbage on the side of the road.  These folks REALLY care about their landscape.  We play a part in this, don't leave more than your footprint, take pictures as keepsakes and pick up garbage as you go, save a local from doing it!
• Again, especially in NB and NS, if a pedestrian is standing at the side of the road, yeild and let them cross without hesitation!  Pedestrians come first - right Davis?
• The Maritime Provinces appeared to us they aren't the "Have-Not Provinces" we thought they were.  Although we wonder, is this true, or is it that Ontario could benefit from learning how to do a few things more efficiently?
• The world is HUGE.  Since our return, family and friends ask us if we would go back.  For me, I would go back in a heartbeat.  I might tweak a few things, make them a bit different, perhaps not visit ALL of the things we have done, but try and see a few other spots along the way, spend more time in some places, less time in others, but in all honesty, as much as I'd love to return, this trip has forced me to realize there's an amazing world out there I need to see, before I can't see it.  Life is too short.  Some of us realize it sooner than others for whatever reason, but the discovery is call our names - now.  We want to fly out to Labrador and Newfoundland in the next year or two and see as much of the quadrants of the Maritimes we didn't have time to see.  We simply do not know how folks manage to see the Maritimes in 2 weeks - 4 barely made us feel as though we covered it!

We are grateful to so many: 

Camp Davis, a TC Exclusive Campground

• Davis who unconditionally opened his home, cooked for us, shared his stories and experiences and gave of his time and vehicle.  How could we ever show you how grateful we were to you?  We hope you allow us the opportunity to show you our hospitality.
• To all those who kept our "home fires burning" while we were away.  Streak for Cancer was in good hands with all of you, and Chris and Anne kept our home and contents safe - the plants were happier in our absence I am certain!
• To my Mom & Tony, my brothers and their families, my Aunts (& Rhonda), and all of you who sent us off on our "second honeymoon" in recognition of 25th Anniversary before we left.  What an awesome way to start our trip, spending even a little bit of time with each of you was great, but let's spend more time together now that we are back!
• To my colleagues at BFM/BKM who covered my time away.  Four weeks is a long time for such a small staff, but like always, you made it possible.
• To the Taylor Family for making such a reliable light-weight trailer.  It was great travelling with confidence.
• To the rolling hills, steep embankments, landscapes, wildlife and artisan structures.  Keep being what you are, there are TONS of folks we will be sending your way!
• To the folks we met along the way - too many to name.  From bookmobiles to shipmates, interpreters to town officials, and campers to passerby's - each of you made our trip awesome!
• To our blog followers.  We loved your comments, enlightening bits of information and emails. (Even though not everyone could post for whatever reason.)

My holidays this year are all spoken for, but as soon as more come available, plans will be made for our next adventure.  What direction shall we go?  I guess you'll just have to wait and see!  Until then, your suggestions are ALWAYS welcome!

Until we chat again, don't be strangers.  We are pretty sure you know how to reach us, but just in case, grayt2b@rogers.com will get you to us!

That's pert'neer it for us!
Bon Soir,
Cheers,
Ken and Tricia Gray

There Lies the Finish Line... September 29, 2012

To our faithful readers,
We apologize for our posting delay today.  We were so tired once home, and when word got out we were back, our day slipped away from us. 
After reading today's post, please be sure to check back in a couple days as well...the "Trip Finale" will be posted shortly.  We KNOW you didn't follow us this long only to NOT go all the way to the end with us!  As soon as all the data is in, we'll post one final time.  For sure by mid-week...so stay tuned!

Any idea how tiring driving can be?  Ask us, we know, now.

Myles and Tricia take one last dip in the
St. Lawrence River

We drove fairly leisurely from Lancaster to home on Saturday.  By Google maps, it would take us about 6.5 hours.  This time however, we KNEW what we are doing, and KNEW where we are going.  We've travelled the 401 corridor from home to Belleville often to get to Ottawa and Bon Echo Park.  Both of these destinations always kept us focused on point A to B with few distractions.  Today, a 6.5 hour drive didn't scare us, and we were going to see some of Lake Ontario along our way.

The day was much cooler than what we had become accustom to, but the cool nights and mornings were definitely contributing factors to the sideline scenery we were being treated to today.  The leaves are just turning here in Eastern Ontario, which is awesome, as we have just witnessed Autumn's start in the Maritime.  At this rate, we will likely experience fall a third time at home.  We LOVE this season!



Ken lost his 'lid' in Tin Cap, Ontario!

 Our first stop was a scheduled lunch stop in Brockville about 2.5 hours down the road from Lancaster.  Rather than aimlessly looking for a local diner, we pulled over in a largely "big boxed store" district and asked a few locals of a great diner.  The Tin Cap Diner was highly recommended by a couple passing by.  Who are we to argue so we head up the road, fuelled up at the gasoline corner they advised us about and headed into the small hamlet called Tin Cap, where low and behold, there was the restaurant!  Lunch was delicious, well actually, we capitolized on the fact breakfast was still being served and gobbled down a great tasting, perfectly priced breakfast.  It cost Ken more than me, as once we were well past our breakfast place and nicely established on the 401again, Ken realized he left his Juravinski Cancer Centre Cap I gave him for Christmas this year back in the Tin Cap...maybe that's why they call it the Tin "Cap".   Maybe they collect travellers caps?  If this is true, Ken made a donation.

