OCTOBER 20, Friday
Up at 7 a.m. It is raining again. Packed and on the road by 11 a.m. Drove Hwy 1 to St-Stephen where we crossed the border into Maine USA at 1:15 p.m.
We got onto Hwy 9 and followed it all the way to Bangor where we spent the night in a Walmart parking lot. The hiway was good but we couldn't see much due to so much fog and rain. We stopped at a rest area for lunch and were in Bangor at 3 p.m. (We changed time when we crossed into the US, one hour back Eastern time)
It is busy here being a Friday. we fuelled and laid back and rested. Bought 30 beer and 5L wine for $29 versus $60 in New-Brunswick (just goes to show how much we are being gouged in Canada)
N 44*46' W 68*44' Alt: 197' distance today 312 Km Fuel 18.95 gal @ $2.64
OCTOBER 21, Saturday, Sunny but windy
Had a lousy sleep. Up at 6 a.m. The batteries went dead overnight so had to start the truck to charge them and get the furnace going. IT is a chilly 6*C
Got a mcmuffin from McDonald and left by 8:30a.m. Got on hwy 395 then I-95 south We had to pay toll fees of $4. between Augusta and New-hampshire. It took 3/4 hour to cross N.H. at the bottom end. We are making good time as I don't want to boondock with the batteries the way they are. We stopped at an info centre in Massachussetts and the people here weren't all that friendly. Kept going south and around Boston. Busy but not overwhelming. Drivers coming on the freeway come in slow then speed like maniacs, so it was best to stay in the middle lane as we had a couple of close calls. They don't seen to look when coming on either. We are travelling at 90KM/hr (55mph)
South of Boston, we took I-495 and headed S.E. to Bourne Cape Cod. Bourne RV Park is a nice place with lots of trees and by the canal. It is well kept but expensive for us...$30/night and it was the cheapest around.
As we drove in, we encountered a couple that we had met back in Moncton N.B. WOW....small world.
We set up in site G34 near the canal, had dinner then headed for bed. A long and tiring day for both of us. Called Jeff in the evening and talked to him for a while.
We are here for 3 days
N 41*45' W 70*35' Alt: 56' Ditance today: 478km ( 300 miles)
fuel: Maine 19.43 gal @ 2.599 & Massuchussetts 9.62 @ 2.899
OCTOBER 22 Sunday, Sunny
We left at 10 a.m., crossed the Bourne Bridge and headed East into Cape Cod on Hwy 28. It was a beautiful drive with lots of quaint little town/villages, neat houses and friendly people. We south places like Yarmouth, Falmouth, Woods Hole where the frry to Martha's Vineyard is, we saw the Island, south Cape beaches, Waquoit among many. We stopped in Hyannis to see the Kennydy memorial. He lived here for many years even as President.
We joined Hwy 6 as the Cape does its curve north and it took us to Cape Cod light house and ProvinceTown. The drive reminded us of Oregon coast with all the sand dunes and the ocean nearby. It was mainly all State and National Parks and we reached the northern most point at Race Point beach N 42*04' W 70*13' there was also an airport here.
ProvinceTown was a neat village of 3100 people which triples in the summer. This is where the vessel MAYFLOWER landed with the Pilgrims back in 1620. They populated the area and Plymouth on the mainland, and also formed ProvinceTown.
After a quick beer and a snack, we headed south on hwy 6 and were back home within an hour and a half. we had a late dinner and went to bed tired but happy.
I bought 2 new deep cycle batteries in Hyannis for $126.
OCTOBER 23 Monday, Sunny again.
It rained overnight but it is sunny this morning. Decided to drive to Boston, an hour away. Filled the truck 20gal @ 2.599 and followed hwy 6 then I-93. We parked near the "Common Grounds" and took a walking tour. It was interesting and we got to see where it all happened back in the 1700's Downtown Boston is very historic and it is interesting to see the old with the new. Our tour guide was very informative and it helped that she was cute!!! We saw Paul Revere's house, the Italian quarter, the meeting hall, the State house where the Declaration of Indepence was read.
AND...we got to see and try out the famous Pub "CHEERS" from the TV show. It was neat to see there and see everything as we saw it on TV, including the famous window by the stairs. We didn't see Norm or anyone else of that show unfortunately.
Came home and fuelled the truck for 8.5 gallons @ 2.699 Another successful day. Drove a total of 566 km in the last 2 days.
OCTOBER 24 Tuesday, Cloudy and Cold
It was only 6*C again last night. We left by 10 a..m. after dumping and stopped in town for a Post Office then onwards west and south on Hwy 6. we hopped on I-95 by Ferndale then entered Rhode Island and through Providence. We reached Connecticut an hour later and stopped at a info centre where we met this guy Steve who gave us some good info and also knew the owner of the campsite we were planning on staying in Madison.
Arrived in Riverdale Farm Campsite at 3 p.m. and set-up. $93 for three nights including a full tank of propane which was pretty good. we have full hook-up and WIFI and cable. Unloaded the kayaks and readied everything for our trip to NY tomorrow.
