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.
Thursday, 29 September 2016
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
Moving from Martin River to Lunenburg 9 Sept 16
We are moving to Lunenburg from Martin River about 25 KM for two reason. First the Martin River site is booked as they are having their Annual yard sale and we wanted to go to the Lunenburg Camp site which is more central to the area we want to tour.
As we were just about ready to pack up I it the " Store " button that retracts the leveling jacks and one jack move 1 inch and nothing else. Since there was no power going to the control panel I tried to bleed the jacks and three of the jacks moved but not all the way up. I called the Tiffin company that built the MH and they suggest the bleed valves which I had tried . The Tech mentioned a couple of other valves , neither of which I could fix or replace. I called around and found a garage that would sent a Tech after lunch. This was slightly problematic as I was in a site that someone needed by 12 o'clock.
The owner was quite understandable and when the camper arrive he moved them to the site beside us which was OK by them. This camper said that the camper that would need my site was not arriving until 7 PM so that gave us time.
Our cell phone would not send or receive a call nor would it send a text. I call our provider and they walk me thru some checks which did not help so they said to take it to a Tech. Carroll took it to a Wal-Mart store about 20 minutes away. The cell phone guy dialed his number and it work. He then sent a text and it worked. He then suggest we might not have "Services" where we are camped and he was right. While Carroll was away two guys came by ( just being nosey ) so I mentioned our cell phone and they said you had to be in a certain area of the camp. You would have thought the owners would have mentioned it. However, we did have service the 1 st day so we never thought about losing it. We did not see any notice on the phone about "No Service ". Live and learn
The Tech arrived at 1 PM and basically went thru the same procedures as I did. We both concluded the only solution was to crack open a hydraulic line and bleed off the fluid and this allowed the jack to retract. However the tech said that the control box had a strong burnt smell so the jack with have to stay in the up position until I get that repaired which won't be during this trip.
We then headed for our camp site in Lunenburg. Since it was only 25 KM away we decided not to load the car on the Dolly and Carroll would just follow me. Our short trip would take us thru Mahone Bay which is a very old small town with narrow streets and parking on both sides. It is not RV friendly. As I was worming my way thru the main street most cars were puling over to make room and I was getting " scary " close to the parked cars. Carroll was following me and she said I was too close. I met an ambulance and even they pulled over to let me by.
We got to the camp site and set up and since it was close to " Miller Time " I grabbed a beer and wandered to the next camp site which was occupied by to retired ladies from Ontario. They rented their MH in NB and it was the first time they even had one so the showered me with question. They are retired "educators " and seemed to have traveled the world. They also have a home in Florida.
Carroll joined us and we swapped stories about our travels. cheers
As we were just about ready to pack up I it the " Store " button that retracts the leveling jacks and one jack move 1 inch and nothing else. Since there was no power going to the control panel I tried to bleed the jacks and three of the jacks moved but not all the way up. I called the Tiffin company that built the MH and they suggest the bleed valves which I had tried . The Tech mentioned a couple of other valves , neither of which I could fix or replace. I called around and found a garage that would sent a Tech after lunch. This was slightly problematic as I was in a site that someone needed by 12 o'clock.
The owner was quite understandable and when the camper arrive he moved them to the site beside us which was OK by them. This camper said that the camper that would need my site was not arriving until 7 PM so that gave us time.
Our cell phone would not send or receive a call nor would it send a text. I call our provider and they walk me thru some checks which did not help so they said to take it to a Tech. Carroll took it to a Wal-Mart store about 20 minutes away. The cell phone guy dialed his number and it work. He then sent a text and it worked. He then suggest we might not have "Services" where we are camped and he was right. While Carroll was away two guys came by ( just being nosey ) so I mentioned our cell phone and they said you had to be in a certain area of the camp. You would have thought the owners would have mentioned it. However, we did have service the 1 st day so we never thought about losing it. We did not see any notice on the phone about "No Service ". Live and learn
The Tech arrived at 1 PM and basically went thru the same procedures as I did. We both concluded the only solution was to crack open a hydraulic line and bleed off the fluid and this allowed the jack to retract. However the tech said that the control box had a strong burnt smell so the jack with have to stay in the up position until I get that repaired which won't be during this trip.
We then headed for our camp site in Lunenburg. Since it was only 25 KM away we decided not to load the car on the Dolly and Carroll would just follow me. Our short trip would take us thru Mahone Bay which is a very old small town with narrow streets and parking on both sides. It is not RV friendly. As I was worming my way thru the main street most cars were puling over to make room and I was getting " scary " close to the parked cars. Carroll was following me and she said I was too close. I met an ambulance and even they pulled over to let me by.
We got to the camp site and set up and since it was close to " Miller Time " I grabbed a beer and wandered to the next camp site which was occupied by to retired ladies from Ontario. They rented their MH in NB and it was the first time they even had one so the showered me with question. They are retired "educators " and seemed to have traveled the world. They also have a home in Florida.
Carroll joined us and we swapped stories about our travels. cheers
Saturday, 10 September 2016
Toured Lunenburg 8 Sept 16
We have been invited to Brent and Jane's in Mahone bay for supper tonight. Today we toured Lunenburg which is about 7 KM from Mahone and is 15 KM from our camp site. Lunenburg is the Home Port of the Bluenose however it has been out on a Training Mission but will return on Saturday. Hopefully we will see it then.
Lunenburg is a town of 2300 population and is favorite place to visit from people from all over the world. Lunenburg was once an Indian Encampment and later a French fishing port.
We took a 30 minute tour of the Old Town by Horse and Carriage ( with a couple from the Ill of Man) so you can visualize how big it is. Many of the buildings and houses in the Old Town date back to the 1800s and one building is dated 1762. The old Town is designated an UNESO Heritage Site and all building and houses can only have wood for the siding. Needless to say there is not much of a choise so the siding is boards or shingles. Most building and houses are painted a solid colour, Yellow, Blue, Red, Brown or bright Pink. Often a house would be painted a bright Yellow with a dark Blue or Red door. Surprising as it may seem , it does suite this town. " Please ; Do not try this a Home".
The Old Town is build on a hillside slopped to the harbor. Some of the building , which are now restaurants, can been entered on the bottom floor ,from the lower street on the harbor or at the top floor from the street up the hill at the upper level. It also feels like you are in an English Town as the streets are very narrow.
