Kids woke up in puddles. Their mats and sleeping bags are pretty wet. The tent is soaked. There are a few puddles on the floor. Everything had been packed so perfectly in Newfoundland and now everthing's wet. Bummer. But, we're in good spirits because we're headed home.
Drove to the border crossing. Easy and uneventful. Changed clocks to Eastern Time. Driving through northern Maine on a 2-lane highway - looks a lot like Michigan. Still raining. Heading toward Bangor.
Uneventful drives through Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Stopped at Wendy's for lunch and McD's for supper (New York). Last fast food of the trip - yay! Sun did eventually come out and it's been a pleasant drive. Drove along the Erie Canal for awhile. Hard not to get the song stuck in your head as you drive along it.
We'll have 2 border crossings (New York to Ontario and Ontario to Michigan) plus a stop in Niagara, but current ETA on Garmin is 4:10 am.
Border crossing at Buffalo was no problem. Drove into Niagara to see Niagara Falls. It was a crazy zoo down there. There was a party going on! Tons of people and kids even though it was 11 pm. Parking was $20 and we didn't have enough cash or time left, so M dropped off the kids and me so they could see it and then circled around town to pick us up again. Kids thought it was awesome, even though they'd been falling asleep in the car. They really woke up with the party atmosphere and the view of the falls, lit up in the darkness. They were impressed. We'll have to come back some day.
Kids snuggled into the car and quickly fell asleep. Border guard at Port Huron woke them up to check i.d. We look like slobs in this car - it's gotten BAD! But, we will soon be home. ETA: 5:23 am, Sunday, July 31.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 11
Woke up and called Brier Island Whale Tours to confirm that our boat was running. It's foggy out - can hear foghorns - but boat will still run.
Had breakfast in the room, thanks to our grocery stop yesterday, then drove the couple of miles to whale watching place. They suited us up in Mustang suits - bright orange snowsuit/life preservers. It was hot. We walked 5 minutes down the road to the dock and boarded a 24' Zodiac which included the driver and 13 passengers. Rode about 15 minutes into the bay (felt so good and cool), then spotted our first whales. Mother and calf. We followed them for quite awhile - maybe 40 minutes. Then we took off to look for more.
The kids were very impressed by the size of the whales and their loud spoutings. J said it was one of the coolest things she's seen in her life. They were really close to our little boat.
We found two more whales (humpbacks, all), then went over to a bay that had a ton of seals. They all bobbed aorund looking at us until all at once they'd splash and be gone.
We also saw tons of seabirds on the tour. The driver liked chasing them.
Both kids said this was their favorite thing they did on this trip.
Next we're heading to the ferry from Digby to St. John's, New Brunswick. We had planned to stay at a hotel in Digby tonight, but we can get on a 4pm ferry and start heading for home. Hoping to find a campground to crash in in New Brunswick or Maine.
Ferry ride was around 3 hours. Spent some time on deck, plus played games in the lounge and ate supper at the grill. The car area smelled strongly of fish because of all the trucks full of seafood. An information person on the ferry recommended a campground in New Brunswick for us: New River Beach, a provincial park.
Drove off the boat at St. John around 7:15 pm. Saw Reversing Falls where the tide causes the river to flow two different ways, depending on high or low tide. Drove about 40 minutes to campground. It was pretty full, but there were a handfujl of spots left, so we chose one and set up. Tried to start a fire, but it's very damp and mossy here. Wood refused to burn. So, we got cozy in the tent and watched "Dispicable Me." B was thrilled that his dad was watching it.
Movie ended after 11 pm. and we crashed. Awoke in the early morning hours to the sound ofrain. Aw man! We weren't expecting rain. It rained hard and long. M and I scooched away from the wall of the tent, but didn't want to wake the kids. Good luck to them.
Had breakfast in the room, thanks to our grocery stop yesterday, then drove the couple of miles to whale watching place. They suited us up in Mustang suits - bright orange snowsuit/life preservers. It was hot. We walked 5 minutes down the road to the dock and boarded a 24' Zodiac which included the driver and 13 passengers. Rode about 15 minutes into the bay (felt so good and cool), then spotted our first whales. Mother and calf. We followed them for quite awhile - maybe 40 minutes. Then we took off to look for more.
The kids were very impressed by the size of the whales and their loud spoutings. J said it was one of the coolest things she's seen in her life. They were really close to our little boat.
We found two more whales (humpbacks, all), then went over to a bay that had a ton of seals. They all bobbed aorund looking at us until all at once they'd splash and be gone.
We also saw tons of seabirds on the tour. The driver liked chasing them.
Both kids said this was their favorite thing they did on this trip.
Next we're heading to the ferry from Digby to St. John's, New Brunswick. We had planned to stay at a hotel in Digby tonight, but we can get on a 4pm ferry and start heading for home. Hoping to find a campground to crash in in New Brunswick or Maine.
Ferry ride was around 3 hours. Spent some time on deck, plus played games in the lounge and ate supper at the grill. The car area smelled strongly of fish because of all the trucks full of seafood. An information person on the ferry recommended a campground in New Brunswick for us: New River Beach, a provincial park.
