Little Brook to Digby 55 km. Saint John to Quispam 26 km



Renette and Norm



After the lobster dinner we returned to Su Ben  had an enjoyable evening with Norman and Renette and a friend Renee who dropped by.  They played guitar and we sang and had a few drinks.  Slept well as I could hear the ocean waves on the shore across the street.  We came down for breakfast at 8:30 and I had the lobster omlette and Bob had the scallop one.  We shared giving the opportunity to savour both.  Yummy!!  Bob took some time to clean up the bikes and we were on the road by about 11:15, a bit later than I wanted.  When you are on a time schedule to catch a ferry you don't want to be late!!!!  As Murphy's Law would have it, I had a blow on the rear tire at the 11 km mark!!!  Just barely into the ride.  It was another "gunshot" blow, scares the living daylights out of you.  I had the panniers off and was moving off the side and a man from across the street offered for us to come in the shade of his yard to do change the tire.  We thanked him for his offer, but stayed put as the bike was already in the process.  He stayed to chat with us, an interesting man.  John Browing.....not an Acadian name, however his mother was an Acadian.  He had lived in Ontario most of his life but moved back when his mother's health was failing and eventually stayed.  We were back on the road within 15 minutes and as always, after a flat you are always leary about weakness in the tire and having another......but after cycling 5 km I became more at ease.  It was a lovely hot day and the scenery looking across the water to Long Island and Brier Island was neat.  Windmills appear to be so large in the distance on Long Island.  We stopped at a roadside market and picked up some peas in shell, and small plums.   Later on we found a NS Provincial Roadside Park and stopped for a snack.  It provided another lovely view as it was right on the water.  I had the wits scared out of me when I knocked on the bathroom door to see if it was occupied and a dog barked!!!!  I thought "who has locked a dog in the bathroom"?  And then a voice said "I'll be right out"...    I enjoyed cycling through Weymouth, a very pretty little spot, off the beaten track as the #101 bypasses it.  Bob and I had cycled the #1 so got to see the lovely little towns.  We arrived in Digby at 3:10 and stopped at the Info centre as we wanted to find out about Brier Island as earlier on the trip we had made plans with Trev and Tam to connect on the labour day weekend in Sept and Brier Island was the suggested spot.  Found out that it is the motorycle ralley in Digby that weekend, with over 5000 motrcyclists, so we decided to reconsider meeting place and will discuss with them later.  To the ferry, purchased tickets and got on board almost immediately  so it was good timing.  The ferry has changed over the years, for the better I think.  They have an information centre on board; a guide to tell about the Bay of Fundy and all that pertains to; and a movie.  Bob and I prefer to sit on the upper level.  They have a Starbucks and a snack bar on that level.  The dining area has a good menu and good food at a very reasonable price.  Bob and I had   large orders of fish and chips and beer and it was just over $25.00  The temperature was quite nice and we were able to spend some time outside.  Arriving in Saint John it was very mild, didn't even need a jacket, which surprised me as I anticipated fog and about 12 degrees!  NOT.  We were the first off the boat and made great time meandering the west side to get to the via duct and onto the main #1 from the city centre.  The wind, if any, was at our backs and we made great time coming home.  It was a little dicey through the first two interchanges as cars merged onto the highway from our right....but when we got a bit further along the shoulder was good and large and we could stay away from the speeding cars.  We got off at the Rothesay exit and cycled along the beautiful Kennebecasis to home.  Our cats were in the yard....and didn't seem to have missed us.  Life was normal to them.  Although it was good to be home, I really could have spent more time on the road.  Total distance traveled 1941 km.



West Side Saint John, off ferry and heading to Quispamsis



Sunday was good to be back at church and meet up with friends and catch up on the news.  We went for groceries and I was lucky to find the 75% off plants at Sobeys.  I stocked up on the annuals, to help refurbish the deer eaten yard with some colour.......  On a sad note, we stopped to pay our respects to our friend George Theriautl.    It is arranged that the cycling friends will have one last ride with George following the hearse from the funeral home to the church.  My bike will fly the Acadian flag in his honour.