The Town has turned an old Fort area into a camp site with about 30 sites. The building is in the configuration of an Old Fort and it is now a tourist office and the Board of Trade office for the town,. It is located on the highest point of land as it once guarded the port , probably from the American since they did raid the area at one time.
We spent most of the day in Lunenburg and then book ourselves into the camp site for Friday and Saturday because we wanted to tour the areas outside of Lunenburg.
We finished the day by having supper with Brent and Jane. Of course they treated us to a wonderful fish supper. They do not RV anymore so unfortunately we won't get to travel with them. cheers
Lunenburg is a town of 2300 population and is favorite place to visit from people from all over the world. Lunenburg was once an Indian Encampment and later a French fishing port.
We took a 30 minute tour of the Old Town by Horse and Carriage ( with a couple from the Ill of Man) so you can visualize how big it is. Many of the buildings and houses in the Old Town date back to the 1800s and one building is dated 1762. The old Town is designated an UNESO Heritage Site and all building and houses can only have wood for the siding. Needless to say there is not much of a choise so the siding is boards or shingles. Most building and houses are painted a solid colour, Yellow, Blue, Red, Brown or bright Pink. Often a house would be painted a bright Yellow with a dark Blue or Red door. Surprising as it may seem , it does suite this town. " Please ; Do not try this a Home".
The Old Town is build on a hillside slopped to the harbor. Some of the building , which are now restaurants, can been entered on the bottom floor ,from the lower street on the harbor or at the top floor from the street up the hill at the upper level. It also feels like you are in an English Town as the streets are very narrow.
The Town has turned an old Fort area into a camp site with about 30 sites. The building is in the configuration of an Old Fort and it is now a tourist office and the Board of Trade office for the town,. It is located on the highest point of land as it once guarded the port , probably from the American since they did raid the area at one time.
We spent most of the day in Lunenburg and then book ourselves into the camp site for Friday and Saturday because we wanted to tour the areas outside of Lunenburg.
We finished the day by having supper with Brent and Jane. Of course they treated us to a wonderful fish supper. They do not RV anymore so unfortunately we won't get to travel with them. cheers
Friday, 9 September 2016
From Middleton to Mohone Bay Wed 7 Sept 16
We left Middleton on the north side of NS and traveled to the south side on a narrow 2 lane Hwy with more cures than snakes back. I could only go about 60 KMH so needless to say I had 6 or 8 vehicles tied up behind me. I drove for at least an hour before I could pull over to let the followers by. At one point the road had broken away on the right side and I could not miss the holes because I was about to meet a large gravel truck. Needless to say the Car Dolly and the car got a rough ride.
We reserved a camp site along Martin's River, 7 KM from the very lovely and quaint town of . Mahone Bay. The camp site is mostly seasonal campers but on this particular weekend they host a Yard sale. Apparently every year on this weekend people camp at this park and bring all their " Junk " they want to sell. I thought Camp site owner was " pulling my leg " when said that was the reason there was no available spaces and that we could only stay until Friday.
Once we got set up in the camp site , we had lunch and then headed for our friends ( Brent and Jane ) place as Brent had sent us an email to say that they were taking us out on their 34 foot Trawler which I call a Yacht. We met Brent and Jane in Via Corona, MX about 5 or 6 years ago and we travel with them for a week or so.
Brent and Jane took us from a 2 hour cruise out in the Bay, then we moored and bounce around in the very light waves until we consumed a few beers and a plateful of cheese and crackers. After returning to shore around 6 PM we venture down the street to a bar called the Mug and Anchor. I switch from a fish diet to a Meat Pie menu but Carroll stuck with Seafood diet so she had Atlantic Scallops which are much small than the Digby on the other side of NS.
After the big meal we were ready to call it a day. Brent and Jane invited us back for supper tomorrow evening. Cheers
We reserved a camp site along Martin's River, 7 KM from the very lovely and quaint town of . Mahone Bay. The camp site is mostly seasonal campers but on this particular weekend they host a Yard sale. Apparently every year on this weekend people camp at this park and bring all their " Junk " they want to sell. I thought Camp site owner was " pulling my leg " when said that was the reason there was no available spaces and that we could only stay until Friday.
Once we got set up in the camp site , we had lunch and then headed for our friends ( Brent and Jane ) place as Brent had sent us an email to say that they were taking us out on their 34 foot Trawler which I call a Yacht. We met Brent and Jane in Via Corona, MX about 5 or 6 years ago and we travel with them for a week or so.
Brent and Jane took us from a 2 hour cruise out in the Bay, then we moored and bounce around in the very light waves until we consumed a few beers and a plateful of cheese and crackers. After returning to shore around 6 PM we venture down the street to a bar called the Mug and Anchor. I switch from a fish diet to a Meat Pie menu but Carroll stuck with Seafood diet so she had Atlantic Scallops which are much small than the Digby on the other side of NS.
After the big meal we were ready to call it a day. Brent and Jane invited us back for supper tomorrow evening. Cheers
Travel to Yarmouth , Tues 6 sept 16
Today we traveled to Yarmouth to visit an ex military buddy and wife, who I joined with and who we have not seen since 1992. Yarmouth is a 2 hour drive from our Park in Middleton but it is not worth moving the MH because we would have to return since we are going to Mahone Bay on the north coast tomorrow.
Our friend Grace advised as to take the coastal road from Weymouth to Yarmouth so we see all the small towns and fishing villages along the way. These towns and / or Hamlet were very interesting and some of the houses were painted in very outlandish colours. However, they do not look out of place here but they sure would at home.
We probably spend an hour driving this route and one small town had all there Signage in French which surprised us. They even had a College, which we drove into and again all signs were in French.
We stopped in a few towns to look at the scenery but besides a fish/lobster plant or two and some tied up boats, as the tide was out, there wasn't much else to see but the scenery.
We got to Yarmouth about 12:30 and since our friends ( their names are Tom and Carol ) live outside of the city, they suggested we meet at the Cdn Tire Store and then go for lunch where we could visit and swap stories.
Of course we ordered fish or lobster again, as I think we have it for at least one meal every day and why not. After lunch we went back to our friends home to continue our visit. Tom and Carol have several small plots of land, mostly wood lots, which total about 60 acres Tom was born and raised in this exact area and they just love the country living.