Drove off the boat at St. John around 7:15 pm. Saw Reversing Falls where the tide causes the river to flow two different ways, depending on high or low tide. Drove about 40 minutes to campground. It was pretty full, but there were a handfujl of spots left, so we chose one and set up. Tried to start a fire, but it's very damp and mossy here. Wood refused to burn. So, we got cozy in the tent and watched "Dispicable Me." B was thrilled that his dad was watching it.
Movie ended after 11 pm. and we crashed. Awoke in the early morning hours to the sound ofrain. Aw man! We weren't expecting rain. It rained hard and long. M and I scooched away from the wall of the tent, but didn't want to wake the kids. Good luck to them.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 10
Slept in. Aaaahhhh... Enjoyed a great full breakfast in hotel: eggs, sausage, hash browns, pancakes, etc. J was so happy to have a big breakfast again.
Took our time packing up, then headed to Public Garden, a large Victorian-style garden/park that's been here since 1800's.
Next we toured the Citadel (could get in free with our national park pass). It was a huge fort that was never invaded due to all the defenses in the water around it. Wandered around and took a tour as well. Ate lunch in the parking lot.
Started to head out of town, then M decided he'd regret not going to the Maritime Museum, so we headed back. It was worth it: great exhibit on the Titanic. We finished our time in Halifax with ice cream cones on the boardwalk, listening to the street musicians. Very cool.
Drove toward Brier Island. Stopped at a grocery store for some food supplies and ran through a McD's drive-thru for the kids. Took 2 small ferries to get to the island. Sun is setting. Hoping to see the view from our ocean-view room before it's completely dark.
Stayed at the Brier Island Lodge. Ocean view. Horse, sheep, chickens and a couple of dogs wandering around. Watched some TV, took showers and lights out.
Took our time packing up, then headed to Public Garden, a large Victorian-style garden/park that's been here since 1800's.
Next we toured the Citadel (could get in free with our national park pass). It was a huge fort that was never invaded due to all the defenses in the water around it. Wandered around and took a tour as well. Ate lunch in the parking lot.
Started to head out of town, then M decided he'd regret not going to the Maritime Museum, so we headed back. It was worth it: great exhibit on the Titanic. We finished our time in Halifax with ice cream cones on the boardwalk, listening to the street musicians. Very cool.
Drove toward Brier Island. Stopped at a grocery store for some food supplies and ran through a McD's drive-thru for the kids. Took 2 small ferries to get to the island. Sun is setting. Hoping to see the view from our ocean-view room before it's completely dark.
Stayed at the Brier Island Lodge. Ocean view. Horse, sheep, chickens and a couple of dogs wandering around. Watched some TV, took showers and lights out.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 9
Got off ferry around 7:30 am. Drove toward Halifax. Stopped in Baddeck - very quaint coastal town; reminds us of Saugatuck. Sailboats in the channel, lighthouse, lots of restarants, B&Bs. My parents would like it.
It's foggy and sprinkling today - glad we had good weather on Newfoundland.
Drove to Halifax and found a McD's for lunch. Finally got our McLobster sandwiches that we've seen advertised the whole trip. It was good - lobster salad on a soft hoagie roll. Value meal cost about $8.50. Kids each ordered 3 things off the value menu. They discovered that they like McChicken sandwiches (mayo and lettuce scraped off and replaced with ketchup, of course).
We're finding that food on this trip is going to be a huge expense. Everything in Canada is more expensive, plus tax, plus bad exchange right now: Canadian dollar is worth $1.06 American!
Drove to Pier 21. Went to the research center to get information on my family's immigration to Canada. Called my dad from the lobby to get the name and date of their ship's crossing. He sounded pretty excited that we were there. We left the research room with a picture of the ship (The Waterman) and a list of passengers (funny - my Dad's name wasn't on it, but his parents and siblings were) and a packet of stories passengers had submitted about the voyage.
It was pretty cool to see the spot where he first set foot on North America as a 5-year-old. We watched a good movie in the museum upstairs and took a tour. Very interesting - especially because of the family connection.
After Pier 21, we wandered down the boardwalk, through the farmers' market (just closed for the day). We saw a harbour seal in the bay and talked to an old guy smoking a cigar and fishing for mackeral. Walked all over town, through a crystal shop, an old cemetary, souvenir ship, etc. Marched exhausted children back to the car and headed toward the hotel. Stopped at a grocery store and bought food for supper.
Arrived at hotel around 7 pm. Comfort Hotel on Chain Lake Drive in Halifax. Only 4 months old and very nice. We microwaved dinner (pizza for the kids, frozen lasagnas, salad and fresh bread with garlic butter - yum!), then the kids swam in the indoor pool while I worked out in the fitness center. We enjoyed relaxing and watching TV (Jeopardy, Dancing with the Stars) in the room and just chilling out.
It's foggy and sprinkling today - glad we had good weather on Newfoundland.
Drove to Halifax and found a McD's for lunch. Finally got our McLobster sandwiches that we've seen advertised the whole trip. It was good - lobster salad on a soft hoagie roll. Value meal cost about $8.50. Kids each ordered 3 things off the value menu. They discovered that they like McChicken sandwiches (mayo and lettuce scraped off and replaced with ketchup, of course).