So let's re-evaluate for one moment as to the articles left behind during our travels, shall we?  Ken left his Blundstone boots in Chezzetcook N.S., almost lost his iTouch in Evangeline N.S., and now his cap in Tin Cap Ontario.  Tricia lost...oh wait a minute, nothing!  Things that make you say, "Hhhhhmmmm".

Next stop would be simply for nostalgic sake, Belleville Ontario, more specifically, Quinty Mall.  The last time we headed to Bon Echo, we figure was about 4-5 years ago.   Back then, we stopped at Quinty Mall and we found it a little neglected and with numerous store fronts empty.  This time, the future of boxed stores caught up to our quaint Quinty Mall, and we hardly recognized the area.  None-the-less, we parked and ventured in only to be pleasantly surprised.  The pressure of boxed stores we believe put a positive spin on Quinty Mall.  She got a face lift, and although the building layout itself looked the same, she looked good and it turned out to be a nice "leg stretch".

Back in the car, we headed west on 401 a little more, then dropped down highway 2 to Colbourne, a place we have always said we wanted to see yet had not, up until today.   Colbourne was nice, but we didn't stop, it wasn't too far off our last leg stretch so we carried on along #2 to Coburg, another spot we always said we wanted to check out. 


Final 'dip' in Lake Ontario



Coburg Waterfront



In Coburg, a little waterfront town that doesn't believe in free parking ANY day of the week, was a bit on the quiet side, but I saw Lake Ontario, and needed to dip my foot into it.  We parked and headed towards the beach.  On our way we saw an ice cream shop, which with out much will power called our name and loured us in.  It was okay, but it wasn't Erin's Bailey ice cream.  When we reached the beach, we should have listened to our gut once again.  The stench was unbearable!  Beautiful white beaches may lour you here, but I was having a hard time convincing myself to bare a big tow, let a long consider swimming in this stuff.  I put on a brave face, posed Ken to be prepared for a quick snap of the camera shutter and remove my toe before the 3 second rule expired, just in case something started to eat away at my skin.  It was truly the most discussing toe dip I've experienced in 4 weeks, and we found it here, in our own backyard of Ontario.  Honestly, it was embarrassing after what we had experienced.  I dried my toes, walked the remainder of the Boardwalk with Ken back to our truck, not really caring that we didn't use up the money in the 2 meters it took to secure our vehicles while visiting the town.  Towns in the Maritime offer vouchers and free tokens for parking to visitors, and their waterfronts were appealing.  Just saying.

We headed to Port Hope, but we were discouraged along the way and likely could be charged with not giving this port a chance either.  We headed toward the 401 and continued on our way toward home.  This time, we were planning to go full steam ahead until we reached the finish line.



Dark and drizzling outside,
it's like the skies greeted us with
happy tears for our safe arrived
to the finish line at
7:00 p.m.

 We filled up the truck one last time on Gordon Street, headed to Bullfrog Library, the place of our start line picture 28 days previous, took our picture in the pouring rain and headed home to park, shower and go to bed.  Twenty-seven nights without television landed Ken in the Lazyboy chair, and me heading to bed, I was exhausted. 

Tomorrow we unpack, hopefully not in the pouring rain.  Our plan is to pull a few facts together as well and re-cap our trip to provide a bit of a factual, yet slightly tongue and cheek overview.  Why get serious now that we are home?  This may take a bit to pull together, but keep checking back, we promise to be as quick in posting as soon as possible.


Finale to be posted soon...stay tuned!
Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Cheers & Happy Trails,
Ken & Tricia

Bon Soir Quebec, Hello Ontario. GraysGoWest, Toward Home - September 28, 2012

Look Off view from Pointe du Oies
toward the Applanches Mountain Range

Another clear crisp day waited to greet us this morning.  Our arrival yesterday to Montmagny Quebec only provided enough time for us to dart into town, pick up the necessary staples for supper, whip back to camp and start supper while we strolled toward what appeared to be the campground’s waterfront for what was left of the sunset.  For this reason this morning, we pulled ourselves together in fairly quick fashion, and headed into the business district of town to see what the town of Montamgny was all about. 

In describing the streets here in Montamgny, I would say they were very narrow and busy with cars darting in and out with what seemed to us to be a mad rush of getting nowhere fast.  I’m telling you, the rumours we’ve heard about drivers in Quebec, are ALL true!  If you are a cyclist or worse, a pedestrian, good luck to you.  It seems Quebec driver’s concept of yielding to the “walking or cyclist targets” is to honk, then speed up!  Ken and I were actually walking on the sidewalk when a car driving much faster than the streets dictated, almost clipped Ken’s elbow, and further down the street that same car had a pedestrian jump to the safety of the sidewalk she was heading for!  Drivers seem to be a little on the crazy side here!  This is such a contrast to Nova Scotia or New Brunswick.  I don’t think I mention this yet, but if you stand on the side of the road in NS or NB – anywhere on the side of the road and appear as though you are considering crossing sometime that day, when a driver sees you, they stop – regardless of their speed, environment or conditions of the surrounding traffic!  They have to be some of the most observant, courteous drivers in Canada!  As Davis said after we remarked about it, “Pedestrians first at any cost here”.  In both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, several times Ken and I found ourselves on a sidewalk being tourists looking at a map, only to look up to discover we had stopped the traffic in all directions just because of our proximity to the curb!  To boot, we didn’t need to be at a designated crosswalk or even at a corner! Out of sheer embarrassment, we found ourselves crossing – even if it wasn’t our intension - then we waved a sign of gratitude and appreciation to drivers from all directions!  Not in Quebec though, you’d be taking your life in your own hands.

