One of the best things about staying at Walmart is that it is so easy to get out in the morning. Just close up the slide and turn the ignition key. In about five minutes we were on the highway and moving toward New Brunswick.
Our original plan was to stop in St.Andrews, New Brunswick at a nice campground that we have stayed at before. It is oceanfront, right on the Bay of Fundy. But along the way we thought it better to cross the border and stay in Calais, Maine. Our choice there was a small campground beside a large motor inn. We can't really call it a campground. It was a small parking lot across the street from the main part of the motel and they had put in electric hook up posts. But it was convenient.
From there we drove to Bar Harbor to a campground that we have used before and we are near Acadia National Park, which we like very much. We stayed four nights and lobster has been our dinner every night.
Our trip is nearing its end as is this blog. I don't think there will be much more excitement to this trip. The excitement of the last few days, for those who know us personally, has been about all we can take.
I shall post travel statistics as I did last year as well as some thoughts about Newfoundland.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Out of Order
Sorry, the last three posts are out of order. ( if that matters). First we did the Vikings, then Western Brook Pond and then off to the ferry and Nova Scotia.
Monday, July 20, 2015
We visited the Vikings and we were the Vikings
L'Anse Aux Meadows is a World Heritage Site. Through excavations done late in the last century (not so long ago), it was definitely determined that Vikings were in the area around the year 1,000. That would make them the first Europeans in North America. They were only there for three to five years. They came from Greenland. They came for the natural resources, timber, to repair boats. It is felt that they left because of problems with the native peoples that were already there. The name Vikings connotes marauders.
This point is very far north in Newfoundland.
There are two parts to the visit. A Parks Canada guide tours us through the areas that were excavated. They don't look like excavations. The guide said that the mounds were returned to the state in which they were found, ready for further excavation in the future.
Then there is the recreated area. There are several buildings.
The buildings are made of peat blocks with earthen roofs.
Inside, the rooms are recreated, with eating, sleeping and work areas.
It was extremely cold and blustery that day, probably 35 degrees with the wind chill. This is Newfoundland and northern Newfoundland as well. It was a good walk from the visitor center to the site. We felt like Vikings, braving the elements.
Off the island and on to Nova Scotia
Today was travel day. We had a reservation on the ferry... this time the short ferry, about six hours.
We stayed last night at a campground about one-half hour away from the ferry. So a quick stop for one more Iceberg Beer and off we go. We are trying to find out how much alcohol we can bring into the US and ....what the heck? We arrived at Port Aux Basques and got in the line with lots of other RVs and cars.
Our boat was waiting.
As we waited in line, a man came to each vehicle. He came over to us and said he needed to look inside our vehicle. We opened the door and he asked if we had any potatoes or other root vegetables. We did not. He noticed the box of Iceberg Beer that was sitting on the floor. He said, I cannot let you take that. We need it for Friday night! Then he laughed saying to Les: You should have seen your face! The beer stayed in our possession.
Finally time to board.
The trip was about six hours. There are comfortable lounge chairs. You can also rent a cabin, but for a trip that starts about noon and ends at six, it didn't make sense. All that is in the cabin are beds, not even a place to sit. We read for a while, ate lunch in the restaurant, napped a bit in the area that said No Sleeping, and so it passed.
We arrived in Sydney, Nova Scotia at about 6 PM, after moving our watches back one-half hour. Newfoundland is so special that it has its own time zone.
We decided to drive about two hours and we stopped a bit before 9 at a Walmart. We, or should I say, I, have never been driving that late. But it was still light out and we had been sitting on the ferry all day. There were three other RVs in the lot. We were parked together, like circling the wagons. Well, it wasn't "like" circling the wagons, it WAS circling the wagons. This Walmart even had wifi in the lot . It was some of the best we have had. And our satellite TV is working again.
We stayed last night at a campground about one-half hour away from the ferry. So a quick stop for one more Iceberg Beer and off we go. We are trying to find out how much alcohol we can bring into the US and ....what the heck? We arrived at Port Aux Basques and got in the line with lots of other RVs and cars.
Our boat was waiting.
As we waited in line, a man came to each vehicle. He came over to us and said he needed to look inside our vehicle. We opened the door and he asked if we had any potatoes or other root vegetables. We did not. He noticed the box of Iceberg Beer that was sitting on the floor. He said, I cannot let you take that. We need it for Friday night! Then he laughed saying to Les: You should have seen your face! The beer stayed in our possession.
Finally time to board.
The trip was about six hours. There are comfortable lounge chairs. You can also rent a cabin, but for a trip that starts about noon and ends at six, it didn't make sense. All that is in the cabin are beds, not even a place to sit. We read for a while, ate lunch in the restaurant, napped a bit in the area that said No Sleeping, and so it passed.
We arrived in Sydney, Nova Scotia at about 6 PM, after moving our watches back one-half hour. Newfoundland is so special that it has its own time zone.