We're finding that food on this trip is going to be a huge expense. Everything in Canada is more expensive, plus tax, plus bad exchange right now: Canadian dollar is worth $1.06 American!
Drove to Pier 21. Went to the research center to get information on my family's immigration to Canada. Called my dad from the lobby to get the name and date of their ship's crossing. He sounded pretty excited that we were there. We left the research room with a picture of the ship (The Waterman) and a list of passengers (funny - my Dad's name wasn't on it, but his parents and siblings were) and a packet of stories passengers had submitted about the voyage.
It was pretty cool to see the spot where he first set foot on North America as a 5-year-old. We watched a good movie in the museum upstairs and took a tour. Very interesting - especially because of the family connection.
After Pier 21, we wandered down the boardwalk, through the farmers' market (just closed for the day). We saw a harbour seal in the bay and talked to an old guy smoking a cigar and fishing for mackeral. Walked all over town, through a crystal shop, an old cemetary, souvenir ship, etc. Marched exhausted children back to the car and headed toward the hotel. Stopped at a grocery store and bought food for supper.
Arrived at hotel around 7 pm. Comfort Hotel on Chain Lake Drive in Halifax. Only 4 months old and very nice. We microwaved dinner (pizza for the kids, frozen lasagnas, salad and fresh bread with garlic butter - yum!), then the kids swam in the indoor pool while I worked out in the fitness center. We enjoyed relaxing and watching TV (Jeopardy, Dancing with the Stars) in the room and just chilling out.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 8
Slept in. Wonderful. Packed up camp and completely repacked and organized the car. Left campground around 11:15 and drove to Discovery Center. Saw a bald eagle along the way. Ate a quick snack/lunch in parking lot, then hiked Lookout Trail (5 km loop). The hike uphill was mentally challenging for the kids, even with pockets-full of candy to keep them going.
The view from the top was great, but the cool breezes up there were even better. At the top we met a couple of 25-year-old guys who worked on a cruise ship that was docked in the bay. They were on their way to Greenland, Iceland and then Europe! We also met a couple from the St. John's, NL area. They told us that they've been to Gros Morne many times and had never seen as nice weather (sun) as we'd had the past couple of days. I guess we timed our stay just right.
Hiked down (much easier), then drove to Trout River, a small fishing village. Ate an early dinner at Seaside Resaurant. M and I finally had seafood chowder - very good. The owners' daughter played guitar and sang Newfoundland music while we waited for our food.
Time to say good-bye to Gros Morne and head back to Port Aux Basque to catch tonight's ferry. Saw a moose along the way (finally!) munching on leaves.
Arrive in Port Aux Basque and did a little shopping (didn't buy anything), then went to ferry terminal and bought some food. Ferry didn't load until around 11:45 pm. Got settled into our cabin, showered, watched TV and slept.
The view from the top was great, but the cool breezes up there were even better. At the top we met a couple of 25-year-old guys who worked on a cruise ship that was docked in the bay. They were on their way to Greenland, Iceland and then Europe! We also met a couple from the St. John's, NL area. They told us that they've been to Gros Morne many times and had never seen as nice weather (sun) as we'd had the past couple of days. I guess we timed our stay just right.
Hiked down (much easier), then drove to Trout River, a small fishing village. Ate an early dinner at Seaside Resaurant. M and I finally had seafood chowder - very good. The owners' daughter played guitar and sang Newfoundland music while we waited for our food.
Time to say good-bye to Gros Morne and head back to Port Aux Basque to catch tonight's ferry. Saw a moose along the way (finally!) munching on leaves.
Arrive in Port Aux Basque and did a little shopping (didn't buy anything), then went to ferry terminal and bought some food. Ferry didn't load until around 11:45 pm. Got settled into our cabin, showered, watched TV and slept.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 7
Woke up early to go on Western Brook Pond Tour. Drove to trailhead, then hiked in about 45 minutes to the tour boat. Rode on top deck and toured the fjord-like pond. Saw many waterfalls and rock formations. At the far end you can get off and backpack the back-country. M wished he was doing that.
On the second half of the boat tour, we moved to the lower deck to get out of the sun and talked with a retired couple from Georgia who were with an Airstream club. Sounded like a fun way to tour around with camping buddies from all over North America.
Docked the boat and hiked back to the car. Drove a little further up the coast to Cow Head and ate in a little restaurant, then hiked the Point of the Head trail down to the shore. We hiked on huge rocks all the way to the water. The rocks were full of tide pools containing a few small fish and sea urchins. B loved all the scrambling, jumping and climbing until he slipped and scraped his leg. We spotted some motion in the ocean that we later surmised to be seals (we could hear them calling later as we hiked).
We drove back to the campsite and the kids and I took a break while M climbed Berry Hill (only 18 minute hike to the top and back). Then we drove into Rocky Harbour to buy souvenir t-shirts and some hot dogs to cook over the campfire for supper, followed by Chef J's amazing smore creations (the double-decker-half-stacker and the Volcano got rave reviews). B even created a menu of smore options.
On the second half of the boat tour, we moved to the lower deck to get out of the sun and talked with a retired couple from Georgia who were with an Airstream club. Sounded like a fun way to tour around with camping buddies from all over North America.
