ECS 23-25

August 16

We always hate saying goodbye to Newfoundland. So, this windy, dull morning reflected our mood.

We sailed pretty much on time, but the seas were pretty high and rolling for 90 minutes or so, and I was glad for the Gravol! We passed the time with a couple from Cambridge (they were talkers!). We got in on time, and drove to a special Nova Scotia spot for the night: St. Peter’s Canal.

On the way, we passed signs for “Flying Stones” and “Leitches Creek” (say it out loud). We paid homage to Rita MacNeil as we passed her Tea Room (I sang “Working Man”). And Bras D’Or Lake was true to its name, with an amazing golden sun setting on the water. Once again, St. Peter’s Canal was populated by older or retired fishermen, and we chatted with one and learned about Snow Crab Fishing (he’d just sold his license and netted $750,000) and how Lobster Season in the Maritimes is staggered, not for the sake of the Lobster, but for the market!

Here’s the lovely view of the View (at our free campsite):

August 17

Another bright morning and we got away early. We passed probably the only SAINT Peter’s UNITED Church (because it’s IN St. Peter’s).

We drove through Nova Scotia and into New Brunswick. I suggested taking the Fundy Coastal Trail to Alma. We passed a lot of tour buses (low tide was ending and those who had visited Hopewell. Rocks were moving on). There were a few signs for “Chocolate River” businesses. And we passed the “Ha Ha Cemetery”.

I mistakenly suggested another coastal road that went nowhere near the coast (and was in pretty bad shape), so we had a rocky hour or so. But we made it to Fundy National Park and decided to stay there ($14.60 Park Fee + $25.50 unserviced site 60).

I walked the campground and down (then UP) a 110-step stairway. It started to rain about dinner time (but it didn’t deter my steak cooker):

Here’s the view from my chair (mostly of the neighbour’s great site):

But this was the view a few steps away:

August 18

It rained all night. Oh, the poor tenters all round us!

We dumped and took on water and headed towards Maine. It was a good drive and the sun was out by noon. We crossed near McAdam, NB which has this beautiful old train station:

This was a small border crossing, so the boys had lots of time to board the View AND make me cut my one tomato so they could see there were no bugs! A first. But note to self, cut your Canadian tomatoes and you can take them over the border!

We took the slow route through forests (and, yes, some leaves were turning), lakes and rivers. We saw three deer (we had to stop for the third).

We decided to stop in Madison, ME at the “Yonder Hills” campground (site 1, $32.40 for full service). It’s a real family place (it’s a Jellystone Park for those in the know). In fact, Yogi, BooBoo and Cindy drove through the park after dinner and I missed a great photo!.

But here’s a view from my chair: