• Carolyn Nelson
Jun – Aug 2023

G&C's Trip to the Sea

Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, PEI, Nova Scotia, and finally Newfoundland! Can hardly wait to see it all! Read more
  • Louisbourg

    July 10, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Woke up to overcast, but at least it was not raining yet.

    Before the Fortress of Louisbourg, we stopped at the S&L Railway Museum. Kim, Alix, what do you think of that quilt!

    The entrance to the Fortress was heart breaking...so much destruction from Hurricane Fiona! Nature is both beautiful and brutal.

    On a more cheerful note, the Fortress of Louisbourg (the largest historical reconstruction in North America) was impressive! You experience what life was like in the bustling French fortified town of Louisbourg in 1744. There were costume costumed actors and reenactments. Got a charge out of their revision of rotisserie chicken! Lots of history!

    Four hours later, I convinced Garry to see one more lighthouse.
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  • Newfoundland, Rainy or Not, Here We Come

    July 13, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Since Louisbourg, the weather has been crappy, so we caught up on the laundry, restocked our groceries, cleaned, read, and Garry serenaded me with his banjo music Yup, still holding hands!

    This morning, we boarded the MV Highlanders at North Sydney Marine Atlantic terminal for the seven hour voyage to Port Aux Basques, NL. The cost for two passengers and our 21 foot motorhome was $565, return. The ferry was launched in 2007, has 10 decks, and a maximum capacity of 1000 passengers, 425 cars, and 90 tractor trailers. It had a restaurant, a bar, a gift shop, and children's play areas. At the time we made our reservations, there were no staterooms available, so we opted for reserved reclining loungers with key card access. Excellent idea as it kept the masses from wandering through! We had our first Iceberg beer on board.

    Taking in the first views of Port aux Basques, we could see colorful little houses and shops peppering the landscape.

    We are now boondocked along the highway, one hour onto "the rock."
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  • Icebergs. Where are you?

    July 14, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    Left our boondocking site this morning to seek out icebergs! First thing, though, was a short hike to a waterfall, Steady Brook Falls. To our shargrim, it was another steep climb! But, well worth it!

    Next, we saw a magnificent cow moose feeding in the ditch! She was healthy and gorgeous!!!

    You have to leave the main inland highway (TransCanada) for any sights of the ocean.
    Unfortunately, those roads are horrible with lots of potholes - even have pothole warning signs! But the villages along the coastline were quaint. AND they had icebergs! That was in Little Bay and Beachside.

    We are so fortunate this year for the cooler temperatures, etc. creating an environment for longer lasting icebergs.

    Our next destination was Twillingate for more iceberg viewing but only made it to Birchy Bay, where we spent the night.
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  • Twillingate

    July 15, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Had coffee and headed to Twillingate, which is known as the Iceberg Capital of the World, as it is one of the best locations in Newfoundland for admiring icebergs.

    Picked out a boondocking spot with a fantastic view of Sleepy Cove and, yes, icebergs! We hiked Nanny's Hole and the Long Point Lighthouse trails. Got back in time to watch one of the icebergs in the cove implode into itself! Incredible! Broke off a chunk of ice from a "bergy bit" and, while enjoying a cocktail and got to watch another iceberg implode...so cool!

    Spending the rest of the day relaxing in the sunshine which we have not seen, we left the Cabot Trail.
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  • Twillingate - Part Two

    July 15, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Well, Garry got to experience cleaning his first Cod fish! Our neighbor, who was from Newfoundland, went fishing and came back with his catch. Offered one to us, and when Garry accepted, he handed him the fileting knife!

    Supper for tomorrow!
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  • Terra Nova National Park

    July 16, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Woke to see that the icebergs had drastically melted overnight in the cove. The viewing season is almost over. We saw one last one as we left Twillingate.

    Stopped in Gander to see the
    Aviation Museum and the airport where all the planes were redirected during 911.