This is Madison county ( movie Bridges of Madison county) and incredibly picturesque. Actually it was all the way down. We drove by Mystic, famous for its pizza as per the movie but no time for one now.
OCTOBER 25, Wednesday, Sunny and windy
Today, we went to Mahattan, New-York! What an icredible city. I can understand why they love it as we fell in Love with New-York!
We left our site and drove to New-Haven where we took a train to Mahattan @ $32 for both. We met a lady on board who gave us some very good info and 2 hours later we were in the mist of Grand Central Station and the skyscrapers of Mahattan. WOW! We took a taxi to GROUND ZERO then walked to Battery Park where we saw the Statue of Liberty, from far away mind you. Ground Zero was a bigger than I thought and the memorial was well done. We both shared a tear seeing all this devastation and the list of the names of the people who perished in that horrific moment.
We then walked to WALL STREET where we saw the NY exchange and some beautiful highrises. and took anotehr taxi back to the Empire State building. The taxi drivers were all marvellous and more than willing to share their town with us. We saw the Brooklyn bridge, Brooklyn across the river, teh United Nations and Trump's tower. It made it even more interesting. We went up to the 86th floor and saw New-york form above (SEE PICTURES) The cost was $32 and there were line ups everywhere. It was very windy and cold up there so took some quick pictures, took a moment to reflect then headed down. From here, we walked 43rd and then 6th (the avenue of the Americas) to TIME SQUARE. What a strange feeling to be standing here. We also saw the N.Y. public library, a beautiful building and walked Broadway part of the way.
At 42nd and 6th we stopped at Vigil's and had a beer and snack and saw New-Yorkers in their environment. The bartenders were all friendly and chatty. We left there in the mist of rush hour. People elbow to elbow yet we managed to walk fairly fast back to Grand Central.
We took the train back, an express, and the drove home to Tucker. He went straight for the first tree as soon as I open the door then came over to greet us. Poor little guys, he was bursting a tthe seams.
We both wish we would have had mopre time to spent there but it is expensive and we do have a limited budget. It was an AWSOME day for both of us.
OCTOBER 26, Thursday and sunny
We spent the day here doing laundry, writing e-mails and bringing this blog to date and downloading pictures. I've been sitting behind this screen for about 3 hours now...time to call it quit.
Bye for now and check out all the new pictures.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
October 14 to 19, 2006
Well, this is our last entry in New-Brunswick and Canada for that matter. Tomorrow, the 20th, we move into the U.S. of A., more specifically Maine and head south!!!!!
It's been a very quiet week and not much to report. Yesterday it poured rain all day and we had dinner with Tena and Al as they left this morning for the States' side.
We went to Fredericton on Tuesday for the day. We took hwy 102 north along the St-John river. It was a very pretty and scenic drive. I wanted to see GageTown and the Army base there but found out that the Base is actually 36 km north of the village in a suburb of Frededicton called Oromocto ( 5-7 km from the city).
Gagetown village was very small and not much there beside a pub and an old Post Office building.
Fredericton was also a disappointment for both of us especially being the capital of New-Brunswick. The downtown was quaint but not very big. We walked the whole thing in an hour and a half. There were nothing going on (being so late in the season) so we left and headed back home.
As a footnote, we drove into the Army Base as there were no gates to be seen anywhere. I saw where the Engineer Squadron was so that made my day.
We've done all our last minute preparation and the laundry, now we are bringing this and our pictures to date and that's it.
Talk to you all on the State's side
Yes, I downloaded a few more pictures. If you are interested, click on the link a the right side
It's been a very quiet week and not much to report. Yesterday it poured rain all day and we had dinner with Tena and Al as they left this morning for the States' side.
We went to Fredericton on Tuesday for the day. We took hwy 102 north along the St-John river. It was a very pretty and scenic drive. I wanted to see GageTown and the Army base there but found out that the Base is actually 36 km north of the village in a suburb of Frededicton called Oromocto ( 5-7 km from the city).
Gagetown village was very small and not much there beside a pub and an old Post Office building.
Fredericton was also a disappointment for both of us especially being the capital of New-Brunswick. The downtown was quaint but not very big. We walked the whole thing in an hour and a half. There were nothing going on (being so late in the season) so we left and headed back home.
As a footnote, we drove into the Army Base as there were no gates to be seen anywhere. I saw where the Engineer Squadron was so that made my day.
We've done all our last minute preparation and the laundry, now we are bringing this and our pictures to date and that's it.
Talk to you all on the State's side
Yes, I downloaded a few more pictures. If you are interested, click on the link a the right side
Friday, October 13, 2006
October 8-13, 2006
OCTOBER 8 Sunday
Another sunny day. Said our good-byes to Tena and Al as they are going to the other side of Nova Scotia, the Annapolis Valley.
Washed the thruck and vacuum the inside. Went to fuel, get some propane ($1.09/litre, bloody highway robbery) and fill the air bags.
