Showing posts with label New Brunswick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Brunswick. Show all posts
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Penobsquis and St. John New Brunswick
The smell of a nearby pig farm made a pungent smell at Three Bears Campground in Penobsquis but we rested well that night and rose early to make our way five miles down the road to Doug's Campers where the campground owners, Wayne and Steve, thought we might get a remedy to the slide awning problem. Mrs. Doug, however, referred us to LeisureTime Service Center and Camper Sales at Hampton and we got underway immediately. While repairs were being made we had lunch and did our laundry at at whopping $28! Yikes. By about 4 p.m. we were underway again and headed to St. John where we planned to stop at Rockwood Campground overnight. It's been rainy all day and a heavy fog rolled in after dark at Rockwood Campground, followed by a tremendous thunderstorm overnight. The next morning, water was standing about 3" deep all around, except the rise in the gravel where Mona was parked. We pulled out early to get back into the US for the night.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Charlottesville, P.E.I. and the Harrington Family Fun Park Campground
We stayed a week at Cape Lumiere and pulled out on Wednesday morning, July 28th. The front roadside slide cover didn't retract fully and caused a bit of delay in our departure. Wayne ended up on top of the coach and poked around the roller to get it back in enough for travel. We think the high winds and heavy rains caused the problem. It's fixed for now anyway.
It's not a long drive from Richibucto Village, New Brunswick to the Confederation Bridge crossing onto Prince Edward Island and we arrived by mid-afternoon. Wayne had never been to any of the Maritime Provinces and it's been many years since I visited P.E.I. with my family as a little girl, I think it was 1962. My paternal grandfather was born and lived here as a child so I was eager to see it again and P.E.I. did not disappoint. It is a beautiful agricultural and fishing island. Potatoes are the main crop. Growers place bags of potatoes along the roadside for purchase on the honor system. The landscape is beautiful.
Our GPS (Miss Garmin) gave us a mis-que but we recovered and went to our planned destination and it was quite an experience. A small community known as Harrington was the setting for this park, advertised as a "Family Fun Park" campground. Following the directions, we pulled our 60' rig onto a small one lane road through a field to a "now defunct" restaurant that advertised Canadian / Persian food. We passed an old weather beaten house and finally came to a large, collapsing wooden barn. It's hard to turn 60' of motorhome and tow vehicle around so we decided to stop and check it out on foot. A woman called out from the back yard of the weather beaten house. "Keep going to the campground," she called out to us. So, we climbed back into the coach and slowly moved along onto the red dusty road to a tiny wooden structure marked "Office". We were greeted by an old man, dressed in very dirty dress pants, shirt and tie. His clothes were covered in sweat and red dust stains. He had a very heavy Iranian accent and he smelled really bad. He pointed to the rules and said "No" when I pulled out my credit card to pay. Cash only. I told him our name and he responded by shoving a registration card toward me. I said we'd stay for one night to which he replied "no" again. Two night minimum. We agreed and paid cash for two nights. At least the rate was good.
What the Harrington Family Fun Park and Campground lacked in personality and charm was made up for in site services. We had newly installed 50 amp electric, sewer and water service for $12.50 (Canadian) per night. The park had newly planted trees and grass and was sparcely populated. The mosquitos weren't so bad here, but there were lots of little swarming gnats in the early evening. We were pretty pleased with our selection though. We're cheap dates.
First we explored Charlottestown, the capitol city of Prince Edward Island. There is a touristy area along the dock and we stopped in for mussel at a wharf restaurant. From there we walked a few blocks to a local eatery for fish and chips. Here are some of the photos:
The second morning we stopped by the campground office to sign on for two more nights. We were told to "pay now" instead of later. After that we struck out to see the famous P.E.I. red cliffs and lighthouses.
We took the southwestern route and saw more beautiful rolling farmland and potato fields on our way to the West Point Beach and Lighthouse.
We came across the huge wind turbines (called wind mills) we had seen with binoculars from Cape Lumiere and we learned there had been an enormous wind energy study conducted in this area back in the 80's.