July 27, Yarmouth to Little Brook, 64 km
It was a sombre day. Bob and I found out on Thursday night that fellow cyclist and friend George Theriault died of a heart attack while mowing the lawn at his cottage in Lameque. He had just turned 60 on June 5. To celebrate this he had cycled from vancouver to Edmonton amd then took turns to Winnipeg then cycled down to Minnesota to meet up with Dina and family. Bob and I are still on shock over the news of his death. I purchased an Acadien flag and it flew at half mast from the back of my bike.
 The camp site we stayed in was nice. It had been drizzling on the ride in and was humid so lots of mosquitos. We had dinner and made campfire and sat and listened to the kids play hide and seek in the near by woods. We went to bed at ten and all I did was think about George. I did manage to sleep, and listen to the rain off and on through the night.

We slept in til 8;30 as it rained til then. It stopped enabling us to cook breakfast and pack up. We stopped in the shelter of the lodge for anout 30 minutes during more rain nit headed off in light drizzle to Yarmouth stopping for lunch as it was almost noom. Rain stopped and skies cleared alomg the # 1. Nice villages along the way with many, many blue hydrangeas all along. We actually first noticed them yesterday so obviously this area is a good growing environment for that plant.

June Deveau's studio

We stop at an Acadien artist, June Deveau's studio. She was very informative of the acadien culture, history and as it is the beginning of the Acadien festival told us of local events we might want to see. Back on bikes to Su Ben B &B where we are now. Hosts Renette and

Norm are great people! Loaned us their car so Bob and I could get to a lobster dinner in Belliveau's cove. Great lobsters! Back to the house to sit with wine, beer while they played guitar and sang. Lots of fun. Now waiting for breakfast, lobster omlette. Will hit road around 11 for our 45 km cycle to Digby to catch ferry to Saint John. Vacation drawing to an end! Boo hoo.... It had been a great 5 weeks on the road'

Shelburne to Arcadia, 119 km

Woke up a few times in the night as I was cold. The stars were so bright and it was a beautiful and clear night. My mattress only needed to be blown up twice through the night or perhaps I managed to sleep when it had gone flat. Got up at 6:30, made breakfast and leisurely packed up and on road by 8:40. Last night we perused the maps and decided to take the #103 to Barrington and then switch to the 3. We had only reached Clyde River when we stopped for our second breakfast.

The route from Barrington was along the shore through Shag Harbour, Woods Harbour, the 4 Pubnico's, all the Argyle's ( all of these remote spots have East, Middle and Central). We stop many times to just rest, take a snack. We wanted to find a restaurant but none in sight. At Pubnico I got really excited as there were several signs for restautants and I read one about called Lobster something? Well, I could actually taste the lobster roll I envisioned and was salavating. Then the disappointment to realize it was 11 km away from the #3 highway. We eventually stopped to have some of our pita bread, cheese and peanut butter. Not the same as a lobster roll but fills the tummy when you are bonking. By the time we reach Tusket I am in a snit because the road divides and no roadsign to indicate the #3. I stop at the one and only store and ask. We are given directions to the campground we are seeking in Arcadia and picked up some grub. I down a litre of chocolate milk... I think it only took 3 swallows!

  Back on bikes for the final 18 km to "Campers Haven" where we have set up. It is muggy and we had to don our rain jackets this afternoon as there was a bit of rain. The mosquitos are out in full force. We bought those coils that you burn and they seem to help a bit. We have been using them the entire trip. Bob has showered and now I will head out to do so. Tomorrow is only about 60 km to our destination in Little Brook. I seem to be getting into better humour after the long day. I think the gin and tonic is helping (;-0

