Before we left our Church Yard campsite in Spearfish I checked the coolant reservoir and had to add another gallon of antifreeze as the slow drip leaked out a gallon during the night. We left the Spearfish Church Yard at 7 AM because we did not want to be there when the church attendees arrived.
Spearfish is about 15 miles from the WY border and then it was 7 boring hours to Billings , MT. We arrived in Billings and pulled into a FlyingJ truck stop for fuel and because they have an RV Sewer dump and we had to dump before going home tomorrow. While Carroll was paying for the fuel she ask where the dump was as we could locate it. As you guessed , they closed the dump for the winter season. However, the clerk told us about the Conoco station across the street that has an RV dump so we emptied the sewer there.
I ask the clerk for directions to Wal-Mart ( they have 2 Wal-Mart in Billings ) and she was only to glad to direct us. When we got to the Wal-Mart ( this a Sunday afternoon ) the parking lot was so full that I could not find a space to park. Our backup camping spot was at the Cracker Barrel so we dropped the MH there and returned to Wal-Mart for some last minute shopping so Carroll could spent a couple of hundred dollars for things that I didn't even know we needed. Cheers
The last Mile; 24 OCT 16
Billings is a 5 hour drive from Medicine Hat so we anticipate out arrival at home at 1:30 or 2 PM. It was a good 1/2 drive from our camping spot at Cracker Barrel until we reached the turnoff for Havre, MT. It was morning rush hour I have done this trip before so I was looking for the sign that said the town of Roundup. There were 3 lanes of traffic and I was in the middle lane when I seen the sign "left lane for Roundup. " I thought it meant the "extreme " left lane which was a turning and I knew we had to make a left turn to get to Roundup. As I found out later the sign really meant get into the left lane and turn another block down the street. Anyway we ended up in a subdivision and I could not find a Crescent to turn around so I kept going hoping to find a place to turn around. We ended up in a dead end street the was not marked with a " No Exit " sign so now we are in a Jam. This area was a new area where they were building new home and I spotted an area with 4 or 5 vacant lots so I wheel in and managed to complete a turn all while dodging rebar that was laying in the grassed area. I did notice that several carpenter that were building a house nearby, stopped work and where probably asking themselves, " What the Hell is that guy doing."
Eventually, we got back on the right road and our planned stop was about 2 hours down the road at a place, in the middle of nowhere, called Grass Range. It has a gas station and a café. We have stopped here before for breakfast but it has changed ownership. The breakfast was not that good so they will never see us again.
We got to the Canadian border crossing called Wild Horse at 1 :30 PM. I like this border crossing because there is seldom any lineup. We were the only vehicle there and Customs Officer, who young lady, must have been bored because she was waving at us to move foreword before I got thru the gate. She ask us the obvious questions and bide us a good day. We arrived home by 3 PM.
After 56 days on the road we finally arrived home. It was a great trip. This is the end of my blog until we hit the road again. cheers
Sunday, 6 November 2016
Not a Good Day: 22 Oct 16
We got up about 7 AM but it was still dark and I don't like to drive in the dark so I decided to make a coffee/tea and waste 15 or 20 minutes before hitting the road. We usually drive for a couple of hours and then stop for breakfast. I started the "Jenny ", plugged in the coffee pot and the tea kettle and waited. After a couple of minutes the noise from the Jenny changed and I noticed that the coffee pot had tripped off , so I realized that the breaker for the Jenny must have tripped. Not to worry, I turned on the Inverter and we had our coffee and tea. At that time , I did not realize this was an "Oman" for the day.
We pulled out of Wal-Mart heading due west on I-90 thinking we could reach Gillette, WY by 6 PM. If you have never drove on I-90 across South Dakota ( SD ) ", it is an excellent Hwy, straight as a die for the most part and as interesting as 1942 newspaper. The scenery is Corn, Beans and Cattle.
However, Carroll spotted a sign that advertised the "Corn Place" in Mitchell, SD . The "Corn Place" is an "Events" building ( Nothing more Nothing less ) but the front Facade is covered with corn cobs that has been painted with a shadow Mural with the liking of Wille Nelson and I believe it to be Elvis. We actually drove by the front of the building 16 years ago , snapped a few photos and drove on.
But this time Carroll just had to go into the building to see what was inside. When we arrived in Mitchell we followed the signs to the Corn Place which actually wormed its' way there the town until we reached a large parking lot. As we approached the Corn Place there was many large pieces of farm equipment so we assumed there was an agriculture show. Actually there was 1 guy in the building handing out brochure , otherwise the building was empty because there was a Rodeo on Friday evening. It is actually a Basketball Arena. What a let down. The guy in the building did say that this was the third building that was called the Corn Place, because the other two building where destroyed by fire. This whole escapade took one hour out of my life that I will never get back. So if you are driving on I-90 in SD and you see the sign that advertises the Corn Place.... Keep driving.
We stopped for breakfast at Perkins in town and then I vowed to make up time and stop only for fuel. We have been on the road for 53 days and I am getting weary of driving. I don't know how the truckers can do.
About 2 hours down the road , motoring along at 65 MPH I could smell "antifreeze " and I knew that was not good. At the same instant the " Low Water Light " came on along with the buzzer that tells me, we got a problem. Luckily , I-90 has a 9 foot shoulder so I pulled over. As I got out of the MH I could see the antifreeze pouring out of the cargo area, which told me the problem was with the heating system. As I opened the cargo door I could see the antifreeze " Pissing " out of a 3/4 inch heater hose. Bear in mind that the temperature of the antifreeze is about 185 F. The leak was right at the end of the hose where it joins onto a connector. So I undid the clamps , cut an inch off the hose and reconnected it , all while using some word you will see in the Bible because the antifreeze was burning my hand . I finally got the leak down to a drip, which I could live with. All while this was happening Carroll got me some plastic containers so I could salvage some of the antifreeze. I always carry a gallon of antifreeze with me but it was not enough to fill the reservoir so we can't go anywhere until I can get more antifreeze.
Our only choice was to disconnect the tow car from the Dolly and find a place where we could purchase some antifreeze. It is not wise to add water to the cooling system of a diesel so we had to find some 50/50 antifreeze. About 15 miles down the we found a gas station that had some 50/50 antifreeze but not the quality I wanted. However beggars can't be choosers so I bought 5 gallons and returned to the MH. I dumped 2 1/2 gallons in the reservoir and it was full so I now had some for a spare. After a 10 minute test run of the engine to ensure that the coolant level was good we were back on the road. I stopped at a few Rest Areas along the way, to check the level; and all was good.
Our schedule to reach Gillette, WY today was now a dream. We reached Rapid City about 5 PM and decided to stop for the night at a truck stop but it was a small Stop and RV's were not allowed to stay overnight. So we moved on to Sturgis where I refueled and we found a large parking lot at a food store so I ask if we could stay for the evening but they refused but told us that there was a Wal-Mat down the Hwy about 10 miles. We stopped at the Wal-Mart but where advised that there was a city ordinance which did not allow overnight parking. We were now back on the road and by this time it is getting dark. The next town is Spear-Fish and as we drove into town Carroll's eagle eye noticed a Church yard. A great place to spend the night so we pulled in and parked. After a few shots of Crown Royal for medicinal purposes , we went to restaurant across the street , had a great meal and then called it a night. It was certainly an exciting day. Cheers
We pulled out of Wal-Mart heading due west on I-90 thinking we could reach Gillette, WY by 6 PM. If you have never drove on I-90 across South Dakota ( SD ) ", it is an excellent Hwy, straight as a die for the most part and as interesting as 1942 newspaper. The scenery is Corn, Beans and Cattle.
However, Carroll spotted a sign that advertised the "Corn Place" in Mitchell, SD . The "Corn Place" is an "Events" building ( Nothing more Nothing less ) but the front Facade is covered with corn cobs that has been painted with a shadow Mural with the liking of Wille Nelson and I believe it to be Elvis. We actually drove by the front of the building 16 years ago , snapped a few photos and drove on.
But this time Carroll just had to go into the building to see what was inside. When we arrived in Mitchell we followed the signs to the Corn Place which actually wormed its' way there the town until we reached a large parking lot. As we approached the Corn Place there was many large pieces of farm equipment so we assumed there was an agriculture show. Actually there was 1 guy in the building handing out brochure , otherwise the building was empty because there was a Rodeo on Friday evening. It is actually a Basketball Arena. What a let down. The guy in the building did say that this was the third building that was called the Corn Place, because the other two building where destroyed by fire. This whole escapade took one hour out of my life that I will never get back. So if you are driving on I-90 in SD and you see the sign that advertises the Corn Place.... Keep driving.
We stopped for breakfast at Perkins in town and then I vowed to make up time and stop only for fuel. We have been on the road for 53 days and I am getting weary of driving. I don't know how the truckers can do.
About 2 hours down the road , motoring along at 65 MPH I could smell "antifreeze " and I knew that was not good. At the same instant the " Low Water Light " came on along with the buzzer that tells me, we got a problem. Luckily , I-90 has a 9 foot shoulder so I pulled over. As I got out of the MH I could see the antifreeze pouring out of the cargo area, which told me the problem was with the heating system. As I opened the cargo door I could see the antifreeze " Pissing " out of a 3/4 inch heater hose. Bear in mind that the temperature of the antifreeze is about 185 F. The leak was right at the end of the hose where it joins onto a connector. So I undid the clamps , cut an inch off the hose and reconnected it , all while using some word you will see in the Bible because the antifreeze was burning my hand . I finally got the leak down to a drip, which I could live with. All while this was happening Carroll got me some plastic containers so I could salvage some of the antifreeze. I always carry a gallon of antifreeze with me but it was not enough to fill the reservoir so we can't go anywhere until I can get more antifreeze.
Our only choice was to disconnect the tow car from the Dolly and find a place where we could purchase some antifreeze. It is not wise to add water to the cooling system of a diesel so we had to find some 50/50 antifreeze. About 15 miles down the we found a gas station that had some 50/50 antifreeze but not the quality I wanted. However beggars can't be choosers so I bought 5 gallons and returned to the MH. I dumped 2 1/2 gallons in the reservoir and it was full so I now had some for a spare. After a 10 minute test run of the engine to ensure that the coolant level was good we were back on the road. I stopped at a few Rest Areas along the way, to check the level; and all was good.
Our schedule to reach Gillette, WY today was now a dream. We reached Rapid City about 5 PM and decided to stop for the night at a truck stop but it was a small Stop and RV's were not allowed to stay overnight. So we moved on to Sturgis where I refueled and we found a large parking lot at a food store so I ask if we could stay for the evening but they refused but told us that there was a Wal-Mat down the Hwy about 10 miles. We stopped at the Wal-Mart but where advised that there was a city ordinance which did not allow overnight parking. We were now back on the road and by this time it is getting dark. The next town is Spear-Fish and as we drove into town Carroll's eagle eye noticed a Church yard. A great place to spend the night so we pulled in and parked. After a few shots of Crown Royal for medicinal purposes , we went to restaurant across the street , had a great meal and then called it a night. It was certainly an exciting day. Cheers
Next Stop Sioux Falls, S.D. 21 OCT 16
Before we left HWH in Moscow , Iowa we had to check the operation of the Jacks as directed by the foreman. Once I was satisfied that they worked to my liking , I paid the bill and we were essentially heading home albeit with 3 days of driving ahead of us.
I always try to fuel up in morning if possible and there was a small truck stop right at the intersection of I-80 and the Moscow road. However, they only have " Bio- Diesel " and I have never used Bio- Diesel so I wasn't sure if I should use it. I ask another MH owner and he has used it several times without a problem. Also , as I pulled up to the pumps another trucker was filling up so I felt it must be OK. Bio-Diesel is also a few cents cheaper.
By 9 AM we were on our way and we calculated that we could reach Sioux Falls by 5 PM and that we would stay at a Cracker Barrel or a Wal-Mart, whichever came first. ( You may have noticed that we are not proud or particular campers when traveling ). As we pulled into Sioux falls we seen a Cracker Barrel sign so we agreed that would be our stay for tonight. Opposite to Cracker Barrel was a gas station with reasonable cheaper Diesel so we decided to fill up before we parked. It was not a truck stop but we managed to squeeze into the pumps and "wangle " our way out. Carroll gave me a few " you can't make it shouts " but she is not driving; I am. We made it with out but we did have to make one short back up procedure.
While sitting at the gas station we noticed that the Cracker Barrel parking lot was crowded and it seemed smaller than most of there lots. When I was paying for the fuel I ask the clerk , if there was a Wal-Mart close by and he said it was a couple of blocks down the street. So we changed our mind and went to Wal-Mart. Since there were no other RVs in the Wal-Mart lot I thought I should inquire about their policy on RVs. I went to the customer service but there was at least 20 people in line so I decided to look for a security guard as they seem to have one in every store in the US.
I couldn't find security so I went to the next person in line which was the "Wal-Mart Greeting. " He assured me that I had his authority to park overnight " because everybody else does". I started to drum up a conversation with him when I quickly realized that he obviously skipped High School and may well and skipped most of Elementally school. However, I know , that in Wal-Mart the Greeter carries a lot of weight.
After being satisfied the we could park here , I spotted a Barnes and Noble book store and I was sure they would have WiFi for me to do some computer work. While working on the computer and old lady, with no teeth , started to shout " there is a man in the ladies bathroom". To say the least she had everyone attention within ear shot. Most people stopped reading and just stared at her. Like me, most people where not quite sure what the hell was wrong with her. Just then a tall, slender young lady in her mid 20s walked our of the bathroom and this Old lady started shouting again saying " there " he" is ; there "he" is , he was in the ladies bathroom. A clerk went to the Old lady and said , what is wrong. The Old lady pointed to the "person " and said that man with the red hair was in the ladies bathroom. The embarrassed young lady ( who did have short hair ) said ; what are to talking about, I am a women. The old lady said , well you don't look like one. Everyone dispersed and the scene was over without an incident. Cheers
I always try to fuel up in morning if possible and there was a small truck stop right at the intersection of I-80 and the Moscow road. However, they only have " Bio- Diesel " and I have never used Bio- Diesel so I wasn't sure if I should use it. I ask another MH owner and he has used it several times without a problem. Also , as I pulled up to the pumps another trucker was filling up so I felt it must be OK. Bio-Diesel is also a few cents cheaper.
By 9 AM we were on our way and we calculated that we could reach Sioux Falls by 5 PM and that we would stay at a Cracker Barrel or a Wal-Mart, whichever came first. ( You may have noticed that we are not proud or particular campers when traveling ). As we pulled into Sioux falls we seen a Cracker Barrel sign so we agreed that would be our stay for tonight. Opposite to Cracker Barrel was a gas station with reasonable cheaper Diesel so we decided to fill up before we parked. It was not a truck stop but we managed to squeeze into the pumps and "wangle " our way out. Carroll gave me a few " you can't make it shouts " but she is not driving; I am. We made it with out but we did have to make one short back up procedure.
While sitting at the gas station we noticed that the Cracker Barrel parking lot was crowded and it seemed smaller than most of there lots. When I was paying for the fuel I ask the clerk , if there was a Wal-Mart close by and he said it was a couple of blocks down the street. So we changed our mind and went to Wal-Mart. Since there were no other RVs in the Wal-Mart lot I thought I should inquire about their policy on RVs. I went to the customer service but there was at least 20 people in line so I decided to look for a security guard as they seem to have one in every store in the US.
I couldn't find security so I went to the next person in line which was the "Wal-Mart Greeting. " He assured me that I had his authority to park overnight " because everybody else does". I started to drum up a conversation with him when I quickly realized that he obviously skipped High School and may well and skipped most of Elementally school. However, I know , that in Wal-Mart the Greeter carries a lot of weight.
After being satisfied the we could park here , I spotted a Barnes and Noble book store and I was sure they would have WiFi for me to do some computer work. While working on the computer and old lady, with no teeth , started to shout " there is a man in the ladies bathroom". To say the least she had everyone attention within ear shot. Most people stopped reading and just stared at her. Like me, most people where not quite sure what the hell was wrong with her. Just then a tall, slender young lady in her mid 20s walked our of the bathroom and this Old lady started shouting again saying " there " he" is ; there "he" is , he was in the ladies bathroom. A clerk went to the Old lady and said , what is wrong. The Old lady pointed to the "person " and said that man with the red hair was in the ladies bathroom. The embarrassed young lady ( who did have short hair ) said ; what are to talking about, I am a women. The old lady said , well you don't look like one. Everyone dispersed and the scene was over without an incident. Cheers
Saturday, 5 November 2016
Heading for Moscow Iowa 20 OCT 16
My friend Rusty ( a full timer ) advised me that I could get my Jacks repaired by HWH , a company in Moscow, Iowa, who just happened to be the company that built my Jacks and they are 1 miles off of I-80 so we were going right by their front door.
I made an appointment for Friday morning but I knew we would get there sometime on Thursday. We arrived at 11:30 on Thursday and I walk into the office to announce my early arrival . To my surprise, the scheduler said to shut off my propane and drive into Bay # 2. As I stepped out of the MH the Mechanic was waiting to speak with me. I explained my problem and he said it was Lunch Time and he would get at it right after lunch. Moscow is an area, not a town, so we drove to the nearest town , some 10 miles away for lunch.