Val made a wonderful Thanks-Giving dinner consisting of a roast chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots and turnip mashed, and salad. It was DELICIOUS!
OCTOBER 9/06 Monday
Happy Thanks-Giving day! We left our campsite this morning for New Brunswick. We went up Hwy 213, then 102 to N.B. which then turned into Hwy 1. We drove to St-John, a 6 hours ride including a stop for lunch. It is a warm day....24*C.
When we arrived in St_John, we got lost trying to find our campsite but finally found it but not until we were sent on a wild goose chase for another campsite which turned out to be closed.
A nice place overlooking the city and the harbour, near a bluff, the park is call ROSEWOOD PARK and it cost $115 for one week. Set up and then had a happy hour. Found an airbag on the driver side leaking so will have to get that looked at tomorrow.
N 45*17' W66*03' Alt: 157' Distance today: 513 km
OCTOBER 10, Tuesday
Up at 7 a.m. Sunny again but windy. Got down to 6*C overnight. Found a garage called SPRING WORKS for the air bag. They have to order another one so will be here tomorrow.
Went into town and walked the whole downtown. Full of old building built in the 1700's and 1800's. Very historic. Had a beer in an old pub then went home to find Tena and Al are here too. They came over for happy hour and stayed for dinner.
A good evening overall and to bed by 11 p.m.
OCTOBER 11, Wednesday
Sunny again but the forecast is for rain tonight and a wind warning. Took the truck to SPRING WORKS and a half hour later I was on the road again.
We went to see the reversing falls today which turned out to be very interesting. The tide is sure powerful and rises and falls 32 feet overall.
Phone BCAA to make sure our medical insurance is to date for the States. Our plans are to stay here until the 20th when the park closes then move to Calais, Maine and stay there for two days then head south. That is when our medical insurance will be good and in full force.
Also made an appointment for Tucker to get him checked out.
OCTOBER 12, Thursday,
IT is a miserable day...Rain and winds gusting to 60Km/hr. Stayed home all day and read our books. Took Tucker for his appointment at 7 p.m. and all is fine except for more pills for his itching.
OCTOBER 13, Friday
Let's hope it is a lucky one. It was really foggy this a.m. but the sun is out now (3 p.m.) It was a warm night too. 15*C at 8 a.m. this morning.
We are sitting a tthe Market place where we have access to WIFI and writing this.
Also downloaded the rest of my pictures. If you notice that some folders are gone it's because I have used all my allocated space so had to make more room for the new pictures. Sorry if you missed the old ones.
Bye for now. Probably won't write in here again until we get further down the States.
Another sunny day. Said our good-byes to Tena and Al as they are going to the other side of Nova Scotia, the Annapolis Valley.
Washed the thruck and vacuum the inside. Went to fuel, get some propane ($1.09/litre, bloody highway robbery) and fill the air bags.
Val made a wonderful Thanks-Giving dinner consisting of a roast chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots and turnip mashed, and salad. It was DELICIOUS!
OCTOBER 9/06 Monday
Happy Thanks-Giving day! We left our campsite this morning for New Brunswick. We went up Hwy 213, then 102 to N.B. which then turned into Hwy 1. We drove to St-John, a 6 hours ride including a stop for lunch. It is a warm day....24*C.
When we arrived in St_John, we got lost trying to find our campsite but finally found it but not until we were sent on a wild goose chase for another campsite which turned out to be closed.
A nice place overlooking the city and the harbour, near a bluff, the park is call ROSEWOOD PARK and it cost $115 for one week. Set up and then had a happy hour. Found an airbag on the driver side leaking so will have to get that looked at tomorrow.
N 45*17' W66*03' Alt: 157' Distance today: 513 km
OCTOBER 10, Tuesday
Up at 7 a.m. Sunny again but windy. Got down to 6*C overnight. Found a garage called SPRING WORKS for the air bag. They have to order another one so will be here tomorrow.
Went into town and walked the whole downtown. Full of old building built in the 1700's and 1800's. Very historic. Had a beer in an old pub then went home to find Tena and Al are here too. They came over for happy hour and stayed for dinner.
A good evening overall and to bed by 11 p.m.
OCTOBER 11, Wednesday
Sunny again but the forecast is for rain tonight and a wind warning. Took the truck to SPRING WORKS and a half hour later I was on the road again.
We went to see the reversing falls today which turned out to be very interesting. The tide is sure powerful and rises and falls 32 feet overall.
Phone BCAA to make sure our medical insurance is to date for the States. Our plans are to stay here until the 20th when the park closes then move to Calais, Maine and stay there for two days then head south. That is when our medical insurance will be good and in full force.
Also made an appointment for Tucker to get him checked out.
OCTOBER 12, Thursday,
IT is a miserable day...Rain and winds gusting to 60Km/hr. Stayed home all day and read our books. Took Tucker for his appointment at 7 p.m. and all is fine except for more pills for his itching.