About 5 PM were where mostly talked out so Carroll and I headed home with a 2 hour drive ahead of us. We ran into rain several times so I guess NS is getting the rain that they wish they could have gotten in the summer. Most people are complaining about their " burnt " lawns. cheers
Our friend Grace advised as to take the coastal road from Weymouth to Yarmouth so we see all the small towns and fishing villages along the way. These towns and / or Hamlet were very interesting and some of the houses were painted in very outlandish colours. However, they do not look out of place here but they sure would at home.
We probably spend an hour driving this route and one small town had all there Signage in French which surprised us. They even had a College, which we drove into and again all signs were in French.
We stopped in a few towns to look at the scenery but besides a fish/lobster plant or two and some tied up boats, as the tide was out, there wasn't much else to see but the scenery.
We got to Yarmouth about 12:30 and since our friends ( their names are Tom and Carol ) live outside of the city, they suggested we meet at the Cdn Tire Store and then go for lunch where we could visit and swap stories.
Of course we ordered fish or lobster again, as I think we have it for at least one meal every day and why not. After lunch we went back to our friends home to continue our visit. Tom and Carol have several small plots of land, mostly wood lots, which total about 60 acres Tom was born and raised in this exact area and they just love the country living.
About 5 PM were where mostly talked out so Carroll and I headed home with a 2 hour drive ahead of us. We ran into rain several times so I guess NS is getting the rain that they wish they could have gotten in the summer. Most people are complaining about their " burnt " lawns. cheers
Thursday, 8 September 2016
Visit a friend in Digby 5 Sept 16
Today we drove to Digby to visit a friend ( Grace Turnbull ) from our days in Shilo. Her husband died 5 years ago from MS however, we keep in contact with her and her happenings. She spends several months every year in Manitoba as both her children and all her G/Kids live there.
Digby is a wonderfully place to tour and I'm sure we could easily spend a week or two there if we had more time. The scenery is world class and they have some really nice but large "old " houses, some of while have been turned into B and Bs , Inns and in fact hotels or Senior's homes.
Grace was born and raised in Digby so she knows all the history of the area. After serving us lunch she toured us a round the Digby Bay to show us the most interesting area. Unfortunately, Carroll convinced her to stop at a Quilt shop and after much consternation Carroll bought a Quilt. The price was insane.
The Fire department, which is all Volunteers, was holding a Fund Raiser which was a large bowl of Seafood Chowder that includes chunks of lobsters, complete with Apple pie. This meal save Carroll from making supper.
The drive back to our RV park in Middleton was slowed down by the rain. I usually travel about 110 in 100 zone but the rain was so heavy I could feel the car Hydroplaning so I had to drop down to 80/90 KMH. Nova Scotia has had a real lack of rain this summer so it was welcome sight for them. A friend in Mahone Bay said they have only had 1 1/2 inches of rain since Spring.
The rain stopped about 25 KM from our RV Park but a few minutes after we arrived home the rain came in Buckets for at least 20 minutes. They too welcomed the rain.
We can't seem to get our Satellite TV to function so I called Shaw and they say it is my LNB that will not rec the signal, so no TV for us. cheers
Digby is a wonderfully place to tour and I'm sure we could easily spend a week or two there if we had more time. The scenery is world class and they have some really nice but large "old " houses, some of while have been turned into B and Bs , Inns and in fact hotels or Senior's homes.
Grace was born and raised in Digby so she knows all the history of the area. After serving us lunch she toured us a round the Digby Bay to show us the most interesting area. Unfortunately, Carroll convinced her to stop at a Quilt shop and after much consternation Carroll bought a Quilt. The price was insane.
The Fire department, which is all Volunteers, was holding a Fund Raiser which was a large bowl of Seafood Chowder that includes chunks of lobsters, complete with Apple pie. This meal save Carroll from making supper.
The drive back to our RV park in Middleton was slowed down by the rain. I usually travel about 110 in 100 zone but the rain was so heavy I could feel the car Hydroplaning so I had to drop down to 80/90 KMH. Nova Scotia has had a real lack of rain this summer so it was welcome sight for them. A friend in Mahone Bay said they have only had 1 1/2 inches of rain since Spring.
The rain stopped about 25 KM from our RV Park but a few minutes after we arrived home the rain came in Buckets for at least 20 minutes. They too welcomed the rain.
We can't seem to get our Satellite TV to function so I called Shaw and they say it is my LNB that will not rec the signal, so no TV for us. cheers
Moved from Whave Cove to Middleton 4 Sept 16
We have been in Whale Cove long enough so we are moving to Middleton along the South coast. We would have liked to go to Digby, but as I mentioned earlier, Digby and area are hosting a Wharf Rat Rally that basically is a Biker Rally. As a result, all Camp grounds within a 50 KM area a are full and have been reserved for months so Middleton is as close we could get a site to Digby, which is a 45 minute drive. We will venture there tomorrow.
Our drive to Middleton first takes us on a 1 hour drive on a two lane narrow ( sometimes too narrow) Hwy/road to the outskirts of Windsor. We then pick up a main Hwy , 101 which goes along the south coast all the way passed Digby to Yarmouth. After about an hours drive we reach our turn off to the town of Middleton but we were not sure whether to turn right or left from the off ramp. The road I was about to enter did not look that wide so I decided to phone the Camp ground and ask for directions.
My directions to the lady on the other end of the phone was: I just came off Hwy 101, at exit 18and I am at the stop sign. Do I turn right or left? Her directions were turn right , drive about 5 KM and we are on the right, you can't miss our sign. "Oh Yeah". We turned right ,drove 5 KM and met a Tee junction. That's when I realized that myself and the lady where speaking of a different Stop sign.
Luckily a car pulled up behind me so I got out and as for direction. The gentleman knew of the camp site so he says, you will have to turn around and go back on this road. I said, Sorry but that is not an option because you do not turn this Rig around on a 2 lane road so do have a better option. He says no problem, turn left go to the next road , turn left , drive 5 KM until you hit a stop light in town turn left and drive 2 KM down main street, and Orchard Queen RV park is on your left.
Carroll thought that she would phone the lady at the camp to tell her that we talking about a different stop sign and we turned the wrong way and where on our way. The lady must have been confused so he told us to stop as we were going on the wrong road but I just ignored her because I trusted the gentleman's directions. After some lengthy conversation between Carroll and the camp lady we reached the stop lights on Main street. Finally the lady agreed , we in fact on the right road. So she said she would stand on the sidewalk and wave so we would not miss the Camp site.