Monday July 23- Wed July 25


Shelburne, where "The Scarlett Letter" was fimed



Monday I got up just after 6 to thank Vicki and Peter for having us for the weekend. They were both off to work so Bob and I had breakfast, cleaned up, packed up and were on road by 8:20. We stopped in Bridgewater at the tourist info to get campground listings and I used the internet. The trip to Ponhook was quick, only about 45 km and after we stopped at the market in Wileville we arrived at the cabin just after 11. Ernie was just getting tea so we joined him and had an early lunch. I was hungry. Bob and his dad made a trip to the store for some beer and hamburger buns. We wandered over to his neighbour, Bonnie, Ray and Muriel and sat out for the afternoon. A childhood friend of Bob's, Nancy Wills and her husband Mike, joined us. They have the cottage near Ernie's so are close by, but it was the first time I had met them. It was a pleasant afternoon with lots of laughs. We had supper, cleaned up and were heading back over when we saw the 5 of them heading to our campfire spot. There is a ban on fire's so we had to pretend. I was beat so at 11 headed to bed and it wasn't long after before everyone headed back to their respective cabins. Tuesday it rained, rained and rained. It cleared a bit in the afternoon, enough for Bob to rake the beach. I made a nice dinner after spending a relaxing day reading. About 9 the lightening show started and the thunder rolled, and rolled and boomed. By 11 it was over. Woke this morning before 6 and we were up, packed, had breakfast and were on the bikes by 8:10. It was a beautiful morning, fresh wirh lovely smells and little traffic. We had the wind at our back and made it to Liverpool, 35 km for our second breakfast and hit Superstore for snacks. Back on bikes at 10:30 and stuck to the #103 for most of the ride. It was a boring drive but quick with wind at our backs. At exit #23 we ran ino another group of young cyclists who are from Mass. Bob and I passed them; we stopped in Shelburne at Sobeys and the NSLC (;-0 and headed on the #3 briefly to the Islands Campground. A lovely spot. They let you drive around to pick the site you want! Big mistake as Bob and I can't make up our mind. The guide suggests a site right on the water with a covered pucnic area so we take it. The wind is blowing, strong and Bob ties the tent to some trees to prevent it from blowing away. Finally I decide to walk back a bit and find lot 29, my first choice. I send Bob back to the office to switch sites. We dismantled everything and trotted off to the less windy site. It is perfect. Everything set up, and I have showered. Now sitting in lodge using internet. Ironically the cyclists that we passed earlier today are setting up in the windy area we vacated. We will go to speak with them later. Bob must be wondering where I am, so best get back and start supper. Today was a 104 km day. Heading to Yarmouth tomorrow.




 

Weekend at Louis Head, July 20-22

Friday morning Bob and I cycled around Lunenburg picking up a few things for my mom. Also to the PO to pick up a package from Chris.... My vitamins and a shirt that Bob had left behind. Thanks Chris.

Inside my sister's cottage

My mom doesn't have a car, but manages quite well with the help of friends and taxi's. While we are out,  she at 86 is off to "Curves" for some exercise!!





Bob and I pack up and leave for Dayspring to my sister's house arriving just after two. Wasn't long before we were in car and enroute to cottage in Louis Head, about an hour and half away. Peter and Vicki's cottage is right on the beach, a beautiful spot, paradise. The sound of the ocean waves and smell of salt air ever constant. We were able to see the endangered piping plover and her four recently hatched chicks scurry around. Pete and Vicki did some renno's to the cottage this summer and were busy with some finishing work. Bob spent time painting to help out and I did a bit too. The "green headed" fly was out in full force and you would spend much time swatting at this annoying large type of horse fly. Enjoyed the beach, reading, relaxing and staring out at the ocean.

Returned to Dayspring last night an now getting ready to head off to Ponhook Lake to spend a few days with Bob's dad.

Looking from loft to the beach

Will leave on Wed and continue along the # 3 and # 103 to Shelburne, then Yarmouth and Friday to a neat b and B in Little Brook that serves a great lobster omlette for breakfast. Will hit Digby on Sat to catch ferry back to Saint John.