We decided to drive about two hours and we stopped a bit before 9 at a Walmart. We, or should I say, I, have never been driving that late. But it was still light out and we had been sitting on the ferry all day. There were three other RVs in the lot. We were parked together, like circling the wagons. Well, it wasn't "like" circling the wagons, it WAS circling the wagons. This Walmart even had wifi in the lot . It was some of the best we have had. And our satellite TV is working again.
Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne
We are traveling back south in the province. We go back through Gros Morne National Park and it is time to take the boat ride on Western Brook Pond. This is probably the number one popular activity in the park.
The pond is an inland pond. It is like a fjord, though technically not a real fjord. First you must walk 3 km. to get to the boat dock. It is an easy walk through some woods and bog.
The boat ride gives a lot of information about the geology of the area.
We now know why this is such a popular attraction. Liked it.
The pond is an inland pond. It is like a fjord, though technically not a real fjord. First you must walk 3 km. to get to the boat dock. It is an easy walk through some woods and bog.
The boat ride gives a lot of information about the geology of the area.
We now know why this is such a popular attraction. Liked it.
Newfoundland has a good creative team
There are lots of clever posters in the information centers. Below are two of the many we saw.
Whales and Icebergs, for real and close up
The drive to St. Anthony is quite beautiful. It is mostly right along the St. Lawrence Seaway. The road is two lanes. There is one fishing village after another. The names of some are; Brig Bay, Plum Point, Pond Cove, Nameless Cove, Eddie' s Cove, Deadman's Cove. Sometimes the coast is rocky with waves crashing. Sometimes it seems like a sandy beach. Finally a town approaches. We drive down Main St and find the parking lot for our boat adventure.
This is our little boat.
We went slowly through the harbor. There were boats docked all around. Lobster season ended last week, so lobster traps were piled up. The search was on to spot whales.
Quickly our guide saw two and we followed them for a while. They put on a pretty good show.
Then it was time to circle the two very large icebergs in the bay.
The shapes are incredible, formed mostly by wind and water. As we circled the iceberg, the theme from Titanic was playing.
The captain then took the boat near a little piece of iceberg floating along. The guide used a net and hauled it in.
Then he chopped it up.
We tasted 10,000 year old water, in frozen form.
Notice the cute little puffin hat. Perfect for South Carolina.
This is our little boat.
We went slowly through the harbor. There were boats docked all around. Lobster season ended last week, so lobster traps were piled up. The search was on to spot whales.
Quickly our guide saw two and we followed them for a while. They put on a pretty good show.
Then it was time to circle the two very large icebergs in the bay.
The shapes are incredible, formed mostly by wind and water. As we circled the iceberg, the theme from Titanic was playing.
Then he chopped it up.
We tasted 10,000 year old water, in frozen form.
Notice the cute little puffin hat. Perfect for South Carolina.
Going north to Port Aux Choix
Port Aux Choix is another fishing village. Actually, every village in Newfoundland is a fishing village. This one was said to be very prosperous. Since I am now the driver, we shall not be going many miles each day. Today was about 90 miles. This village has a national historic site. It highlights the settlements here over the last 5000 years. I saw a list of the National Historic Sites in Newfoundland and I think we have been to every one but about three.
We are staying at another Lion's Club run campground. We have been to three and they have all been right at the water's edge.
This is the view from our campsite. You may notice the gray sky and fog. This is a very different beach from others we have seen. We are not on a bay, cape, tickle, spit or cove. This is pretty much the open ocean with breakers hitting the rocks. We are looking for whales, but unless they come up on the beach, we will not be able to see them. Tomorrow we move on to St. Anthony. It is just about at the northern tip of Newfoundland and we have scheduled a whale watch boat trip. Hoping to hear , " thar she blows".
Got up the next morning to sunshine.
Ah, the world looks different in the sunshine.
We are staying at another Lion's Club run campground. We have been to three and they have all been right at the water's edge.
This is the view from our campsite. You may notice the gray sky and fog. This is a very different beach from others we have seen. We are not on a bay, cape, tickle, spit or cove. This is pretty much the open ocean with breakers hitting the rocks. We are looking for whales, but unless they come up on the beach, we will not be able to see them. Tomorrow we move on to St. Anthony. It is just about at the northern tip of Newfoundland and we have scheduled a whale watch boat trip. Hoping to hear , " thar she blows".
Got up the next morning to sunshine.
Ah, the world looks different in the sunshine.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Another day in Gros Morne
This park offers ranger talks and tours at many different sites. Today it was Bonnie, giving a talk at the lighthouse.
Bonnie is from the tiny village of Sally's Cove. She thought it was a wonderful place to grow up. The population is now very small, though it still exists as a fishing village. Bonnie lives in a different, much larger village now and is married to a man from Costa Rica! Anyway, she gave a nice talk about the families that lived in and ran the lighthouses.
The community around the lighthouse no longer exists.
We took a walk around the lighthouse and down to the water.