As I was pulling into our site a gentle across the roadway was watching ( everybody watches ) and I had to back up to jockey into the site. He stood and pointed and indicated that I was very close to something which I failed to notice when I pulled in. It was the picnic table so he moved it for me.
After I got parked I went over to thank him and I ask where he was from and he said Digby. I mentioned that we were going to Digby to see a friend so he ask her name and when I said Grace Turnbull he says I know her and I did some carpentry work for her.
The people in the next site were have a family gathering so I comment about smell of food so as to start a conversation. They invited us over later to enjoy the fire and after supper.
However, while setting up the MH I thought I smelt ammonia and I check the outside Fridge compartment and yes it was coming from there. That spelled " disaster" because it means a new fridge cooling unit and no fridge for the rest of the journey unless I could get repaired. Since tomorrow is a holiday I knew I would have to wait until Tuesday.
While sitting around the camp fire I mentioned I was looking for a storage area to store our MH while in Nfld. Jack MacKinnon, who is the Father / Grandfather of the family gathering was a business man in Halifax so he gave me a name and address. I mentioned the fridge problem and he said he would get some names in the morning. I did not expect a quick fix and I am correct.
We will worry about the fridge tomorrow. cheers
Our drive to Middleton first takes us on a 1 hour drive on a two lane narrow ( sometimes too narrow) Hwy/road to the outskirts of Windsor. We then pick up a main Hwy , 101 which goes along the south coast all the way passed Digby to Yarmouth. After about an hours drive we reach our turn off to the town of Middleton but we were not sure whether to turn right or left from the off ramp. The road I was about to enter did not look that wide so I decided to phone the Camp ground and ask for directions.
My directions to the lady on the other end of the phone was: I just came off Hwy 101, at exit 18and I am at the stop sign. Do I turn right or left? Her directions were turn right , drive about 5 KM and we are on the right, you can't miss our sign. "Oh Yeah". We turned right ,drove 5 KM and met a Tee junction. That's when I realized that myself and the lady where speaking of a different Stop sign.
Luckily a car pulled up behind me so I got out and as for direction. The gentleman knew of the camp site so he says, you will have to turn around and go back on this road. I said, Sorry but that is not an option because you do not turn this Rig around on a 2 lane road so do have a better option. He says no problem, turn left go to the next road , turn left , drive 5 KM until you hit a stop light in town turn left and drive 2 KM down main street, and Orchard Queen RV park is on your left.
Carroll thought that she would phone the lady at the camp to tell her that we talking about a different stop sign and we turned the wrong way and where on our way. The lady must have been confused so he told us to stop as we were going on the wrong road but I just ignored her because I trusted the gentleman's directions. After some lengthy conversation between Carroll and the camp lady we reached the stop lights on Main street. Finally the lady agreed , we in fact on the right road. So she said she would stand on the sidewalk and wave so we would not miss the Camp site.
As I was pulling into our site a gentle across the roadway was watching ( everybody watches ) and I had to back up to jockey into the site. He stood and pointed and indicated that I was very close to something which I failed to notice when I pulled in. It was the picnic table so he moved it for me.
After I got parked I went over to thank him and I ask where he was from and he said Digby. I mentioned that we were going to Digby to see a friend so he ask her name and when I said Grace Turnbull he says I know her and I did some carpentry work for her.
The people in the next site were have a family gathering so I comment about smell of food so as to start a conversation. They invited us over later to enjoy the fire and after supper.
However, while setting up the MH I thought I smelt ammonia and I check the outside Fridge compartment and yes it was coming from there. That spelled " disaster" because it means a new fridge cooling unit and no fridge for the rest of the journey unless I could get repaired. Since tomorrow is a holiday I knew I would have to wait until Tuesday.
While sitting around the camp fire I mentioned I was looking for a storage area to store our MH while in Nfld. Jack MacKinnon, who is the Father / Grandfather of the family gathering was a business man in Halifax so he gave me a name and address. I mentioned the fridge problem and he said he would get some names in the morning. I did not expect a quick fix and I am correct.
We will worry about the fridge tomorrow. cheers
Tuesday, 6 September 2016
Toured the Berwick area Sat 3 Sept 16
We had intended to move today but while searching for a camp ground we quickly found out that there were no sites due to the long weekend so we stayed an extra day. Furthermore there were 30,000 ( that's right ) thirty thousand Bikers along the south coast for Wharf Rat Day Rally. Every year on Labour Day weekend it is a Biker Rally , headquartered in Digby but spread out along the South coast.
Apparently they play Biker Game , whatever they are as you will have ask a Biker. I guess the games a rough because they had to Airlift someone to Halifax.
Our friend who lives in Digby attended the festivities on Sunday and said the 50/50 draws was 52,000.00. The tickets were 6 for 10.00 so I guess there was lots of participation.
Needless to say we did not attend but we did go to Berwick which was having their " Gala Days weekend. It was more like a Community Fair so we just had lunch and then decided to tour the area.
This is wine country so we went to one farm called Planters Ridge to do wine tasting. They charged 5.00 for 3 x 1 oz shots which I thought was expensive because I expected to get get 5 taste glasses for 5 bucks. I guess I was spoiled in Australia and South Africa.
We then went to a Dairy farm which also has a small cheese factory. They have 50 milking cows and they make cheese from only the amount of milk they produce.
We then drove thru the countryside admiring the scenery and then went home. The neighbors where having a family supper which smelt very good so we jokingly ask for the leftovers. They then invited us to join them later that evening , around the fire.
One of the men was a businessman and we mentioned that we would require a storage place in Halifax to park the MH and car while we are in NFLD. He immediately got on his iphone and found a place and even gave me his name and said to drop his name if need be. He said if I get stuck I am to call him for help.
About 10 PM both Carroll and I were tired so we called it a day. cheers
Apparently they play Biker Game , whatever they are as you will have ask a Biker. I guess the games a rough because they had to Airlift someone to Halifax.
Our friend who lives in Digby attended the festivities on Sunday and said the 50/50 draws was 52,000.00. The tickets were 6 for 10.00 so I guess there was lots of participation.
