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.