After the tour we drove a bit to do a walk which turned out to be a hike. We thought we were doing an easy hike called Berry Pond. Well we took the first parking lot instead of the second and ended up on a hike called Berry Hill. And we know what "hill" means.
Many steps up.
And even more steps.
We learned this was a "moderate" hike. Tired legs told us that.
This was what we saw from the top.
By enlarging a little, we can even see our button down there in the parking lot. Good to know the roof is in good condition.
We had hoped to see the Anchors Aweigh show in town tonight. But it was sold out. So a trip to the fish processing plant and fresh cod for dinner. A lovely sunny day; dare I say a bit too warm? Sat outside in the sun and then shade for the rest of the afternoon.
Bonnie is from the tiny village of Sally's Cove. She thought it was a wonderful place to grow up. The population is now very small, though it still exists as a fishing village. Bonnie lives in a different, much larger village now and is married to a man from Costa Rica! Anyway, she gave a nice talk about the families that lived in and ran the lighthouses.
The community around the lighthouse no longer exists.
We took a walk around the lighthouse and down to the water.
After the tour we drove a bit to do a walk which turned out to be a hike. We thought we were doing an easy hike called Berry Pond. Well we took the first parking lot instead of the second and ended up on a hike called Berry Hill. And we know what "hill" means.
We learned this was a "moderate" hike. Tired legs told us that.
By enlarging a little, we can even see our button down there in the parking lot. Good to know the roof is in good condition.
We had hoped to see the Anchors Aweigh show in town tonight. But it was sold out. So a trip to the fish processing plant and fresh cod for dinner. A lovely sunny day; dare I say a bit too warm? Sat outside in the sun and then shade for the rest of the afternoon.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
A Ranger hike in Gros Morne
What a beautiful National Park. There are mountains and cliffs to the sea. And we are having a much better spell of whetthur. Now it is weather. Sunny and low to mid- 70s.
Just look at that sky.
Today we are going to take a hike of the Tablelands. I woke up this morning really stiff from yesterday's adventure. But a few ibuprofen helped that. A group of about 35 met at the trailhead.
Our guide was wonderful. He knew geology, flora and fauna( one bird). This ground was under the earth's mantle but was pushed up to the surface by tectonic plate movement. Therefore no soil and little vegetation. Fortunately, this was a very easy hike ( walk?) with many stops for discussion.
We hiked to the end of the trail and walked back down by noon.
We drove into the little town of Rocky Harbor, had lunch at one of the two restaurants. We sat next to some folks that we had met on yesterday's hike. We assured them that we had reached the parking lot before dark.
We had noticed a sign for a Jigg's Dinner hosted by the local church. So we went there for dinner. There were the two of us and about 150 other people. This was our second Jigg's Dinner. This is a traditional Newfoundland meal. Salted beef, root vegetables ( carrots, turnips, potatoes, beets). Add to that something they call puddings. Looked like coffee cake with fruit in it ( blueberry, partridgeberry), but it is not sweet. The food was good, but the meat was pretty tough. Though it looked like corned beef in color, it was not brisket as we are used to. And it needed to be cooked longer. Just because it is a home cooked meal, doesn't mean that it was a good cook. All the side dishes were really good. Sat with some tourists from St. John's. They had never been to Gros Morne before. Also met a couple from the large Rv caravan that is at our campground. Although these caravans are usually made up of Americans, they were from Ontario.
Back to the campground early. Still not dark until after 10 pm.
Just look at that sky.
Today we are going to take a hike of the Tablelands. I woke up this morning really stiff from yesterday's adventure. But a few ibuprofen helped that. A group of about 35 met at the trailhead.
Our guide was wonderful. He knew geology, flora and fauna( one bird). This ground was under the earth's mantle but was pushed up to the surface by tectonic plate movement. Therefore no soil and little vegetation. Fortunately, this was a very easy hike ( walk?) with many stops for discussion.
We hiked to the end of the trail and walked back down by noon.
We drove into the little town of Rocky Harbor, had lunch at one of the two restaurants. We sat next to some folks that we had met on yesterday's hike. We assured them that we had reached the parking lot before dark.
We had noticed a sign for a Jigg's Dinner hosted by the local church. So we went there for dinner. There were the two of us and about 150 other people. This was our second Jigg's Dinner. This is a traditional Newfoundland meal. Salted beef, root vegetables ( carrots, turnips, potatoes, beets). Add to that something they call puddings. Looked like coffee cake with fruit in it ( blueberry, partridgeberry), but it is not sweet. The food was good, but the meat was pretty tough. Though it looked like corned beef in color, it was not brisket as we are used to. And it needed to be cooked longer. Just because it is a home cooked meal, doesn't mean that it was a good cook. All the side dishes were really good. Sat with some tourists from St. John's. They had never been to Gros Morne before. Also met a couple from the large Rv caravan that is at our campground. Although these caravans are usually made up of Americans, they were from Ontario.
Back to the campground early. Still not dark until after 10 pm.
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