The business district was organized within a very small proximity of space to each store front.  It looked like the town had attempted to replicate the feel of the Old Quebec District, without the cobblestone, beauty or tourists. Okay, frankly, they kind of missed the boat a bit if this in deed was the look they were after!  Although we had to be observant as to where and how we walked down the street, it was nice to just stroll the streets a bit this morning.  The White Goose apparently is big thing in this town too.  Everywhere you look, likely there’s a goose staring back at you.  I’m not absolutely sure why, although we think it may be the capitol of the White Goose population migrating here.  I would have told you for sure, but ALL the plaques and literature about it was written in French!  Even when I look it up in Google Search, the description still arrives to my phone in French!  I’m telling you, learn French kids!

Like our images of Sussex New Brunswick, many of the buildings had murals painted on them. (Although they were not as elaborate, nor did they appear to tell any sort of story on the town’s history from what we could figure.)  Still, it brightened up some of the streets and buildings.  We popped in to a small bakery to purchase a loaf of fresh bread for a brown bagged lunch later today.  Thankfully, the clerk was able to communicate with us in a sort of strained English, and like yesterday we were very grateful to her for this.  So much so we purchased a chocolate croissant each for her efforts.  What?  We needed to show our appreciation.  We had never had chocolate croissants before, and I will say they were scrumptious.

After leaving the business district, I was hoping to get some closer pictures of the dam and falls situated in the centre of town.  We tried a few spots, but were restricted as they lead to private property.  Ken muddled (literally) his way over some rocks at the foot of the dam, but almost ended up on his tush doing so!  His only remaining pair of shoes/sandals (since he left his Blunderstones at Davis’) were now covered in St. Lawrence River mud.  In almost giving up, we happened to find a pathed walkway park which followed the upper portion of the Rivier du Sud.  As we walked on, we realized it led to the perfect place, up close and personal to the falls.  Proud of ourselves for somewhat deciphering the posted plaque, these falls actually are equip to generate power and act as a ladder for spawning fish up the river.  What a great discovery!

Once back at camp, we hitched up the trailer to truck and were on our way in minutes.  Unlike our the complicated route we experienced into the town, we navigated our way back to highway 20 West with great ease and efficiency.  This makes me wonder:  Why does it always take almost 4 weeks and the end of our holidays to figure these maps and roads out?



Ready to take on Montreal after stopping
for some bakery fresh bread and
review of the Montreal Autoroute plan!



                                                                     

We both agreed if this was going to be a travel day, we were going to achieve this by stopping at different spots along the way.  Our first goal was to have lunch in or near Drummondville.  Google navigated us into Drummondville for a quick bank and gas pit stop, and then we reconnected with highway 20 West, just like tourists who seemed to know what they were doing.  We stopped at one of the many rest stops along the highway, just before Montreal.

Now this is a show of how much confidence we have gained during this trip…  Last night before bed, Ken researched our route THROUGH Montreal – a destination we avoided like the plague while getting to the Maritimes!  Ken was hoping to at least be able to say we “saw” Montreal, even though he had no intension of slowing down going through it, let alone stopping anywhere in it!



Ken & Tricia tour the Olympic Statium!



So rewind for a minute and think about what I said about Quebec Drivers.  What we witnessed this morning paled in comparison to the drivers on the Montreal Autoroute!  You look up the words “crazy drivers” on Wikipedia; I guarantee you’ll find a video of drivers on the Montreal Autoroute!  No worries though, the drive was not for not.  We saw the Olympic Stadium (well, not the whole thing, just the highest peek we could see from the freeway), and we went through the tunnel, which is about a 3-5 minute drive under the St. Lawrence River, depending on traffic.  I taped the whole thing, while hanging out the window with Ken’s hand camera.  The work van beside us thought this was kind of hilarious, so I greeted them and had a bit of a conversation with them before we saw the break of day again on the other side.  After this, there were all the clover leafs, on ramps, off ramps and construction we had to navigate through.  Long the way there was large electronic signs that read “Route 20 Oust – Congestion”.  Really?  Like the stand still traffic wasn’t enough of an indication for us!?!  It seemed like it was never going to end, but Ken did and awesome job getting us through the nightmare, in ALL aspects; his planning, his written directions for me to read to him as we went, and in his driving.  He seemed “white knuckled only occasionally, but when asked if he was okay, like the brave soldier he is, smiled and said he was good.  I only gasped once – which when the controls are not in front of me, is pretty darn good!

Why does it seem vacations like this exposes a person to 3 and a half weeks of unwinding and de-stressing, and the journey back home throws you face first into the stress lane again?  I personally can’t wait for the next generation to develop a successful means of time travel so trips like this can be taken, but with a push of a button the travelers find themselves sitting in their driveway at home with trailer and truck in tact, and maybe even the vehicles unpacked.  Wouldn’t that be nice?  After today’s Autoroute experience, I think I need another 3 or 4 weeks vacation!