Needless to say we did not attend but we did go to Berwick which was having their " Gala Days weekend. It was more like a Community Fair so we just had lunch and then decided to tour the area.
This is wine country so we went to one farm called Planters Ridge to do wine tasting. They charged 5.00 for 3 x 1 oz shots which I thought was expensive because I expected to get get 5 taste glasses for 5 bucks. I guess I was spoiled in Australia and South Africa.
We then went to a Dairy farm which also has a small cheese factory. They have 50 milking cows and they make cheese from only the amount of milk they produce.
We then drove thru the countryside admiring the scenery and then went home. The neighbors where having a family supper which smelt very good so we jokingly ask for the leftovers. They then invited us to join them later that evening , around the fire.
One of the men was a businessman and we mentioned that we would require a storage place in Halifax to park the MH and car while we are in NFLD. He immediately got on his iphone and found a place and even gave me his name and said to drop his name if need be. He said if I get stuck I am to call him for help.
About 10 PM both Carroll and I were tired so we called it a day. cheers
Tour Windsor and area Friday 2 Sept 2016
We headed for Windsor today to tour the area and to pick up a few groceries as that is the nearest shopping area. Once in Windsor we spotted the Visitor Info office and stopped to ask about the area. The young lady was very informative and provided a hand drawn map ( not produced by her ) for us to follow. Before I got 2 KM down the road I realized that either I could not read a map or the producer of the map fail Geography. We returned to the Visitors Info to get the directions straight and we determined that the map was a waste of paper , however the names of the places to visit were the important part.
I also got the address from the Visitors Info of an RV dealer as I needed to get a Fuse for the MH. There are no RV dealers in Windsor but there was one in Kempville which we were going thru. Once in Kempville I could not find the address so I stopped at a Tire shop and he sent me to New Minas, a town attached to Kempville. The RV dealer could not help but sent me to and Industrial Park ( you guess it ) in Kempville. After visiting 5 ( five ) different shops I finally got the fuse at " Parts for Trucks ".
By this time we had managed to waste most of the day but a place called Hall's Harbor was on our list of places to see and it was about 20 KM away so we drove there and stayed for supper. It is a small fishing harbor with a nice restaurant that specialize in Lobster and a gift store to take your money. These Harbors are quaint and interesting to us westerns. The tide was out so the Fishing boat where sitting on the Mud and tied to the Wharf waiting on the tide to come in.
To order food you had to visit the gift and pay in advance. Carroll order Lobster so they said , go pick one out of the tank. Then they put it in a tub and said take it to the Cook who was in another area . Then the eating area was in another building across an alley. I ordered Fish and Chips.
When the waitress brought the Lobster, Carroll ask how do I get it apart and the waitress demo it for Carroll. One phase that made me smile was when the waitress said "grab the main body and give it a firm Hug and twist".
The waitress obviously knew we were not Easterners so she ask where we were from and we said AB. She said the they lived in Ft Mac and she did not like it because she missed her family. Then she went on to say that they returned to NS but there was no work so back to Sask; then to Ontario and then back to NS. I ask where do you live now. She said in town but her husband is back in Ft Mac.
"No More questions , Your Honour".
After our supper we headed home as it was an 1 1/2 drive . First we had to return to Windsor and then hopefully we would remember all the twist and turns required to get to our camp site. We had to take 3 different roads / hwy to get home. Several KM out of Windsor we missed a road so back to the Service Station to ask directions ( our GPS was in the MH ). The road I was looking for was just across from the Service Station but there was no sign to tell you to turn there. I guess the locals know where they are going so why bother with a sign.
We got home safe and sound. cheers
I also got the address from the Visitors Info of an RV dealer as I needed to get a Fuse for the MH. There are no RV dealers in Windsor but there was one in Kempville which we were going thru. Once in Kempville I could not find the address so I stopped at a Tire shop and he sent me to New Minas, a town attached to Kempville. The RV dealer could not help but sent me to and Industrial Park ( you guess it ) in Kempville. After visiting 5 ( five ) different shops I finally got the fuse at " Parts for Trucks ".
By this time we had managed to waste most of the day but a place called Hall's Harbor was on our list of places to see and it was about 20 KM away so we drove there and stayed for supper. It is a small fishing harbor with a nice restaurant that specialize in Lobster and a gift store to take your money. These Harbors are quaint and interesting to us westerns. The tide was out so the Fishing boat where sitting on the Mud and tied to the Wharf waiting on the tide to come in.
To order food you had to visit the gift and pay in advance. Carroll order Lobster so they said , go pick one out of the tank. Then they put it in a tub and said take it to the Cook who was in another area . Then the eating area was in another building across an alley. I ordered Fish and Chips.
When the waitress brought the Lobster, Carroll ask how do I get it apart and the waitress demo it for Carroll. One phase that made me smile was when the waitress said "grab the main body and give it a firm Hug and twist".
The waitress obviously knew we were not Easterners so she ask where we were from and we said AB. She said the they lived in Ft Mac and she did not like it because she missed her family. Then she went on to say that they returned to NS but there was no work so back to Sask; then to Ontario and then back to NS. I ask where do you live now. She said in town but her husband is back in Ft Mac.
"No More questions , Your Honour".
After our supper we headed home as it was an 1 1/2 drive . First we had to return to Windsor and then hopefully we would remember all the twist and turns required to get to our camp site. We had to take 3 different roads / hwy to get home. Several KM out of Windsor we missed a road so back to the Service Station to ask directions ( our GPS was in the MH ). The road I was looking for was just across from the Service Station but there was no sign to tell you to turn there. I guess the locals know where they are going so why bother with a sign.
We got home safe and sound. cheers
Monday, 5 September 2016
Pictou to Walton 1 sept 2016
We search for a campsite along the Bay of Fundy as we are eventually heading for Digby to visit a friend from our Shilo days. Because of the Labour day holiday it was not easy to find a place but we found one on the coastal road.
As we packing up to leave our Birchwood camp site the weather was starting to look like rain and we want to get the hooked up quickly. We did not make it. First I had to turn the MH around in an area about the size of a Postage stamp and find a level spot. Just as we lined up the car to mount the Dolly the Sky fell in and before we could run for cover in the car we got wet. After 20 minutes the rain subsided so we got to splash around in 1 inch of water while loaded the car.