This is the only hotel lighthouse in all of Canada, I think I read.
A Canadian Provincial Park was nearby and we walked through it. These parks have just 15 amps, but this one was nice with camp spots along the seashore.
We at lunch at a newly opened restaurant near the park. Skeptical at first and growing doubtful at sub-par service, we were delighted when we tasted the seafood chowder we'd ordered.
The last full day, Sunday, we took a ride to the southeast area of P.E.I. to Wood Islands. We wanted to check on the ferry to Nova Scotia. The Confederation Bridge crossing is without cost coming onto P.E.I., but is charged when you leave. The bridge toll along with the cost of fuel would be comparable to the $110 fee to take the rig across on the ferry. We watched the ferry unload and reload and leave port.
I'm going to try to load a link to the video I took as we boarded. http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lZaznyBroGeP9ZZtrKmaTqyFqS5yIYMVZbzk3GNTa9Q?feat=directlink
If you click onto the picture above, you'll see the movie I took as we drove the rig onto the ferry.
Here are some of the pictures I took too...
It's not a long drive from Richibucto Village, New Brunswick to the Confederation Bridge crossing onto Prince Edward Island and we arrived by mid-afternoon. Wayne had never been to any of the Maritime Provinces and it's been many years since I visited P.E.I. with my family as a little girl, I think it was 1962. My paternal grandfather was born and lived here as a child so I was eager to see it again and P.E.I. did not disappoint. It is a beautiful agricultural and fishing island. Potatoes are the main crop. Growers place bags of potatoes along the roadside for purchase on the honor system. The landscape is beautiful.
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| Unlike Quebec, all the signs in the Maritime Provinces are displayed in both French and English. |
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| Confederation Bridge. |
Our GPS (Miss Garmin) gave us a mis-que but we recovered and went to our planned destination and it was quite an experience. A small community known as Harrington was the setting for this park, advertised as a "Family Fun Park" campground. Following the directions, we pulled our 60' rig onto a small one lane road through a field to a "now defunct" restaurant that advertised Canadian / Persian food. We passed an old weather beaten house and finally came to a large, collapsing wooden barn. It's hard to turn 60' of motorhome and tow vehicle around so we decided to stop and check it out on foot. A woman called out from the back yard of the weather beaten house. "Keep going to the campground," she called out to us. So, we climbed back into the coach and slowly moved along onto the red dusty road to a tiny wooden structure marked "Office". We were greeted by an old man, dressed in very dirty dress pants, shirt and tie. His clothes were covered in sweat and red dust stains. He had a very heavy Iranian accent and he smelled really bad. He pointed to the rules and said "No" when I pulled out my credit card to pay. Cash only. I told him our name and he responded by shoving a registration card toward me. I said we'd stay for one night to which he replied "no" again. Two night minimum. We agreed and paid cash for two nights. At least the rate was good.
What the Harrington Family Fun Park and Campground lacked in personality and charm was made up for in site services. We had newly installed 50 amp electric, sewer and water service for $12.50 (Canadian) per night. The park had newly planted trees and grass and was sparcely populated. The mosquitos weren't so bad here, but there were lots of little swarming gnats in the early evening. We were pretty pleased with our selection though. We're cheap dates.
First we explored Charlottestown, the capitol city of Prince Edward Island. There is a touristy area along the dock and we stopped in for mussel at a wharf restaurant. From there we walked a few blocks to a local eatery for fish and chips. Here are some of the photos:
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| Enjoying a bowl of steamed mussels |
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| The Fish N Chips Restaurant a few blocks from the wharf area. |
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| After lunch (nap time) |
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| Typical homes on Prince Edward Island |
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| Plenty of outside eateries in summer months |
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| Potato fields all in bloom. Some white and some lavender colored. |
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| This field has more lavender potato blooms |
We came across the huge wind turbines (called wind mills) we had seen with binoculars from Cape Lumiere and we learned there had been an enormous wind energy study conducted in this area back in the 80's.