Docked the boat and hiked back to the car. Drove a little further up the coast to Cow Head and ate in a little restaurant, then hiked the Point of the Head trail down to the shore. We hiked on huge rocks all the way to the water. The rocks were full of tide pools containing a few small fish and sea urchins. B loved all the scrambling, jumping and climbing until he slipped and scraped his leg. We spotted some motion in the ocean that we later surmised to be seals (we could hear them calling later as we hiked).
We drove back to the campsite and the kids and I took a break while M climbed Berry Hill (only 18 minute hike to the top and back). Then we drove into Rocky Harbour to buy souvenir t-shirts and some hot dogs to cook over the campfire for supper, followed by Chef J's amazing smore creations (the double-decker-half-stacker and the Volcano got rave reviews). B even created a menu of smore options.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 6
Drove off the boat around 7:30 am and drove up Newfoundland coast to Gros Morne National Park. I napped along the way. As we got close to the park it got more and more rugged and beautiful. We stopped at the Discovery Center and saw the intro film, talked to a ranger and heard about moose and caribou populations in Gros Morne.
Then we drove to Berry Hill Campground. This park is gorgeous! Water, mountains, fir trees, rock. Beautiful boreal forests. The coastline beats anything we've seen. Awesome.
Campground is great. All sites are wooded, which gives some semblance of privacy. Nice bathrooms and kitchen shelter with wood stoves.
After setting up camp, we hiked to Bakers Brook Falls, a 10 km hike along a lot of boardwalk to a large 3-tiered waterfall. Much of the trail was wet due to recent rains, but it was an easy hike. J's knee is doing well.
After the hike, we stopped in Rocky Harbour to pick up some supper supplies. We brought them back to camp and grilled hamburgers over charcoal in our grill/firepit. Finished with smores for dessert.
Then we drove to Berry Hill Campground. This park is gorgeous! Water, mountains, fir trees, rock. Beautiful boreal forests. The coastline beats anything we've seen. Awesome.
Campground is great. All sites are wooded, which gives some semblance of privacy. Nice bathrooms and kitchen shelter with wood stoves.
After setting up camp, we hiked to Bakers Brook Falls, a 10 km hike along a lot of boardwalk to a large 3-tiered waterfall. Much of the trail was wet due to recent rains, but it was an easy hike. J's knee is doing well.
After the hike, we stopped in Rocky Harbour to pick up some supper supplies. We brought them back to camp and grilled hamburgers over charcoal in our grill/firepit. Finished with smores for dessert.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 5
Woke up and took some time to break camp and haul all our stuff back to the van. We had planned to sea kayak at Meat Cove, but they're not renting kayaks right now. Drove a little way down the road and found Eagle North Kayaks - a small, family-run outfit that rents kayaks by the hour. The woman who greeted us reminded us of Aunt Michelle. :)
We kayaked for about 2 hours. M and B in one and J and I in another. We found them to be very comfortable and easy to maneuver, but my arms got tire. We saw some giant seagulls, piping plovers, moon jellies and huge purple jellyfish with long tentacle-things. We paddled around the bay to a beach that separated the bay from the ocean where we had a break and a snack. M & B dunked in the ocean and J hunted for more cool rocks. Then we paddled back. We weren't careful enough and ran aground a couple of times. Oops. Standing birds are never a good sign.
After kayaking we drove to Black Brook Beach for a picnic lunch, then to Mary Ann Falls - M's highlight of the trip. There was a swimming hole at the bottom of the falls and some college guys were jumping from a rock about 30 feet high into the pool. Of course, M couldn't resist. He ended up doing it 3 times and was so happy. The guys even gave him a beer after the first jump.
B did a lot of swimming and rock jumping, too. His highest jump was from about 6-8 feet up and it looked plenty scary to me.
When we'd had enough, we walked back to the van and drove toward North Sydney where the ferry leaves for Newfoundland. On the way, we had to take a mini-ferry (about 2 minutes ride) across a river. We asked the ferry attendant where to eat in N. Sydney and he recommended Jane's. We went there for pizza (kids) and seafood (grown-ups). We were hungry when we got there and stuffed when we left.
We're supposed to be at the Marine Atlantic ferry at 9:30 pm, but we got there around 7:45. There was already a line. Lots of time to wait.
Boarded the ferry around 10:30 pm. Found our cabin - so cool: 2 bunks on each side, a small table, medium window, small flat-screen TV and a bathroom like in an RV - with a shower! We dropped off our stuff, then explored the ship. We were glad to have a room! There was a restaurant/bar with live music, arcade, gift shop, cafe, kids' play areas, seating with movies, quiet seating, etc. Then we went back to our room and settled into our beds. My shower felt soooo good. Kids fell asleep quickly and slept until the wake-up calls (1 hour before and 1/2 hour before disembarkment).
We kayaked for about 2 hours. M and B in one and J and I in another. We found them to be very comfortable and easy to maneuver, but my arms got tire. We saw some giant seagulls, piping plovers, moon jellies and huge purple jellyfish with long tentacle-things. We paddled around the bay to a beach that separated the bay from the ocean where we had a break and a snack. M & B dunked in the ocean and J hunted for more cool rocks. Then we paddled back. We weren't careful enough and ran aground a couple of times. Oops. Standing birds are never a good sign.