Just as I was pulling out of the campsite the smoke detector went off. Since there was no smoke nor smell of smoke I removed the battery from the detecter... problem solved. I put the battery in later that day and it has not alarmed since so I'm not sure of the reason for the alarm.
We had to go thru Turo on our way to Walton which is on Minas Bay. I have not found out how the Bay got it's name yet but Mr. Minas must have settled here. After getting thru Turo we were again on a two lane coastal hwy 215 which was barely wide enough when meeting a truck or a MH. The road condition was acceptable until we hit the town of Maitland. The sign read " Rough Road for 16 KM " and they were not lying about the condition. This road would not due justice to a Plough field. However, they were replacing all the culverts with the intention to pave the road later this year which probably means next year.
About 3/4 of the way down the 16 KM I spotted some gas/diesel pumps at a Trailer sales and rental place and the diesel price was 95.9 and since I was near the 1/4 mark I pulled in. After looking at the condition of the pumps I was having second thought but I did know how far to the next fuel stop so I stayed. An older gentleman ( around my age ) came out to pump the fuel and he said "Fill'er Up" I said yes but stop at 300.00. He gulped and then repeated " 300.00 dollars. I said Yes. He had to hold the trigger as it did not have the latch to hold the nozzle open so we had lots of time to chat.
He ask me the Preverbal questions ; where you from , where are you going etc. I ask if he lived here all his life and he said he had lived in Belize for 20 years before moving back to NS. I ask what he did in Belize and he said farming. Then the "light " went on.... I said to myself that he must be a Mennonite as there lots of Mennonites who farm in the state of Orange Walk in Belize. He said they planted Beans in Dec and in June they planted Corn in the same field each and every year.
I ask why he left Belize and he said the Belizean people did not like "them " probably meaning Mennonites and he said the people where stealing "us " blind. So 20 years was enough.
After a few more KM we finally hit a good road and shortly there after found our campsite called Whale Creek ( Whale Cove and Whale Bay must have been taken. ha ha ) This campsite is mainly Seasonal ( 30 spots ) with about 10 weekend spots, mostly tent areas. However, we got a nice spot facing the ocean where you could, if you are stuck for something to do, watch the tide go In and Out. Yippee!!!! In hindsight we should have continued to Digby. The owner said that all the Seasonal occupants were within a 45 minute driver from home.
After a quick lunch we decided to explore the area and since Windsor was supposedly a 45 minutes drive , we thought it would be worth the trip and it would kill the afternoon. We got about 5 KM down the road and a sign said Turn Right for the Light house tour. We thought we would find the location and return later since it was close to the campsite. However the Tour Guide/ Gift shop operator was on us like Flies on a Manure pile and started to explain about the Light House before we got out of the car. So I felt compelled to tour the light house. There is no way in Hell that Carroll could climb to the top of the stairs. Incidentally, NS had 163 Light House and I'm not sure if that included Cape Breton. In the minds of most Cape Bretons', they believe it is a separate Province.
So off to Windsor we go and about 20 minutes down the road it started to pour buckets and the wipers could not clear the windshield . As a result, we abandoned the idea of going to Windsor since it appeared that we were driving into the rain not out of it. We then decided to enjoy the scenery on the way home as there are lots of Bays to stop at and view the scenery.
I ask the campsite owner about WiFi and she said it was OK to go to site 17 and sit on their deck as the signal was the strongest there and the people where away. I was on the deck for 10 minutes before 3 people came to see what I was doing on this persons deck. Once I explain that the Camp Owner told me to use the deck everything was OK.
Several of the Campers walk to the beach around 6 PM to watch the Sun go down. I ask if the Sun goes down every night and one guy said " So Far So Good ". After Miller Time and supper we called it a day. Cheers
As we packing up to leave our Birchwood camp site the weather was starting to look like rain and we want to get the hooked up quickly. We did not make it. First I had to turn the MH around in an area about the size of a Postage stamp and find a level spot. Just as we lined up the car to mount the Dolly the Sky fell in and before we could run for cover in the car we got wet. After 20 minutes the rain subsided so we got to splash around in 1 inch of water while loaded the car.
Just as I was pulling out of the campsite the smoke detector went off. Since there was no smoke nor smell of smoke I removed the battery from the detecter... problem solved. I put the battery in later that day and it has not alarmed since so I'm not sure of the reason for the alarm.
We had to go thru Turo on our way to Walton which is on Minas Bay. I have not found out how the Bay got it's name yet but Mr. Minas must have settled here. After getting thru Turo we were again on a two lane coastal hwy 215 which was barely wide enough when meeting a truck or a MH. The road condition was acceptable until we hit the town of Maitland. The sign read " Rough Road for 16 KM " and they were not lying about the condition. This road would not due justice to a Plough field. However, they were replacing all the culverts with the intention to pave the road later this year which probably means next year.
About 3/4 of the way down the 16 KM I spotted some gas/diesel pumps at a Trailer sales and rental place and the diesel price was 95.9 and since I was near the 1/4 mark I pulled in. After looking at the condition of the pumps I was having second thought but I did know how far to the next fuel stop so I stayed. An older gentleman ( around my age ) came out to pump the fuel and he said "Fill'er Up" I said yes but stop at 300.00. He gulped and then repeated " 300.00 dollars. I said Yes. He had to hold the trigger as it did not have the latch to hold the nozzle open so we had lots of time to chat.
He ask me the Preverbal questions ; where you from , where are you going etc. I ask if he lived here all his life and he said he had lived in Belize for 20 years before moving back to NS. I ask what he did in Belize and he said farming. Then the "light " went on.... I said to myself that he must be a Mennonite as there lots of Mennonites who farm in the state of Orange Walk in Belize. He said they planted Beans in Dec and in June they planted Corn in the same field each and every year.
I ask why he left Belize and he said the Belizean people did not like "them " probably meaning Mennonites and he said the people where stealing "us " blind. So 20 years was enough.
After a few more KM we finally hit a good road and shortly there after found our campsite called Whale Creek ( Whale Cove and Whale Bay must have been taken. ha ha ) This campsite is mainly Seasonal ( 30 spots ) with about 10 weekend spots, mostly tent areas. However, we got a nice spot facing the ocean where you could, if you are stuck for something to do, watch the tide go In and Out. Yippee!!!! In hindsight we should have continued to Digby. The owner said that all the Seasonal occupants were within a 45 minute driver from home.