On our return the Foreman advised me that the problem was in the Control Box and that they had sent it to the Electronics department to have it checked out. He said he expected an answer by 3 PM. I ask what the price of a new one would cost and he said 350.00 USD... Ouch. Shortly after 3 PM I seen my control box being returned to the shop. I ask the Foreman if it could be repaired and he said it only need a power board. Of course I ask the price and he said about 100 bucks. By 4 PM they had the Control Box reinstalled and were about to do a test on the jacks. I ask if could watch and the Foreman said absolutely. He show me how to operate the controls.
One jack was very slow to return and in fact it finally stopped 1/2 way up. I mentioned that I had trouble with it a few times. He said it would eventually need to be replaced . Since it was after 4 PM and I knew the quit at 4:30 I ask if the could replaced it in the morning. The foreman said "hell " we can do it right now ; it only takes 20 Minutes. I said great. The foreman ask us to stay overnight in one of their camp sites ( they have 7 sites with power ) and to operate the jacks a couple of times tonight and twice in the morning.
He said if you are satisfied in the morning you can pay your bill then.
It is obvious our MH is not the only one with problems. They had 3 other MH's in the Bays, and 3 more parked in the camp site . There were 3 others who stopped in during the afternoon for , what I assumed where a quick repair. Cheers
I made an appointment for Friday morning but I knew we would get there sometime on Thursday. We arrived at 11:30 on Thursday and I walk into the office to announce my early arrival . To my surprise, the scheduler said to shut off my propane and drive into Bay # 2. As I stepped out of the MH the Mechanic was waiting to speak with me. I explained my problem and he said it was Lunch Time and he would get at it right after lunch. Moscow is an area, not a town, so we drove to the nearest town , some 10 miles away for lunch.
On our return the Foreman advised me that the problem was in the Control Box and that they had sent it to the Electronics department to have it checked out. He said he expected an answer by 3 PM. I ask what the price of a new one would cost and he said 350.00 USD... Ouch. Shortly after 3 PM I seen my control box being returned to the shop. I ask the Foreman if it could be repaired and he said it only need a power board. Of course I ask the price and he said about 100 bucks. By 4 PM they had the Control Box reinstalled and were about to do a test on the jacks. I ask if could watch and the Foreman said absolutely. He show me how to operate the controls.
One jack was very slow to return and in fact it finally stopped 1/2 way up. I mentioned that I had trouble with it a few times. He said it would eventually need to be replaced . Since it was after 4 PM and I knew the quit at 4:30 I ask if the could replaced it in the morning. The foreman said "hell " we can do it right now ; it only takes 20 Minutes. I said great. The foreman ask us to stay overnight in one of their camp sites ( they have 7 sites with power ) and to operate the jacks a couple of times tonight and twice in the morning.
He said if you are satisfied in the morning you can pay your bill then.
It is obvious our MH is not the only one with problems. They had 3 other MH's in the Bays, and 3 more parked in the camp site . There were 3 others who stopped in during the afternoon for , what I assumed where a quick repair. Cheers
Homeward Bound: 19 Oct 2016
We left Dorchester at 8:45 AM and hoped to be in Marshall, MI where we left our MH by early afternoon. The US border is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Dorchester and I was apprehensive about the US Customs.
Here we are, two seniors , driving our son's car with G/Kids paraphernalia such as 4 bikes , 3 scooters , ball gloves and 2 buoys from NS and several suit cases with clothes that were not ours. This is definitely grounds for the Customs Office to be somewhat suspicious. As we approached the border Kiosk I could see the customs officer was a young lady and I thought "oh no", we are definitely going to be searched.
So, I pull up to the Kiosk and I handed over our Passports and she started with the preverbal question: and then she ask; do you own this vehicle( I have never been ask this question ever) so of course I say no, it belongs to my son Todd. ( incidental , at that moment in my life I realized I did not have a letter from Todd to say I could have his car so I thought here goes the search). The customs officer seemed to buy that answer and then she said " Roll down the back window so I can see what is in the back". Again I thought, Oh No , when she sees the 4 Kids bikes , she is not going to believe another word that I say. She said, what have you got in there and of course I said my G/Kids bikes , 3 scooters and two suite cases full of clothes and it was about this time that I could think of anything else.
Carroll said, why don't you start from " Square One " so I ask the Customs Office if she would like me to start from Square One and her reply was ; It would be a good idea. So I describe the whole trip in detail and that we flew down to NS to pick our MH and I added that we stopped in Ont due to death in the family, thinking that might help our cause. The Custom Office says " that sounds like a reasonable explanation" and then said, you folks have a nice day. Whew, that went better than I expected. Then I thought about it for a minute; and said to Carroll, I bet it was my honest face that got us through.!!!!!
We had two choices to get around Chicago but decided to stay on I-69 that put us on a Turnpike just inside the ID border. the Turnpike would take us to our planned overnight stay at a Cracker Barrel in IL. However, our exit was blocked due to some road construction and of course we missed the recommended exit and either got lost or obvious did not know where the hell we were going. Finally I pulled into a Wal-Mart thinking we could stay overnight but it was not so, however the Security Guard gave me precise direction how to get to our Planned overnight parking spot at Cracker Barrel in Tinsely Park. When I pulled off the Turnpike I had to cross 3 lanes of traffic to make a left turn and it was Rush Hour. So I might be short a couple of Christmas cards this year, if the sound of the horns is any indication. Cheers
Here we are, two seniors , driving our son's car with G/Kids paraphernalia such as 4 bikes , 3 scooters , ball gloves and 2 buoys from NS and several suit cases with clothes that were not ours. This is definitely grounds for the Customs Office to be somewhat suspicious. As we approached the border Kiosk I could see the customs officer was a young lady and I thought "oh no", we are definitely going to be searched.
So, I pull up to the Kiosk and I handed over our Passports and she started with the preverbal question: and then she ask; do you own this vehicle( I have never been ask this question ever) so of course I say no, it belongs to my son Todd. ( incidental , at that moment in my life I realized I did not have a letter from Todd to say I could have his car so I thought here goes the search). The customs officer seemed to buy that answer and then she said " Roll down the back window so I can see what is in the back". Again I thought, Oh No , when she sees the 4 Kids bikes , she is not going to believe another word that I say. She said, what have you got in there and of course I said my G/Kids bikes , 3 scooters and two suite cases full of clothes and it was about this time that I could think of anything else.
Carroll said, why don't you start from " Square One " so I ask the Customs Office if she would like me to start from Square One and her reply was ; It would be a good idea. So I describe the whole trip in detail and that we flew down to NS to pick our MH and I added that we stopped in Ont due to death in the family, thinking that might help our cause. The Custom Office says " that sounds like a reasonable explanation" and then said, you folks have a nice day. Whew, that went better than I expected. Then I thought about it for a minute; and said to Carroll, I bet it was my honest face that got us through.!!!!!
We had two choices to get around Chicago but decided to stay on I-69 that put us on a Turnpike just inside the ID border. the Turnpike would take us to our planned overnight stay at a Cracker Barrel in IL. However, our exit was blocked due to some road construction and of course we missed the recommended exit and either got lost or obvious did not know where the hell we were going. Finally I pulled into a Wal-Mart thinking we could stay overnight but it was not so, however the Security Guard gave me precise direction how to get to our Planned overnight parking spot at Cracker Barrel in Tinsely Park. When I pulled off the Turnpike I had to cross 3 lanes of traffic to make a left turn and it was Rush Hour. So I might be short a couple of Christmas cards this year, if the sound of the horns is any indication. Cheers
Thursday, 3 November 2016
Marg passed away; 15 Oct 16
Friday evening Marg was failing fast so the family was called to her bedside. Early Saturday morning Marg drew her last breath.
Paul invited both sides of the family to meet at his home Saturday evening to have a wake. It was ideal for Carroll and I as we had not seen Paul and Marg's Kid's and G/Kids for a few year. We also got a chance to meet Marg's brother and sister whom we grew up with but don't see very often.
As sad as a death is, it does seem to pull a family closer. My brother died suddenly in Feb so this our second time in 8 months that we lost a close family member.
16; 17 and 18 th Oct 16
Sunday was a day of reflection .
Monday evening was for the viewing and we were amazed at the large number of people whose lives that Marg had touched. The viewing started at 6 PM and the line up took 1 hour to reach the casket.
The funeral was held on Tuesday in the Catholic church in St. Thomas and there was in excess of 200 people in attendance. Marg's brother delivered a great eulogy which included their days of growing up. Marg had 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
Although funerals are a somber time there was some levity. It was a very warm day of the funeral and the exit/side doors of the church were opened slightly to allow air to circulate and keep the church cool. Shortly after the Priest started his sermon and was staying something about Marg's life, a gust off wind opened the door further and then closed it. The Priest turn to see the door move and quietly said, " Oh, there she comes now". It did take the edge off the somber mood for the moment.
After the internment we met at the church basement for a chance for friends and relatives to meet and talk about old times. I spent time canvasing the room to see as many cousins as I could find. Some I have not seen for years and some I did not recognize but it was still great to see them. cheers Cheers
Paul invited both sides of the family to meet at his home Saturday evening to have a wake. It was ideal for Carroll and I as we had not seen Paul and Marg's Kid's and G/Kids for a few year. We also got a chance to meet Marg's brother and sister whom we grew up with but don't see very often.
As sad as a death is, it does seem to pull a family closer. My brother died suddenly in Feb so this our second time in 8 months that we lost a close family member.
16; 17 and 18 th Oct 16
Sunday was a day of reflection .
Monday evening was for the viewing and we were amazed at the large number of people whose lives that Marg had touched. The viewing started at 6 PM and the line up took 1 hour to reach the casket.
The funeral was held on Tuesday in the Catholic church in St. Thomas and there was in excess of 200 people in attendance. Marg's brother delivered a great eulogy which included their days of growing up. Marg had 2 brothers and 2 sisters.
Although funerals are a somber time there was some levity. It was a very warm day of the funeral and the exit/side doors of the church were opened slightly to allow air to circulate and keep the church cool. Shortly after the Priest started his sermon and was staying something about Marg's life, a gust off wind opened the door further and then closed it. The Priest turn to see the door move and quietly said, " Oh, there she comes now". It did take the edge off the somber mood for the moment.
After the internment we met at the church basement for a chance for friends and relatives to meet and talk about old times. I spent time canvasing the room to see as many cousins as I could find. Some I have not seen for years and some I did not recognize but it was still great to see them. cheers Cheers
Wednesday, 2 November 2016
Mill Tales Restaurant 14 Oct 16
My older sister Marilyn and husband Joe insisted that they treat us to a Fish Dinner ( Perch ) at the "Mill Tales " restaurant in Tillsonburg, about a 1 hour drive from London, Ont . Tillsonburg is a town of 15000 plus and it is a town which attracts may Senior as a retirement place of choice.
Tillsonburg is also the home of the Mill Tales restaurant which has a long history. The Mill Tales restaurant was constructed in the early 1800's as a Grist Mill and a Drying Mill. For those who may not understand the workings of a Mill. I will briefly explain. A Grist Mill was a place where a farmer would take his grain such as Oats, Wheat , barley and Corn to the Mill. The Miller would grind and mix the raw grain , rebag it and the farmer would feed it to his cattle. Cows do not normal like to eat raw grain and the farmer also likes to have a mixture to feed the cows.
This Mill also dried grain, mostly Bean. In the 1800's the drying method was simplistic. A fire was built at the basement of the Mill and the Beans would be on a screen about 30 feet above the fire. The hot air would go up the Shute much like a chimney and dry the grain.
An entrepreneur purchased the Mill a few years ago and apparently spend a Million dollars to renovate it into a restaurant. I spoke to him but he would not tell me the real cost. The renovations left the pillars and beams in place which really adds to the ambiance. The Mill was built on a river to make use of the water power to operate the Mill. Today the river adds to the ambience.
Carroll and I where treated to a great Perch dinner , at my sister's expense. My sister Marilyn has the dubious honor of working for the TD Canada Trust for 50 years. Even the CEO Ed Clark was surprised to hear of her record and sent a Limousine to Dorchester to pick her up and bring her to his Office for a meeting. Cheers
Tillsonburg is also the home of the Mill Tales restaurant which has a long history. The Mill Tales restaurant was constructed in the early 1800's as a Grist Mill and a Drying Mill. For those who may not understand the workings of a Mill. I will briefly explain. A Grist Mill was a place where a farmer would take his grain such as Oats, Wheat , barley and Corn to the Mill. The Miller would grind and mix the raw grain , rebag it and the farmer would feed it to his cattle. Cows do not normal like to eat raw grain and the farmer also likes to have a mixture to feed the cows.
This Mill also dried grain, mostly Bean. In the 1800's the drying method was simplistic. A fire was built at the basement of the Mill and the Beans would be on a screen about 30 feet above the fire. The hot air would go up the Shute much like a chimney and dry the grain.
An entrepreneur purchased the Mill a few years ago and apparently spend a Million dollars to renovate it into a restaurant. I spoke to him but he would not tell me the real cost. The renovations left the pillars and beams in place which really adds to the ambiance. The Mill was built on a river to make use of the water power to operate the Mill. Today the river adds to the ambience.
Carroll and I where treated to a great Perch dinner , at my sister's expense. My sister Marilyn has the dubious honor of working for the TD Canada Trust for 50 years. Even the CEO Ed Clark was surprised to hear of her record and sent a Limousine to Dorchester to pick her up and bring her to his Office for a meeting. Cheers
Monday, 31 October 2016
Return to Ontario 13 Oct 16
I woke up this morning and felt guilty because I left Ont with meeting my brother Paul. I just felt I should have somehow hugged him before I left. Before pulling out of the Cracker Barrel lot where we spent the night I went to MacDonald's to check our email. For whatever reason I could not connect to their WiFi with My iPad.
About 2 hours down the road we seen a sign for a truck stop with reasonable cheap diesel fuel so I decided to pull in. It was a small truck stop with only 4 pumps but it was easy in; easy out and I like those type of truck stops. Carroll went in to pay as we had some USD and we knew it cost 2 % extra to use our VISA. She noticed that they had free WiFi so we took advantage of it as we really want to check on Marg to see if she was improving or failing. The news was not good as she was failing so we decided very quickly that we must return to Ont.
We did not want to take the MH back as that would be a 10 to 12 hour round trip. I inquired at 2 truck stops about an RV or truck storage in the area but the clerks just shrugged and said they did not know of any. I then noticed a Parts Store across the street so I thought I would give it a try. The Parts clerk said there was a RV Camp Site 5 miles away and that they do have winter storage for RV. Our luck was changing as we ventured to the Camp Site and they said I could park for 50.00 for a month. And since we would be less than a month we could park in their parking lot instead of being crammed into the storage area. Their parking area was fenced and secured.
Carroll quickly pack a few clothes and we were on our way back to my sister's place in Dorchester. It was a 4 1/2 hour drive by car. cheers
About 2 hours down the road we seen a sign for a truck stop with reasonable cheap diesel fuel so I decided to pull in. It was a small truck stop with only 4 pumps but it was easy in; easy out and I like those type of truck stops. Carroll went in to pay as we had some USD and we knew it cost 2 % extra to use our VISA. She noticed that they had free WiFi so we took advantage of it as we really want to check on Marg to see if she was improving or failing. The news was not good as she was failing so we decided very quickly that we must return to Ont.
We did not want to take the MH back as that would be a 10 to 12 hour round trip. I inquired at 2 truck stops about an RV or truck storage in the area but the clerks just shrugged and said they did not know of any. I then noticed a Parts Store across the street so I thought I would give it a try. The Parts clerk said there was a RV Camp Site 5 miles away and that they do have winter storage for RV. Our luck was changing as we ventured to the Camp Site and they said I could park for 50.00 for a month. And since we would be less than a month we could park in their parking lot instead of being crammed into the storage area. Their parking area was fenced and secured.
Carroll quickly pack a few clothes and we were on our way back to my sister's place in Dorchester. It was a 4 1/2 hour drive by car. cheers
Heading Home 12 Oct 16
As mentioned yesterday, I had the MH Oil change and lube appointment changed to this morning and the truck garage was able to get it in right away. By noon we where hooked up and bide farewell to my sisters. I still did not get to see my bother but he was spending all his time at the hospital with his wife Marg, and we were not allowed in to visit the hospital. Since Marg seemed to be improving we decided to head home and if she passed away later we would make a decision then about a revisit.
We had some apprehension about getting thru the US Customs because most of the " Stuff " in the MH and the tow car belong to Todd's and family. We thought that 4 Kids bikes in the back of the tow car would trigger a few question. However, we were ask the standard questions and bide a safe journey from the Officer.
We drove for 5 hours and as it was getting close to supper time Carroll's eagle eye noticed a Cracker Barrel restaurant so we pulled in knowing we could stay in their lot overnight and the food is reasonable and good.
Cracker Barrel does not have WiFi and I suppose the reason is that they want us in and out quickly and not taking up valuable space. I could see a MacDonald's sign about a block away ago so I thought I would go there as soon as the rain stopped to check our email. However it rained continuously most of the evening so I deferred that idea until morning. cheers
We had some apprehension about getting thru the US Customs because most of the " Stuff " in the MH and the tow car belong to Todd's and family. We thought that 4 Kids bikes in the back of the tow car would trigger a few question. However, we were ask the standard questions and bide a safe journey from the Officer.
We drove for 5 hours and as it was getting close to supper time Carroll's eagle eye noticed a Cracker Barrel restaurant so we pulled in knowing we could stay in their lot overnight and the food is reasonable and good.