After kayaking we drove to Black Brook Beach for a picnic lunch, then to Mary Ann Falls - M's highlight of the trip. There was a swimming hole at the bottom of the falls and some college guys were jumping from a rock about 30 feet high into the pool. Of course, M couldn't resist. He ended up doing it 3 times and was so happy. The guys even gave him a beer after the first jump.
B did a lot of swimming and rock jumping, too. His highest jump was from about 6-8 feet up and it looked plenty scary to me.
When we'd had enough, we walked back to the van and drove toward North Sydney where the ferry leaves for Newfoundland. On the way, we had to take a mini-ferry (about 2 minutes ride) across a river. We asked the ferry attendant where to eat in N. Sydney and he recommended Jane's. We went there for pizza (kids) and seafood (grown-ups). We were hungry when we got there and stuffed when we left.
We're supposed to be at the Marine Atlantic ferry at 9:30 pm, but we got there around 7:45. There was already a line. Lots of time to wait.
Boarded the ferry around 10:30 pm. Found our cabin - so cool: 2 bunks on each side, a small table, medium window, small flat-screen TV and a bathroom like in an RV - with a shower! We dropped off our stuff, then explored the ship. We were glad to have a room! There was a restaurant/bar with live music, arcade, gift shop, cafe, kids' play areas, seating with movies, quiet seating, etc. Then we went back to our room and settled into our beds. My shower felt soooo good. Kids fell asleep quickly and slept until the wake-up calls (1 hour before and 1/2 hour before disembarkment).
Friday, July 22, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 4
Slept in and left hotel around 9 am. Drove to Cape Breton and ate lunch at a picnic area overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Saw a moose. Didn't see any whales.
Drove to Skyline Trail (5.7 mile loop) and hiked it. Easy hike, except 289 steps at the end. B had to do the steps twice because he left his water bottle at the bottom. :( Even J was able to limp along the trail in the knee brace we bought her today. Worked well. Saw a moose. View at the end of the trail was spectacular.
Drove to Beulach-Ban Falls, then drove toward Meat Cove Campground. First come/first served, so we hoped there would be a spot available. Stopped at a small grocery store for hot dogs and chips. Got to campground - very unique place. Campsites right on the bluff overlooking St. Lawrence Bay. Picked a campsite right on the edge, but had to walk all our stuff in from the car.
As we set up the tent, it started to sprinkle. By the time we were starting the campfire and cooking our hot dogs, it was raining pretty good. Because of my new packing restrictions ("Don't bring so much stuff!") we had no hot dog roasters, so Michael tried roasting 5 at a time on one metal tent stake. Don't recommend it. I finally found a tree (long walk) and found a couple of sticks that worked. We ate mediocre hot dogs and chips in the tent and it was great.
Rain eventually ended and we were able to get our fire going enough to roast marshmallows for smores, then go to bed. Everyone slept well.
Drove to Skyline Trail (5.7 mile loop) and hiked it. Easy hike, except 289 steps at the end. B had to do the steps twice because he left his water bottle at the bottom. :( Even J was able to limp along the trail in the knee brace we bought her today. Worked well. Saw a moose. View at the end of the trail was spectacular.
Drove to Beulach-Ban Falls, then drove toward Meat Cove Campground. First come/first served, so we hoped there would be a spot available. Stopped at a small grocery store for hot dogs and chips. Got to campground - very unique place. Campsites right on the bluff overlooking St. Lawrence Bay. Picked a campsite right on the edge, but had to walk all our stuff in from the car.
As we set up the tent, it started to sprinkle. By the time we were starting the campfire and cooking our hot dogs, it was raining pretty good. Because of my new packing restrictions ("Don't bring so much stuff!") we had no hot dog roasters, so Michael tried roasting 5 at a time on one metal tent stake. Don't recommend it. I finally found a tree (long walk) and found a couple of sticks that worked. We ate mediocre hot dogs and chips in the tent and it was great.
Rain eventually ended and we were able to get our fire going enough to roast marshmallows for smores, then go to bed. Everyone slept well.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 3
Woke up to Dad's cell phone alarm (Good Morning!) at 7:45. Everyone slept very soundly. Had breakfast at hotel, then headed out to our Clam Dig at Tranquility Cove Adventures. Perry and his crew (Lucas and Derek) were great. We donned shorty wetsuits and moved from the fishing vessel to a small boat. Jumped in the water near Boughton Island. Brrrr! Lucas showed us how to spot where a clam had dug into the sand, then we used "hacks" (rakes with 3 tines) to dig them out. B found the biggest one - probably 1 - 1.5 pounds - but we all dug up many. M started storing them in the leg of his wetsuit to save from going to the bucket each time. After we collected enough clams for lunch we took the little boat to shore where we boiled the clams. M & I tasted them raw (Perry's fave) and offered B $5 to try one. He refused, but had a large piece for $20! He did it. We enjoyed the the cooked clams more and Jordan tasted that and declared it "okay."