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| This photo gives a better "feel" for the size of the turbines. Compared to the house in the center of the picture. |
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| These wind machines were all across the land here. |
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| West Point Beach Lighthouse Hotel adjoining (in the rear) |
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| Along the red sand beach at the lighthouse |
We at lunch at a newly opened restaurant near the park. Skeptical at first and growing doubtful at sub-par service, we were delighted when we tasted the seafood chowder we'd ordered.
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| Some of the best seafood chowder I've ever tasted! Can't say much for that biscuit -- but some good chowder. |
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| Just outside the restaurant. Fishermen and lobstermen are in an out all day. |
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| Everything seems colorful here. Maybe it's the buoys. |
The last full day, Sunday, we took a ride to the southeast area of P.E.I. to Wood Islands. We wanted to check on the ferry to Nova Scotia. The Confederation Bridge crossing is without cost coming onto P.E.I., but is charged when you leave. The bridge toll along with the cost of fuel would be comparable to the $110 fee to take the rig across on the ferry. We watched the ferry unload and reload and leave port.
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| At Woods Island Lighthouse |
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| The ferry that goes from Woods Island PEI to Caribou, Nova Scotia. It too, is named Confederation -- like the bridge |
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| We're trying to decide whether to take our rig across on the ferry or to take the bridge back and then go around on land. |
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| The star on the sign shows where Wood Island is situated on PEI |
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| The Great Adventurer |
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| That night Wayne got all his books and maps out. He's decided by now to take the ferry across. |
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| From July 28-31, 2010 PEI |
Here are some of the pictures I took too...
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| We were just one of several large rigs aboard the Ferry. |
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| Looking back at the Wood Island Lighthouse from aboard the ship. |
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| A little different perspective of Wood Island Lighthouse and ferry port |
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| Cool but sunny. |
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| Coming into Caribou, Nova Scotia we saw lots of sailboats |
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| The approach to the ferry port at Caribou Nova Scotia |
Things We Noticed About Canada
Having spent almost a month traveling through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, we made some observations:
Bicycles - There are lots of seemingly serious cyclists. We've seen them on the highways loaded with backpacks, saddlebags and some even pulling little trailers.
Ice Cream - Called "Dairy Bars" dot the roadways and most of the ones we passed had customers waiting in line.
Patient People - Car horns are seldom used -- even in Quebec City. Drivers seem very considerate.
Church Steeples - I seen so many tall, narrow silver steeples. I took pictures of the first few, but then they became so common to see... We also notices lots of churches with their steeples removed. We don't know why...
Berry Pickers - The first few times we saw people squatted along the roadside, we thought... well you know. Found out they stop along the roadway to pick wild blueberries.
Motorcycles - So many motorcyclists, men and women. Many different styles too. Some that resemble snowmobiles on wheels. Many restaurants and campgrounds display "bikers welcome" signs. We saw one in a campground, pulling a little trailer that opened into a "pop out" tent.
Law Enforcement - Not that we're worried about it, mind you, but we observed very few law enforcement cars in Canada. Don't know why this is either. We did see some Mounted Police in Quebec though.
Grocery - Almost everything costs more in Canada than where we're from. Also of note is that some national brands of foods are different. Example: Quaker Oatmeal Squares are not the same texture or taste.
Bicycles - There are lots of seemingly serious cyclists. We've seen them on the highways loaded with backpacks, saddlebags and some even pulling little trailers.
Ice Cream - Called "Dairy Bars" dot the roadways and most of the ones we passed had customers waiting in line.
Patient People - Car horns are seldom used -- even in Quebec City. Drivers seem very considerate.
Church Steeples - I seen so many tall, narrow silver steeples. I took pictures of the first few, but then they became so common to see... We also notices lots of churches with their steeples removed. We don't know why...
Berry Pickers - The first few times we saw people squatted along the roadside, we thought... well you know. Found out they stop along the roadway to pick wild blueberries.