Cracker Barrel does not have WiFi and I suppose the reason is that they want us in and out quickly and not taking up valuable space. I could see a MacDonald's sign about a block away ago so I thought I would go there as soon as the rain stopped to check our email. However it rained continuously most of the evening so I deferred that idea until morning. cheers
Sunday, 30 October 2016
More Ontario visits and Dinners
10 Oct 16
Since today is Thanksgiving it will be slow day so we called our travel friends Rusty and Laura to drop over for a visit. They have a 40 ft MH and have been Full-timers for 14 years . Rusty is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to MHs. I told him about my fridge tripping off and that I could not reset it. He gave me the name and number of an RV shop about 20 miles away in St. Thomas and assured me that the owner was an excellent Fridge tech. Finally , I thought , someone who can fix a fridge.
Because today is Thanksgiving, Barb ( Pat and Henry's daughter in law ) has directed that she will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner and it will be delivered and served at Pat's place and we are invited. Free dinners are our strong suite , no matter who is cooking it. The dinner was superb and Pat and Henry's family were there including the adult G/Kids.
The evening was closed out by watching a ball game and a hockey game. cheers
11Oct 16
The first thing I did today was call the RV fridge tech, whose name I got from Rusty. The tech said bring it down right now so I said I will be there in one hour. I already had an appointment at 10 AM to have an Oil Change and Lube on the MH so I had to cancel that. The Truck garage gladly changed my appointment until tomorrow.
I took the MH to Gammon's RV in St. Thomas and he looked at the problem right away. Mr. Gammon use to manufacture cooling units for fridge several years ago but due to lack of skilled labour he has changed his business to a one man show and does RV repairs. He did a quick check on the fridge controls and noticed a wire to the igniter was pitched which could have caused the power control box to trip off. He clear that problem and reset the power supply and the fridge started right away. He provided me with a wire and showed me how to reset the power Box should it happen again. His cost was 40.00. How is that for Service.
Another slow day but lucky for us as Carroll's brother called to invite us for supply. Boy; there is nothing like a free lunch. cheers
Since today is Thanksgiving it will be slow day so we called our travel friends Rusty and Laura to drop over for a visit. They have a 40 ft MH and have been Full-timers for 14 years . Rusty is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to MHs. I told him about my fridge tripping off and that I could not reset it. He gave me the name and number of an RV shop about 20 miles away in St. Thomas and assured me that the owner was an excellent Fridge tech. Finally , I thought , someone who can fix a fridge.
Because today is Thanksgiving, Barb ( Pat and Henry's daughter in law ) has directed that she will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner and it will be delivered and served at Pat's place and we are invited. Free dinners are our strong suite , no matter who is cooking it. The dinner was superb and Pat and Henry's family were there including the adult G/Kids.
The evening was closed out by watching a ball game and a hockey game. cheers
11Oct 16
The first thing I did today was call the RV fridge tech, whose name I got from Rusty. The tech said bring it down right now so I said I will be there in one hour. I already had an appointment at 10 AM to have an Oil Change and Lube on the MH so I had to cancel that. The Truck garage gladly changed my appointment until tomorrow.
I took the MH to Gammon's RV in St. Thomas and he looked at the problem right away. Mr. Gammon use to manufacture cooling units for fridge several years ago but due to lack of skilled labour he has changed his business to a one man show and does RV repairs. He did a quick check on the fridge controls and noticed a wire to the igniter was pitched which could have caused the power control box to trip off. He clear that problem and reset the power supply and the fridge started right away. He provided me with a wire and showed me how to reset the power Box should it happen again. His cost was 40.00. How is that for Service.
Another slow day but lucky for us as Carroll's brother called to invite us for supply. Boy; there is nothing like a free lunch. cheers
Saturday, 29 October 2016
Visting Friends and Relatives
6 th Oct 16
Carroll and I both come from a family of 6 Kids and we both lost a brother in the passed 2 years. So our "Plan" was to pay a visit to each family member and all of our friends that we could find while we were in Southern Ontario. We allotted a week for this visit as we wanted to be home by the 17 Oct. I'm not sure why we plan anything because it never works out.
Our family knew we were coming through, so it was just a matter of scheduling for the family. We did not advise our friends that we would be in the area therefore they would not be disappointed if new did not drop in.
My brother Geo called last night to invite us for supper so that gave us the rest of the day to visit friends and do other errands. Also Carroll wanted ( needed ) to do a wash since we had not washed clothes since we left NS on the 28 th Sept. Since we flew to NS to pick up the MH , we were travelling fairly light. Once the laundry was done we called in on friends ; Jim and Marion. They winter in Yuma so we have see them whenever we go to or thru Yuma and we did see them last year. However, it was nice to catch up on their happening and travel plans for this year.
We had a great dinner and good visit with Geo and Dianne and as usually Geo put too much ice in drinks so Carroll had to drive back to the MH.
7th Oct 16
Carroll's sister Jean and husband John, farm in Wheatly, Ont, which is a 2 hour drive from Dorchester. They invited us to stay overnight as this was a window of opportunity since they where not starting to combine their bean crop until Monday. As you know, once they start to combine, visiting with friends or relatives is not a priority.
Carroll's brother and wife from Woodstock also dropped in for supper so it was a good chance ( mostly for Carroll ) to catch up the family happenings. Wheatly and Leamington are also vegetable growing area. There are 1000's of acres of greenhouses and John took me to visit one nearby to buy tomatoes. There are many "Road Side" vegetable stands in the area so we went looking for squash as you can buy them for 1 or 2.00 each depending on the size. Carroll wanted to fill the car up but I stopped her at 6. I was afraid the US Customs would not allow them into the US and if they did , would the Canadian custom let us bring them into Canada As it turns out, the US customs did not seem to care and the Cdn customs did not ask.
I got bored with family talk so I spent some time on my computer and also solve a couple of problems for Jeannie on her computer.
8 th Oct 18 Saturday
Carroll's oldest sister , Madelene lives in Windsor, an hour west of Wheatly. Madelene has some health issues so a visit from her "baby sister" was reason to cheer her up. Madelene's daughter was also their so we had a good 2 hour visit along with the preverbal Tea and Dessert.
When we returned to our MH we were shocked to find out that our fridge had tripped off and would not restart. Of course I thought, we had just spent 2300.00 to get the fridge repaired and it doesn't work. I figured it would be some thing small since it just tripped off but I knew I would never get repair shop open until Tuesday. There was an RV dealer close by so I'll talk to then, first thing on Tuesday morning.
We had a rack of ribs in the fridge and they had started to thaw so we called my sister Pat, she too is not feeling well, and told her that she was having ribs for Sunday Dinner, and that we would bring the meal over. Luckily we have a Coolatron so we took the items in the fridge and put them in the Coolatron. This would do until Tuesday. Monday is Thanksgiving.
9 th Oct 16 Sunday
As mentioned yesterday we are cooking Ribs for supper and are taking the meal to Pat's place. However, this morrow we went to visit Carroll's nephew Paul and his wife Denise, who also live in Dorchester. " Like I always say, our relatives are so close together you could throw a blanket over them and cover most of them". We where surprise when we got to Pani's as their son and daughter in law were also visiting for the Thanksgiving weekend. We haven't seen the family for a few years so it was nice catch up with he family news.
On Sunday evening, I finally got to speak with my brother Paul. He has been spending most of his waking hours at the hospital as his wife Marg is failing fast and it's more important at this time to hold her hand than to talk with me. It was a subdued conversation but I needed to talk to him since we were planning to head home on Wednesday if Marg seemed to be improving. We certainly did not want to leave if she was going downhill. cheers
Carroll and I both come from a family of 6 Kids and we both lost a brother in the passed 2 years. So our "Plan" was to pay a visit to each family member and all of our friends that we could find while we were in Southern Ontario. We allotted a week for this visit as we wanted to be home by the 17 Oct. I'm not sure why we plan anything because it never works out.
Our family knew we were coming through, so it was just a matter of scheduling for the family. We did not advise our friends that we would be in the area therefore they would not be disappointed if new did not drop in.
My brother Geo called last night to invite us for supper so that gave us the rest of the day to visit friends and do other errands. Also Carroll wanted ( needed ) to do a wash since we had not washed clothes since we left NS on the 28 th Sept. Since we flew to NS to pick up the MH , we were travelling fairly light. Once the laundry was done we called in on friends ; Jim and Marion. They winter in Yuma so we have see them whenever we go to or thru Yuma and we did see them last year. However, it was nice to catch up on their happening and travel plans for this year.
We had a great dinner and good visit with Geo and Dianne and as usually Geo put too much ice in drinks so Carroll had to drive back to the MH.
7th Oct 16
Carroll's sister Jean and husband John, farm in Wheatly, Ont, which is a 2 hour drive from Dorchester. They invited us to stay overnight as this was a window of opportunity since they where not starting to combine their bean crop until Monday. As you know, once they start to combine, visiting with friends or relatives is not a priority.
Carroll's brother and wife from Woodstock also dropped in for supper so it was a good chance ( mostly for Carroll ) to catch up the family happenings. Wheatly and Leamington are also vegetable growing area. There are 1000's of acres of greenhouses and John took me to visit one nearby to buy tomatoes. There are many "Road Side" vegetable stands in the area so we went looking for squash as you can buy them for 1 or 2.00 each depending on the size. Carroll wanted to fill the car up but I stopped her at 6. I was afraid the US Customs would not allow them into the US and if they did , would the Canadian custom let us bring them into Canada As it turns out, the US customs did not seem to care and the Cdn customs did not ask.
I got bored with family talk so I spent some time on my computer and also solve a couple of problems for Jeannie on her computer.
8 th Oct 18 Saturday
Carroll's oldest sister , Madelene lives in Windsor, an hour west of Wheatly. Madelene has some health issues so a visit from her "baby sister" was reason to cheer her up. Madelene's daughter was also their so we had a good 2 hour visit along with the preverbal Tea and Dessert.
When we returned to our MH we were shocked to find out that our fridge had tripped off and would not restart. Of course I thought, we had just spent 2300.00 to get the fridge repaired and it doesn't work. I figured it would be some thing small since it just tripped off but I knew I would never get repair shop open until Tuesday. There was an RV dealer close by so I'll talk to then, first thing on Tuesday morning.
We had a rack of ribs in the fridge and they had started to thaw so we called my sister Pat, she too is not feeling well, and told her that she was having ribs for Sunday Dinner, and that we would bring the meal over. Luckily we have a Coolatron so we took the items in the fridge and put them in the Coolatron. This would do until Tuesday. Monday is Thanksgiving.
9 th Oct 16 Sunday
As mentioned yesterday we are cooking Ribs for supper and are taking the meal to Pat's place. However, this morrow we went to visit Carroll's nephew Paul and his wife Denise, who also live in Dorchester. " Like I always say, our relatives are so close together you could throw a blanket over them and cover most of them". We where surprise when we got to Pani's as their son and daughter in law were also visiting for the Thanksgiving weekend. We haven't seen the family for a few years so it was nice catch up with he family news.
On Sunday evening, I finally got to speak with my brother Paul. He has been spending most of his waking hours at the hospital as his wife Marg is failing fast and it's more important at this time to hold her hand than to talk with me. It was a subdued conversation but I needed to talk to him since we were planning to head home on Wednesday if Marg seemed to be improving. We certainly did not want to leave if she was going downhill. cheers
Thursday, 27 October 2016
Visiting Relatives in Southern Ont Oct 2016
4 th Oct 2016
After leaving the Truck Stop where we spent the night , we decided to take the Toll road around Toronto because the traffic in "TO" is absolutely nuts and I don't need the hassle. The toll road is by a "charge " only, which mean they will send you a bill at a later date. They do have a sign on the Toll road that says out of province license plates will be also charged.
We arrived at my sister's house ( Pat and Henry ) by early afternoon and the first topic was the condition of my sister in law ( Marg ) who was in the hospital with terminal cancer. Then we were parking our MH at their son's yard so Henry lead us to their place which is acreage outside of the town of Dorchester.
We got the MH setup and finally got our satellite TV working for the 1st time since we started this journey. For some reason I could not find the signal in NS.
We returned to Pat's for supper and to catch up on the family happenings. cheers
5 Oct 2016
Today we were trying to find out the medical condition of my sister in law , however my brother and the 3 kids where spending most of their waking hours at the hospital so I finally contacted the oldest son who gave us the latest condition of his mother. Only my brother and the children where allowed in Marg's room.
As we drove into the town of Dorchester ( Pop 2500 ) we were passing a hair salon and we know the proprietor. The owner is the daughter of someone I went to High School with; so we dropped in to say hello. Carroll and I both needed a hair cut and she had an opening so we got out badly need hair cut and we swapped stories and family happenings. We ask why she had an opening for us and the answer was that the Seniors where out of town on a daily Bus trip. so now you know who her customer are.
Our next errand was to go to Costco to get a GPS. You may recall that we return our GPS to Costco in NS and we feel lost without it. While driving there we received a call from Carroll's brother who lives in Woodstock ( 35000 ) some 40 KM away, inviting us for supper. Free suppers are our strong suite. Unfortunately, Costco does not stock our GPS any longer but it was suggested that it may be available on line.
We have been traveling and living in our MH since we returned from Nfld on the 27 th Sept and you may not think about it but sooner or later the Black water ( which is a nice word for sewer/sewage ) tank fills up. Hence we needed to find a "dump" and most camp sites and Dump Sites are closed by 1 Oct. However, we know that most or at least some Flying J have RV dumps. Therefore we went to the one near Costco in London and it was open and had all the facilities; Sewer dump. water, fuel and propane. We will return to dump her later.
My youngest brother passed away in Feb from a heart attack and I was unable to get home to the funeral so our mission was to visit his wife (Connie ) to give our condolence to her in person. Not only did we have a nice visit but it made me feel better to visit with Connie since I missed the funeral.
We then went to Carroll's brother's home( Lyle and Helen ) in Woodstock and we had great supper and caught up on all the family news and happenings. Cheers
After leaving the Truck Stop where we spent the night , we decided to take the Toll road around Toronto because the traffic in "TO" is absolutely nuts and I don't need the hassle. The toll road is by a "charge " only, which mean they will send you a bill at a later date. They do have a sign on the Toll road that says out of province license plates will be also charged.
We arrived at my sister's house ( Pat and Henry ) by early afternoon and the first topic was the condition of my sister in law ( Marg ) who was in the hospital with terminal cancer. Then we were parking our MH at their son's yard so Henry lead us to their place which is acreage outside of the town of Dorchester.
We got the MH setup and finally got our satellite TV working for the 1st time since we started this journey. For some reason I could not find the signal in NS.
We returned to Pat's for supper and to catch up on the family happenings. cheers
5 Oct 2016
Today we were trying to find out the medical condition of my sister in law , however my brother and the 3 kids where spending most of their waking hours at the hospital so I finally contacted the oldest son who gave us the latest condition of his mother. Only my brother and the children where allowed in Marg's room.
As we drove into the town of Dorchester ( Pop 2500 ) we were passing a hair salon and we know the proprietor. The owner is the daughter of someone I went to High School with; so we dropped in to say hello. Carroll and I both needed a hair cut and she had an opening so we got out badly need hair cut and we swapped stories and family happenings. We ask why she had an opening for us and the answer was that the Seniors where out of town on a daily Bus trip. so now you know who her customer are.
Our next errand was to go to Costco to get a GPS. You may recall that we return our GPS to Costco in NS and we feel lost without it. While driving there we received a call from Carroll's brother who lives in Woodstock ( 35000 ) some 40 KM away, inviting us for supper. Free suppers are our strong suite. Unfortunately, Costco does not stock our GPS any longer but it was suggested that it may be available on line.
We have been traveling and living in our MH since we returned from Nfld on the 27 th Sept and you may not think about it but sooner or later the Black water ( which is a nice word for sewer/sewage ) tank fills up. Hence we needed to find a "dump" and most camp sites and Dump Sites are closed by 1 Oct. However, we know that most or at least some Flying J have RV dumps. Therefore we went to the one near Costco in London and it was open and had all the facilities; Sewer dump. water, fuel and propane. We will return to dump her later.
My youngest brother passed away in Feb from a heart attack and I was unable to get home to the funeral so our mission was to visit his wife (Connie ) to give our condolence to her in person. Not only did we have a nice visit but it made me feel better to visit with Connie since I missed the funeral.
We then went to Carroll's brother's home( Lyle and Helen ) in Woodstock and we had great supper and caught up on all the family news and happenings. Cheers
Wednesday, 26 October 2016
Fredericton to Ontario, thru Quebec 1 Oct 2016
We are now on the downhill slide but we have few more stops along the way. Today we left Fredericton and are heading for our friends Ray and Sharon in Belleville but of course we have a long ride thought Quebec. As we entered Quebec there was a Welcome Centre so we decided to stop and ask about the best way to get around Montreal because that is one place I do want to drive thru. The young Lad at the counter ( he looked about 16) gave us very clear and specific directions and marked a map with about every possible problem area that we could possible encounter. He even marked whether we should be in the left lane or the right lane when we had to change highways. This young guys must have driven these highways himself to be so completely informed.
After driving for nearly 10 hours we thought we would stop overnight at a Truck Stop but this was not RV friendly and they would not let RV's stay overnight at this particular Truck stop. The young lady at the counter directed us to Truck stop about 2 miles down the road that was RV friendly and by that time we were ready to stop. cheers
Quebec to Belleville 2 Oct 2016
Our stop in Belleville was to meet some old friends from our posting to Trenton in the early 90's. Sharon and Ray live on an acreage outside of Belleville. We were invited to stay in their yard as they had enough room for us to park. Years ago they had a MH so I knew there would be adequate space to park and turn around.
