Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Prince Edward Island..24 July 2011

Hi
We are in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
We came to Nova Scotia and spent the night in Amherst and drove thru north Northern NS and stopped at Tatamagouche at a farmers market and the sun was out...what fun..and then off to New Glasgow and explored this small town. It started raining so drove to Cape Breton Island to North Sydney just in time to catch the 7 hour ferry to Newfoundland. It was a comfortable Trip but we were both freezing...temp must have been 50 degrees. Maryann had her poncho liner so we shared...she also had her winter jacket..so fared better than Tom! We were not allowed to go down to the car to get stuffs...
It was a night crossing so had gotten there at 9PM for the 11 PM boarding...we arrived in
Port aux Basque...on the South East coast at 0730. NF was in a different time zone by it self...30 min ahead of Atlantic Standard time...it took us a day to realize!!!
We went to Gros Morme National Park and drove through the park and stopped frequently..we came across an old wooden church that we checked out. We found a neat spot and watched the sunset as we had a picnic of fish and chips...yes, we have been eating late..as sunset at 9 PM.
We stayed in a Nice KOA camp ground...about midnight....it poured for a few hours but was only sprinkling when we woke. Sleeping in the car is comfortable...except there are so many
mosquito...Maryann has OFF and walks to and from shower ready to spray...and sprays around the
car etc.....hmmmm.
We drove over several mountains to get to Gander on the 18th July. We secured billeting at Canadian Forces Air Force for two nights...the staff there were great..don't seem to have many Americans come through...our SUITE... Minimal furniture...was 2 rooms with bath and shower...They gave us sheets to make our bed and towels...no housekeeping service...that was OK as all was clean and $25/night with free laundry. Maryann was cold and the thermostat did not seem to work...so Tom went to inquire....the heat was off for the summer...temp at Gander was 50!!
Maryann slept in her winter long johns and thick socks!!!! And of course just had the poncho liner as no blankets....We spent the next 2 days exploring the north coast and Twillingate. WE took a boat to the Laborador Sea and saw Ice Bergs AND the moving of a house from one island to another on a wooden floor that was floated with barrels ...interesting.
By the way...Maryann had on several layers and her gloves she bought came in handy..it was cold and windy on the boat. We also visited a Indian interpretive center that gave us info on the history of the area. The staff at Gander called St Johns for Maryann ..our phones are not working here...and arranged for a suite....hmmmm there at the Canadian Navy base. What family
we have in the military. They go above and beyond for us. Well, our suite in St Johns was
like a 5 star...for $25!!
St Johns is a neat little town with colorful homes of bright colors. We drove down the Irish coast of Newfoundland and took a 2 hr boat trip in the Atlantic and saw 2 whales and a thousand Puffins...neat birds. We had to go and see as used to read a book to Molly about Puffins...We selected OBRIEN'S boat tours...what friendly folks. Each time we have gone on a boat..there was a singer and then a young man playing an accordion to entertain us on the way.
We also went to a light house and stood at the point most easterly in North America. Maryann was able to see 3 whales in a bay we were going by...saw the water spray...we can't seem to see Moose but saw whales way out in the bay'!!!!!!! Also went to Signal Hill..the first fort that was built for defense in NF. We are doing some history, religious and just stuff. We visited a town where all were relocated during WW2...it was a moving story. Lots of lakes and funny looking trees...not tall trees. The flowers just growing wild along the highway and just beautiful. We did see ONE moose cross the highway in front of us...the camera was not ready to document the crossing...of course. WE have seen DANGER MOOSE signs since we started from western Canada....The scenery is just so green and beautiful, we are not able to capture on our pictures. It was time to take the ferry from Argentia,NF...besides the rains had returned to NF....
We arrived at the ferry 2 hrs early as needed for our 7PM departure and had bologna and cheese sandwiches in the car...reminded us of travels when we were young...they tasted great.
It was a 14 hr ferry trip...we had prepared for a cold trip....but it was fairly warm. We found a nice area of the ship were there were seats for 40 but only about 8 of us in the area.
Being on a ferry is better than flying as can get up and walk....big ship.
We arrived in Cape Breton Island, NS and headed back across by a different route.
And stopped and walked in a few towns and arrived at Caribu just in time for the next ferry to Prince Edward Island. There are so many interesting small villages we have walked..just pass on the larger towns. We went through a town called FIVE HOUSES....yep, it had 5 houses!!!!
The sun was shining when we got to Woods Island PEI. We drove to Georgetown and paid for a camp ground and went to have fish...having lots of fish as sooo fresh. As we finished , there was a downpour...with winds. We were going to wait it out...but it continued..it was interesting setting up the car to sleep without getting out of the car....hmmmm..but we did!
We got all settled then realized we were going to bed at 7:30! It poured most of the night.
But had stopped when we woke...but grounds were soaked. Just another adventure!
We headed out for the day in thick fog but as we reached our destination...the sun was out.
We walked about Cavendish where "Anne of Green Gables" author lived. PEI is fairly flat with lots of dairy farms and potato fields...and red dirt. A beauty of it's own.
We traveled to Charlottetown and have been here for two days..again neat villages to explore.
We went to see a play last night and tonight to see a fun light show shown with folklore music and history of city. We plan to head for New Brunswick tomorrow sometime..over a 8 mile bridge called Confederation Bridge and then head southeast to ST JOHNS NB. So many towns in each providence have same names as in the next providence.
Plays havoc with the GPS.
We have been out of phone contact....miss talking to Kelly and Carrie...and Molly, Samantha and Kirsten. EMail tells us Buddi was feeling good enough to go to Kelly's for Molly's birthday.
Can you believe she is 7 now!!!! Molly and Samantha had good first week of school.
We will head for Maine after finish in NB.
We are making lots of good memories and it is still so good to spend our days together after all these days of JUST US!!!
We are looking forward to spending time with Pete and Linda in Plymouth in the next week. It will be good to spend time with family again...after all that is what life is about.
Gas prices are rising here...our lexus is good on gas but costing $90+ when needs a full tank!
Tom has been fantastic with his driving ...the GPS has helped too! Maryann has also been doing some Map reading...hmmmmm. When she asked Tom if she was as "efficient and entertaining as our friend Larry"who is the Garmen when we travel together...he said "ahhhh..you are much better than normal". Was that a YES?.....don't think so...then he quickly added...."But I love you!!!! Hmmmmm mm
Sending our love and thoughts to each of you.
We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers as we continue our adventure.
Love and Hugs
Tom and Maryann

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