The "bitter, sweet" arrival of home.

After crossing the Quebec/Ontario Boarder, Ken seemed more relaxed, commenting on the comfort he was feeling just by seeing Ontario vehicle plates again.  He’s such a “fuddy-duddy”.  Honestly!  The plate ratio was still probably only about 2 to every 15 plates were from Ontario (one of them being ours!), but whatever floats his boat!  I’m still licking my wounds regarding the fact that arriving in Ontario is a reality which now stares me in the face: We are almost home. 

We arrived at a little campground overlooking the St. Lawrence River near Lancaster called Charoletteburgh Park.  It resembles a park much like our conservation areas would.  The facilities are clean, but crying for some much needed maintenance.  At this point in the journey, we will take the “clean requiring attention” over continuing to drive on. 

The "bitter sweet" sign of home.

Now only about 7 hours away from home, our options remain open…tomorrow we drive through and Sunday we rest at home, OR we can stop somewhere between here and there for a last night on the road.  Originally I was hoping to stop at Bon Echo Provincial Park for a nostalgic visit of our honeymoon 25 years ago.  But now that we have managed over 6,000 kilometers of driving, I am not sure I want to face any unnecessary miles added on to our journey.  Quinty Mall in Belleville may be as nostalgic as I am willing to get on this trip.  A friendly bed and hot shower in the comforts of our own home doesn’t sound too bad right now.  We’ll see what tomorrow brings.  After all, we still have 1 night and 2 days left.  *SIGH*

Until Tomorrow,

We'll chat soon.

Ken & Tricia

A Few Piculiar Things Happened Today... September 27, 2012

Life outside our trailer window this morning looked nippy, and looks were not deceiving!  For the first time this trip I woke to don my jeans, socks AND runners!  My peeps at BFM/BKM always know I have succumbed to fall when I arrive at work without my sandals.  Since I am not there to remind each of you today, I am here to advise Fall has definitely caught up with us!

I woke as usual, much earlier than Ken.  This gave me some time to work on Blogspot to try and rectify the technical difficulties we were experiencing yesterday.  With success at the door, I was please to post our exciting adventure from Wednesday.  What a rush that was!  We laughed so hard at times my cheeks hurt!  The whales were truly exciting, but the adventure on the tall ship definitely gave the whales a run for their money!  I also wanted to point out, for those of you who may wish to discredit the pictures I posted…its hard taking pictures of such unpredictable moments!  The Finbacks may be large, and may in deed be slow, but to the mind’s eye, capturing them on camera was HUGE – even though some of you may think the image was a floating tire in the middle of a rough lake!!  THAT was the real McCoy!!  If you don’t believe us, then come on out and see for yourself!

Look to the bottom of the gorge
for the white water line.

Grand Falls was pretty Grand the first time through.  Now more relaxed, with a bit of

time on our hands, Grand Falls was pretty spectacular even the second time viewing it!  We managed to capture the falls from a few different angles than the first visit back 3+ weeks ago.  When we popped into this visitor’s centre this morning, we learned the slowed water fall was not as much to blame on the folks working on the dam as much as the very dry summer they experienced.  The staff person at the office pointed out to us the rocks at the very bottom of the gorge displaying the white water marks was actually an interesting measuring tool to those familiar with the gorge.  Apparently these rocks were indicating a water level so low, the rock faces we were now observing have actually never been exposed to daylight in known history of this gorge.  How lucky for us…kind of!  To be honest, both Ken and I were hoping the dam workers would be gone, and Hurricane Lesley in addition to the torrential rains we experienced while in PEI would have had some effect on the waterfall so we could be more “wowed” the second time around.  We were still wowed, as it truly is an amazing site, but it would have been pretty awesome to see the “regular” falls most visitors are use to see here.  Next time I guess…

In our minds, two “reportable instances” happened to us before we left Grand Falls;

1)      Casper got a car wash.  Now this may not be the highlight we were looking for on the trip, but the strangest thing happened!  We paid and proceeded toward what looked like a “normal” car wash.  The bay looked a bit run down and perhaps a little on the small side, but the sign read, “touch-free” wash.  When we entered, this young man proceeded to scrub Caper down with a power washer and brush!!  After a thorough personalized scrub, only then the automated system kicked in.  Not sure why this personal wash occurred, but we were killing ourselves laughing as this poor guy who took such care in making Casper sparkle.  Regardless, Casper no longer has the PEI red sand on her, and pictures through the front window should present clearer picture possibilities as we drive through the valleys today.