Sharon and Ray have a home in Florida and were getting prepared to leave by mid Oct so we were glad to have a chance to visit and catch up on old times. They have not been able to go to Florida for 2 years as they both had a bout with cancer but we were very happy to hear they have both recovered.
We went to the local restaurant for supper which were we had a good meal and lots of time to compare travel notes. Ray and Sharon have a nice home and a beautiful yard and when we were in Trenton we were invited to many parties at the place.
Visiting friends and relatives 3 Oct 2016
We also have another couple who are ex-military and who worked with me in CFB Trenton and who live in the city of Trenton. I gave them a call to see if they would be available for coffee tomorrow morning before we left. Bill and Katherine where glad to hear we were passing thru Trenton and invited us for coffee at 10 AM. We did not leave their place until noon and we had to return to Ray and Sharon's to get our MH which took about 2 hours since had to load the car on the Dolly. Before leaving Trenton we had to fuel up. With all these delays , this would be a short drive day.
I have a cousin who lives 1 1/2 hours west of Trenton so we gave him a call to see if we could drop in for a visit if they were home. They are retired and the do travel quite often. Anyhow Dwight and Gale where home and where glad to hear from us. They invited us for supper so now we had to drop the MH somewhere as they did not have room to park our MH at there house or in their village.
We were traveling on the 401 ( it is really the only hwy between Montreal and Windsor ) and were looking for a Truck Stop near the exit to my cousins village. On the 401 there is a truck stop every 100 KM . We pulled into the Truck Stop closes to my cousins place and we were going to drop the MH. I didn't like the first spot that I park in so I decided to circle the lot for a spot with a curb so I could safely open 2 slide away from a park truck. Unbeknown to me these truck stops on the 401 are constructed so you can only drive in and drive out. So now I have no choice except to exit onto the 401 and go the next exit and get on the East bound lane and drop the MH on the opposite side Truck Stop. I have just wasted another hour but I can still get to my cousins house by 4:30 so we will have time to swap family stories.
After having supper with Dwight and Gale we returned to our MH at the Truck stop. This Truck Stop has a RV only parking area, however a couple of truckers apparently skipped the reading class in school. When we went to bed there was only one other RV in the lot , however by morning there was 8 other RV's in the area. Cheers
After driving for nearly 10 hours we thought we would stop overnight at a Truck Stop but this was not RV friendly and they would not let RV's stay overnight at this particular Truck stop. The young lady at the counter directed us to Truck stop about 2 miles down the road that was RV friendly and by that time we were ready to stop. cheers
Quebec to Belleville 2 Oct 2016
Our stop in Belleville was to meet some old friends from our posting to Trenton in the early 90's. Sharon and Ray live on an acreage outside of Belleville. We were invited to stay in their yard as they had enough room for us to park. Years ago they had a MH so I knew there would be adequate space to park and turn around.
Sharon and Ray have a home in Florida and were getting prepared to leave by mid Oct so we were glad to have a chance to visit and catch up on old times. They have not been able to go to Florida for 2 years as they both had a bout with cancer but we were very happy to hear they have both recovered.
We went to the local restaurant for supper which were we had a good meal and lots of time to compare travel notes. Ray and Sharon have a nice home and a beautiful yard and when we were in Trenton we were invited to many parties at the place.
Visiting friends and relatives 3 Oct 2016
We also have another couple who are ex-military and who worked with me in CFB Trenton and who live in the city of Trenton. I gave them a call to see if they would be available for coffee tomorrow morning before we left. Bill and Katherine where glad to hear we were passing thru Trenton and invited us for coffee at 10 AM. We did not leave their place until noon and we had to return to Ray and Sharon's to get our MH which took about 2 hours since had to load the car on the Dolly. Before leaving Trenton we had to fuel up. With all these delays , this would be a short drive day.
I have a cousin who lives 1 1/2 hours west of Trenton so we gave him a call to see if we could drop in for a visit if they were home. They are retired and the do travel quite often. Anyhow Dwight and Gale where home and where glad to hear from us. They invited us for supper so now we had to drop the MH somewhere as they did not have room to park our MH at there house or in their village.
We were traveling on the 401 ( it is really the only hwy between Montreal and Windsor ) and were looking for a Truck Stop near the exit to my cousins village. On the 401 there is a truck stop every 100 KM . We pulled into the Truck Stop closes to my cousins place and we were going to drop the MH. I didn't like the first spot that I park in so I decided to circle the lot for a spot with a curb so I could safely open 2 slide away from a park truck. Unbeknown to me these truck stops on the 401 are constructed so you can only drive in and drive out. So now I have no choice except to exit onto the 401 and go the next exit and get on the East bound lane and drop the MH on the opposite side Truck Stop. I have just wasted another hour but I can still get to my cousins house by 4:30 so we will have time to swap family stories.
After having supper with Dwight and Gale we returned to our MH at the Truck stop. This Truck Stop has a RV only parking area, however a couple of truckers apparently skipped the reading class in school. When we went to bed there was only one other RV in the lot , however by morning there was 8 other RV's in the area. Cheers
Moncton to Fredericton; 30 Sept 2016
We woke up a few times during the night to visit the bathroom but the fridge was foremost on our mind. If the fridge trips off there is a "bothersome beep " and even thought we did not hear any beep we still check the fridge just to convince ourself that it was really working. All was great.
About 8 AM we pulled out of the Articold yard in St. Antonne where we have been parked for 2 days and headed for Fredericton where we would visit some long time friends from our days in Shilo from 77 to 81. Betty's direction and our ability to read them correctly had a collision and we ended up on the wrong side of the river. Once we realized our problem I pulled into a vacant lot which was next to a service station where I ask for directions to Wal-Mart. Luckily , Wal-Mart was not that far away but what I fail to realize was the some power lines in this vacant lot where hanging precariously "about" 12 feet high and our MH requires 13 feet clearance. Since the Air conditioners are the highest point on the MH and the canopies are plastic I hoped that the power lines would ride over the MH. Luckily the power lines were about 6 inch higher than my estimate ; so another crisis averted.
Just as I pulled into the Wal-Mart lot, I could see that everybody in Fredericton decided to shop at Wal-Mart this afternoon and I would be fortunate to find a parking area for the car never mind a MH. Luckily for us there was a Sears store attached to the Wal-Mart lot and since nobody shops at Sears anymore, the lot was practically empty so we had the option of parking anywhere.
After we got setup we called our friends , Betty and Ted Ross who we have not seen since 1992. They invited us for lunch and again for Dinner . When we got they we were surprised to see our friend Grace who we had visited in Digby, NS about a month ago. Carroll, Betty and Grace worked in the same shop in Shilo and when cross country skiing most weekends in the winter in Shilo. And we went camping and fishing many times as a family outing the Rosses and the Turbulls.
I also coached their son Bobby in hockey when he was 10 and 11 and since he lives nearby he dropped in for a visit. He is now 49 years old so never in a hundred years would I have recognized him.
After a wonder Dinner and a great visit to catch up on the news about other people that we served with , we said farewell and returned to our MH. It was a wonderful visit and we vowed to keep in touch more often as time is slipping away. cheers
About 8 AM we pulled out of the Articold yard in St. Antonne where we have been parked for 2 days and headed for Fredericton where we would visit some long time friends from our days in Shilo from 77 to 81. Betty's direction and our ability to read them correctly had a collision and we ended up on the wrong side of the river. Once we realized our problem I pulled into a vacant lot which was next to a service station where I ask for directions to Wal-Mart. Luckily , Wal-Mart was not that far away but what I fail to realize was the some power lines in this vacant lot where hanging precariously "about" 12 feet high and our MH requires 13 feet clearance. Since the Air conditioners are the highest point on the MH and the canopies are plastic I hoped that the power lines would ride over the MH. Luckily the power lines were about 6 inch higher than my estimate ; so another crisis averted.
Just as I pulled into the Wal-Mart lot, I could see that everybody in Fredericton decided to shop at Wal-Mart this afternoon and I would be fortunate to find a parking area for the car never mind a MH. Luckily for us there was a Sears store attached to the Wal-Mart lot and since nobody shops at Sears anymore, the lot was practically empty so we had the option of parking anywhere.
After we got setup we called our friends , Betty and Ted Ross who we have not seen since 1992. They invited us for lunch and again for Dinner . When we got they we were surprised to see our friend Grace who we had visited in Digby, NS about a month ago. Carroll, Betty and Grace worked in the same shop in Shilo and when cross country skiing most weekends in the winter in Shilo. And we went camping and fishing many times as a family outing the Rosses and the Turbulls.
I also coached their son Bobby in hockey when he was 10 and 11 and since he lives nearby he dropped in for a visit. He is now 49 years old so never in a hundred years would I have recognized him.
After a wonder Dinner and a great visit to catch up on the news about other people that we served with , we said farewell and returned to our MH. It was a wonderful visit and we vowed to keep in touch more often as time is slipping away. cheers
The Fridge is repaired : 29 Sept 2016
Note: We arrived home on the 24 Oct but there are many stories to come.
Just as advised the Fridge tech started working on our fridge at 8:30 AM and he sure seem to know his trade which made me feel good. He came into our MH and ask me to hold the fridge doors as he "whipped" out the blots and ask me to put them on the bed. As he was disconnecting the wires I ask for assure that the fridge would actually come out of the slot. I measured the fridge size last evening and I could not see how he could be remove it. He looked at me with a smile and said " Sir, this is not my first Rodeo".
In about 10 minutes he shook the fridge and it was loose, so he said I will get a couple of helpers to remove the fridge. Carroll and I stood back to watch and he advised his helpers to be carefully not to touch or damage the walls or the ceiling. In 30 seconds the fridge was laying on the kitchen floor and his drill was "singing" as he removed the screws. He showed me were the cooling system failed but assured me the new one would never fail and to back up his word they would give me a Life Time Warranty as long as I owned the MH or for 2 years to the new owner, should I sell it.
I watched the Tech work for about two minutes and I ask if he needed my "supervision " and with a smile he said " not really". I said good, I'll see you around 5 PM. Carroll and I planned to spend the day touring the Moncton area.
Frist we went down town to see the Tidal Bore even thought we knew we had missed the exact time that it " did whatever it was going to do ". It was interesting to see the tide come up the river and then reverse. Apparently it takes about one minute to reverse the flow.
Then we headed for the Magnetic Hill. As we read about the Magnetic Hill it all seemed impossible or maybe even a joke but for the price of 6 bucks we had to experience for our self. We followed the directions and drove down the hill, put the car in neutral, held the steering wheel steady and low and behold we were going backwards up the hill doing 20 KM per hour. There was only one car behind us but they got our of their car to watch us so I decided to do it again. I was going to repeat it a third time but the car behind us moved into the start line. We stayed to watch the next vehicle as I had an inkling that they did not know what to do. They were Oriental and I suspect they were visitors. My suspicions where confirmed as the driver tried to steer the car and it was all over the road. That was enough fun for now and we had another item for our " Memories."
We still had the afternoon to kill so we headed for Hopewell Rocks. On the way, we stopped at a small restaurant for lunch. I had a Soup and Sandwich. As I was paying the bill, the owner ask how I liked the soup. I was going to use my well worn phases " I have had it twice first and last" but the owner was a nice lady so I just said it was a little spicy for me. Then we carried on the Hopewell Rocks which are Rock formations that became exposed from years of wave action that wore a way the soil that surround them many years ago. It is definitely a tourist attraction and a good place for a Photo Opt but for the price of 8 bucks it did help to kill the afternoon and it is funded by us tourist so it was interesting. It also had a gift shop but they are "out of bounds " for Carroll as we have enough junk from other parts of the world.
So now we headed back to our MH in hopes that the fridge was repaired and working. Five minutes from the shop we received a phone call. Our first thought's ; was oh no, something must be wrong. It was the foreman calling to ask us to move our MH as we were blocking the exit for their trailer which was being loaded for a shipment to the US. Incidentally, 90 percent of their product goes to the US.
As we got to the MH the Tech says your fridge is working great but give it 12 hours before you load it with food. After moving the MH I went to the office to get the bad news on the cost. The cost were 1650.00 for the cooling unit, 4 hours labour ( I told you the techie was good ) and 300.00 for the Tax man, for a total of 2300.00. We were delighted to have our fridge back and the cost of repairs was what I expected.
For a change we had a good nights sleep and we are heading for Fredericton tomorrow, cheers
Just as advised the Fridge tech started working on our fridge at 8:30 AM and he sure seem to know his trade which made me feel good. He came into our MH and ask me to hold the fridge doors as he "whipped" out the blots and ask me to put them on the bed. As he was disconnecting the wires I ask for assure that the fridge would actually come out of the slot. I measured the fridge size last evening and I could not see how he could be remove it. He looked at me with a smile and said " Sir, this is not my first Rodeo".
In about 10 minutes he shook the fridge and it was loose, so he said I will get a couple of helpers to remove the fridge. Carroll and I stood back to watch and he advised his helpers to be carefully not to touch or damage the walls or the ceiling. In 30 seconds the fridge was laying on the kitchen floor and his drill was "singing" as he removed the screws. He showed me were the cooling system failed but assured me the new one would never fail and to back up his word they would give me a Life Time Warranty as long as I owned the MH or for 2 years to the new owner, should I sell it.
I watched the Tech work for about two minutes and I ask if he needed my "supervision " and with a smile he said " not really". I said good, I'll see you around 5 PM. Carroll and I planned to spend the day touring the Moncton area.
Frist we went down town to see the Tidal Bore even thought we knew we had missed the exact time that it " did whatever it was going to do ". It was interesting to see the tide come up the river and then reverse. Apparently it takes about one minute to reverse the flow.
Then we headed for the Magnetic Hill. As we read about the Magnetic Hill it all seemed impossible or maybe even a joke but for the price of 6 bucks we had to experience for our self. We followed the directions and drove down the hill, put the car in neutral, held the steering wheel steady and low and behold we were going backwards up the hill doing 20 KM per hour. There was only one car behind us but they got our of their car to watch us so I decided to do it again. I was going to repeat it a third time but the car behind us moved into the start line. We stayed to watch the next vehicle as I had an inkling that they did not know what to do. They were Oriental and I suspect they were visitors. My suspicions where confirmed as the driver tried to steer the car and it was all over the road. That was enough fun for now and we had another item for our " Memories."
We still had the afternoon to kill so we headed for Hopewell Rocks. On the way, we stopped at a small restaurant for lunch. I had a Soup and Sandwich. As I was paying the bill, the owner ask how I liked the soup. I was going to use my well worn phases " I have had it twice first and last" but the owner was a nice lady so I just said it was a little spicy for me. Then we carried on the Hopewell Rocks which are Rock formations that became exposed from years of wave action that wore a way the soil that surround them many years ago. It is definitely a tourist attraction and a good place for a Photo Opt but for the price of 8 bucks it did help to kill the afternoon and it is funded by us tourist so it was interesting. It also had a gift shop but they are "out of bounds " for Carroll as we have enough junk from other parts of the world.
So now we headed back to our MH in hopes that the fridge was repaired and working. Five minutes from the shop we received a phone call. Our first thought's ; was oh no, something must be wrong. It was the foreman calling to ask us to move our MH as we were blocking the exit for their trailer which was being loaded for a shipment to the US. Incidentally, 90 percent of their product goes to the US.
As we got to the MH the Tech says your fridge is working great but give it 12 hours before you load it with food. After moving the MH I went to the office to get the bad news on the cost. The cost were 1650.00 for the cooling unit, 4 hours labour ( I told you the techie was good ) and 300.00 for the Tax man, for a total of 2300.00. We were delighted to have our fridge back and the cost of repairs was what I expected.
For a change we had a good nights sleep and we are heading for Fredericton tomorrow, cheers
Wednesday, 12 October 2016
Hammonds Plains to St Anntone, NB 28 Sept 2016
Today we left Hammonds Plains and headed for St. Antonia , NB where we will get our fridge fixed. The company that will repair the fridge says we can park in there yard and connect to power. We will be there for 2 days: the day we arrive and the day to repair the fridge. The first order of the day was to top up the fuel and since I am using a 10 cent a litre discount card provide by my son I have to go to a Petrocan station. The one in Hammonds Plains is not exactly RV friendly because it is small so I had to circle the building to get in and out.
Finally, we got on the road and it was clear sailing all the way to Moncton. However, we did have a toll booth on the TCH which was surprising as I did not realize that we had or could toll the # 1 Hwy. We got specific directions fro the Fridge repair company. However , just as we left the TCH in Moncton they were doing road construction and I was suppose to turn right. The navigator said turn right but my reaction was slow so we had to enter the TCH, drive to the next off ramp and return to Moncton. Then we drove 20 Km to St Antonia and turned at the Irving station as direct. Now I was to go 2 KM to the Articold Shop. I do not need to check the speedometer for 2 KM because I know how far the is; or up until now I thought I did. As luck would have we drove right by their shop. In our defence they had a 32 ft Fifth wheel blocking the sign so we missed it. Now we had to turn around but the question is where. We are in "Outback" NB so we had drive 10 KM to find a cross road and then we had to unhook the car off the dolly. We finally got turn around and found the shop.