Motorcycles - So many motorcyclists, men and women. Many different styles too. Some that resemble snowmobiles on wheels. Many restaurants and campgrounds display "bikers welcome" signs. We saw one in a campground, pulling a little trailer that opened into a "pop out" tent.
Law Enforcement - Not that we're worried about it, mind you, but we observed very few law enforcement cars in Canada. Don't know why this is either. We did see some Mounted Police in Quebec though.
Grocery - Almost everything costs more in Canada than where we're from. Also of note is that some national brands of foods are different. Example: Quaker Oatmeal Squares are not the same texture or taste.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Cape Lumier, Richibucto Village, New Brunswick
On July 21 we traveled south into New Brunswick. I've been patiently watching to see live bears and moose while we ride. I've seen lots of signs identifying certain road sections as crossings for them. Suddenly I caught a glimpse of the upper part of a standing bear in a field just off to my right. He had a beautiful black coat and was standing upright! And then in another heartbeat he was out of sight!
It's been much cooler since we left Quebec and the days are warm and sunny now, but not hot.
We arrived at Cape Lumiere Campground along the New Brunswick shore in early afternoon of July 21. Across the Northunberland Strait we can see Prince Edward Island. The campground is small and without amenities, but our site is near the water and the Cape Lumiere lighthouse. Almost everything here is bilingual so we're better able to communicate. The afternoon we arrived we met our neighbors, Duncan and Rita Smith, from Irricana, Alberta. They have been full-timing in their Newmar motorcoach for 18 months and have traveled as far south as the Panama Canal and as far north as Newfoundland and Labrador. We enjoyed our visits with them for two days before they pulled out for Nova Scotia. Our plan is to stay on at this campground for a few days.
This is the area near where my Father grew up and the many thoughts about him make me happy and sad.
Until we arrived here, our camping fee budget was exceeded, but the rate here is low enough to bring the monthly average down quite a bit and we get one night free too. Only one problem: Giant black mosquitos and horseflies. The mosquitos are relentless. Wayne is always a favorite mosquito target and they feast on him here. They even grab on to our legs and ankles while we're riding bicycles!
Here are some pictures we took while in the area:
It's been much cooler since we left Quebec and the days are warm and sunny now, but not hot.
We arrived at Cape Lumiere Campground along the New Brunswick shore in early afternoon of July 21. Across the Northunberland Strait we can see Prince Edward Island. The campground is small and without amenities, but our site is near the water and the Cape Lumiere lighthouse. Almost everything here is bilingual so we're better able to communicate. The afternoon we arrived we met our neighbors, Duncan and Rita Smith, from Irricana, Alberta. They have been full-timing in their Newmar motorcoach for 18 months and have traveled as far south as the Panama Canal and as far north as Newfoundland and Labrador. We enjoyed our visits with them for two days before they pulled out for Nova Scotia. Our plan is to stay on at this campground for a few days.
This is the area near where my Father grew up and the many thoughts about him make me happy and sad.
Until we arrived here, our camping fee budget was exceeded, but the rate here is low enough to bring the monthly average down quite a bit and we get one night free too. Only one problem: Giant black mosquitos and horseflies. The mosquitos are relentless. Wayne is always a favorite mosquito target and they feast on him here. They even grab on to our legs and ankles while we're riding bicycles!
Here are some pictures we took while in the area:
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| July 21-23, 2010 Cape Lumiere - Richibucto Village, NB |
Into New Brunswick. Parc Malybel at Bresford
Tuesday, July 20 we did it again: Checked into another family campground with hundreds of children, bicycles, dogs, cats, music and "corn hole" toss games. But alas! this campground goes a step beyond: It has a giant waterslide and an ice cream stand. But we were tired after the drive south from Rivere du Loup and we took our place and made camp for the night. Mind you we don't dislike children and pets, it's just that we don't have either with us and when we're tired, we would rather be among our peers: OLD PEOPLE. From here we started looking closer into our Woodalls Camping Directory for campgrounds without such amenities. I didn't take any pictures during our short stay here.
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