August 11, 2016

Driving west and south down the Cabot Trail headed to Beach St. Pierre. We both think the “best” part of the road was on the East Coast before Cape Smokey Provincial Park. Best meaning, on the edge, steep grades, hairpin turns. We’ve climbed to over 1000 ft. at least 4 times, which means you have to come down and usually quicker than you went up. The roads are in pretty good shape, although there has been a lot of road construction too.

 

August 9, 2016

We drove about 20 minutes north to a very quaint fishing village, named Bay St . Lawrence. Did a whale watch on a converted lobster boat. The pilot whales; we saw about 8 at one time, were within a kilometer of shore! They came close to the boat, a couple whales had calves at their sides. The captain was quietly humorous. This company is “pet friendly” and Rhylee got his first sealegs! He shyly made friends with some of the passengers, but mostly hunkered down in the shade under the seats. The captain took the boat into some tiny, rocky alcoves for seal watching.

We also watched Northern Gannets, a sea bird, plunge-diving from about 100ft up straight down into the ocean, wings folded back, catching dinner.

 

August 9

Beautiful! Warm and windy! Photos do not do the scenery justice, however I will post some anyway. We are at a campground overlooking South Harbour and Aspy Bay. Hiking and sightseeing.

First pic- Clare and Rhylee  at White Point, White Island beyond and Money Point the headland way over. Second, upper, Ingonish Landing. Third, lower, Aconi Point. Lower Photo, Linda at Broad Cove, in an Adirondack Chair on a precipice over a waterfall.

August 4

So, we were looking at a map of Cape Breton, finding our next campground, talking on the phone with the owner. She tells us she has a site with hookups and then asks what type of camper we have. Good…then she says, “I don’t know if you will fit on the ferry”, and we both said in unison, “WHAT FERRY??” OMG! We are looking at the map, yes there is a lot of water in Cape Breton, but we could not see a ferry near where we were going. I blow up the map over and over again, while the owner and her husband are chuckling at us, and lo and behold there is a little TINY ferry crossing. It’s less than a five-minute ride on a cable ferry that saves about an hour drive. 7 bucks Canadian for any vehicle that will fit- we did.

The exchange rate is awesome about 27% in our favor. However, banks won’t exchange for you per a new federal rule that means you need an account with them.

Visa is accepted most places, but with a fee. It’s always something…

The scenery, of course, is spectacular and we have only seen a tiny bit of the island. We head up the East Coast today for some sightseeing and hiking.

August 2, 2016

We overnighted in Sussex, NB at a Walmart- free with great internet, then Pictou, NS at a beautiful Provincial Park- Caribou and Munroe Islands. We walked a lovely sand beach, the ocean water was warm enough to swim in, but I didn’t quite have the time.

The fridge in the camper has never worked, since we bought this brand new camper May 1. Finally, on Monday, August 1, after lots of rigmarole, we had a new fridge installed under warranty! YIPPEE! Ice cream never tasted so good!

July 15-22, 2016

We are at Sunset Point Campground this week, doing as little as possible. Well, that is not exactly true, as we have made several enhancements to the Camper and done some sightseeing and hiking.  I am slowly recuping from Lyme and the meds. Clare is starting to remember he is retired and can relax! Rhylee is a curious tourist.

Friday- July 9

Wait…what? No, this is Cobscook Bay State Park, Downeast Maine. But, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease on Thursday and have been pretty sick waiting for the meds to kick in.

Anyway, we are here and it is quiet, peaceful and foggy—perfect.

Sunday- July 10

Still rainy and foggy, which is still perfectly restful. Sun may shine tomorrow. We are working out bugs in the Camper, and designing ways to maximize the space we have.

Home on Tuesday, and we leave again on Friday to Harrington, Maine.

May 27-30, 2016

Flanders Bay, Sullivan Maine, Memorial Day Weekend. The first true “sea trial” of our truck and camper, aka road test. And it was a SUCCESS! Coming back to face school was really hard.

May 23, 2016

…well not quite “go”, but soon…this Friday we head Downeast to Flanders Bay in Sullivan for Memorial Day Weekend. The camper fridge has not worked yet (but an appt. with an RV repair guy is on the calendar for June) , so extreme ice will be on board. Food is bought, the leveling system is set, and excitement is building.