The shop had the look of an unkepted farm equipment shed and the dirt parking lot had the appearance of a plough field recently suffering from a rain storm. There were at least 15 vehicles in the parking lot so I assume they must manufacture the fridge cooling units that so badly required.
They made us welcome and had us parked an connected to power quickly. I was bold and as if I could connect to WiFi and they provided the password without a thought. One of the guys gave me a tour of the shop and the equipment was modern and it seem like they were producing quit a few units daily. The tech who was going to fix our fridge met us and said he would star tomorrow at 8:30.
Finally, we got on the road and it was clear sailing all the way to Moncton. However, we did have a toll booth on the TCH which was surprising as I did not realize that we had or could toll the # 1 Hwy. We got specific directions fro the Fridge repair company. However , just as we left the TCH in Moncton they were doing road construction and I was suppose to turn right. The navigator said turn right but my reaction was slow so we had to enter the TCH, drive to the next off ramp and return to Moncton. Then we drove 20 Km to St Antonia and turned at the Irving station as direct. Now I was to go 2 KM to the Articold Shop. I do not need to check the speedometer for 2 KM because I know how far the is; or up until now I thought I did. As luck would have we drove right by their shop. In our defence they had a 32 ft Fifth wheel blocking the sign so we missed it. Now we had to turn around but the question is where. We are in "Outback" NB so we had drive 10 KM to find a cross road and then we had to unhook the car off the dolly. We finally got turn around and found the shop.
The shop had the look of an unkepted farm equipment shed and the dirt parking lot had the appearance of a plough field recently suffering from a rain storm. There were at least 15 vehicles in the parking lot so I assume they must manufacture the fridge cooling units that so badly required.
They made us welcome and had us parked an connected to power quickly. I was bold and as if I could connect to WiFi and they provided the password without a thought. One of the guys gave me a tour of the shop and the equipment was modern and it seem like they were producing quit a few units daily. The tech who was going to fix our fridge met us and said he would star tomorrow at 8:30.
Nfld travel Day 11, 27 Sept 2016
We are flying back to Halifax to pick up our MH today. After a hearty Nfld breakfast we hit the road as we had a 10:15 AM flight and the Thistles had a Medical appointment about the same time. As usually, we arrived early and the flight was delay but only by 1/2 an hour. One of the perks for being a veteran is that we don't have to wait in line or at least that has been my experience.
When we arrived in Halifax , our friend and military buddy, Barry was waiting to pick us up. Another, perk, with friends across Canada. Our MH was parked in the same camp site as Barry so we were delivered to a cold MH. The weather was cool and rainy which it continued to do most of the evening. We spent most of the afternoon doing a wash as we had a ton of dirty clothes from our Newfie trip.
We are heading East tomorrow so we had to do some grocery shopping which includes all the food groups that includes Beer. After supper we dropped in on Barry and Ann to say farewell and to thank them for their Nova Scotia hospitality. Tomorrow we will be in Moncton and hope to get our fridge fixed. cheers
When we arrived in Halifax , our friend and military buddy, Barry was waiting to pick us up. Another, perk, with friends across Canada. Our MH was parked in the same camp site as Barry so we were delivered to a cold MH. The weather was cool and rainy which it continued to do most of the evening. We spent most of the afternoon doing a wash as we had a ton of dirty clothes from our Newfie trip.
We are heading East tomorrow so we had to do some grocery shopping which includes all the food groups that includes Beer. After supper we dropped in on Barry and Ann to say farewell and to thank them for their Nova Scotia hospitality. Tomorrow we will be in Moncton and hope to get our fridge fixed. cheers
Nfld Travel Day 10; 26 Sept 16
The Ziglos are flying home to Regina today so their 10 day holiday in Nfld comes to a close.
We had an excellent breakfast provided by Keith and Marilyn and then said farewell to Lynda and Vince.
The Ziglo's had some time to kill before their flight so they wanted to see the town/area of Dildo. ( Hey , you can make this stuff up.... I know you are going to Goggle it ) .It is unincorporated so it is not a town but a place. In short , the name is attested to have been around since 1711, however, it is also known that Captain cook and his assistant , Michael Lane where not above naming areas with names that might offend over-sensitive folks. The Ziglo's are one up on us as we did not go to Dildo.
We are staying with K and M for another night so they drove around the area to show us more of the Nfld history. If you are a visitor to Nfld , everything is "Scenery" because it is so much different than anywhere we have lived or traveled. Our first stop was the town of Bristol's Hope where one of the Transatlantic Telegraph cable entered Nfld in 1856. Several cables were laid from Britain to Canada in that era, some successful other not so but I guess it was a trail error venture in those days. A Museum has been set up in the old Bristol's Hope , Court House to depict the arrival of the Transatlantic Cable and the history of the area. For such a small town this was a great Museum.
We then traveled along the Arm of Conception Bay looking at the scenery and landscape features. Near Carbanear there is a ship that got swamped in the early 1900's and has been stuck in the mud every since. A side story is the Dan Cleary, who played for the Detroit Red Wings played his Minor Hockey in this area. During their run for the Stanley Cup , the town hung a banner along the entire side of the ship cheering for their Home Town hero.
This area has some great hiking trails along the coast but it was too rainy and windy for us to challenge the trails. We did however is some different rock formations that the water had craved out of the shore line with years of beating from the waves.
Our drive for the day was coming to a close so the Keith thought we should stop for a Tea and Toutons. (Go ahead and hit the goggle button again). When we first heard about Toutons one Newfie said ( with tongue in cheek ) that is was failed bread doe and since they did not want to waste it, they pan fried it in butter. It appears to be bread doe without yeast, pan fried and then drizzle it with molasses. It does resemble and English muffin so the English probably ran out of Jam so the use molasses. We liked it and would definitely order it again.
It was getting close to "Miller Time" so we returned to our "Free" B and B for supper and stories about travel. K and M are going to tour South Africa so we gave them our itinerary. We are flying back to Halifax tomorrow and the Thistles are taking us to Airport. Cheers
We had an excellent breakfast provided by Keith and Marilyn and then said farewell to Lynda and Vince.
The Ziglo's had some time to kill before their flight so they wanted to see the town/area of Dildo. ( Hey , you can make this stuff up.... I know you are going to Goggle it ) .It is unincorporated so it is not a town but a place. In short , the name is attested to have been around since 1711, however, it is also known that Captain cook and his assistant , Michael Lane where not above naming areas with names that might offend over-sensitive folks. The Ziglo's are one up on us as we did not go to Dildo.
We are staying with K and M for another night so they drove around the area to show us more of the Nfld history. If you are a visitor to Nfld , everything is "Scenery" because it is so much different than anywhere we have lived or traveled. Our first stop was the town of Bristol's Hope where one of the Transatlantic Telegraph cable entered Nfld in 1856. Several cables were laid from Britain to Canada in that era, some successful other not so but I guess it was a trail error venture in those days. A Museum has been set up in the old Bristol's Hope , Court House to depict the arrival of the Transatlantic Cable and the history of the area. For such a small town this was a great Museum.
We then traveled along the Arm of Conception Bay looking at the scenery and landscape features. Near Carbanear there is a ship that got swamped in the early 1900's and has been stuck in the mud every since. A side story is the Dan Cleary, who played for the Detroit Red Wings played his Minor Hockey in this area. During their run for the Stanley Cup , the town hung a banner along the entire side of the ship cheering for their Home Town hero.
This area has some great hiking trails along the coast but it was too rainy and windy for us to challenge the trails. We did however is some different rock formations that the water had craved out of the shore line with years of beating from the waves.
Our drive for the day was coming to a close so the Keith thought we should stop for a Tea and Toutons. (Go ahead and hit the goggle button again). When we first heard about Toutons one Newfie said ( with tongue in cheek ) that is was failed bread doe and since they did not want to waste it, they pan fried it in butter. It appears to be bread doe without yeast, pan fried and then drizzle it with molasses. It does resemble and English muffin so the English probably ran out of Jam so the use molasses. We liked it and would definitely order it again.
It was getting close to "Miller Time" so we returned to our "Free" B and B for supper and stories about travel. K and M are going to tour South Africa so we gave them our itinerary. We are flying back to Halifax tomorrow and the Thistles are taking us to Airport. Cheers
Monday, 10 October 2016
Nfld Day 9; 25 Sept 16
Today our plan was to visit "The Rooms" which is new,magnificent Museum which depicts the Newfoundland heritage back to the time of the Beothuk natives and generally starts around the mid 1700's.
One of the areas in the Museum, that was impressive was about Nfld's input into WW1 and WW11. During both wars, Nfld was still a colony of Britain so fighting for their Mother country was in their blood. We spent about 3 hours in " The Rooms " digesting their Heritage and Military accomplish during WW1and WW11.
The Rooms also has an exceptional restaurant, located on the 3 rd level which overlooked the city of St. John's and just as impressive is a view of the Harbour. By lunch hour the wait time was 45 minutes and in lieu of standing in line they would take your name and advise you to return in 40 minutes. That is exactly what we and most others do.
One interesting incident which I like was when an Oriental gentleman ( I use the word loosely ) ask the Hostess if he could have a table by the window. She told him that he would get whatever table was empty when it was his turn. He then said he would pay for the privilege for a window table. She was quit stern and said ; we have many nice restaurants downtown, maybe you should try one of them. He eventually got a table but not at the window.
After leaving St. John's we drove to our B and B which would be home for the next two days. Our B and B friends ( Keith and Marilyn ) who we met in MX about 8 years ago invited us to stay with them. We follow their travels on their blog as they are World Travelers. However, we have lunch every summer when they visit there daughter and family in Calgary. They live in a beautiful home about 45 minutes out of St. John's on Conception Bay in an unincorporated village area near Bay Roberts.
I had mention in email to Marilyn that we had a Jigg's dinner for one of our suppers. She then gave us a choice of Cod Fish or Jigg's dinner for supper when we arrived. Three out of 4 voted for Jigg's dinner ( I voted for cod fish ) so Jigg's dinner it was. It was a great meal. We spent the evening swapping stories as Vince and Lynda ( our traveling partners ) had never met K and M but they we made very welcome.
Yes we had a few drinks but NO it was not " Newfie Screech" . cheers
One of the areas in the Museum, that was impressive was about Nfld's input into WW1 and WW11. During both wars, Nfld was still a colony of Britain so fighting for their Mother country was in their blood. We spent about 3 hours in " The Rooms " digesting their Heritage and Military accomplish during WW1and WW11.
The Rooms also has an exceptional restaurant, located on the 3 rd level which overlooked the city of St. John's and just as impressive is a view of the Harbour. By lunch hour the wait time was 45 minutes and in lieu of standing in line they would take your name and advise you to return in 40 minutes. That is exactly what we and most others do.
One interesting incident which I like was when an Oriental gentleman ( I use the word loosely ) ask the Hostess if he could have a table by the window. She told him that he would get whatever table was empty when it was his turn. He then said he would pay for the privilege for a window table. She was quit stern and said ; we have many nice restaurants downtown, maybe you should try one of them. He eventually got a table but not at the window.
After leaving St. John's we drove to our B and B which would be home for the next two days. Our B and B friends ( Keith and Marilyn ) who we met in MX about 8 years ago invited us to stay with them. We follow their travels on their blog as they are World Travelers. However, we have lunch every summer when they visit there daughter and family in Calgary. They live in a beautiful home about 45 minutes out of St. John's on Conception Bay in an unincorporated village area near Bay Roberts.
I had mention in email to Marilyn that we had a Jigg's dinner for one of our suppers. She then gave us a choice of Cod Fish or Jigg's dinner for supper when we arrived. Three out of 4 voted for Jigg's dinner ( I voted for cod fish ) so Jigg's dinner it was. It was a great meal. We spent the evening swapping stories as Vince and Lynda ( our traveling partners ) had never met K and M but they we made very welcome.
Yes we had a few drinks but NO it was not " Newfie Screech" . cheers
Sunday, 9 October 2016
Nfld Travel Day 8 Sat 24 Sept 16
Today we toured the area around St. John. Our neighbor's in Med Hat are from Belle Island which is an Island off of mainland Nfld and is accessible by a short ferry ride. Apparently, it is not very populated and did not hold enough interest for us so we just verify that it was still there. There are many populated islands in the Maritmes that are accessibly only by ferry, much like the islands off of BC.
We also stopped at Portugal Cove, Paradise and Hollyrood. It is amazing how much time one can spend taking in the coastal scenery , the fishing boats and sail boats in all the little harbours. I think that everyone who lives along the coast must own a boat.
We, us folks who don't live in Nfld also assumed and accepted that Nfld is a "Have Not " province. All the older homes and there are many, were newly painted or upgraded. These houses look great with new siding, window, and gutters. These upgrades are apparent in cities, towns and villages. All this to say: don't believe that Nfld is a" Have Not" province. It is just a well off as the rest of Canada. We spent the whole day traveling around the small coastal towns. Cheers
We also stopped at Portugal Cove, Paradise and Hollyrood. It is amazing how much time one can spend taking in the coastal scenery , the fishing boats and sail boats in all the little harbours. I think that everyone who lives along the coast must own a boat.
We, us folks who don't live in Nfld also assumed and accepted that Nfld is a "Have Not " province. All the older homes and there are many, were newly painted or upgraded. These houses look great with new siding, window, and gutters. These upgrades are apparent in cities, towns and villages. All this to say: don't believe that Nfld is a" Have Not" province. It is just a well off as the rest of Canada. We spent the whole day traveling around the small coastal towns. Cheers
Nfld Travel Day 7 23 Sept 16
As mentioned yesterday , we were stayed at a 12 room B and B which means there were 24 people for breakfast. However, most B and B will allow you to chose one of two set timing such as 8 AM or 9 AM. Although, Elise, were we stayed twice , just said to come to breakfast anytime after 7:30 and I'll make you breakfast. This particular B and B could only seat 12 people at a setting so their timings were 7:30 and 8:30.
Since we did not arrive until late afternoon, we did not have a choose so we had to settle for 8:30 setting which very much suited Carroll, Vince and Lynda since they are not early risers like Yours Truly. However, we, along with the rest of the late shift where in the living room by 8:15 and the early shift where in no hurry as they were swapping travel stories and gathering info on each others adventures besides gulping down there 2nd , 3nd and possible 4 th cup of java. So we all helped ourselves to coffee and swapped our adventure until the early group left.
Many travelers, who work for a living often use a B and B in lieu of a hotel. I noticed a note on the entrance door of this B and B which read: Harry, you are in room 7 tonight, signed Lucy. I'm sure if they are on first name bases, it was not his first time here. Also there were a couple of "younger" residence who just grabbed a cup of coffee and where gone.
Yesterday I mentioned that I spoke to a couple who had been to Botwood, about 20 KM from our B and B and toured the Aircraft Museum and it sounded most interesting. After breakfast, we headed for Botwood . They have an Aircraft Museum and a Museum of the area. The cost was 4.00 for one Museum or 6.00 for both. What a deal, we rolled the dice and when for both Museum. However, Carroll's idea of visiting a Museum is a quick walk through. The aircraft Museum was excellent and our guide was very informative and interesting.
The 1st building was about the Botwood Aviation History. I won't bore you with the details except for a brief exposé but I think you will find it very interesting if you look it up on goggle.
Aviation began in Botwood as early as 1919. The passenger aircraft began flying in and out of Botwood in 1937 and were actually called Flying Boats. Pan America Airways and British Imperial Airways used Botwood as their Base on this side of the Atlantic. I will mention that both Roosevelt and Churchill have visited Botwood Air base. At the beginning of WW11 the RCAF took over the Botwood Air Base and enlarge it for Military purpose. They gave it back to Botwood in 1945. If you go to Nfld it is well worth you visit to stop at Botwood.
The morning was now shot; so we headed to St. John's, first to find a B and B and to travel around the area, which we saved for the end of our journey. We could not find a B and B so we opted for an Inn which we thought come with breakfast but it did not. It was an Old, Old Hotel/Inn ( I'm not sure of the difference ) but the rooms where great.
Some of the NATO fleet where in port as they had just finished an exercise on the East coast and the sailors where on "R and R" or as they call it "I and I". If you need an explanation send me an email. The biggest ship , of course was from the USA and it dwarfed our so called ships. We tried to get close to the US ship and accidentally drove down the wrong road. We were met by a Cdn Military Policeman, a female US Military Police and a Cdn civilian guard. The guard came to the car and I guess we looked like tourist and we surely did not speak "Newfinees" so he ask where we were from an once Vince said , Sask, and then the stories were flowing. This gentleman was a retired teacher like Vince and Lynda and he had a daughter in Sask, bah bah bah. The cops paid no attention to us and after 20 minute we left as we were heading for a brewery in Quidy Vidi ( pro.. Kitty Vidi ) for a tour and free beer.
When we did got to the Brewery it was 4 PM and the last tour was at 3 PM. However, were invited to return tomorrow morning at 11 AM for a tour and beer. I said , tomorrow is Sunday is it not; and the lady said "you point being". I said ( with tongue in cheek ) we would come right after church. I then got the lecture from Carroll for being a smart ass.
We called it a day and returned to our " room at the Inn " and watched hockey. cheers
Since we did not arrive until late afternoon, we did not have a choose so we had to settle for 8:30 setting which very much suited Carroll, Vince and Lynda since they are not early risers like Yours Truly. However, we, along with the rest of the late shift where in the living room by 8:15 and the early shift where in no hurry as they were swapping travel stories and gathering info on each others adventures besides gulping down there 2nd , 3nd and possible 4 th cup of java. So we all helped ourselves to coffee and swapped our adventure until the early group left.