2)      We went to the local Tim Horton’s to use their WiFi to post the blog of the night before.  We have chosen to post a picture of Myles again.  As you can see the surgery was not successful, but he has started to accept moose do loose their antlers.  He is asking for new antlers for Christmas though, if anyone is doing their shopping early! ANYWAYS, besides the connection being PAINFULLY slow, posting the article took about an hour longer than it should have, we really wanted to comment on this experience.  As you are aware, Ken and I have been trying to sign off on each blog post with some sort of saying the locals, wherever we may be at the time, would use themselves.  We thought it would be cool if we signed off to you in French, as Grand Falls is predominately French, although not as much so as where we are this evening - but still very French.  When I went to the counter to ask for someone to write down something that would resemble our usual “Chat again soon” sign off, the staff were very helpful and obliging, but even more so was the kind gentleman standing innocently in line behind me hoping for an afternoon java.  He not only offered his assistance, but left Tim Horton’s, then came back to help add a more local sense of flare – and he typed it directly into our message so I could be sure it was right!  After this, once we made it to our camping spot for the evening, we discovered an email through the blog wishing us safe travels.  To us, he is only known to us as “The French Guy at Tim Horton’s”, but we really wanted to thank him for his kindness and assistance.  He is a true example of the kind of folks we have been witness to along our journey.  He has our promise to make sure we pay his kindness forward numerous times in the immediate future.  Thank you French Guy!  We wish we had your name. Please know the remainder of references to you within our posts is intended as compliments!

After leaving Grand Falls, it was a beautiful day for a drive.  Clear, sunny, with high clouds, and the ability to see for miles.  Driving on such a clear day, we could really witness the changing landscape as we motored along.  The Trans Canada to the Quebec boarder was predictably smooth sailing, although the high winds were a bit nerve racking, especially when the large transports passed us.  They kick up such tail winds which not only try to suck the truck and trailer in as it passes, but continues to do so until you are able to get out of its draft or wake.  The winds were fairly high again today and we were meeting them head on until we reached the Quebec Boarder and only then they eased a bit.

The landscape changed again as we approached the Appalaches Region nearing the Quebec area.  We travelled on the south shore across highway 20.  The drive was rather flat, with a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence between us and the Appalaches Mountains.  The colour only added to the already established eye candy we were experiencing.  Once again, I could never tire of this view.

Even with a very entertaining and eye appealing view, I began to get a little edgy and needed the drive to be over by about 4:00 pm.  With the time change of gaining the hour back we lost when we crossed the New Brunswick boarder several weeks ago, we had been travelling for about 5 hours. Even though I started the drive out, I sadly did not last long.  I have been really tired as of late, unable to sleep longer than a couple of hours at a time at night.  Seems I am up late and rising early in the morning.  I fear what the time change may do to me tomorrow morning!  As a result of my tiredness, Ken took the brunt of most of the drive again today.  We slowed for very little and drove until I insisted we pull off.  I had had enough driving for one day.  No offense intended “French Guy” from Tim Horton’s, but I am pretty sure Ken would have driven to Ontario if he could have, just avoid stopping anywhere French was the first language.  I completely understand, it’s really hard and a bit of a worry when you are illiterate to the signage and the general, every day need to speak the native tongue of wherever you are.  Having said this though, please do not misunderstand, because everyone we have met while travelling has been very accommodating to our language challenge.  But in the car at about 4:30, I was pretty much developing my own language for Ken!  Where were you “French Guy” from Tim Horton’s when we stopped for the night in Montmagny? 

“Serge” from the Montmagny Visitor’s Centre was AWESOME with us.  He apologized to US for his limited English vocabulary – what the heck??  We were in his backyard – he didn’t need to apologize to us!!  Meanwhile, I just wanted to leap over the counter and hug him for his effort – he was doing great and I understood him completely!  When we arrived at the Pointe-aux-Oies Camping, the front office ladies were also awesome, but let’s face it, it was past 5:00 and time for them to go home.  Deciphering English wasn’t really their problem.  After all, they knew where the washroom facilities were, how to link to the free Wi-Fi and which way we go to observe the sunset and mountains.  That experience was nothing in comparison to us standing in line to replenish a few grocery items!  I was in line first to tackle whatever might come our way.  My plan was to just watch the screen, nod at the appropriate times, then pay the amount the screen said.  I was prepared to say “Oui, un sac s’il vous plait” or the easiest escape ever, “Parle English s’il vous plait?”  But I was distracted by the guy behind Ken in the check out line who seemed to be having a conversation with Ken!  Ken was the deer in headlights, the guy was having a great conversation with himself.  The only thing is, I don’t think he quite knew it was a one sided conversation!  From this experience, what did we learn?  When we get home, we will be expressing our DEEPEST insistence to our nieces and nephews, if it’s not too late, to LEARN French and pay attention!!!  There won’t always be a “Tim Horton’s French Guy” in your travels!

The campground here is a real gem.  Yet another great view, with the St. Lawrence River and Appalaches Region view right down the path from us, with very clean facilities and well manicured grounds.  The down fall is the number of trains that seem to pass by in the distance and the grounds are VERY lit with street lights which pour into every window we have on the TC.  I doubt any of this will really matter (I hope), as I am once again quite tired tonight.  Bed is not far from the moment I finish this post. 

We still have 2 nights and 3 days left to travel.  From our current vantage point it leaves a bit of room to not feel as though we have to race back.  We can afford now to limit drives to 4-5 hours total, with leisurely stops to see sites along the way.  This is much better than the predicted 7-9 hour drive days which we were originally looking at.  We aren’t sure how our first 13 hour day of travel 25 days ago was handled quite as well.  I guess then it was adrenaline pushing us.  Now, we are far too relaxed to be motivated by this, especially when the memories are acting at humungous magnets, pulling us back to the tidal shores of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.  There are too many miles between us to go back, so we forge forward as best we can. We are homeward bound.