After a quick lunch we decided to explore the area and since Windsor was supposedly a 45 minutes drive , we thought it would be worth the trip and it would kill the afternoon. We got about 5 KM down the road and a sign said Turn Right for the Light house tour. We thought we would find the location and return later since it was close to the campsite. However the Tour Guide/ Gift shop operator was on us like Flies on a Manure pile and started to explain about the Light House before we got out of the car. So I felt compelled to tour the light house. There is no way in Hell that Carroll could climb to the top of the stairs. Incidentally, NS had 163 Light House and I'm not sure if that included Cape Breton. In the minds of most Cape Bretons', they believe it is a separate Province.
So off to Windsor we go and about 20 minutes down the road it started to pour buckets and the wipers could not clear the windshield . As a result, we abandoned the idea of going to Windsor since it appeared that we were driving into the rain not out of it. We then decided to enjoy the scenery on the way home as there are lots of Bays to stop at and view the scenery.
I ask the campsite owner about WiFi and she said it was OK to go to site 17 and sit on their deck as the signal was the strongest there and the people where away. I was on the deck for 10 minutes before 3 people came to see what I was doing on this persons deck. Once I explain that the Camp Owner told me to use the deck everything was OK.
Several of the Campers walk to the beach around 6 PM to watch the Sun go down. I ask if the Sun goes down every night and one guy said " So Far So Good ". After Miller Time and supper we called it a day. Cheers
Sunday, 4 September 2016
Moncton to Picton via New Glasgow Tuesday 30 Aug 2016
We drove from Moncton to New Glasgow to pick up the MH along the " Coastal " road. We thought coastal meant along the water but it apparently it means the closes road to the coast. We drove 1 hour before we seen water but that still beats the 4 lane hwy.
I got bored and tired around 11:00 AM and Carroll didn't want to drive so I pulled into a small community centre parking lot for a 10 min snooze. I woke up 30 minutes later!!!!
We arrived in New Glasgow at the Kenworth Truck garage to pickup the MH. It had been sitting there since the Monday before so the mechanics plugged in the power after they replaced the Alternator, which was nice of them.
The clerk and two mechanics greeted us and we said we would load the kids bikes into the Van as they were chained to the Car Dolly. After loading the bikes and unpacking our suite case we were ready to load the car on the Dolly. This is something I have never done in my life. However, Todd gave me a verbal overview how it was to be done, most of which I did not understand.
So I jumped in the drivers seat , turned on the key ... nothing ; zero ; Zippo; not even a grunting noise. After sitting for a week, plugged in; it should have started so I ask the Boss mechanic to check the Batteries and they tested as " Junk ", so they replaced the two batteries for the tune of 300.00
So now we had to load the car on the Dolly and Todd reminded me to load on a level area so I circled the garage parking lot to find the ideal spot. Carroll and I managed to load the car without much consternation. Then I did a practice lap around the yard to see how the Dolly would follow. Carroll was watching from a distance and did a "thumbs up".
While the mechanic was replacing the batteries Carroll canvased the staff for a camp site in the area, somewhere near Pictou. One of the staff recommended a Camp site about 10 minutes out of Pictou. The directions were : take the hwy to Pictou, when you get to the " Rotary" go around it until you see the sign that says Hwy 637 and take that road for about 10 KM and you will see the Birchwood Camp site on your right . The Western word for Rotary is either a Roundabout or a Traffic Circle. This Rotary had 5 legs ( exits ) each with a billboard with enough directions and information to circumnavigate the world. We could not absorb all the info on our "Drive By " so naturally we took the wrong road and had to drive 25 KM before we could turn around and we did so in another campground. ( There goes another out of my life I will never get back )
We got to the camp site about 6:30 with no reservation but they had a few sites left. We were intending to stay for 1 day but a day like this made us decided to stay 2 nights and visit Pictou tomorrow.
After a day like this we did not feel like cooking supper so we went to a Lobster Bar in Pictou for supper. cheers
I got bored and tired around 11:00 AM and Carroll didn't want to drive so I pulled into a small community centre parking lot for a 10 min snooze. I woke up 30 minutes later!!!!
We arrived in New Glasgow at the Kenworth Truck garage to pickup the MH. It had been sitting there since the Monday before so the mechanics plugged in the power after they replaced the Alternator, which was nice of them.
The clerk and two mechanics greeted us and we said we would load the kids bikes into the Van as they were chained to the Car Dolly. After loading the bikes and unpacking our suite case we were ready to load the car on the Dolly. This is something I have never done in my life. However, Todd gave me a verbal overview how it was to be done, most of which I did not understand.
So I jumped in the drivers seat , turned on the key ... nothing ; zero ; Zippo; not even a grunting noise. After sitting for a week, plugged in; it should have started so I ask the Boss mechanic to check the Batteries and they tested as " Junk ", so they replaced the two batteries for the tune of 300.00
So now we had to load the car on the Dolly and Todd reminded me to load on a level area so I circled the garage parking lot to find the ideal spot. Carroll and I managed to load the car without much consternation. Then I did a practice lap around the yard to see how the Dolly would follow. Carroll was watching from a distance and did a "thumbs up".
While the mechanic was replacing the batteries Carroll canvased the staff for a camp site in the area, somewhere near Pictou. One of the staff recommended a Camp site about 10 minutes out of Pictou. The directions were : take the hwy to Pictou, when you get to the " Rotary" go around it until you see the sign that says Hwy 637 and take that road for about 10 KM and you will see the Birchwood Camp site on your right . The Western word for Rotary is either a Roundabout or a Traffic Circle. This Rotary had 5 legs ( exits ) each with a billboard with enough directions and information to circumnavigate the world. We could not absorb all the info on our "Drive By " so naturally we took the wrong road and had to drive 25 KM before we could turn around and we did so in another campground. ( There goes another out of my life I will never get back )
We got to the camp site about 6:30 with no reservation but they had a few sites left. We were intending to stay for 1 day but a day like this made us decided to stay 2 nights and visit Pictou tomorrow.