OCTOBER 13, Friday
Let's hope it is a lucky one. It was really foggy this a.m. but the sun is out now (3 p.m.) It was a warm night too. 15*C at 8 a.m. this morning.
We are sitting a tthe Market place where we have access to WIFI and writing this.
Also downloaded the rest of my pictures. If you notice that some folders are gone it's because I have used all my allocated space so had to make more room for the new pictures. Sorry if you missed the old ones.
Bye for now. Probably won't write in here again until we get further down the States.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
October 1 to 7, 2006
If you are wondering why I haven't placed any maps on my log, it's because I can't get mapquest to open properly. I am not sure if it's because of the connection or the web site!? Will try again later to download them and bring my blog to date.
OCTOBER 1, 2006 Sunday
Cloudy today. We packed and left our site by 9:10 a..m. Took hwy 4 south. Nothing spectacular. We stopped in St-Peters for brunch then again at the Canso causeway to take more pictures. Once across we took hwy 4 again to check out our friends', the Tate's, old campsite which they used to own. Unfortunately, we never found it and kept going to Hwy 102. It is possible that the new owners have changed the name!??????
Anyway, 6 hours later, we arrived at our campsite, Wayside Camp @ $17/night with full hook-ups thanks to PASSPORT. When we arrived in Halifax, we took the wrong turn and ended up going on Hwy 333 which follows the coast. It was tortuous and rough. It took longer and being tired already didn't help either. Now we are here and can relax. we took the site for a week. It's time for a Miller! We are across from a beautiful bay and the ocean. we intent on kayaking while here.
N 44*34' W 63*54' Alt. 17 feet, dist. today: 481 KM.
OCTOBER 2, Monday
Cloudy and raining. Going to do some shopping and fill one of the propane tank.
After shopping, we came home and I had a small snooze....3 hours later, discovered that our friends Tena and Al have also arrived. Will see them in the next days. The Bounder that was in Louisbourg is also here. A real "deja vue"
Rained on and off all day and it is very windy
OCTOBER 3, Tuesday
Slept until 9:30. WOW! I think all this driving is catching up to me. I hadn't realize how tired I have been.
We left at 10:30 and I stopped to make an appointment for an oil change tomorrow. We followed hwy 3 to Hubbards then south on 329 to Bayswater where the memorial and enternment of the people on board flight 111 took place. From what we were told and what we can see, it is a mass grave as some people, only parts of their bodies were recovered. It was small but very profound. The circle is lined so that the lines make a triangle with the other memorial at Peggy's Cove and the actual sight where the plane went down on the horizon. It list all the names and there were little mementos like a picture of a young lady, a small baby boot, some little toys. We both shed a tear or two. Very moving and emotional! It is situated at N 44*30' W 64*04'
From here we drove on to the other side of the peninsula and headed north again along Mahone Bay. It was very beautiful and incredibly picturesque. We drove through Mahone Bay village, a quaint and touristic place. They were having a scarecrow festival and pratically every house had one or more scarecrow. It was really well done (see pictures on the link at right) Lots of neat old houses too.
9 KM later we arrived at our destination....Lunenberg, the birth place of the sail boat Blue Nose and where Blue Nose II is also located. We visted the museum and took lots of pictures. Unfortunately, we were not able to go on board but I was happy all the same. Walked along side her on the dock and could see her deck. The booms were on the dock as she was going through a re-fit by the looks of it.
In the museum, we were given a demonstration on how a boat is launched. It was a model about 4 feet in lenght and they had a small basin full of water and everything was to scale. I participated in the launching and it was thrilling and fun. I enjoyed the visit and all the display. It was well done and big.....3 floors full of exhibits. A memorial to all the fishermen.
We walked in the village for a while then headed out.
Back in Mahone Bay village, we stopped for a brew and fish and chips. Got back home at 7:30 p.m. A really good day overall and lots of pictures to download
OCTOBER 4, Wednesday
Cloudy this morning. Got the oil change at $98. and the sun finally came out at noon.
Downloaded pictures on our website while Val did her laundry and vacuum.
At 2 p.m. we went out kayaking in the Bay and the one next to that. Lots of beautiful houses on the bluffs but didn't have the camera so no pictures. Came home around 4:30 and had a happy hour with Tena and Al.
OCTOBER 5, Thursday
Up at 7:30 and it is pouring dogs and cats out there. It finally stopped at lunch time so we went to Peggy's Cove and did some sightseeing. we saw the second memorial to Flight 111 then headed into the village consisting of 40 habitants and almost as many houses and shed. A fishing village and a quaint little harbour. The surrounding area looks just like Northern Ontario. Rocky and small shrubs. It is a protected conservation area.
In Halifax, we stopped at an info centre and got some directions on what to see and do. From here we drove down to the harbour and looked around but didn't stay. We took hwy 102 back to our site and called it a day.
Mail was waiting for us and my cell also arrived from Quebec...Thanks Gaetan! Will get that functionning tomorrow. It all got here quite fast.
Figured out that if I sit in the bedroom, WIFI works great!