Merci, mon amie!

Until we chat again!

Cheers,

Ken & Tricia

One More Night in Paradise - September 26, 2012

This morning I woke to the most breathtaking sunrise of our trip.  Like always I view every sunrise amazing, it simply signifies to me a chance to experience something more amazing than the previous day.  If you consider the Sailor’s Mantra though, the beauty in today’s sunrise could heed warning, “Red sky at night, sailors delight; red sky in morning, sailors take warning.”  If I were a sailor today, I’d listen to the mantra!  Sure enough, within 20 minutes of the sun disappearing behind the clouds, the wind became intense and it began to drizzle. 

Our hopes to stay another day in St. Andrews were somewhat squashed when the weather turned.  We thought it might be in our best interest to finish up the things we wanted to do and see here in St. Andrews and use the damp, dark day as a travel day in order to reduce the length of drives which lay ahead of us in order to get home.  Some last minute shopping, a walk to see a few more sights not yet discovered and perhaps a visit to the Aquarium would wrap up our day here in St. Andrews.  Unfortunately, the morning dragged on a little too long and we decided to not do the Aquarium, but instead head to St. Stephens, the Boarder Crossing City to Maine, about 20 minutes north-west of St. Andrews-By-The-Sea.  (The city is known as the “Chocolate City” – need I say more?)

St. Stephens was, well, not what we expected.  With only a stone throw away from St. Andrews, we figured it would be fairly similar with its own twist of beauty.  Once again, maybe because the day was dark and drizzly, it looked to both of us a “tired” town.  The streets were narrow and busy and the shops appeared run down and in need of some serious attention.  The folks in the visitor centre which overlooked the St. JCroix River were extremely nice and helpful.  Having said this though, Gloria and her staff directed us to a dinner for lunch, which was probably my first meal of disappointment on this trip. (It was bound to happen at some point and time!)  She also directed us to the Chocolate Museum Factory and Store outlet, and to a “lovely gift shop” just down the street from there.  First, I would not buy anything from the gift shop, maybe even if they were giving items out for free!  I know that sounds harsh, but I could not possibly begin to describe what we experienced in this shop with any positive spin.

By the time we arrived at the Chocolate Museum, Ken needed to use the facilities.  We had to pay an admittance charge in order for us to access the washrooms!  We weren’t sure we were going to do the museum, but the opportunities for other options were not in our favour!  So we paid our $13.00 entrance fee, used the facilities and then ate at least $15 of chocolates, truffles and candy!  I guess we got our money’s worth!  I forgot my camera in the truck, so unfortunately there are no pictures to share.  Admittedly, you didn’t miss much.  It was interesting, but if it weren’t for the samples, I am not sure I would go out of my way for it.  Besides, when we went into the store, they had FREE samples there – no charge for admission.

In returning to the truck, we found ourselves once again back on the road, winding our way over the curves and hills of highway 3.  Before we left the St. Stephens area we found a roadside market that specialized in local blueberry delicacies. We purchased a few things along with some peaches and cream corn for tonight’s supper and headed down the road.  It rained most of the trip.  We really didn’t know where we might stop for the night, but we reviewed 3 options the night before; Woodstock NB, Grand Falls NB or Edmundston NB.  As you may recall one of our previous blogs about Grand Falls, I was routing for this as our overnight stop, but it was Ken driving today as I was not feeling 100%, and I left the decision to him based on how he felt as we went along.

 

The drive was magnificent.  The tree lined Trans Canada highway was bounding with beauty of colourful displays of yellows, oranges, reds and greens.  Place that pictured image with the occasional backdrop of winding rivers and patchwork gridded farms and the images are like candy to an artist’s eye.

Ken pulled into Grand Falls at about 6:45, and this time we did not get lost getting here!  Like old pros, we wheeled through the town, made our way to the campground within the town and parked.  Both of us somewhat happy to get out and stretch our legs and once again use the facilities, only to find the public washrooms were locked!  The gates to the campground were open, but in reality, the campground was closed for the season!  We were both committed to driving no further.  We found a post with hydro (not all the sites had their hydro operational), dropped the trailer and then set out to find “back up facilities” which we could rely on during our stay.

The park is small and very lovely.  It’s one of those gems we wouldn’t have likely found, if it weren’t for our visit to the visitors centre here in Grand Falls at the start of our trip.  There’s a beautiful lookout over the canyon right within the park, only steps away from where we parked the TC.  The dispite the limited washroom access, the price was certainly right - FREE!! 

As darkness approached us, we headed in, heated up some hamburgers cooked the other night and cooked our corn on the cobs.  Supper never tasted so good!  A few beverages later (careful not to over do it with our limited facilities) I was heading for bed.  Tomorrow we will tour the town of Grand Falls, then continue on…stopping when we stop, exploring whatever the stop has to offer, all the while making our way back home.

It was hard to get my head around the idea of leaving the Maritimes today.  Tomorrow we will likely find ourselves somewhere in the province of Quebec again.  It’s the memories we have experienced that are helping me adjust to the fact this trip is winding down.  It will be good to see everyone back home.  It will also be good to find ourselves in bigger living quarters!   We love our TC hand over fist, but you wouldn’t catch us living in it full time.  There is something to be said about the stability and groundedness  (if that’s a word!) one experiences by always having that little place we call “home’.  I promise you though, we won’t be rushing to get there – we still have 3 nights and 4 days left!