Paradise, Louis Head

July 19, Halifax to Lunenburg



Enroute near Chester



Gold River Bridge using trail



Although Tamara had the day off and Jordyn was at home, we had to adjust our schedule to enable us to meet up with my sister at her cottage in Louis Head this weekend, so we had to leave.  It was a fun few days with Trev, Tam and Jordyn, too quick, but we have made arrangements to try to get together the long weekend in September.  Trev had a bit of excitement at 6 this morning when 4 young racoons were terrorizing his back yard.  One was on the roof of the house, two inside the pool fence and on the deck where one eventually fell into the pool through the cover, but managed to get out!!  He took some videos on his phone, which was neat.  These little critters must have lost their mom and were busy scurrying all over.  Bob and I packed up the bikes and headed out around 9:40.  Tam met us about 5 minutes away with a pair of sandals I had forgotton, so we got to say good bye to Jordyn one more time.  We used the trail system all the way to Hubbards, about 40 km  where we stopped at the Trellis for lunch.  It was a lovely spot and we had crab quiche and a lovely mandarain salad.   A female RCMP officer stopped to talk to us...she does some biking, patrolling the trail system although today she was in her vehicle.  Ironically she had been born in Saint John.  I asked her what the traffic was like as I wanted to ride the road for a bit rather than the dusty trail and she said that she had been educating the motoring public about "the metre" rule for when passing cyclists.  She must be doing a  good job because we found the cars that passed us were not as aggressive as those back home and we were given a wide berth....Kudos to her!!! We cycled the road into Chester where we stopped for some fruit at a supermarket.   We got back on the trail the other side of Chester and hit some rugged and rough places that the ATV's have ruined.  It was horrible riding, as the centre hump was high and the ruts left by the tires made you feel that you were riding inside a bowl.  Not pleasant.  We did get to go over the Gold River/Western Shore bridge which was neat.  At another spot outside of Western Shore I hit some loose gravel and over I went....my first fall of the trip.  I was going slow enough that no damage to myself or bike.  We got back on the road for a lovely drive into Mahone Bay and then along the ocean for a bit into Lunenburg arriving just before 4.  My mom happened to be looking out of her kitchen window when she saw us heading up from the intersection....great to see her.  We parked our bikes up on her floor in the multi purpose room, which isn't being used tonight.  During the ride today Bob suggested that perhaps we could leave our bikes at my sister's tomorrow and DRIVE  with her to her cottage, if she had room.  That way we could come back with them on Sunday night, stay over with her.  Resume our ride on Monday heading to Ponhook Lake for a few days with his dad and then on Wednesday head back down through Lockeporte, Shelburne, Yarmouth and to Digby.  It made perfect sense and that way we wouldn't be "back tracking" as would have been the case with my original plan to meet up with my sister.  I emailed her from the restaurant when we were having lunch in Hubbards and heard back from her immediately, so that is now the plan.  It will give me some more time with my mom as well, so that is good.  We will leave here after lunch tomorrow and head to Dayspring to meet up with my sister and head to Louis Head for the weekend.  Looking forward to some time on the beach!!   I will have access to her computer on Monday, but once we leave for Ponhook we have no cell service, or computer access, so it will be hard to keep in touch. 