OCTOBER 6, Friday
Up at 8 a.m. It is sunny but very windy and cool. Only got as high as 12*C today. Before going to Halifax, we stopped at the mall on Hwy 102 and got my cell re-activated. While there, we met a local couple from Darthmouth and discovered that her name is Valerie and that she is from Scotch Creek, next door to our home base! WOW! What a small world. we've had a lot of encounters like this. It's incredible.
In Halifax we visited the Citadel first. It was interesting but not as good as the one in Quebec City. Maybe it's because everything is cut back due to the lateness in the year!? Not sure but we did see soldiers in Kilt playing the bag pipe and drums. Also followed a tour guide around and visited the museum. It was interesting. We also saw a film on the history of Halifax and the explosion that took place in the early 1900th
From here, we went to take the Alexander Keith's brewery tour. That was a lot of fun but not what we expected. All the same we enjoyed it and would recommend it. The brewery itself is no longer there in town but has been moved in the outskirts. The building was very old and survived the explosion. We tasted a couple of beer and after the tour, we went to the local pub for another one. Came home and relaxed.
OCTOBER 7, Saturday
Up at 8 again. It's sunny and a bit warmer and no winds to speak of. we went back to the mall on Hwy 102 and shopped Costco and Walmart. Bought some groceries and a few otehr little things then headed for downtown Halifax. We walked teh board walk to Pier 21 and back. Visited anotehr brewery (Garrison) and tasted 4 different kind of beer for $3. worth it. It was a good beer and a local one. From here, we wobble to Pier 21 which was host to the Queen Mary II. Didn't go on board but look at her from a distance. It is a HUGE ship. We visited Pier 21 which was a reception area for immigrants coming into Canada back in the late 1800 and early 1900's There is even a log full of names of people that immigrated in Canada, listing all their belongings and their family. My name was not in there but Val did see Heathman's We bought a jacket each (just what we did/didn't need!!!) What the heck...we will never be back here again.
Walked back and stopped to watch players from the play "DRUM" practicing and then headed for the truck and came home.
Another good day. Tomorrow, we are planning on washing the truck, do a wash, bring this blog to date and generally get ready to leave for Monday morning. We are headed for St-John in New-Brunswick and will be there for 10 to 14 days.
See you there!
OCTOBER 1, 2006 Sunday
Cloudy today. We packed and left our site by 9:10 a..m. Took hwy 4 south. Nothing spectacular. We stopped in St-Peters for brunch then again at the Canso causeway to take more pictures. Once across we took hwy 4 again to check out our friends', the Tate's, old campsite which they used to own. Unfortunately, we never found it and kept going to Hwy 102. It is possible that the new owners have changed the name!??????
Anyway, 6 hours later, we arrived at our campsite, Wayside Camp @ $17/night with full hook-ups thanks to PASSPORT. When we arrived in Halifax, we took the wrong turn and ended up going on Hwy 333 which follows the coast. It was tortuous and rough. It took longer and being tired already didn't help either. Now we are here and can relax. we took the site for a week. It's time for a Miller! We are across from a beautiful bay and the ocean. we intent on kayaking while here.
N 44*34' W 63*54' Alt. 17 feet, dist. today: 481 KM.
OCTOBER 2, Monday
Cloudy and raining. Going to do some shopping and fill one of the propane tank.
After shopping, we came home and I had a small snooze....3 hours later, discovered that our friends Tena and Al have also arrived. Will see them in the next days. The Bounder that was in Louisbourg is also here. A real "deja vue"
Rained on and off all day and it is very windy
OCTOBER 3, Tuesday
Slept until 9:30. WOW! I think all this driving is catching up to me. I hadn't realize how tired I have been.
We left at 10:30 and I stopped to make an appointment for an oil change tomorrow. We followed hwy 3 to Hubbards then south on 329 to Bayswater where the memorial and enternment of the people on board flight 111 took place. From what we were told and what we can see, it is a mass grave as some people, only parts of their bodies were recovered. It was small but very profound. The circle is lined so that the lines make a triangle with the other memorial at Peggy's Cove and the actual sight where the plane went down on the horizon. It list all the names and there were little mementos like a picture of a young lady, a small baby boot, some little toys. We both shed a tear or two. Very moving and emotional! It is situated at N 44*30' W 64*04'
From here we drove on to the other side of the peninsula and headed north again along Mahone Bay. It was very beautiful and incredibly picturesque. We drove through Mahone Bay village, a quaint and touristic place. They were having a scarecrow festival and pratically every house had one or more scarecrow. It was really well done (see pictures on the link at right) Lots of neat old houses too.
9 KM later we arrived at our destination....Lunenberg, the birth place of the sail boat Blue Nose and where Blue Nose II is also located. We visted the museum and took lots of pictures. Unfortunately, we were not able to go on board but I was happy all the same. Walked along side her on the dock and could see her deck. The booms were on the dock as she was going through a re-fit by the looks of it.