    Carried on to Terra Nova National Park, beautiful park! We got set up at our campsite and took off for a hike on the Coastal Trail that ended at a nice waterfall. On the trail, we saw a moose head skeleton and moose droppings but no moose.

    Cooked up the Cod fish for our dinner. It was ok, but it does not compare to Walleye! However, we are spoilt, and in our opinion, nothing does.

    Tomorrow, onto Bonavista.
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  • Bonavista

    July 17, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Left Terra Nova and headed to Bonavista. Along the way, drove through a small town called Musgravetown and tried to find a house that our friend from Winnipeg Beach used to live in but we were unsuccessful...too many "blue" houses. Sorry Violet!

    Bonavista is the historic site where the explorer, John Cabot, first landed. It is also a place that offers beautiful views and a great spot to whale watch. So glad we bought good binoculars!

    We carried on to Elliston, where there is a large puffin colony. These little birds are so cute! I couldn't get a close up picture with my camera but we got a good look with the binoculars.

    Elliston is also known as the “Root Cellar Capital of the World," with more than 130 of these underground structures documented. Kinda cool!

    Then, on our way back to our campsite, we got to see a water bomber put out a small forrest fire. Very exciting!
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  • St. John's

    July 18, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Hiked Signal Hill in St. John's. Wow, is all I can say!

    Then, we took the trail around Quidi Vidi Lake.

    Needed a cold drink, so stopped in at the local Canadian Legion for a beer!

    Grilled up burgers at our campsite at Pippy Park Campground conveniently located right in St. John's.

    Another great day!
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  • Signal Hill - Take Two!

    July 19, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Got to our campsite yesterday and realized we had only hiked half the North Head Trail around Signal Hill. So, back we went today to do it all over again. So glad we did because we had missed the most spectacular part yesterday. Can't believe people (all 20 somethings) were actually running the trail! Ha! At the end, Garry wanted to hitch hike back up the hill to get to our motorhome!

    Returned to our campground for a rest. I had a nap, and Garry played his banjo.

    Got spruced up and ordered a cab for downtown St. John's. I know our cab driver was speaking english, but we couldn't understand a word he said! Wandered down George and Water Street. Stopped at Shamrock City Pub for a bite and to listen to some Irish Newfoundland music. Fantastic!

    Ended the evening with a night cap at our site. Great day!
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  • Where's Dildo?

    July 20, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Today, we left St. John's and headed to Cape Spear. It's the easternmost point in Canada and, in fact, North America.  It is also the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland. Beautiful views of the rugged coastline (you could even see Signal Hill), and we saw more whales!

    Continued west to a little town called Dildo! Where did this name come from? - the truth is no one really knows.

    One of the most persistent stories for Dildo’s name is that it was named after the wooden oar pegs of boats. English explorers thought that land formation in the area resembled oar pegs and referred to the coast by that name… and it stuck.

    Captain Cook, a famous explorer and cartographer who mapped and named many coastal places around Newfoundland and around the world, may have been responsible for naming the town of Dildo. He had a sense of humor!

    BTW, late night TV host, Jimmy Kimmel, is the honorary mayor of Dildo. Who knew!

    Ended up back at Terra Nova National Park.  Lovely campground.
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  • Change Oil Soon

    July 21, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    On our way to Terra Nova, the Change Oil Soon light came on in the van, so we knew we had we had that dealt with the next day. No big deal, Gander is 70 kms away and is a fairly big town.

    Nope, every service center was fully booked (early August was what we were told!). Well, Garry, being Garry, bought everything he needed to do the oil change himself. We continued with our planned stop at the Salmonid Interpretation Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor and our guide after giving us a fantastic tour of their center gave us the name of his mechanic who although could not fit our van in his garage put us on to the shop on his street who had it done in 30 minutes! YAY!

    With that done, we started our way to Gros Morne National Park on the west coast of Newfoundland. But not before taking in the trail to Thunder Brook Falls.