Many travelers, who work for a living often use a B and B in lieu of a hotel. I noticed a note on the entrance door of this B and B which read: Harry, you are in room 7 tonight, signed Lucy. I'm sure if they are on first name bases, it was not his first time here. Also there were a couple of "younger" residence who just grabbed a cup of coffee and where gone.
Yesterday I mentioned that I spoke to a couple who had been to Botwood, about 20 KM from our B and B and toured the Aircraft Museum and it sounded most interesting. After breakfast, we headed for Botwood . They have an Aircraft Museum and a Museum of the area. The cost was 4.00 for one Museum or 6.00 for both. What a deal, we rolled the dice and when for both Museum. However, Carroll's idea of visiting a Museum is a quick walk through. The aircraft Museum was excellent and our guide was very informative and interesting.
The 1st building was about the Botwood Aviation History. I won't bore you with the details except for a brief exposé but I think you will find it very interesting if you look it up on goggle.
Aviation began in Botwood as early as 1919. The passenger aircraft began flying in and out of Botwood in 1937 and were actually called Flying Boats. Pan America Airways and British Imperial Airways used Botwood as their Base on this side of the Atlantic. I will mention that both Roosevelt and Churchill have visited Botwood Air base. At the beginning of WW11 the RCAF took over the Botwood Air Base and enlarge it for Military purpose. They gave it back to Botwood in 1945. If you go to Nfld it is well worth you visit to stop at Botwood.
The morning was now shot; so we headed to St. John's, first to find a B and B and to travel around the area, which we saved for the end of our journey. We could not find a B and B so we opted for an Inn which we thought come with breakfast but it did not. It was an Old, Old Hotel/Inn ( I'm not sure of the difference ) but the rooms where great.
Some of the NATO fleet where in port as they had just finished an exercise on the East coast and the sailors where on "R and R" or as they call it "I and I". If you need an explanation send me an email. The biggest ship , of course was from the USA and it dwarfed our so called ships. We tried to get close to the US ship and accidentally drove down the wrong road. We were met by a Cdn Military Policeman, a female US Military Police and a Cdn civilian guard. The guard came to the car and I guess we looked like tourist and we surely did not speak "Newfinees" so he ask where we were from an once Vince said , Sask, and then the stories were flowing. This gentleman was a retired teacher like Vince and Lynda and he had a daughter in Sask, bah bah bah. The cops paid no attention to us and after 20 minute we left as we were heading for a brewery in Quidy Vidi ( pro.. Kitty Vidi ) for a tour and free beer.
When we did got to the Brewery it was 4 PM and the last tour was at 3 PM. However, were invited to return tomorrow morning at 11 AM for a tour and beer. I said , tomorrow is Sunday is it not; and the lady said "you point being". I said ( with tongue in cheek ) we would come right after church. I then got the lecture from Carroll for being a smart ass.
We called it a day and returned to our " room at the Inn " and watched hockey. cheers
Friday, 7 October 2016
Nfld Travel Day 6 22 Sept 16
We left Cornerbrook and headed for Rocky Harbour with a plan to visit Gros Morne National Park. We spent too much time in Rocky Harbour so we cancelled Gros Morne. We never know how many stops we have to make along the way so we don't like to book a Band B too early in the day. Our first stop is a service station for fuel and we hope to get one that sells fuel for 1. 25per L . This the lowest price we have seen in Nfld. In Alberta this would be reason to start WW111. However the best we could do was 1.33, so like it or not that's want we had to pay.
We then headed for Rocky Harbour which is a "Tourist Trap" haven. It has many curio stores and just as many restaurants.We did a driving tour of the area and found a restaurant that "Tickled our Fancy " so we checked their menu which seemed acceptable. They also had a sovereign store attached to the restaurant so they get you coming and going.
The restaurant food was excellent and we again drummed up a conversation with a Newfie couple which was not only interesting but also informative about the area. We realized that we had whiled away most of the day so we started to for a B and B. We found one in Grand Falls- Windsor so headed for that city and to find our home for the evening. We were surprised on our arrival because it was a huge house with 12 rooms but it was still a B and B, which means we get a breakfast. We were lucky as we got the last two rooms.
After settling into our room and polishing off a beer, we then did a driving tour of the city. We ask the host about a restaurant and she suggested Sara's which serve family style food. The Chief Cook and Bottle washer , who also doubled as the cook ask if we came in for his specialty which was Jigg's Dinner. We said that we would give it some thought and he said, well you need to decide quickly as those two gentlemen who just walked in will likely order Jigg's Dinner and I only have 4 left. So we ordered the Jigg"s Dinner. The vegetables were great but the corn beef tough as shoe leather.
For those who are not informed ; Jigg"s Dinner consist of salted Corn beef soaked in the fridge overnight and placed in a Dutch oven for 2 hours and then the
vegetables are added. They consisted of cabbage , carrots. potatoes, turnip, a spilt pea pudding ( not my favorite ). You can also use turkey in lieu of Corn beef which I prefer.
Later in the evening at the B and B, I went to the kitchen ( of the B and B ) to make a cup of tea. I drummed up a conversation with a "younger " couple who were sorting thru their picture. During our conversation they mention about an Air Force museum with a very strategic Air Force base at Botwood, Nfld during WW11. Botwood is located about 20 KM from Grand Falls. I spend 30 years in the Air Force and I never heard of the place or the word of Botwood. Therefore I ( we ) will put this on our list for tomorrow. cheers
We then headed for Rocky Harbour which is a "Tourist Trap" haven. It has many curio stores and just as many restaurants.We did a driving tour of the area and found a restaurant that "Tickled our Fancy " so we checked their menu which seemed acceptable. They also had a sovereign store attached to the restaurant so they get you coming and going.
The restaurant food was excellent and we again drummed up a conversation with a Newfie couple which was not only interesting but also informative about the area. We realized that we had whiled away most of the day so we started to for a B and B. We found one in Grand Falls- Windsor so headed for that city and to find our home for the evening. We were surprised on our arrival because it was a huge house with 12 rooms but it was still a B and B, which means we get a breakfast. We were lucky as we got the last two rooms.
After settling into our room and polishing off a beer, we then did a driving tour of the city. We ask the host about a restaurant and she suggested Sara's which serve family style food. The Chief Cook and Bottle washer , who also doubled as the cook ask if we came in for his specialty which was Jigg's Dinner. We said that we would give it some thought and he said, well you need to decide quickly as those two gentlemen who just walked in will likely order Jigg's Dinner and I only have 4 left. So we ordered the Jigg"s Dinner. The vegetables were great but the corn beef tough as shoe leather.
For those who are not informed ; Jigg"s Dinner consist of salted Corn beef soaked in the fridge overnight and placed in a Dutch oven for 2 hours and then the
vegetables are added. They consisted of cabbage , carrots. potatoes, turnip, a spilt pea pudding ( not my favorite ). You can also use turkey in lieu of Corn beef which I prefer.
Later in the evening at the B and B, I went to the kitchen ( of the B and B ) to make a cup of tea. I drummed up a conversation with a "younger " couple who were sorting thru their picture. During our conversation they mention about an Air Force museum with a very strategic Air Force base at Botwood, Nfld during WW11. Botwood is located about 20 KM from Grand Falls. I spend 30 years in the Air Force and I never heard of the place or the word of Botwood. Therefore I ( we ) will put this on our list for tomorrow. cheers
Thursday, 6 October 2016
Travel Nfld Day 5 21 sept 16
While having breakfast in Gander and pondering the days travel , we drummed up a conversation with the young male waiter. He had the real Newfie ascent and was quite informative. He convinced us that we should go to Cornerbrook, some 3 hours away because, for one thing the scenery was much different than the coastal scenery which is Water and Rocks.
The drive was the TransCanada Hwy (TCH ) all the way and it went thru the city of Bishop Falls which has a population of 14,000. It's claim to fame is that it has a Power Dam that supplies power to that part of the Island.
We stopped for lunch in Deer Lake but finding a restaurant wasn't easy. First of all , Cities and Towns in Nfld grew up around business that supplied the work for the people , so from what I see there was no "town Planning " hence it appears to be a hodge-podge layout so street wind around the housing as opposed to straight lines like we are use to. We could have stopped on the TCP but they only had the preverbal fast food outlets and that was not our "cup of Tea ". We finally settled on a restaurant called Jungle Jim's which is a chain throughout Nfld. It is a Pub but with a descent menu Varity.
A couple at our next table where from Ont and we swapped stories about our travels. I ask what he did for a living and he said he work in the Funeral business. I said I kind of picture that as a Dead End business and as he swilled his beer he said not really but he does handle a lot of dead people.
We got to Cornerbrook in the early afternoon and found our B and B. As expected it was a large home with 4 rooms "all upstairs" and again the owner lived next door. After dropping off our luggage we drove around the city checking the downtown area and the harbor.
Conerbrook as mentioned is a harbor city and is build on a Rock. You can travel in 2 directions up or down and they are steep. We as a resident about driving in the winter time and he said if you don't have studded tires you don't go anywhere. And I believe him.
Cornerbrook has a huge pulp plant which is the cornerstone of the economy. They also have a big harbor but we only seen one ship. I met a worker from the oil rigs that drill out in the Ocean and he said that supply ships work out of Cornerbrook. I guess they were all at sea the day we were there.
We found a restaurant for supper which said Pub and Fine dinning. They got the Pub part right but the fine Dining needs some Fine Tuning. We waited too long for our food so I got a knot in my face and complained to the waitress. Final our food came and she knocked 20 % off the bill, which didn't make the food taste any better but it did help the pocket book.
After supper we returned to the B and B where we met another couple. They where teachers much like Lynda and Vince so they swapped stories. They were from Edm and I noticed they had a layout of a house plan on the table. I ask if they were building a home in NFld and they said no; it was a plan to renovate their Condo in Ottawa. Apparently they have a son and a daughter in Ottawa complete with G/Kids whom they visit often. I said ( tongue in cheek ) can't you just stay with them for a few days and they lady said no way; daily visit for a few hours is sufficient.
I returned to my room to watch while the other three swapped stories with their new found friends. cheers
The drive was the TransCanada Hwy (TCH ) all the way and it went thru the city of Bishop Falls which has a population of 14,000. It's claim to fame is that it has a Power Dam that supplies power to that part of the Island.
We stopped for lunch in Deer Lake but finding a restaurant wasn't easy. First of all , Cities and Towns in Nfld grew up around business that supplied the work for the people , so from what I see there was no "town Planning " hence it appears to be a hodge-podge layout so street wind around the housing as opposed to straight lines like we are use to. We could have stopped on the TCP but they only had the preverbal fast food outlets and that was not our "cup of Tea ". We finally settled on a restaurant called Jungle Jim's which is a chain throughout Nfld. It is a Pub but with a descent menu Varity.
A couple at our next table where from Ont and we swapped stories about our travels. I ask what he did for a living and he said he work in the Funeral business. I said I kind of picture that as a Dead End business and as he swilled his beer he said not really but he does handle a lot of dead people.
We got to Cornerbrook in the early afternoon and found our B and B. As expected it was a large home with 4 rooms "all upstairs" and again the owner lived next door. After dropping off our luggage we drove around the city checking the downtown area and the harbor.
Conerbrook as mentioned is a harbor city and is build on a Rock. You can travel in 2 directions up or down and they are steep. We as a resident about driving in the winter time and he said if you don't have studded tires you don't go anywhere. And I believe him.
Cornerbrook has a huge pulp plant which is the cornerstone of the economy. They also have a big harbor but we only seen one ship. I met a worker from the oil rigs that drill out in the Ocean and he said that supply ships work out of Cornerbrook. I guess they were all at sea the day we were there.
We found a restaurant for supper which said Pub and Fine dinning. They got the Pub part right but the fine Dining needs some Fine Tuning. We waited too long for our food so I got a knot in my face and complained to the waitress. Final our food came and she knocked 20 % off the bill, which didn't make the food taste any better but it did help the pocket book.
After supper we returned to the B and B where we met another couple. They where teachers much like Lynda and Vince so they swapped stories. They were from Edm and I noticed they had a layout of a house plan on the table. I ask if they were building a home in NFld and they said no; it was a plan to renovate their Condo in Ottawa. Apparently they have a son and a daughter in Ottawa complete with G/Kids whom they visit often. I said ( tongue in cheek ) can't you just stay with them for a few days and they lady said no way; daily visit for a few hours is sufficient.
I returned to my room to watch while the other three swapped stories with their new found friends. cheers
Nfld Travel day 4 20 Sept 16
After leaving our B and B in Carmanville we headed for Twillingate which many people think is a must see: I have a different opinion. We stopped at several small town mainly for the scenery and or a picture or two. While driving along, near lunch time we spotted an sign ( actually a shingle ) advertising a Seafood Restaurant on the Ocean. Being the adventurist type we took the " bait " so to speak and went to the restaurant . It was a great experience.
The restaurant was built hanging over the wharf. They had an underwater camera connected to a TV so you could see the fish under the restaurant . This place was definitely not built to code but I'm sure many of the small building and home are not to code in Nfld. However, we had the best Seafood chowder so far. This place is also a Harbour for fishing boats and there were a few tied up. The restaurant owner was a husband and wife team. We talked to the husband about the fishing business and he does some Lobster fishing "in Season " and he has a tank that hold 6000 lobster just for this small restaurants. He said they had already gone thru the 6000 Lobster so they now had to buy from a supplier which is more costly.
After lunch we continued on to Twillingate in Notre Dame Bay and did a driving tour around this harbor town of 2300 population. It is known for it Fruity Wine and of course we stopped for a taste. It is the first winery that I have been told there is a limit of 6 tasters. They don't want anyone driving under the influence. I did not like their wine but I bought a bottle for our B and B host.
When we left Twilligate we had to look for a B and B which was not easy. We finally located an Inn at Lewisporte which means no breakfast provided. The next morning I went for a walk along the harbor and I counted 75 sail boats tied up. There were no fishing boats that noticed. cheers
The restaurant was built hanging over the wharf. They had an underwater camera connected to a TV so you could see the fish under the restaurant . This place was definitely not built to code but I'm sure many of the small building and home are not to code in Nfld. However, we had the best Seafood chowder so far. This place is also a Harbour for fishing boats and there were a few tied up. The restaurant owner was a husband and wife team. We talked to the husband about the fishing business and he does some Lobster fishing "in Season " and he has a tank that hold 6000 lobster just for this small restaurants. He said they had already gone thru the 6000 Lobster so they now had to buy from a supplier which is more costly.
After lunch we continued on to Twillingate in Notre Dame Bay and did a driving tour around this harbor town of 2300 population. It is known for it Fruity Wine and of course we stopped for a taste. It is the first winery that I have been told there is a limit of 6 tasters. They don't want anyone driving under the influence. I did not like their wine but I bought a bottle for our B and B host.
When we left Twilligate we had to look for a B and B which was not easy. We finally located an Inn at Lewisporte which means no breakfast provided. The next morning I went for a walk along the harbor and I counted 75 sail boats tied up. There were no fishing boats that noticed. cheers
Thursday, 29 September 2016
Travel Nfld Day 3... 19 Sep 16
Last night's B and B was great. Elise is a single lady and has 5 rooms in this house. She lives down stairs in a suite. She also has a 3 bedroom house and two cabins that she rents like an Inn, meaning no breakfast. She was very accommodating and said we could have Tea, coffee and some cookies she baked for us.
After leaving Port Blandford we travelled up the Bonavista Peninsula right to the Light House at Cape Bonavista. This light house is open for tourist ( at a price ) and it was very interest to see how a Light House keeper and his family functioned. I can not see this as an enviable job. Also located in the area was a statue of John Cabot and his achievements and a museum which feature the life of other "Famous" people from the area. I could stay and read about them all day but I only had 1 out of 4 votes.
We left Cape Bonavista heading for Carmanville which is were our B and B is for tonight. Our plan was and always is, to stop at any small harbor town that looks interesting. We stumbled over the town of Musgravetown and while driving around to look for something of interested we ended up on the pier where a fishing boat was tied up. The crew from the boat was off loading nets and straightening them out on the pier. As we found out later this fishing vessel was contracted to do a Crab survey for the Federal fisheries. Anyway , I suggested we "get the hell" off the wharf because they are normally out of bounds to triflers like us. Lynda insisted on asking to take a picture and of course they wanted to know where we were from. Once they found out we were Prairie folks, the first mate insisted that we get on the boat and have a look at it. The first mate was the father of the Captain and he own the boat before passing to his son. The father said he was too old to be a Captain anymore.
The Captain came to the wheel house and showed us all the latest Technology that is required to run a vessel like this, It can hold 125, 000 lbs of fish. There is two of everything such a radar, latop, GPS etc and if he is in trouble the Coast Guard can track him to within a foot. Also his wife can see him on his boat with the push of a button. It was an amazing tour of a fishing boat.
We have now whiled away the entire morning so we need to head towards our next B and B. This will take us thru Gander. We stopped in Gander for lunch and then high tailed it for Carmanville because we do not want to be looking for a B and B in the dark.
We arrived at our B and B about 6 PM. Again the lady live in the house next door with her family, however is welcomed us and was very friendly. There was one other occupant ( Harold from Ontario ) who was traveling alone since his wife died 2 years ago. He has traveled throughout Nfld and was a wealth of knowledge for us. He and I stayed up way past our bedtime as he had the Rye and I as many stories as he did.