After a day like this we did not feel like cooking supper so we went to a Lobster Bar in Pictou for supper. cheers
Toured Pictou Wed 31 Aug 2016
After breakfast we spent the morning organizing the MH to our liking. Carroll did the inside and I did the outside or I should the cargo area. I also did some maintenance such adding oil, checking the coolant level and greasing the U joints which is a dirty job but must be done. We also did several text msg to Yvonne and Todd asking for the location of several different items. It was easier ask them rather then to fumbled thru everything, wasting time and tearing things apart.
In the afternoon we toured Pictou which was about 15 minutes away. It has a quaint main street with several interesting boutiques. It also has a waterfront/ harbor where the tourist ( like us ) can meander along. The harbor was sure not very active so I guess the fishing or Lobster season is over.
After window shopping for an hour we drove to the wharf to check out the activity, which there was very little. While watching the waves go in and out I fell asleep for 20 minutes. I didn't realize that watching the waves was that tiring.
We also spent some time at Tim's , making use of their free WiFi as we where looking for a camp site for Thursday and Friday. We found a place at Walton which is called the Bay of Fundy area. Camp sites we scarce for the Holiday weekend. Hopefully it will be suitable when we get there. cheers
In the afternoon we toured Pictou which was about 15 minutes away. It has a quaint main street with several interesting boutiques. It also has a waterfront/ harbor where the tourist ( like us ) can meander along. The harbor was sure not very active so I guess the fishing or Lobster season is over.
After window shopping for an hour we drove to the wharf to check out the activity, which there was very little. While watching the waves go in and out I fell asleep for 20 minutes. I didn't realize that watching the waves was that tiring.
We also spent some time at Tim's , making use of their free WiFi as we where looking for a camp site for Thursday and Friday. We found a place at Walton which is called the Bay of Fundy area. Camp sites we scarce for the Holiday weekend. Hopefully it will be suitable when we get there. cheers
Thursday, 1 September 2016
On our Way to Moncton 29 Aug 2016
Our flight from Calgary to Moncton had a launch time of 6 AM. That means we had to be up by 3:30 AM and out of Todd's house by 4 AM. It also mean that Todd had to drive from his place to the Calgary Airport which was a casual 45 minute drive at that early hour.
Yvonne had already check us in last evening but , as I explained, since I am a veteran and as such I have to check our baggage thru a clerk since we do not pay for any checked baggage. When we got to the Kiosk we where met by a lady who was there to help the helpless like us. She ushered us into a line of about 50 travelers and at that point Carroll mentioned that I was a Veteran and she said just wait here. About a minute later she said follow me and were checked right thru. The clerk even thank me for my Service to the country. So there some perks for my 30 years of Service.
We had to change planes in Toronto and it was a 3 hour wait. Since we lots of time we had lunch and then ambled for what seem to be forever, to the very end of Terminal 1 to catch, what was probably the oldest plane in the Air Canada fleet. You know Air Canada's motto " We are not Happy until You are not Happy".
We landed in Moncton a little after 6 PM and the next thing was to find Yvonne's that she left for us. We went outside the Terminal to find the Parking Area but it did not seem that it was accessible for the Terminal. I spotted two cabbie that were swapping lies and they advised me that there was an underground tunnel to the parking area but only accessible from inside the terminal.
After finding the car we headed for Moncton some 15 KM away to find our hotel that we had booked a week earlier. The hotel was called Chateau Moncton and since the room price 125.00 I wasn't sure what we were getting. When we arrived I was total surprised to find such an upscale hotel for that price. Especially, after traveling around BC in July where we paid 185.00 for a "Basic " room in the Super 8 in Osoyoos. This hotel also provides a full breakfast which we will check our tomorrow.
After checking in I decided that I should have a case of beer for my travels so I ask the female clerk for directions. She directed me to the area in Moncton where she thought there was a beer store but in hindsight I doubt that was ever in the store. Anyhow , it was huge beer/ liquor store and I found what I needed.
Carroll ask the clerk for a restaurant that severed Lobster and she directed us to the " Catch 22 " restaurant. We search the menu as there were a myriad of choices and finally we ask the waitress to convince us as to the best dish. We had thought about and took the Shared plate for two which was 1/2 a lobster each plus 6 shrimp, 4 scallops, a piece of crab and a fillet of fish. All this for a cost of 70.00. It was well worth the price.
After this great meal we called it a day . Cheers
Yvonne had already check us in last evening but , as I explained, since I am a veteran and as such I have to check our baggage thru a clerk since we do not pay for any checked baggage. When we got to the Kiosk we where met by a lady who was there to help the helpless like us. She ushered us into a line of about 50 travelers and at that point Carroll mentioned that I was a Veteran and she said just wait here. About a minute later she said follow me and were checked right thru. The clerk even thank me for my Service to the country. So there some perks for my 30 years of Service.
We had to change planes in Toronto and it was a 3 hour wait. Since we lots of time we had lunch and then ambled for what seem to be forever, to the very end of Terminal 1 to catch, what was probably the oldest plane in the Air Canada fleet. You know Air Canada's motto " We are not Happy until You are not Happy".
We landed in Moncton a little after 6 PM and the next thing was to find Yvonne's that she left for us. We went outside the Terminal to find the Parking Area but it did not seem that it was accessible for the Terminal. I spotted two cabbie that were swapping lies and they advised me that there was an underground tunnel to the parking area but only accessible from inside the terminal.
After finding the car we headed for Moncton some 15 KM away to find our hotel that we had booked a week earlier. The hotel was called Chateau Moncton and since the room price 125.00 I wasn't sure what we were getting. When we arrived I was total surprised to find such an upscale hotel for that price. Especially, after traveling around BC in July where we paid 185.00 for a "Basic " room in the Super 8 in Osoyoos. This hotel also provides a full breakfast which we will check our tomorrow.
After checking in I decided that I should have a case of beer for my travels so I ask the female clerk for directions. She directed me to the area in Moncton where she thought there was a beer store but in hindsight I doubt that was ever in the store. Anyhow , it was huge beer/ liquor store and I found what I needed.
Carroll ask the clerk for a restaurant that severed Lobster and she directed us to the " Catch 22 " restaurant. We search the menu as there were a myriad of choices and finally we ask the waitress to convince us as to the best dish. We had thought about and took the Shared plate for two which was 1/2 a lobster each plus 6 shrimp, 4 scallops, a piece of crab and a fillet of fish. All this for a cost of 70.00. It was well worth the price.
After this great meal we called it a day . Cheers
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