From our last night in New Brunswick, we bid you good night!

"Au Revoir mes chères amis du Nouveau-Brunswick"

Goodbye my friends of New Brunswick,

Until we chat again!

Ken and Tricia

Sunrise to Sunset, and everything in between! September 25, 2012

Prelude:  We apologize to everyone for the technical difficulties experienced yesterday.  We believe somehow we got them sorted out!  Hope you find the read below worth the wait!  Enjoy!
                     PS - Sorry Joyce you didn't get "Storytime with Tricia last night!    ;-(

Today I witnessed simultaneously the tide approaching high tide and the sun rising for the first time on this trip.  Before you criticize me for this being my first sunrise, I'd like to remind everyone we are 1 hour ahead of you, and to observe one, you need to be on a shoreline by 6:30 at the latest.  For those of you who know me, I don't sleep in very often, but I traditionally wake at the same time every day.  Lucky for me, nature was calling early this morning and I woke to witness the dawn of what appeared to be emerging as a spectacular day! With opportunities on our door step, how could anyone possibly miss this.  Not sure, but when Ken wakes up, I'll ask him.

While on the shoreline I watched 3 fishing vessels make their way down the channel toward the open sea.  Sluggish but determined the vessels each tooted along at their own pace. 

The road which loops it's way from town around the peninsula and then out to the highway which exits the town, serves only one purpose and that's to follow the shoreline.  If locals needed to leave town for work or to complete their list of errands away from St. Andrews, there are streets within the town which lead to the only route out, other than using the peninsula road which would be slightly out of any locals route out of town.  It's not a busy road by any means, but what put a smile on my face this morning, were the number of folks who drove to the tip of this strip of land where I stood, each of them, men and women just sat in their vehicles pointing directly toward the sunrise and sipped their coffee.  At peek of the sunrise, most of them started their vehicles up again and proceeded on to catch up with the rest of their day. The smile on my face got bigger as I quietly answered a question I had recently asked a local from Fundy National Park while there:  "Do you ever get tired of this?"  Clearly for those who wake early to sip their morning brew while watching this very sunset, the answer was a resounding "NO".  I'd like to think I could be, given the opportunity, one of the locals sipping my peppermint tea, watching the sunrise, starting my day in perfect harmony with nature every morning.  Who knows, maybe THIS could be the start of becoming a "morning person"?!

Once Ken got up, we kicked off our morning with another bike ride into town, this time with the intention of spending money!  So far, Ken's been let off with little spending, well other than a quilt, but that writing was on the wall before we even left Guelph!

Our MONEY SHOT
Artist, Tricia Gray

As we headed for the shopping district in town, I pedalled into the more residential area where I was pretty sure would lead us to the town's lighthouse.  The timing was perfect, and I am providing you with my artistic rendition of what I have been calling my trip's "money shot"!  The sun was rising at the perfect time for me to position myself in a way where the morning sun shone right through the windows of the lighthouse glass.  I think I should submit this one to the province's photo contest!  People might pay enough to pay for the trip...okay maybe the quilt...alright maybe the activity we will be participating in later...well realistically, it should buy at least a round of "tea" during our afternoon tea at the local pub!

From here we parked our bikes and meandered through the town shops, observing their wares and 'oohing and aahing' at the resident artisans' creations.  Before we knew it, we headed back and change into warmer clothes.  Not because it was turning cool, at least not where we were, but because I had TWO Bucket List activities we needed to get ready for.

If you know me at all, I have ALWAYS wanted to go whale watching...and today was the day!  The other?  To board and sail on a Tall Ship, and now we can both say, "Check & Check"!

When we woke this morning, I heard the weather forecast calling for high winds.  I was hoping Ken wasn't paying too much attention to the forecast, because come "Hell or High Water" I was going Whale Watching today!  Besides, at 6:15 this morning, the ocean was as calm as our bathtub - well we actually don't have a bathtub, but if we did, it would be pretty calm I would imagine!

We arrived at the wharf at 1:10 pm, and boarded with 12 other passengers, and a crew of 3 or 4 depending on how you count them!  The wharf was at low tide, so we made our way down the steep gangway of the floating dock to the end of the floating peer.  Within no time at all the moored Tall Ship approached our position and on we boarded.  After the crew, Ken was the first one on.  We had amazing seats right at the front, on the starboard side of the ship.  The ship usually tours with 26 passengers in the peek of the season, but with the number we were travelling with everyone would have fantastic views to the experience.



Sandy (left), Audrey (right)



As we shoved off, the First Mate, Bob suggested we and the two other passengers (Sandy & Audrey) who sat to our backs on the port side were very brave to be up front, apparently, according to Bob, likely the wettest seats of all.  No sweat we think, we can manage sea spray.  As we left the harbour, the captain came on the loud speaker to suggest everyone on the starboard side were strongly recommended to get on the port side.  Who am I to argue, he should know, so over we shoved.  I snuggled up with Sandy and Audrey, from Bramalea!  They were a hoot!  We chatted about Bramalea, our drives, what we had seen so far and how long we had been on the road, all the while, snapping photos (of the hundred plus trees and rocks we have already captured throughout the previous part of the trip) as we sailed along.  As we moved further away from the harbour, we quickly learned 3 things: 

1)  When a Captain tells you to move to the other side of the boat, it's usually for good reason.  Likely he has some sort of inclination on what's up ahead;

2)  High winds = LARGE swells;

3)  Large swells = much more than ocean spray.