Montreal to Halifax, VIA rail. July 15-16
On Saturday the Montreal heat was steamy. Claudine went to the market and picked up supplies for a picnic. We packed up and headed for Jarry park, about a 10 mimute walk away arriving at 11:30 just as the pool was opening. We picked a nice spot under the shade of a tree to set up. Rose loved the pool and enjoyed the water. The picnic was fun and relaxing. Stacy, a friend of Chris', arrived at the pool and sat with is for awhile and Rose loved playing "chase" with him. We headed back to the apt. around two so Bob and Chris could work on a few of the ongoing projects. A friend of Bob and I, Barb Clarke, who now lives in Montreal came by for a visit. It was great to see her. We ordered Indian food for dinner, which was lovely and a bit spicey. Nana bathed Rose and put her to bed. We sat outside on the front porch, enjoying the heat but made for an early night. I had trouble sleeping as it was too hot despite the fan in the room.
Sunday Rose was up just after 7. They were heading to a friend's cottage for the day so were leaving at 10. Nana certainly had a lump in her throat as she kissed, hugged and said "good bye" to Rose. When the car drove put of sight Bob and I went inside to the "quietness" and kept busy with some housework to drown our sorrows. We packed up our gear, loaded the bikes and cycled downtown to the VIA station. We were able to check in immediately as it wasn't busy. We also checked in the bikes but had to remove the panniers which we checked through as luggage keeping only a small bag which had our gear for onboard the train. Once checked in we were able to wander the downtown, malls etc. I found a pair of Clarke Privo sandals on sale which I donned immediately. We picked up some food for onboard the train and had something to eat as well. Next we queued for the train but discovered once inside the holding lounge that the train was going to be 30 minutes late leaving. Although it was a lounge it wasn't the sort of lounge Bob expected....non alcoholic. We did make good of the free juices though. Once onboard we found our car and "cabin"....my first time ever for booking one. It was cute, comfortable and well equipped and we settled in immediately. It was neat leaving the station and watching the tall buildings of the city fade away. I was tired and after we had a snack I was ready for bed. It was just after 9:15 !! The lull and slight sway of the moving train is comforting and puts you into an easy sleep. I was awakened after an hour to the sound of thunder and a great lightening show which lasted about 20 minutes. It is dark outside so you really can't tell where you are. That was my only disappointment of the ride as I wanted to recognize some of the places we had cycled through. I slept very well but would wake up every so often and look outside trying to figure out just where we were. The train can move along at a good speed and our seats were facing backwards so much of the landscape was a blurr. Dawn was breaking as we passed along the Matepedia river and through the valley, a scenic spot. At the Matepedia station those passengers heading for the Gaspe region switch trains and they depart heading on the opposite side of the river. Entering NB we switch our watches ahead the hour, Bob and I are up so we fold up the bearths and just sit in the cabin, enjoying our breakfast and Bob had found coffee at one of the canteen cars. From here the travel was on familiar territory, nothing exciting to see, so we read and I dozed, alot, must have been the lack of fresh air. When we got to Moncton I was looking for "maltmaster", who is an acquaintance I met on the internet a few years ago. We both play a word game and chat now and then. My mom and dad had met him as well and mom and maltmaster still play the same word game as well. Anyhow, Maltmaster (aka Fred Durette) is going to be driving the train from Moncton to Halifax. We connect to say hello but he is busy getting up to the front of the train so we don't have much time to chat. The train was late getting into Moncton due to the late departure from Montreal however we must have gained time with Fred at the helm because we arrived in Halifax at the scheduled time. We did get to see him and chat briefly while we waited for our bikes, panniers and tent which all arrived intact. It didn't take long to load bikes with gear and head off from the station and cycle through Halifax to Joseph Howe Drive to connect with the wonderful trail leading to Timberlea.
It was an 18 km ride to Trev's and we arrived just before 7. It was hugs and kisses for Jordyn who seemed quite excited to see us. Trev and Tam had eaten and cleaned up dinner before our arrival as they weren't sure when we would be there. Tam whipped us up a lovely meal in no time which we really enjoyed and appreciated as our bellies were empty. We played with Jordyn until her bedtime and I went to bed no long after. Slept really good as I never heard Trev get up to walk Sage (dog) at 6 or leave for work.
 Jordyn was to start at her new daycare but was feeling out of sorts with a cold, so much to our delight Tam asked if she could stay home with us. I had called my childhood friend, Wendy, who lives near Trev to come over. When she arrived we called Jo-Anne and Bob who were home and they arrived about an hour later. We had a great afternoon around the pool with Jordyn being the centre of attention and seemed to be loving it!! Mike joined us when he got off work. Bob had picked up some meat, and Mike and I went to the market for veges. You can imagine the surprise Trev and Tam must have felt when they returned home from work to find a pool party taking place and their two year old in the midst!! We had a great dinner and sat outside ti 8:30 when the weather got misty. It was a great day, unplanned, and was such fun. Jordyn hadn't napped so was asleep within a few minutes of Tam putting her down to bed. A really pleasant day with great friends and family!!