J's favorite thing to do at the beach was catching jellyfish! The don't have stingers, so you can hold them. She loved playing with them.
We took the small boat back to the fishing boat. Munched on fruit, granola bars, and rice krispie treats. The crew guys pulled up a mussells line, a crab pot and a lobster pot. There were many starfish in the traps as well.
Overall, it was very fun and relaxing. The crew was super nice and very knowledgeable. A great way to spend the day.
After the adventure (around 4 pm) we wandered the little town and stopped at "The Maroon Pig" for a chocolate cookie (J) and cinnamon roll (M & I). Yum!
Then we drove toward Wood Island to catch the ferry to Nova Scotia. We were early, so we drove up the coast to a Winery and tasted some varieties of PEI wine. We settled on a cranberry and a red table wine.
At the winery, J twisted her knee walking on a gravel drive - hoping it isn't too serious.
Ferry ride was fun - we played Apples to Apples in one of the lounges. Drove to Comfort Inn in New Glasgow. Nice room and shower felt great.
 |
| B holding the piece of raw clam that we challenged him to eat. |
J's favorite thing to do at the beach was catching jellyfish! The don't have stingers, so you can hold them. She loved playing with them.
We took the small boat back to the fishing boat. Munched on fruit, granola bars, and rice krispie treats. The crew guys pulled up a mussells line, a crab pot and a lobster pot. There were many starfish in the traps as well.
Overall, it was very fun and relaxing. The crew was super nice and very knowledgeable. A great way to spend the day.
After the adventure (around 4 pm) we wandered the little town and stopped at "The Maroon Pig" for a chocolate cookie (J) and cinnamon roll (M & I). Yum!
Then we drove toward Wood Island to catch the ferry to Nova Scotia. We were early, so we drove up the coast to a Winery and tasted some varieties of PEI wine. We settled on a cranberry and a red table wine.
At the winery, J twisted her knee walking on a gravel drive - hoping it isn't too serious.
Ferry ride was fun - we played Apples to Apples in one of the lounges. Drove to Comfort Inn in New Glasgow. Nice room and shower felt great.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 2
Ran very low on gas around 3am, but eventually found a 24-hour full-service Esso station. Everything here (Quebec) is in French. Some things are easy to decipher, but others are a mystery.
Beautiful sunrise around 5:30 am as we neared the New Brunswick border. Kids slept until around 6 am - pretty good. Stopped at McD's for breakfast. They have McLobster sandwiches here! Too bad it's breakfast time - we'll have to watch for them later in the trip.
Drove to Fundy National Park (could use our annual pass from our trip last summer!) and had a picnic lunch, then walked on the "beach" at low tide. This is the highest rising tide in the world. In the couple of hours that we were there, it rose about halfway up the beach. There are even large fishing boats that are dry at low tide and then rise up with the water at high tide. Weird.
We bought some souvenier t-shirts in Alma (tourist town right outside the park) then drove toward Prince Edward Island. It was kind of slow-going and we were tired!
Stopped at a Visitors' Center just before the bridge to PEI, then crossed the bridge. Drove into Charlottetown through green, rolling farmland. Checked into Econolodge. M took a quick nap while the kids swan in the outdoor pool. Then we cleaned up and drove into town for supper. We walked around for awhile looking for a good restaurant, then M asked a local firefighter and he recommended Hunter's Ale House. M, J and I enjoyed the fish and chips and tons of fries. B had chicken tenders. Then we drove back to the hotel to relax and watch TV and go to bed.
Beautiful sunrise around 5:30 am as we neared the New Brunswick border. Kids slept until around 6 am - pretty good. Stopped at McD's for breakfast. They have McLobster sandwiches here! Too bad it's breakfast time - we'll have to watch for them later in the trip.
Drove to Fundy National Park (could use our annual pass from our trip last summer!) and had a picnic lunch, then walked on the "beach" at low tide. This is the highest rising tide in the world. In the couple of hours that we were there, it rose about halfway up the beach. There are even large fishing boats that are dry at low tide and then rise up with the water at high tide. Weird.
We bought some souvenier t-shirts in Alma (tourist town right outside the park) then drove toward Prince Edward Island. It was kind of slow-going and we were tired!
Stopped at a Visitors' Center just before the bridge to PEI, then crossed the bridge. Drove into Charlottetown through green, rolling farmland. Checked into Econolodge. M took a quick nap while the kids swan in the outdoor pool. Then we cleaned up and drove into town for supper. We walked around for awhile looking for a good restaurant, then M asked a local firefighter and he recommended Hunter's Ale House. M, J and I enjoyed the fish and chips and tons of fries. B had chicken tenders. Then we drove back to the hotel to relax and watch TV and go to bed.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Day 1
Left home around 1pm. Easy boarder crossing at Port Huron - only 5-10 minute wait. Stopped at McD's for supper. J discovered that she likes bacon cheeseburgers. Kids fell asleep around 11pm and looked very comfy. B reclines fully and J has the half backseat plus a footrest made of all our sleeping bags and pads. She enjoyed making her "rat's nest" perfect.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Canadian Maritimes Original Itinerary
Tuesday, July 19 - Leave around noon. Drive pretty much all night.
