June 27, Nappan to Tracadie Sheila, 94 km

We had a wonderful stay at Flora and Gregès to the point that I feel that we oosted them out of their own home!  Flora worked non stop, cooking, baking.  They gave up their bedrooms for us and she, Greg and their children Andrew, Hunter and Christina had a big sleepover in their great room.  I am so grateful for their wonderful hospitality.  Bob and I were awake just after 6 and checked the skies.  Things were looking good, so we packed up.  Had a great breakfast, again thanks to Flora...and Ricki who was at the table decided to come and do a ride with us.  Geoff had decided last night that they were abandoning the ride due to the weather net work and Bev,s brother was coming to pick them up in Nappan.  Ricki was looking at the skies and I think wishing that he was continuing along with Bob and I.  Just as we were saying goodbyes to Flora, Greg and family, Pam arrives and wanted to join Ricki to do a bit of a ride with us.  We all departed around 7:45 and we said our farewells to those two when we reached the bridge to cross over into Miramichi.  That ride across the bridge was a treat!!   NOT.  Freaking scarey.  No shoulder on the bridge so we had to cycle in the footpath which was about 4 feet wide.  Bridge span on one side and a drop of 15 inches to the pavement on the other.  Problem being the footpath was in rough shape and shadows from the span made concentration awkward....and the bridge was about half a km long.  Well as I came done the other side my depth perception was clouded and I hit a hollow which dislodged one of my panniers and it flew off....luckily not on the road side, and luckily the span prevented it from flying over into the river.  But it did not  knock me from my bike, which I will be eternally thankful for!!  I will admit that it is the second scariest moment of my cycling events ever!!  When Bob stopped to retreive my pannier and caught up to me he even commented on how frightening that was.  From there it was clear sailing.  We stopped about 25 km down the road for a banana and then at about 55 km for coffee and a muffin at a restaurant.  While inside we had a sunshower, but we didn,t get wet.  We continued on through little villages and great highway with a wide shoulder.  Bob and I were able to ride side by side for most of the trip today.  We arrived in Tracadie Sheila at 12:40 having made great time.  Our average speed thus far for the entire trip is 21.5  and that ainèt too shabby considering what we are hauling!!  We are staying at a lovely hotel L Auberge Centre-Ville.  It is situated on the water and we look across at the downtown.  The wind is blowing, and I have wash hanging on my bike to dry.  Our room is well equipped with fridge and microwave so we are going to the grocery store to bring back supper to cook, nuke or whatever.  I am sorry that Geoff and gang gave in to the weather as they would have enjoyed the day.  Geoff planned on this motel for the stop, so we are thankful that he picked a great place.  I will miss the others but it is nice to cycle with Bob as we both seem quite content on the bikes and enjoy the scenery and the places we visit.  He is sitting with a gin and tonic and I think I may go and join him.  During the ride this morning I was thinking about a quilt pattern for Mitziès quilt....  I have several ideas, but when I get home and put idea to hands and machines sometimes they donèt work as well as envisioned.  Excuse all typos as using french keyboard.