After leaving Port Blandford we travelled up the Bonavista Peninsula right to the Light House at Cape Bonavista. This light house is open for tourist ( at a price ) and it was very interest to see how a Light House keeper and his family functioned. I can not see this as an enviable job. Also located in the area was a statue of John Cabot and his achievements and a museum which feature the life of other "Famous" people from the area. I could stay and read about them all day but I only had 1 out of 4 votes.
We left Cape Bonavista heading for Carmanville which is were our B and B is for tonight. Our plan was and always is, to stop at any small harbor town that looks interesting. We stumbled over the town of Musgravetown and while driving around to look for something of interested we ended up on the pier where a fishing boat was tied up. The crew from the boat was off loading nets and straightening them out on the pier. As we found out later this fishing vessel was contracted to do a Crab survey for the Federal fisheries. Anyway , I suggested we "get the hell" off the wharf because they are normally out of bounds to triflers like us. Lynda insisted on asking to take a picture and of course they wanted to know where we were from. Once they found out we were Prairie folks, the first mate insisted that we get on the boat and have a look at it. The first mate was the father of the Captain and he own the boat before passing to his son. The father said he was too old to be a Captain anymore.
The Captain came to the wheel house and showed us all the latest Technology that is required to run a vessel like this, It can hold 125, 000 lbs of fish. There is two of everything such a radar, latop, GPS etc and if he is in trouble the Coast Guard can track him to within a foot. Also his wife can see him on his boat with the push of a button. It was an amazing tour of a fishing boat.
We have now whiled away the entire morning so we need to head towards our next B and B. This will take us thru Gander. We stopped in Gander for lunch and then high tailed it for Carmanville because we do not want to be looking for a B and B in the dark.
We arrived at our B and B about 6 PM. Again the lady live in the house next door with her family, however is welcomed us and was very friendly. There was one other occupant ( Harold from Ontario ) who was traveling alone since his wife died 2 years ago. He has traveled throughout Nfld and was a wealth of knowledge for us. He and I stayed up way past our bedtime as he had the Rye and I as many stories as he did.
Travel Nfld Day 2 18 sep 16
In order to have a B and B, the owner is suppose to live in the same building because they get some tax breaks that an Inn or Motel does not. This does not always happen but as long as they are readily available it has been accepted.
After breakfast we headed for two small villages of Brigus and Cupid. Brigus is hodge podge of houses with no particular layout. Bear in mind these towns stated in the 1700 and most of the land was probably "squatted" on. Many of the houses a painted with bright paint such as Red, Blue , Yellow, Green , etc. One interesting story is about a Sea Captain who build a house in the area. When he dock his boat he had to walk along the shore to get to his house because a huge rock was between his boat and his house. So he had his men chisel a 7 ft high tunnel thru the rock and it still stands today as a tourist attraction to be visited by people like us. I always said make up a story and put a Plague up and people will photograph.
Birgus also has a Tourist centre so we dropped in for a visit and mainly to use the washrooms. However, the lady at the centre advised us the a new family type restaurant just open last Oct and the food was great and their Sunday special was Jigg's Dinner. Jigg's Dinner is normally only served on Sunday or maybe it is always served on Sunday. Since we plan to have lunch at the " Stone Jug" in Carboner we filed this info on the restaurant away for another time.
We then headed for Cupid which was a stone throw away. It has a Legacy Centre which includes a visitors centre, museum and an observation deck with a view of the area and the ocean. It also comes with coffee or tea and cookies. Since Museums are not our strong suite we opted for the tea and cookies. We inquired about a B and B in the area that we would be in that evening. There were 2 teenager running the visitors centre and were they every knowledgeable and helpful. They spent at least 1/2 an hour calling around for us. One was on the computer while the other was on his cell phone. The guy even called his mother as she travels for a bank in the area we were going to and she knows of the B and B in that area. They finally found a B and B at our price ( 100.00 ) .
After our visit to Cupid we went to the " Stone Jug " for lunch. Words do not describe how beautiful it look on the inside. Neither does a picture since we lost our camera in NS.
After lunch we travel thru many small town on our way to the our B and B in Port Blandford. We visited place like Harbour Grace , Hearts Content, anold's cove and Clarenville before reaching Port Blandford.
Port Blandford does not have a restaurant. What it does have is a service station with groceries and a Liquour dept, a golf course with a hotel resort and at least 2 B and Bs. Our only choice for supper was the Pub in the resort. This time we found our way home since we never left the main road.
After we got home we watched another hockey game. cheers
Travel NFLD, Day 1 ... 17 Sep 16
The first day was quite windy and cool but the sun was shinning so that was the compensated for the coolness. The first item on the agenda was to go to the TD Bank so I could withdraw some cash as I expected that the B and B's would want cash. I whipped out my wallet and no Debit card. I can't even recalled when I used it last but I will check my bank statement later. So we went to the back up system which is Carroll of course, however, she seldom ever uses an ATM and wasn't sure she could remember her pin. Luckily she did!
Next we drove around St. John's to locate a few places to visit and we stopped at the Basilica, thinking some spiritual intervention might help to keep the cool, wet weather at bay. We found the fabulous Museum called the Rooms. However, we decided that this would be a good place to spend a few hours some day if it should rain. We then wormed our way around St. John's until we found Signal Hill ( as if we could miss it ). We wanted to drive to the parking area at the top but it was out of bound due to some road construction. However, we did go to the visitors centre which is approximately 1/2 way up. We picked up some maps and ask for direction to Cape Shear Light house. Apparently we got the only person in Nfld who failed giving direction. His direction where to leave St. John's on a certain street, and when you see the "Beaver " on a sign go a "we ways further" and turn left and then follow the Beaver sign.
Yep!! we got lost so we ask a gentleman at a service station and he said it would be best if we followed him to the correct road which we did. After visiting the Light house we continued on with no destination in mind and landed in a quaint little town/hamlet called Petty Harbour. Since it was lunch time we stopped at, what I think is the only eating establishment it the town. However, we were not the first to discover the place because it was fairly full. They even had an up stairs area when the lower was full and they did open while we were there. Being our first day in Nfld we all had Sea food of a sort and chased it with a beer.
After lunch we decided to head for our B and B in Spaniards Bay bearing in mind to stop at many of the small towns along the way. While going thru one town we spotted a Tim's and decided it would be a good place for a "Pit " stop and to pick up a coffee. We pulled into the parking lot and park next to several "Senior " Bikers who were on a Saturday drive and they too stopped for the same reason. When we got out of the car they said "how's you today Bye" and as soon as we answered they knew we were not Newfies. We were not sure of the best route to our B and B so we ask them and one guy said follow me and I'll put you on the right road; so we followed him for about 10 KM. He also told us about some towns that we must visit, so he was most helpful.
We checked into our B and B in a town called Spaniards Bay. As usual, all the houses are vintage so the room are upstairs. The rooms are "roomy" in most places and they come with an unsuite, TV and WiFi. This B and B also had 2 students living there, probably to help cover their expenses during the winter when there are no tourist. The B and B's cost around 100.00 per night and this one was 103.00 with taxes.
Since there are NO restaurant in Spaniards Bay we inquired about a place to eat and we were recommended a newly renovated restaurant about 15 minutes away called the Stone Jug in Carbonier.
This building was once a huge stone house 50' by 100' and has two floors. It was run down for many years and this entrepreneur came into town and spent 1 million dollars renovating it. It is so popular you have to make supper reservation 2 days in advance. We arrived a 6 PM without reservations and were advised to come back at 8:30 and they would try to squeeze us in. We could not wait that long so we went to the only other restaurant in town and it was a "Chinese" joint. Suffice to say we were there "twice ". First and last.
After the supper fiasco, we headed back to our B and B. I will tell you , it is not easy to find you way around these small towns , in the dark, when it is raining and with very limited street lighting. We tried the GPS but it took us to someone's back yard, so we dispensed with that idea. You can not see any house numbers in the dark even if the had them, which they don't and none of us 4 supposedly intelligent people thought about finding some markers so we could find our way back. Luckily we did recall that our B and B was on the ocean and it did have a sign in the driveway so that got us on the right street/road. Eventually we did find our way back and the B and B left the light on ( much light Super 8 ) .
We plan to return to the Stone Jug tomorrow for lunch as we have a few places on our agenda to visit in the area with names like cupid and Brigus. We return home in time to watch the World Hockey game. cheers
.
,
Next we drove around St. John's to locate a few places to visit and we stopped at the Basilica, thinking some spiritual intervention might help to keep the cool, wet weather at bay. We found the fabulous Museum called the Rooms. However, we decided that this would be a good place to spend a few hours some day if it should rain. We then wormed our way around St. John's until we found Signal Hill ( as if we could miss it ). We wanted to drive to the parking area at the top but it was out of bound due to some road construction. However, we did go to the visitors centre which is approximately 1/2 way up. We picked up some maps and ask for direction to Cape Shear Light house. Apparently we got the only person in Nfld who failed giving direction. His direction where to leave St. John's on a certain street, and when you see the "Beaver " on a sign go a "we ways further" and turn left and then follow the Beaver sign.
Yep!! we got lost so we ask a gentleman at a service station and he said it would be best if we followed him to the correct road which we did. After visiting the Light house we continued on with no destination in mind and landed in a quaint little town/hamlet called Petty Harbour. Since it was lunch time we stopped at, what I think is the only eating establishment it the town. However, we were not the first to discover the place because it was fairly full. They even had an up stairs area when the lower was full and they did open while we were there. Being our first day in Nfld we all had Sea food of a sort and chased it with a beer.
After lunch we decided to head for our B and B in Spaniards Bay bearing in mind to stop at many of the small towns along the way. While going thru one town we spotted a Tim's and decided it would be a good place for a "Pit " stop and to pick up a coffee. We pulled into the parking lot and park next to several "Senior " Bikers who were on a Saturday drive and they too stopped for the same reason. When we got out of the car they said "how's you today Bye" and as soon as we answered they knew we were not Newfies. We were not sure of the best route to our B and B so we ask them and one guy said follow me and I'll put you on the right road; so we followed him for about 10 KM. He also told us about some towns that we must visit, so he was most helpful.
We checked into our B and B in a town called Spaniards Bay. As usual, all the houses are vintage so the room are upstairs. The rooms are "roomy" in most places and they come with an unsuite, TV and WiFi. This B and B also had 2 students living there, probably to help cover their expenses during the winter when there are no tourist. The B and B's cost around 100.00 per night and this one was 103.00 with taxes.
Since there are NO restaurant in Spaniards Bay we inquired about a place to eat and we were recommended a newly renovated restaurant about 15 minutes away called the Stone Jug in Carbonier.
This building was once a huge stone house 50' by 100' and has two floors. It was run down for many years and this entrepreneur came into town and spent 1 million dollars renovating it. It is so popular you have to make supper reservation 2 days in advance. We arrived a 6 PM without reservations and were advised to come back at 8:30 and they would try to squeeze us in. We could not wait that long so we went to the only other restaurant in town and it was a "Chinese" joint. Suffice to say we were there "twice ". First and last.
After the supper fiasco, we headed back to our B and B. I will tell you , it is not easy to find you way around these small towns , in the dark, when it is raining and with very limited street lighting. We tried the GPS but it took us to someone's back yard, so we dispensed with that idea. You can not see any house numbers in the dark even if the had them, which they don't and none of us 4 supposedly intelligent people thought about finding some markers so we could find our way back. Luckily we did recall that our B and B was on the ocean and it did have a sign in the driveway so that got us on the right street/road. Eventually we did find our way back and the B and B left the light on ( much light Super 8 ) .
We plan to return to the Stone Jug tomorrow for lunch as we have a few places on our agenda to visit in the area with names like cupid and Brigus. We return home in time to watch the World Hockey game. cheers
.
,
Wednesday, 28 September 2016
Flying to NFLD 16 Sep 16
We are scheduled to fly to St. John's from Halifax at 3 PM to start out 10 day trip to see Nfld. Due to the time change we should arrive around 6 PM. Our friends Vince and Lynda Ziglo from Yorkton, SK are arriving around 9 PM. Our plan was to go to our hotel which was a block from the airport and return at 9 PM to meet the Ziglos on their arrival. Good plan!!!!
Since we are camped a good 1/2 hour drive from the airport we would need to leave our car at the " Airport Parking" for 10 days at 12.00 a day. However, our friend Barry works for Hertz so we were allowed to drop our car off at the Hertz Rental area and Barry would take it back to our campsite and he also agreed to pick us up on our return. Great to have friends.
Since we were packed and just killing time at the Campsite we took off to the airport around noon and dropped our car off at Hertz Rental. We got checked in fairly quickly and decided to have lunch since we are on a "Bare Bone's " flight. Somewhere around 2 PM there was an announcement that our flight was delayed and the monitor read a 45 Min delay. Shortly thereafter an announcement was made for all passengers for the WestJet to St. John , to come to the counter for a Meal Voucher as the flight is further delayed. That did not sound good but thanks to the cell phone I was able to text the Ziglos to advise them of our delays. The next announce was a "4 th "delay as they had to fly a plane and crew from Ottawa. We final had lift off at 7 PM and landed at 9:30.
As it turns out, the Ziglo landed 1/2 an before us so they picked up their Rental and waited for us. Then we had to find a restaurant since they had not had a meal since early afternoon. The only restaurant that we could find open at 10 PM was a pizza joint
We got to our hotel around 11:30. The beauty of flying. Cheers
Since we are camped a good 1/2 hour drive from the airport we would need to leave our car at the " Airport Parking" for 10 days at 12.00 a day. However, our friend Barry works for Hertz so we were allowed to drop our car off at the Hertz Rental area and Barry would take it back to our campsite and he also agreed to pick us up on our return. Great to have friends.
Since we were packed and just killing time at the Campsite we took off to the airport around noon and dropped our car off at Hertz Rental. We got checked in fairly quickly and decided to have lunch since we are on a "Bare Bone's " flight. Somewhere around 2 PM there was an announcement that our flight was delayed and the monitor read a 45 Min delay. Shortly thereafter an announcement was made for all passengers for the WestJet to St. John , to come to the counter for a Meal Voucher as the flight is further delayed. That did not sound good but thanks to the cell phone I was able to text the Ziglos to advise them of our delays. The next announce was a "4 th "delay as they had to fly a plane and crew from Ottawa. We final had lift off at 7 PM and landed at 9:30.
As it turns out, the Ziglo landed 1/2 an before us so they picked up their Rental and waited for us. Then we had to find a restaurant since they had not had a meal since early afternoon. The only restaurant that we could find open at 10 PM was a pizza joint
We got to our hotel around 11:30. The beauty of flying. Cheers
Toured Halifax and Dartmouth15 sep 16
Our friend Barry, offered to tour us around Halifax which means we can see a lot more things and place than if we did it our self. First he took us to Costco ( no laughing ) because our GPS that we purchased from Costco in Med Hat in August would not accept a charge. We had hoped to do an exchange but like so many items at Costco they sell, they were out of our Model. We wanted one with voice command.
Then Barry took us to Pier 21, which probably can recall , is the "Famous" Pier where all immigrates coming to Canada in the late 1800 and early 1900 by boat, were processed thru this building on Pier 21. However, 3 cruise ships docked this morning therefore we joined the crowd of 10,000 who were moving around this area. We were looking for Tee shirts for our G/Kids as they forgot to get one saying Halifax , NS while they were here in August and it is a "Must Have". As it turns out, at least half of the " Boat People " also have G/Kids who need the same Tee shirt as tis area turned into a mass of humanity. Luckily for us, Barry knew of other places to shop for Tee shirt which was not on the list for the "Boat People ".
To get away from the madding crowd Barry took us to a seaside area which was once a French fishing harbor. Of course it has a plague with the necessary inscription about the French who landed here. In the 1700/1800 the British and the French often battled over colonial rights and fishing territories . Apparently the French decided that this barren area was not worth the squabble so they left. The plague depicts the name of the French Sea Captain and their interest and hence a small island has been name after him. The inland is now joined to the mainland by a walking causeway and has been deemed a ecological sensitive area and can only we assessed by hiking area the island. However, some entrepreneurs have seen that the shoreline of this area a great place to set up a business for us tourist, including us. There are about 20 small "summer only" building set up along the shoreline to sell all sorts of items that most tourist don't need but must have. And of course a very nice restaurant has also been built there and since it was time for lunch we took advance and had another sea food lunch.
After lunch, Barry thought we should go to the another Pier in Halifax for a look and see. However the parking is at a premium so we went to the Dartmouth side of the Harbour and then took the ferry across to Halifax harbour. This ferry runs continuous ( every 15 minutes ) and you have to put the "Correct change" in a machine and it spits out the ticket. If you don't have the correct change they have a change machine near by. But they also have a security guard watching that you get a ticket before boarding the ferry. My question is; why don't have a clerk to sell tickets and fire the security pers. He just stands around all day with his "finger in ass and his mind in Neutral". Oh well , I guess it is a make work project just like a lot of jobs in Easter Canada.