Wednesday, July 20 - Drive to Prince Edward Island. Arrive around suppertime. Stay in Econo Lodge in Charlottetown PEI. 20 Lower Malpeque Road, Charlottetown PEI. (902) 368-1110. $164.63. Cancel by 7/20 1800. #01262112.
Thursday, July 21 - Drive 1 hr to Georgetown, PEI. Take Giant Bar Clam Dig Adventure with Tranquility Cove Adventures. $89.00 adult/$69.00 child. 10:30-4:00pm. Arrive at 10:15. He will run credit card upon arrival. Leave from 1 Kent Street, Fisherman's Wharf in Georgetown. Reserved via phone w/ Perry Gotell 1/7/2011 This is a warm summer activity but dress appropriately for the day. Bring warm clothing to warm up after the water experience. They provide wet suits, water socks, mask, snorkel and sunblock. All inclusive snacks are provided free onboard--Energy bars, coffee, cold drinks, fresh fruit. After Giant Bar Clam Dig Adventure, drive 40 min to Wood Island PEI. Take ferry Wood Island PEI-->Caribou NS. NFL Ferries (877) 762-7245. Arrive at least by 7:40pm for 8pm departure. #119825 $75 for ferry (paid). Stay in Comfort Inn in New Glasgow, NS. 740 Westville Rd., New Glasgow, Nova Scotia (902) 755-6450 $160.99. Cancel by 7/21 1600. #01263276.
Friday, July 22 - Drive to Meat Cove Camping on Cape Breton, Nova Scotia 5-6 hrs+stops. (902) 383-2379. Hike Skyline Trail along the way near Cheticamp (2-3hrsmax--probably 1.5-2hrs). Spend night. No reservations....first come/first serve.
Saturday, July 23 - Sea Kayak at Meat Cove. Hike Franey Trail (2-3hrs) near Ingonish. Be at North Sydney port AT LEAST by 9:30pm for 11:30pm (Sunday AM) sailing. North Sydney Terminal, 355 Purves Street, North Sydney, NS B2A 3V2, Phone: 1-800-341-7981. Booking # 1563632 $331.79 Cancel/change with 48 hrs. or $25 fee.
Sunday, July 24 - Drive 5 hrs up west coast to Gros Morne National Park. Camp at Berry Hill Campground. Confirmation# WGM0228762911B (Bring printed confirmation) $61.80 total. Sightsee along the way. Eat at Fisherman's Landing Restaurant.
Monday, July 25 - Take Western Brook Pond Tour with BonTours. (888) 458-2016. Reserved but not paid for 10am. You can purchase your ticket & park pass on the day of the tour either at our ticket kiosk located in the Ocean View Hotel in Rocky Harbour or right at the dock after the 3km walk into the tour with CASH ONLY. Please note it it CASH ONLY AT THE DOCK! Also offered @ 1pm & 4pm. $120. 2hr tour + 45 min walk each way. Explore area. Camp at Berry Hill Campground.
Tuesday, July 26 - Break camp. Hike the Lookout or Tablelands. Drive to Point Aux Basques (5 hrs). Be at Port aux Basques port AT LEAST by 10:30pm for 12:30am (Wed AM) sailing. Port aux Basques Terminal $331.79 Cancel/change with 48 hrs. or $25 fee.
Wednesday, July 27 - Arrive in North Sydney at 7am. Drive to Halifax. 5 hours. Check out Pier 21 in Halifax. Comfort Hotel, 88 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax, NS (902) 405-4555 Booking #70088080. $163.05. Cancel by 7/27 4pm.
Thursday, July 28 - Drive to Westport NS on Brier Island (2.5 hrs+2 ferries that run every hr) and stay at Brier Island Lodge. Northern Point Road, Westport, NS. (902) 839-2300 Reserved w/ Ray #RJ4028 on 11/3/10. 2 queen beds w/ ocean/lighthouse view 2nd floor. $139.00 + tax.
Friday, July 29 - Whale Watch with Brier Island Whale Watch. [emailed & prepaid w/ personal credit card 11/3/10] Please be sure to call us the morning of your cruise to check on weather conditions. (Our office opens at 7:30 am) Fog and rain is not a problem but wind may delay or even cancel departures. Bring a warm hat (toque) and gloves with you. You will be provided with a full-length floater suit. Bring food and drink with you if you wish, as we do not serve anything on the boat. Check in at 9:30am at office. 10:30am leave time. Zodiac $55?/$45? Should get 10% discount. 2-2.5 hrs trip. 24hr advance cancellation required for refund. 1-800-656-3660.
Stay at Admiral Digby Inn in Digby, NS. 441 Shore Road, Digby, NS. 902-245-2531 or 1-800-465-6262. Confirmation #645623. Cancellation by 7/29 1600. $149.50 + $10 for J.
Saturday, July 30 - Take ferry to New Brunswick. Digby-->St. John NB. Acadia Ferry. $236. Arrive at 7am for 8am departure. #119826 (paid) 3 hr trip. (877) 762-7245. Drive to Albany NY or Niagara. Stay in Choice hotel.
Sunday, July 31 - View Niagara Falls. Drive home.