    Another interesting day.
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  • Gros Morne National Park

    July 22, 2023 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    Gros Morne National Park is a World Heritage Site and the second largest national park in Atlantic Canada.

    We met back up with our friends, Ed and Claudia, at the Norris Point KOA. The rain held until we had set up our campsite and got a hike around Spirity Pond. Interesting factoid...in Newfoundland, they call small lakes ponds!

    We spent the rest of the day catching up before the rain chased us inside their motorhome - no room for four in ours! where we enjoyed a few happy hour(s) and ordered take out moose meat pizza.

    Fingers crossed for better weather!
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  • Screeched-In

    July 23, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Woke up to some overcast and drizzle, so Claudia and I took advantage and had some "retail therapy" in the little town of Rocky Harbour. Who knew there were so many gift stores!

    The weather cleared up, so we piled into Ed and Claudia's car and drove to Lobster Cove (gotta love these names!) for some hiking. No one believed me when I spotted wild strawberry plants until they saw the berries!

    After a BBQ, we all attended a "Kitchen Party" and shared an evening of laughter and music! Ed, Garry and I (Claudia was the DD) were Screeched-In, a ceremony performed on non-Newfoundlanders involving a shot of screech, a short recitation, and the kissing of a cod (in our case a minnow!) So much fun!
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  • Gros Morne Coastal Trail

    July 24, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Yesterday's late night resulted in a late morning, but that was okay as the fog was so thick we couldn't have seen or done anything earlier on.

    Once we started the Gros Morne Coastal Trail, I thought I was on a movie set for The Hobbit! The trees here are called Tuckamore. Tuckamores are spruce and firs that have been stunted by the continued onslaught of wind and salt spray. They become crooked, gnarled, and twisted in. So different from the tall spruce and pine trees back home!

    Had a late lunch/ early supper at a mom and pop restaurant - delish!
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  • Best Boat Tour Ever!

    July 25, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We had a busy day ahead, so Claudia made a hearty breakfast - bacon, eggs, hashbrowns - yum!

    We left the campground and headed for Western Brook Pond and our boat tour.

    Only Newfoundlanders would call this a pond. In reality it’s a big, deep lake that once was a true fjord that became land locked from the ocean, and the salt water was replaced by fresh water runoff.

    Onboard, the vews were spectacular - billion-year-old cliffs (150 meters taller than the CN tower!), waterfalls cascading over 2000 feet that often turn to mist before reaching the pond, and even a moose! Gros Morne National Park has about 2,000 moose, or about two per square kilometers.

    Then, just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, our guides pulled out their guitar and spoons for a spontaneous kitchen party on the boat on the way back.

    Once to the landing, we had a one hour walk to the parking lot, so not only did we get a fantastic tour, we also got our exercise in. Win, win!

    Back at the campground, we had a BBQ and drinks, Ed and Claudia looking forward, Garry and I reminiscing about our trips.

    This was just a wonderful way to end what was an already fantastic trip from beginning to end.

    Tomorrow, we head to the port for our ferry ride back to Nova Scotia.
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  • Port aux Basques

    July 26, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Today, we left Gros Morne National Park and headed back to Port aux Basques. Our ferry departs early tomorrow, and we didn't want to be far away.

    We are boondocked along the coast called Moose Island overlooking the port with another spectacular view. We got to watch the ferry sail in from the mist.

    And one last beautiful sunset.
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  • Back to Nova Scotia

    July 27, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    Today was a travel day.

    Our ferry, the MV Blue Puttees, was slightly smaller than the one we took to Newfoundland, but it was still a smooth ride.

    We saw about 100 dolphins swimming alongside the ferry. Very cool!

    Unfortunately, the guy across the aisle from us snored like a banshee the whole trip. Garry was looking for a pillow...

    We are now boondocked in a little town called Whycocomagh overlooking the St. Patrick's Channel.
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  • Sandra (& Frank) this time round!