In the museum, we were given a demonstration on how a boat is launched. It was a model about 4 feet in lenght and they had a small basin full of water and everything was to scale. I participated in the launching and it was thrilling and fun. I enjoyed the visit and all the display. It was well done and big.....3 floors full of exhibits. A memorial to all the fishermen.
We walked in the village for a while then headed out.
Back in Mahone Bay village, we stopped for a brew and fish and chips. Got back home at 7:30 p.m. A really good day overall and lots of pictures to download
OCTOBER 4, Wednesday
Cloudy this morning. Got the oil change at $98. and the sun finally came out at noon.
Downloaded pictures on our website while Val did her laundry and vacuum.
At 2 p.m. we went out kayaking in the Bay and the one next to that. Lots of beautiful houses on the bluffs but didn't have the camera so no pictures. Came home around 4:30 and had a happy hour with Tena and Al.
OCTOBER 5, Thursday
Up at 7:30 and it is pouring dogs and cats out there. It finally stopped at lunch time so we went to Peggy's Cove and did some sightseeing. we saw the second memorial to Flight 111 then headed into the village consisting of 40 habitants and almost as many houses and shed. A fishing village and a quaint little harbour. The surrounding area looks just like Northern Ontario. Rocky and small shrubs. It is a protected conservation area.
In Halifax, we stopped at an info centre and got some directions on what to see and do. From here we drove down to the harbour and looked around but didn't stay. We took hwy 102 back to our site and called it a day.
Mail was waiting for us and my cell also arrived from Quebec...Thanks Gaetan! Will get that functionning tomorrow. It all got here quite fast.
Figured out that if I sit in the bedroom, WIFI works great!
OCTOBER 6, Friday
Up at 8 a.m. It is sunny but very windy and cool. Only got as high as 12*C today. Before going to Halifax, we stopped at the mall on Hwy 102 and got my cell re-activated. While there, we met a local couple from Darthmouth and discovered that her name is Valerie and that she is from Scotch Creek, next door to our home base! WOW! What a small world. we've had a lot of encounters like this. It's incredible.
In Halifax we visited the Citadel first. It was interesting but not as good as the one in Quebec City. Maybe it's because everything is cut back due to the lateness in the year!? Not sure but we did see soldiers in Kilt playing the bag pipe and drums. Also followed a tour guide around and visited the museum. It was interesting. We also saw a film on the history of Halifax and the explosion that took place in the early 1900th
From here, we went to take the Alexander Keith's brewery tour. That was a lot of fun but not what we expected. All the same we enjoyed it and would recommend it. The brewery itself is no longer there in town but has been moved in the outskirts. The building was very old and survived the explosion. We tasted a couple of beer and after the tour, we went to the local pub for another one. Came home and relaxed.
OCTOBER 7, Saturday
Up at 8 again. It's sunny and a bit warmer and no winds to speak of. we went back to the mall on Hwy 102 and shopped Costco and Walmart. Bought some groceries and a few otehr little things then headed for downtown Halifax. We walked teh board walk to Pier 21 and back. Visited anotehr brewery (Garrison) and tasted 4 different kind of beer for $3. worth it. It was a good beer and a local one. From here, we wobble to Pier 21 which was host to the Queen Mary II. Didn't go on board but look at her from a distance. It is a HUGE ship. We visited Pier 21 which was a reception area for immigrants coming into Canada back in the late 1800 and early 1900's There is even a log full of names of people that immigrated in Canada, listing all their belongings and their family. My name was not in there but Val did see Heathman's We bought a jacket each (just what we did/didn't need!!!) What the heck...we will never be back here again.
Walked back and stopped to watch players from the play "DRUM" practicing and then headed for the truck and came home.
Another good day. Tomorrow, we are planning on washing the truck, do a wash, bring this blog to date and generally get ready to leave for Monday morning. We are headed for St-John in New-Brunswick and will be there for 10 to 14 days.
See you there!
Sept 25 to 30, 2006
SEPTEMBER 25, Monday,
WOW! Did we ever have a windstorm overnight! Had to get up at 4 a.m. and put the awning down and away. Our neighbor, who was under a tarp and tent, had his tarp shred to pieces but luckily the tent stayed up.
Right now, it's cloudy and windy but not as strong. It was, however, a warm night. Never went down below 14*C
Decide to stay another night. Got my mail today. YIPEE!! Val is doing the wash and I checked all the bills. Also checked our e-mail.
Still windy and it's starting to cool off.
SEPTEMBER 26, Tuesday
Up at 7 a.m. We are taking the 11 a.m. ferry off the Island and onwards to Nova Scotia.
We left by 9:20 and were one of the first ones to arrive at the ferry. Third in the line up @ $93 for the crossing. We loaded at 11.a.m. and the crossing took an hour and a half. One of our neighbours at Murray River is also on board. We sat together and chatted and got to know each other a bit better. They are from Alberta, Tena and Al are their names.
We arrive don the other side at 12:30 and followed hwy 106 thru Pictou then Hwy 104 at New Glascow.