Wednesday, July 20 - Drive to Prince Edward Island. Arrive around suppertime. Stay in Econo Lodge in Charlottetown PEI. 20 Lower Malpeque Road, Charlottetown PEI. (902) 368-1110. $164.63. Cancel by 7/20 1800. #01262112.
Thursday, July 21 - Drive 1 hr to Georgetown, PEI. Take Giant Bar Clam Dig Adventure with Tranquility Cove Adventures. $89.00 adult/$69.00 child. 10:30-4:00pm. Arrive at 10:15. He will run credit card upon arrival. Leave from 1 Kent Street, Fisherman's Wharf in Georgetown. Reserved via phone w/ Perry Gotell 1/7/2011 This is a warm summer activity but dress appropriately for the day. Bring warm clothing to warm up after the water experience. They provide wet suits, water socks, mask, snorkel and sunblock. All inclusive snacks are provided free onboard--Energy bars, coffee, cold drinks, fresh fruit. After Giant Bar Clam Dig Adventure, drive 40 min to Wood Island PEI. Take ferry Wood Island PEI-->Caribou NS. NFL Ferries (877) 762-7245. Arrive at least by 7:40pm for 8pm departure. #119825 $75 for ferry (paid). Stay in Comfort Inn in New Glasgow, NS. 740 Westville Rd., New Glasgow, Nova Scotia (902) 755-6450 $160.99. Cancel by 7/21 1600. #01263276.
Friday, July 22 - Drive to Meat Cove Camping on Cape Breton, Nova Scotia 5-6 hrs+stops. (902) 383-2379. Hike Skyline Trail along the way near Cheticamp (2-3hrsmax--probably 1.5-2hrs). Spend night. No reservations....first come/first serve.
Saturday, July 23 - Sea Kayak at Meat Cove. Hike Franey Trail (2-3hrs) near Ingonish. Be at North Sydney port AT LEAST by 9:30pm for 11:30pm (Sunday AM) sailing. North Sydney Terminal, 355 Purves Street, North Sydney, NS B2A 3V2, Phone: 1-800-341-7981. Booking # 1563632 $331.79 Cancel/change with 48 hrs. or $25 fee.
Sunday, July 24 - Drive 5 hrs up west coast to Gros Morne National Park. Camp at Berry Hill Campground. Confirmation# WGM0228762911B (Bring printed confirmation) $61.80 total. Sightsee along the way. Eat at Fisherman's Landing Restaurant.
Monday, July 25 - Take Western Brook Pond Tour with BonTours. (888) 458-2016. Reserved but not paid for 10am. You can purchase your ticket & park pass on the day of the tour either at our ticket kiosk located in the Ocean View Hotel in Rocky Harbour or right at the dock after the 3km walk into the tour with CASH ONLY. Please note it it CASH ONLY AT THE DOCK! Also offered @ 1pm & 4pm. $120. 2hr tour + 45 min walk each way. Explore area. Camp at Berry Hill Campground.
Tuesday, July 26 - Break camp. Hike the Lookout or Tablelands. Drive to Point Aux Basques (5 hrs). Be at Port aux Basques port AT LEAST by 10:30pm for 12:30am (Wed AM) sailing. Port aux Basques Terminal $331.79 Cancel/change with 48 hrs. or $25 fee.
Wednesday, July 27 - Arrive in North Sydney at 7am. Drive to Halifax. 5 hours. Check out Pier 21 in Halifax. Comfort Hotel, 88 Chain Lake Drive, Halifax, NS (902) 405-4555 Booking #70088080. $163.05. Cancel by 7/27 4pm.
Thursday, July 28 - Drive to Westport NS on Brier Island (2.5 hrs+2 ferries that run every hr) and stay at Brier Island Lodge. Northern Point Road, Westport, NS. (902) 839-2300 Reserved w/ Ray #RJ4028 on 11/3/10. 2 queen beds w/ ocean/lighthouse view 2nd floor. $139.00 + tax.
Friday, July 29 - Whale Watch with Brier Island Whale Watch. [emailed & prepaid w/ personal credit card 11/3/10] Please be sure to call us the morning of your cruise to check on weather conditions. (Our office opens at 7:30 am) Fog and rain is not a problem but wind may delay or even cancel departures. Bring a warm hat (toque) and gloves with you. You will be provided with a full-length floater suit. Bring food and drink with you if you wish, as we do not serve anything on the boat. Check in at 9:30am at office. 10:30am leave time. Zodiac $55?/$45? Should get 10% discount. 2-2.5 hrs trip. 24hr advance cancellation required for refund. 1-800-656-3660.
Stay at Admiral Digby Inn in Digby, NS. 441 Shore Road, Digby, NS. 902-245-2531 or 1-800-465-6262. Confirmation #645623. Cancellation by 7/29 1600. $149.50 + $10 for J.
Saturday, July 30 - Take ferry to New Brunswick. Digby-->St. John NB. Acadia Ferry. $236. Arrive at 7am for 8am departure. #119826 (paid) 3 hr trip. (877) 762-7245. Drive to Albany NY or Niagara. Stay in Choice hotel.
Sunday, July 31 - View Niagara Falls. Drive home.
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