The pictures do not even come
CLOSE to depicting the actual
wave and swell sizes!

At a few points a long the way, anchoring yourself in any possible way far exceeded the importance of your personal viewing vantage point!  I found myself grabbing onto rungs on the bench which Ken was poised on.  Quoting Ken, he admitted to me and our new sailing partners Sandy and Audrey, "his butt cheeks were clamped on so tight to the bulk head, he was pretty sure they were leaving a permanent impression there!"  Sandy and I were howling in laughter - only thing is, when you are laughing as hard as we were, often your mouth is wide open.  Wide open mouths mean easy access to ocean waves, or as both Sandy and I pointed out, fish poop and whale pee!  Both Ken and I imagine at times the swells were about 5 feet.  (Later, this was confirmed by Kevin, the owner of the Red Herring when we stopped in after to have a brewed "tea" by a fishing friend of his who was also out in the swells in his small fishing vessel.)  Sounds crazy, but the ride was awesome!  Both Sandy and I said even if we didn't see whales, the adventure up to that point was worth the price of admission! (Although we both added and agreed we would have still been mildly disappointed.)

Before we even reached the point where we were to hover in hopes to view whales, Sandy and I had determined we were kindred spirits in so many ways, and the jokes continued to roll with the continuous rolling of our vessel in the open sea.  The whole journey wasn't rough, thank goodness.  Once we managed to reach a group of islands the waters calmed a tremendous amount.  The boat still rocked and rolled, but most of this time you could at least stand and stretch your legs.  Good thing, 'cause the wedgie I was starting to experience was becoming a little too personal!  The Captain explained to us Mink Whales have been spotted within the cover of the islands over the last several weeks.  After a leisurely slow troll through the islands, we came up empty.  We sailed past the protection of the islands, were we found ourselves back out in rough waters; hungrily look for that one glimpse of hope - whatever that meant.

For about a half an hour we coasted and bobbed along with other sight-seeing vessels in the open waters. 

The captain once again came on the loud speaker to explain one of the other vessels may have seen a spouting whale just port to where we were just past some small islands.  Almost in unison, all vessels darted in the same direction.  Once in position, we tossed and bobbed and I am pretty sure, even though it was completely unnecessary, we all held our breaths.  I know I did!  And then, we all saw the spray!  From here on in, the sighting was confirmed; everyone (including the crew) got excited and for the next 45 to 60 minutes we rubber-necked our way around the area.  Certain there were at least two, possibly even three Finback Whales in our area, they teased us, confused us, surprised us and amazed us.  The closest we got was one surprise spouting and quick view about 40-50 feet off our bow on our side of the ship.  Each siting was AS exciting as the last.  Suddenly we forgot about the rough ocean around us, the howling winds on our faces or the cold sea water dripping down our backs.  We were in the presence of greatness!  This mammal is the second largest mammal known to man and they were the entertainment, centre stage, right off our bow.

As we left this amazingly beautiful sight, the ship was turned about, heading for home.  Back in the shelter of the islands, we were served a delicious cup of Pea Soup (well Ken had a couple of cups!) and crackers - delicious!  In three and half hours we saw amazing coastal views, a lonely seal, eagles and other birds and Finbacks. To boot, we met two like-minded, crazy adventurers in Sandy and Audrey, and according to the crew once we were safely back to where we started this adventure, the ride today was hands down the most adventurous they had experienced all season long.  On top of it all, I don't think anyone "shared their Scrambled Eggs" as first Mate Bob says!  Double Bonus to everyone on board, because if ONE of us started, I am pretty sure we all would have been joining them!

Land at last! Tricia & Ken
brought Jolly Breeze safe to dock!

Once docked, we said our goodbyes to our new shipmates Sandy and Audrey, and headed for a pint and supper at the Red Herring.  We then strolled the evening streets of town, where a few stores were still opened.  Ken had another pint at the "Gables" and I had a tea.  We headed home for a well deserved shower.  Salt water is HORRIBLE when it dries on your skin, and it doesn't taste very nice either!

Ready for bed as soon as this is published, it has been yet another amazing day!  Admittedly, I couldn't help but think when we were out on the rough waters how my "last" bucket list activity went.  For those who may not recall, it started with a wedding and a horse and ended with bruises and a VERY sore body for weeks after!!  I wasn't about to express any sort of concern of any stretch of the imagination of my thoughts to Ken!  Turns out, my "Bucket List" jinx is gone by the wayside!  I wonder what will be the next thing I work towards crossing off!!  Certainly this entire trip and every single day within would qualify!

Tomorrow we begin our "turn about" back home.  Even though neither of us are ready to leave, we always knew it would eventually come to an end.  That's a hard pill to swallow right now, but we'll manage, even thought it may in fact put both of us in an "owly" mood as they say here, at least for a moment.

"Nellie" done here in New Brunswick.  Chat tomorrow,

Cheers,

Tricia & Ken