We stopped at an info centre in Antigonish and got some good info on Cape Breton Island and what to see. We crossed the Canso causeway into Cape Breton and arrived at our site in Baddeck. We are one km from the turn off to Cabot Trail.
After dinner, we went into town to the Tissle Pub as we were told that was going to be Celtic music. No such luck. The place was almost empty. We got talking to a group of people who were here for a wedding and found out that one of them was from Chase: a lady of 86 years old. Her son was from Belgium and some of them were from Edmonton.
Came home after a beer. It's pouring cats and dogs right now, very strong rain too. Time for bed
N 46*05' W 60*51" Alt: 156 feet Dist. today: 280 KM
SEPTEMBER 27 Wednesday,
It is sunny again. Weather changes really fast here it seems. Left at 10 a.m. for the Cabot Trail. Took exit 7 and headed North East to the coast and the gulf of St-Lawrence. We followed a valley to the coast with mountains on both sides. We arrived at Margaree Harbour. Stopped and looked around the village and took a couple pictures. This place was supposed to have the oldest and longest wooded bridge but it was replaces about 10 years ago with steel and cement. Oh well!!!
Headed north along the coast and our first stop was Cheticamp village. The coast was/is absolutely gorgeous. Up and down and around we went. The village was wonderfully quaint and we had a coffee at the local Horton and ate our packed lunch.
Talked to a couple locals and got to hear the accent which is very distinct. Bought a couple CD's with local music. This is an Acadian town. 20 minutes out of town, we climbed to 1500 feet over French and McKenzie mountains. we zigzagged down to Pleasant Valley then headed inland east to the top of Cabot Trail. At Cape North, we headed north to Bay St-Lawrence where the road ended overlooking the Gulf. N 46*00' W 60*28".
We came back to the village of Cape North and headed south and west. We climbed again over North Mountain into Ingonish Beach; a beautiful beach with white sand and protected from the ocean. We had our first glimpse of the Atlantic ocean. I can now say that I have been coast to coast, ocean to ocean!
We visited the Keltic Lodge and the golf course ( rated 64th in the world and #2 in North America). We spent about a half hour here then headed out.
The rest of the trip was a bit anti-climatic. The road was narrow, windy and poorly maintain. The only other place worth mentioning is ST-ANNE (20 minutes form Baddeck) where we had a beautiful view of a wondeful bay.
As a footnote, we saw the ferry for NFLD going across the Ocean out of Sydney. We also saw Sydney in the distance. The west side of the Cape was definitely the best for scenery.
Got back at 6p.m.
SEPTEMBER 28 Thursday
Looks like another nice day. Sunny and warm. We went into Baddeck and explored. We visited the Graham Bell museum. He lived here in his retirement and loved the country side and the town. He continued to invent more stuff and work on his hydro plane. we bought a couple more souvenirs for the house and got some groceries. Also checked for our e-mail.
Came home and had a happy hour with Tena and Al who are also staying at the same campsite. They are members of PASSPORT like us.
It sprinkled rain in the evening for a while but soon stopped.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2006 Thursday
Cloudy but warm today. 14*C right now at 10 a.m. We packed and left by 10:20 and arrived Louisbourg at 12:30 at "Hidden Treasures" campsite where all the treasures are hidden. Al and Tena are also here along with a Bounder from BC. This is another Passport camp but in fairness to the owner, he just bought this place and already is doing some improvement.
We have been here 4 hours and haven't seen any signs of any owners. We ran out of power and thank goodness for a friend of his who was on site, we got the power back.
It's very windy again and a slight drizzle is falling.
N 45*59' W 59*59' Alt: 17' Dist: 113 KM
SEPTEMBER 30 Saturday.
We went to the fortress today. Took over 170 pictures. Thank god I don't have to pay for any development or it would cost a fortune.
Louisbourg fortress was a very nice fort and very well done with local volunteers dressed in the era's clothing. It was rebuilt in the 60's as it had been destroyed by the english in the 1800's
In the summer it is very busy and there are more volunteers. As it is, we are on their last day of full demonstration so we are lucky. We got to see a change of the guards and the firing of the noon gun
We visited a bakery where the baker makes her bread in an old oven heated by coal and wood. We bought a loaf of bread from her.
From there, we went to Main-a-Dieu which is the Eastern most driveable point south of the Gulf of St Lawrence. N 46*10" W 46*00'
Came home and decided to leave in the a.m. this place (campsite) is not the best, that is for sure. We paid $36 for two nights ( owner showed up today).
WOW! Did we ever have a windstorm overnight! Had to get up at 4 a.m. and put the awning down and away. Our neighbor, who was under a tarp and tent, had his tarp shred to pieces but luckily the tent stayed up.
Right now, it's cloudy and windy but not as strong. It was, however, a warm night. Never went down below 14*C
Decide to stay another night. Got my mail today. YIPEE!! Val is doing the wash and I checked all the bills. Also checked our e-mail.
Still windy and it's starting to cool off.
SEPTEMBER 26, Tuesday
Up at 7 a.m. We are taking the 11 a.m. ferry off the Island and onwards to Nova Scotia.