By late afternoon we returned to our MH to pack for our 10 day trip to NFLD in the morning. Barry and Ann pick us up to go out for supper. These dam "lunch and supper " outings are causing a weight problem. cheers
Then Barry took us to Pier 21, which probably can recall , is the "Famous" Pier where all immigrates coming to Canada in the late 1800 and early 1900 by boat, were processed thru this building on Pier 21. However, 3 cruise ships docked this morning therefore we joined the crowd of 10,000 who were moving around this area. We were looking for Tee shirts for our G/Kids as they forgot to get one saying Halifax , NS while they were here in August and it is a "Must Have". As it turns out, at least half of the " Boat People " also have G/Kids who need the same Tee shirt as tis area turned into a mass of humanity. Luckily for us, Barry knew of other places to shop for Tee shirt which was not on the list for the "Boat People ".
To get away from the madding crowd Barry took us to a seaside area which was once a French fishing harbor. Of course it has a plague with the necessary inscription about the French who landed here. In the 1700/1800 the British and the French often battled over colonial rights and fishing territories . Apparently the French decided that this barren area was not worth the squabble so they left. The plague depicts the name of the French Sea Captain and their interest and hence a small island has been name after him. The inland is now joined to the mainland by a walking causeway and has been deemed a ecological sensitive area and can only we assessed by hiking area the island. However, some entrepreneurs have seen that the shoreline of this area a great place to set up a business for us tourist, including us. There are about 20 small "summer only" building set up along the shoreline to sell all sorts of items that most tourist don't need but must have. And of course a very nice restaurant has also been built there and since it was time for lunch we took advance and had another sea food lunch.
After lunch, Barry thought we should go to the another Pier in Halifax for a look and see. However the parking is at a premium so we went to the Dartmouth side of the Harbour and then took the ferry across to Halifax harbour. This ferry runs continuous ( every 15 minutes ) and you have to put the "Correct change" in a machine and it spits out the ticket. If you don't have the correct change they have a change machine near by. But they also have a security guard watching that you get a ticket before boarding the ferry. My question is; why don't have a clerk to sell tickets and fire the security pers. He just stands around all day with his "finger in ass and his mind in Neutral". Oh well , I guess it is a make work project just like a lot of jobs in Easter Canada.
By late afternoon we returned to our MH to pack for our 10 day trip to NFLD in the morning. Barry and Ann pick us up to go out for supper. These dam "lunch and supper " outings are causing a weight problem. cheers
Thursday, 15 September 2016
Lunch with friends Wed 14 Sept 16
Today we had lunch with Dave and Nancy Connolly. Dave and I shared a room in Boot Camp which was Nov 1962 so we have been friends for a long time. They were also posted to Holberg in 73 so he and I would together in the Power Plant for 1 year as we were posted out in 74.
Dave was an excellent Tech but did not seem to suite the Air Force so he got out after 14 years and worked for solar Turbine until his retirement. He retired in Calgary so when we got to Medicine Hat we got together quite often for a coffee and to swap stories .
Several years ago he and Nancy returned to their Home town of Halifax. Dave runs a web site for those of our Military Trade just so we can connect with each other. He also has a FB page for our trade and we keep in touch on a monthly basis so it was easy to connect when we got to Halifax.
Dave and Nancy took us to their favorite restaurant, which as it turns out was also the favorite of many other seniors because the place was close to being packed. We spend a couple of hour catching up on old times. Dave also toured us around the Halifax area, since they both were raised here they showed us some Historical site which we would not have seen on our own.
Barry and Ann invited us to go out for supper with them as they usually meet on Wednesdays with Barry's brother, who is working in Halifax on a large project. This is a large family run restaurant and is called the MicMac . It too is famous for its' food and believe me they did not disappoint us. If you are in Halifax you must look it up.
We returned to Barry and Ann's place to watch the hockey game but after two large meals in one day we ready to rest quietly in our MH. cheers
Dave was an excellent Tech but did not seem to suite the Air Force so he got out after 14 years and worked for solar Turbine until his retirement. He retired in Calgary so when we got to Medicine Hat we got together quite often for a coffee and to swap stories .
Several years ago he and Nancy returned to their Home town of Halifax. Dave runs a web site for those of our Military Trade just so we can connect with each other. He also has a FB page for our trade and we keep in touch on a monthly basis so it was easy to connect when we got to Halifax.
Dave and Nancy took us to their favorite restaurant, which as it turns out was also the favorite of many other seniors because the place was close to being packed. We spend a couple of hour catching up on old times. Dave also toured us around the Halifax area, since they both were raised here they showed us some Historical site which we would not have seen on our own.
Barry and Ann invited us to go out for supper with them as they usually meet on Wednesdays with Barry's brother, who is working in Halifax on a large project. This is a large family run restaurant and is called the MicMac . It too is famous for its' food and believe me they did not disappoint us. If you are in Halifax you must look it up.
We returned to Barry and Ann's place to watch the hockey game but after two large meals in one day we ready to rest quietly in our MH. cheers
Site Tour of Halifax Tuesday 13 Sept 16
Our friend Barry pick us up around 10 AM and did a driving tour of Halifax and area. He first drove us by an "Upscale " area and showed us the home and flower gardens where his wife Ann works. This home has a 20 foot water fountain at the entrance to the place and about 8 acres of garden and flowers, a green house actually looks like a house so you can judge how expensive the house might be. The yard and flowers are attended daily by a Head Gardener and several helpers. Ann's job is just to tend to the flowers.
Our next foray was a tour of downtown Halifax , which included driving by the port Terminals where all the cargo ships are unload. Halifax was built around the harbor, which extends 26 KM inland and as a result the trucks that haul the C-Cans to there destination have to drive right thru downtown Halifax which does nothing to enhance the traffic. There are two places where the cargo ships are off loaded and the Cruise Ship tie up at one of theses dock but right need Pier 21
We past many Historical buildings that were built in the from 1794 into the early 1800's . Halifax was the Headquarters' for the British Army and the Royal Navy in 1763 Halifax and was the Principal Naval outpost on the east coast. Today it is the Atlantic Headquarters for Canada's Navy.
We also drove by the Halifax Citadel historical site which is one of Canada's most visited site. We hope to return on Thursday to visit the site. Alexander Keith Brewery is also right downtown but Breweries are not high on our list of must see. We did drive by Pier 21 and will return on Thursday for a comprehensive visit.
It was good idea to do the tour of Halifax and Dartmouth so we could decide where and if we wanted to return to that area. We do want to visit Citadel Hill as the have a clock that was originally build by Prince Edward so people would be discouraged from tardiness or as we say late for work.
We have been told ( I'm using a well used phase by Trump ) that the unemployment is 9 % in NS but by the construction boom going on in Halifax, it is hard to see that unemployment could be that high.
After 3 hours of touring, Barry took us for lunch at one of his favorite Fish and Chip restaurants and it was a great choice. That was enough for today. Cheers
Our next foray was a tour of downtown Halifax , which included driving by the port Terminals where all the cargo ships are unload. Halifax was built around the harbor, which extends 26 KM inland and as a result the trucks that haul the C-Cans to there destination have to drive right thru downtown Halifax which does nothing to enhance the traffic. There are two places where the cargo ships are off loaded and the Cruise Ship tie up at one of theses dock but right need Pier 21
We past many Historical buildings that were built in the from 1794 into the early 1800's . Halifax was the Headquarters' for the British Army and the Royal Navy in 1763 Halifax and was the Principal Naval outpost on the east coast. Today it is the Atlantic Headquarters for Canada's Navy.
We also drove by the Halifax Citadel historical site which is one of Canada's most visited site. We hope to return on Thursday to visit the site. Alexander Keith Brewery is also right downtown but Breweries are not high on our list of must see. We did drive by Pier 21 and will return on Thursday for a comprehensive visit.
It was good idea to do the tour of Halifax and Dartmouth so we could decide where and if we wanted to return to that area. We do want to visit Citadel Hill as the have a clock that was originally build by Prince Edward so people would be discouraged from tardiness or as we say late for work.
We have been told ( I'm using a well used phase by Trump ) that the unemployment is 9 % in NS but by the construction boom going on in Halifax, it is hard to see that unemployment could be that high.
After 3 hours of touring, Barry took us for lunch at one of his favorite Fish and Chip restaurants and it was a great choice. That was enough for today. Cheers
Wednesday, 14 September 2016
Peggy's Cove and area Monday 12 Sept 16
Today we visited Peggy's Cove along with 10,000 other seniors. There were 10 Bus loads of Seniors when we got there about 11 AM and it was hard to find parking. I tried to park at the Visitor's Centre which is about 1/2 a KM from the Light House but after making 5 laps I gave up and headed for the light House parking area. Luckily there was one spot open when we got there.
I'm not sure what the attraction really is about Peggy's Cove because it is a Light House on a Huge rock. I think they just do a real good sales job on it and we are sucker enough to come here twice. The first time was in 92 and believe it or not the Light House hasn't move nor has the Huge rock formation that it sits on.
Anyhow we took the preverbal pictures that can be seen on any calendar and then we moseyed around the town site checking for a well used wooden Buoy for Todd. We found a store with hundreds of wooden buoys, that were made yesterday and painted last night and they have never seen the ocean. However that is not what Todd wanted but Carroll did find an old one with the price of 25.00 ( absolutely ridiculous ) so she offered the owner 20.00 and he took it. I guess it is near the end of the tourist season so he took it.
We then strolled around the Town Site and found a little take out resturaunt that served only 3 meals; a Classic Lobster Roll, a Maine Lobster Roll or a Lobster Salad, all priced at 15.00. Carroll had one Roll so I had the other one. We sat at a picnic table with a couple from Collingwood and had a good chat about there traveling.
Apparently there were 3 Cruise Ships in dock at Halifax so that probably account for the 10 Bus Loads of Seniors. Sept is actually a heavy month for Cruise ships to dock in Halifax.
About 5 KM up the road from Peggy's Cove is where the Swiss Air crashed in 98 ( I think ) and they have constructed a Monument in honor of those who died in the incident. It too is an attraction , however the Monument it carved or cut from the big rock that it sits on. Unfortunately this crashed hurt more that the people on the Swiss air and their families. Many of the men that help to fish the body parts out of the ocean have been damaged mentally and many have committed suicide. Our friends that we are visiting have a son in law who was in the military and was with the Helicopter Sqn that assisted in the recovery of the body parts is now suffering from PSD. As a result of his PSD, the Military released him on Medical grounds and Vetran Affairs are only supporting him with Medical assistance not financial . So much for Service to your Country.
After leaving Peggy's Cove, we traveled around Margret's Bay which took another 3 hours . Of course we had to stop at any interest points along the way , including a nice beach where I grab about 20 minutes of " Shut Eye "and then we spotted a bakery which just had to be inspected. Another beautiful day in NS. cheers
I'm not sure what the attraction really is about Peggy's Cove because it is a Light House on a Huge rock. I think they just do a real good sales job on it and we are sucker enough to come here twice. The first time was in 92 and believe it or not the Light House hasn't move nor has the Huge rock formation that it sits on.
Anyhow we took the preverbal pictures that can be seen on any calendar and then we moseyed around the town site checking for a well used wooden Buoy for Todd. We found a store with hundreds of wooden buoys, that were made yesterday and painted last night and they have never seen the ocean. However that is not what Todd wanted but Carroll did find an old one with the price of 25.00 ( absolutely ridiculous ) so she offered the owner 20.00 and he took it. I guess it is near the end of the tourist season so he took it.
We then strolled around the Town Site and found a little take out resturaunt that served only 3 meals; a Classic Lobster Roll, a Maine Lobster Roll or a Lobster Salad, all priced at 15.00. Carroll had one Roll so I had the other one. We sat at a picnic table with a couple from Collingwood and had a good chat about there traveling.
Apparently there were 3 Cruise Ships in dock at Halifax so that probably account for the 10 Bus Loads of Seniors. Sept is actually a heavy month for Cruise ships to dock in Halifax.
About 5 KM up the road from Peggy's Cove is where the Swiss Air crashed in 98 ( I think ) and they have constructed a Monument in honor of those who died in the incident. It too is an attraction , however the Monument it carved or cut from the big rock that it sits on. Unfortunately this crashed hurt more that the people on the Swiss air and their families. Many of the men that help to fish the body parts out of the ocean have been damaged mentally and many have committed suicide. Our friends that we are visiting have a son in law who was in the military and was with the Helicopter Sqn that assisted in the recovery of the body parts is now suffering from PSD. As a result of his PSD, the Military released him on Medical grounds and Vetran Affairs are only supporting him with Medical assistance not financial . So much for Service to your Country.
After leaving Peggy's Cove, we traveled around Margret's Bay which took another 3 hours . Of course we had to stop at any interest points along the way , including a nice beach where I grab about 20 minutes of " Shut Eye "and then we spotted a bakery which just had to be inspected. Another beautiful day in NS. cheers
Moved to Hammonds Plains 11 Sept 16
Today we moved from our beautiful hill top camp site in Lunenburg to Woodhaven camp ground in Hammonds Plains which is stone throw from Halifax. I'm not sure if we could find a camp site closer to Halifax but we do not need to see the "City Lights" nor the hustle bustle of the city. Besides , our friends from our days in Yorkton (81 to 84 ) live in this camp site in the summer and winter in Florida. It also give us lots of time to visit in the evening and do some sight seeing during the day.
We arrive at Woodhaven in the early afternoon and the owner was aware of our pending arrival as our friend Barry had spoken to him earlier about needs to park a 40 ft MH and of our requirement for a Storage area for our MH while we are in NFLD. Camping is getting pricey as it is about 50.00 a day ( cheaper by the month ) when you include the HST.
In the evening our friend ANN dropped in for a visit ( Barry is working this evening ) and brought us up to speed on their happening since we last seen each other in the late 80's. They go to Florida ever winter and have done for the past 10 years. Since we have only been to Florida for 2 weeks in the 90's it was interesting to hear about the camping experience there compared to our trips to TX, AZ, CA and MX.
Tomorrow we will take a trip to Peggy's Cove which is only 25 KM away and then do the coast line. cheers
We arrive at Woodhaven in the early afternoon and the owner was aware of our pending arrival as our friend Barry had spoken to him earlier about needs to park a 40 ft MH and of our requirement for a Storage area for our MH while we are in NFLD. Camping is getting pricey as it is about 50.00 a day ( cheaper by the month ) when you include the HST.
In the evening our friend ANN dropped in for a visit ( Barry is working this evening ) and brought us up to speed on their happening since we last seen each other in the late 80's. They go to Florida ever winter and have done for the past 10 years. Since we have only been to Florida for 2 weeks in the 90's it was interesting to hear about the camping experience there compared to our trips to TX, AZ, CA and MX.
Tomorrow we will take a trip to Peggy's Cove which is only 25 KM away and then do the coast line. cheers
Monday, 12 September 2016
Tour the Bay south of Lunenburg 10 Sept 16
Today is our oldest son's 53 B'day. I guess we are getting old.
Today we took the grand tour south on Lunenburg along the water to
Rose Bay thru many small towns, some with huge homes painted in their favorite colors of Blue , Red, yellow and other basic colors. We were told by our tour guide in Lunenburg that a fishing Captain's house was often painted the leftover paint from his boat, hence the loud color.
We then drove on both sides of the La Have river. This river starts in the interior of NS and when it reaches Bridgewater it widens into a lake type feature and is quite wide for the next 30 KM until it reaches the ocean. About 1/2 way from Bridgewater there is a rope tow ferry to connect the East and West shore. I doubt that it is really required today but I assume it would be " Political Suicide " to try and stop it. Both side of the La Have river is smattered with small towns of which some are fishing villages while other a tourist " Trap " for us suckers ( namely Carroll ) who just have to by a trinket or two.
However we did stubble over a fanatic beach on a long spit of land after we left the mouth of the river This beach is called Crescent Beach because of its' shape . It stretches for about 15 KM out into the Atlantic. Vehicle are allowed to drive its' length and there were many vehicles park allow its' length as far as the eye could see. It reminded us of South Padre Island for those of you who have been there. I'm sure it is Paradise for the Sun Bathers in the summer.
We arrived back at our camp site around 4:30 so it was time again for Miller Time. So I walked around talking to folks from Alberta, Ontario and of course the two ladies camped next to us. These ladies had a rented class C MH so they were restricted where the could go or what they could see since they did not have a tow car. cheers
Today we took the grand tour south on Lunenburg along the water to
Rose Bay thru many small towns, some with huge homes painted in their favorite colors of Blue , Red, yellow and other basic colors. We were told by our tour guide in Lunenburg that a fishing Captain's house was often painted the leftover paint from his boat, hence the loud color.
We then drove on both sides of the La Have river. This river starts in the interior of NS and when it reaches Bridgewater it widens into a lake type feature and is quite wide for the next 30 KM until it reaches the ocean. About 1/2 way from Bridgewater there is a rope tow ferry to connect the East and West shore. I doubt that it is really required today but I assume it would be " Political Suicide " to try and stop it. Both side of the La Have river is smattered with small towns of which some are fishing villages while other a tourist " Trap " for us suckers ( namely Carroll ) who just have to by a trinket or two.
However we did stubble over a fanatic beach on a long spit of land after we left the mouth of the river This beach is called Crescent Beach because of its' shape . It stretches for about 15 KM out into the Atlantic. Vehicle are allowed to drive its' length and there were many vehicles park allow its' length as far as the eye could see. It reminded us of South Padre Island for those of you who have been there. I'm sure it is Paradise for the Sun Bathers in the summer.
We arrived back at our camp site around 4:30 so it was time again for Miller Time. So I walked around talking to folks from Alberta, Ontario and of course the two ladies camped next to us. These ladies had a rented class C MH so they were restricted where the could go or what they could see since they did not have a tow car. cheers
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