    July 28, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Headed back to our friend's in Upper Coverdale, just outside of Moncton. So glad that Frank is out of hospital and on the mend!

    On route, we pulled into a little town called Stellarton just off the Transcanada for a break. Looked around and saw a brick building with a Sobeys logo. Googled it and was surprised to discover it's Sobey's head office. In 1907, William Sobey started a meat delivery business in Stellarton, and now it has more than 1500 locations across the country! Who knew!

    Anyway, we ended the day with ribs, wine, and great conversation!
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  • Pre Quebec City

    July 30, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Left Frank and Sandra's this morning. Had a great visit. Lots of laughs, I learned how to make a great Risotto. Garry and Frank put together a pottery slab roller for Sandra. Sandra makes absolutely beautiful pottery! Her company is called Coverdale Cermanics.

    Missed a nasty storm and are now boondocked just outside Quebec City. Tomorrow, we will explore it.
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  • Bonjour Quebec City

    July 31, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Unfortunately, we woke up to rainy weather, but we continued with our plan to see Quebec City. Parked in this RV parking lot that was within walking distance of the city attractions and had an early lunch while waiting out the worst of the rain. Determined, we put on our rain gear and headed out.

    First up was the Notre-Dame de Quebec, a 17th-century Basilica-Cathedral. It is one of the oldest churches in North America. The inside was stunning.

    Next was the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, one of the most luxurious hotels in Quebec. Constructed in 1893, it is supposedly the most photographed hotel in the world. Out of our price range!

    We then walked along Dufferin Terrace, a long wooden sidewalk located next to the Château Frontenac that offers a stunning view of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding area. We listened to a lady singing opera and watched other street performers.

    We continued (lots of steps) to the Plains of Abraham which was the site of the famous Battle of Québec in 1759, when the French lost the city to the British.

    Next to this site was the Quebec Citadel. It is the oldest army building complex in North America and remains an active military base to this day. Established in the early 17th century, the star-shaped complex is home to the Governor General of Canada's residence and to the Royal 22nd Regiment. Like at Buckingham Palace in London, every two hours there is a changing of the guard ceremony. What a job!

    The parliament buildings were nice but not like Ottawa's.

    We finished off our sightseeing with old town, narrow cobblestone streets, little shops, art galleries, and restaurants.

    The rain came back, so we headed out of the city and ended up boondocked along the St. Lawrence River for the night.
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  • A Beeline for Home

    August 1, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Our plans fell through to revisit Gib and Nancy in Fitzroy Harbor, so we decided to start making our way back to Manitoba.

    You all know Garry, so that means a beeline home!

    We are taking the northern route through Ontario, Highway 11, and were surprised by how much farming there is.

    We are currently boondocked in Matheson.
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  • Boring, Boring, Boring, BORING!!!

    August 2, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Did I say Boring?

    Holy man, that route is dull! The only interesting parts were the beginning and the end.

    Saw an Old Order Mennonite on his way to work and some beautiful scenery around Nipigon. 100 plus moose signs - they lied, not one moose!

    Now boondocked at a roadside between English River and Ignace along the Transcanada highway.

    Beautiful swans in the lake, and someone stopped by for a break with their horse! Strange!
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  • Blue Lake Provincial Park

    August 3, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Realized that my sister, Kim, and her husband Kelly were still camped at Blue Lake, so we booked a site and spent the day catching up with them. Their son and family were also there, so that was a bonus.

    Blue Lake brings back fond memories as that is where we spent many summer family vacations.

    Tomorrow, we are headed to visit our moms in Ear Falls for a few days before returning home.
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  • Home, Sweet Home

    August 7, 2023 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    60 days, 7 provinces, 13.836 kilometers.

    We saw the highest tides in the world, numerous historic sites, breathtaking landscapes, icebergs, and whales, hiked thrilling and treacherous trails, and visited a multitude of charming villages, towns, and cities.

    It was an epic road trip!
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    Trip end
    August 7, 2023