We left by 9:20 and were one of the first ones to arrive at the ferry. Third in the line up @ $93 for the crossing. We loaded at 11.a.m. and the crossing took an hour and a half. One of our neighbours at Murray River is also on board. We sat together and chatted and got to know each other a bit better. They are from Alberta, Tena and Al are their names.
We arrive don the other side at 12:30 and followed hwy 106 thru Pictou then Hwy 104 at New Glascow.
We stopped at an info centre in Antigonish and got some good info on Cape Breton Island and what to see. We crossed the Canso causeway into Cape Breton and arrived at our site in Baddeck. We are one km from the turn off to Cabot Trail.
After dinner, we went into town to the Tissle Pub as we were told that was going to be Celtic music. No such luck. The place was almost empty. We got talking to a group of people who were here for a wedding and found out that one of them was from Chase: a lady of 86 years old. Her son was from Belgium and some of them were from Edmonton.
Came home after a beer. It's pouring cats and dogs right now, very strong rain too. Time for bed
N 46*05' W 60*51" Alt: 156 feet Dist. today: 280 KM
SEPTEMBER 27 Wednesday,
It is sunny again. Weather changes really fast here it seems. Left at 10 a.m. for the Cabot Trail. Took exit 7 and headed North East to the coast and the gulf of St-Lawrence. We followed a valley to the coast with mountains on both sides. We arrived at Margaree Harbour. Stopped and looked around the village and took a couple pictures. This place was supposed to have the oldest and longest wooded bridge but it was replaces about 10 years ago with steel and cement. Oh well!!!
Headed north along the coast and our first stop was Cheticamp village. The coast was/is absolutely gorgeous. Up and down and around we went. The village was wonderfully quaint and we had a coffee at the local Horton and ate our packed lunch.
Talked to a couple locals and got to hear the accent which is very distinct. Bought a couple CD's with local music. This is an Acadian town. 20 minutes out of town, we climbed to 1500 feet over French and McKenzie mountains. we zigzagged down to Pleasant Valley then headed inland east to the top of Cabot Trail. At Cape North, we headed north to Bay St-Lawrence where the road ended overlooking the Gulf. N 46*00' W 60*28".
We came back to the village of Cape North and headed south and west. We climbed again over North Mountain into Ingonish Beach; a beautiful beach with white sand and protected from the ocean. We had our first glimpse of the Atlantic ocean. I can now say that I have been coast to coast, ocean to ocean!
We visited the Keltic Lodge and the golf course ( rated 64th in the world and #2 in North America). We spent about a half hour here then headed out.
The rest of the trip was a bit anti-climatic. The road was narrow, windy and poorly maintain. The only other place worth mentioning is ST-ANNE (20 minutes form Baddeck) where we had a beautiful view of a wondeful bay.
As a footnote, we saw the ferry for NFLD going across the Ocean out of Sydney. We also saw Sydney in the distance. The west side of the Cape was definitely the best for scenery.
Got back at 6p.m.
SEPTEMBER 28 Thursday
Looks like another nice day. Sunny and warm. We went into Baddeck and explored. We visited the Graham Bell museum. He lived here in his retirement and loved the country side and the town. He continued to invent more stuff and work on his hydro plane. we bought a couple more souvenirs for the house and got some groceries. Also checked for our e-mail.
Came home and had a happy hour with Tena and Al who are also staying at the same campsite. They are members of PASSPORT like us.
It sprinkled rain in the evening for a while but soon stopped.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2006 Thursday
Cloudy but warm today. 14*C right now at 10 a.m. We packed and left by 10:20 and arrived Louisbourg at 12:30 at "Hidden Treasures" campsite where all the treasures are hidden. Al and Tena are also here along with a Bounder from BC. This is another Passport camp but in fairness to the owner, he just bought this place and already is doing some improvement.
We have been here 4 hours and haven't seen any signs of any owners. We ran out of power and thank goodness for a friend of his who was on site, we got the power back.
It's very windy again and a slight drizzle is falling.
N 45*59' W 59*59' Alt: 17' Dist: 113 KM
SEPTEMBER 30 Saturday.
We went to the fortress today. Took over 170 pictures. Thank god I don't have to pay for any development or it would cost a fortune.
Louisbourg fortress was a very nice fort and very well done with local volunteers dressed in the era's clothing. It was rebuilt in the 60's as it had been destroyed by the english in the 1800's
In the summer it is very busy and there are more volunteers. As it is, we are on their last day of full demonstration so we are lucky. We got to see a change of the guards and the firing of the noon gun
We visited a bakery where the baker makes her bread in an old oven heated by coal and wood. We bought a loaf of bread from her.
From there, we went to Main-a-Dieu which is the Eastern most driveable point south of the Gulf of St Lawrence. N 46*10" W 46*00'
Came home and decided to leave in the a.m. this place (campsite) is not the best, that is for sure. We paid $36 for two nights ( owner showed up today).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)