July 26-August 8, 2022

The Canadian journey has begun, we crossed the border on July 26th at a very small border crossing. This did not however stop them from making sure we paid some extra tax for all the wine we still had on board the coach. We were ok with that and moved on because the wine up here is very expensive for what you get. We checked in at the Kiwanis Oceanfront Camping in St. Andrews where we had 2 great spaces right across the street from the water. Lots of exploring around the harbor towns, walking out on the pier, checking out the local lighthouses and a few magical mystery tours. We played golf at the Algonquin Golf Course filled with water views. Biked on the trials along the water, lunch at the Harbor Front Restaurant, visited the Kingsbrae Gardens, a 27 acre property with flowers, plants and some animals.

On the drive from St. Andrews to Parker’s Cove, we stopped at the famous Reversing Falls Rapids viewing platform and visitor’s center. When the tides change, the water flows up river and creates big waves. It was foggy the day we went but could still see the water. This is one of Atlantic Canada’s natural wonders. We drove to the ferry terminal and took the ferry from St. John to Digby. It was a 2 1/2 hour ride on the open water seeing birds, ships and just enjoying being on the big boat. Pretty cool taking the big bus towing the car on the ferry, we were second on next to a semi truck and that made for a quick exit when we arrived in Digby. BTW, this saved us a 7 hour drive around the island to get to Parker’s Cove. Checked into the Cove Oceanfront Campground, got set up and enjoyed terrific sunrise and sunset views from our site. A small harbor next store provide Ron and I a chance to visit and speak to the crews about lobster and scollop fishing. Digby is known to have the best scallops in the world. Lunch at the Crow’s Nest did not disappoint, the clam chowder was fantastic, mussels, lobster roll were equally as good. MMT for the afternoon exploring the island and finding a lobster / scallop pound that we were able to buy some fresh scallops. WOW, they were fantastic. We made scallop ceviche for dinner with a nice bottle of wine made for a great evening. A round of golf at Fort View Golf Course, lunch at Frank and Dora’s Roadside Cafe was a perfect way to to end our stay in Parker’s Cove.

Off to Peggy’s Cove, checked in at King Neptune Campground and met the owners. Paul was very nice a gave us some good tips on what to do and where to buy fresh seafood in the area. Turns out that Ryer Lobsters Retail was close and we were able to buy fresh lobsters, shrimp, scallops and oysters to enjoy at our RV’s over the next few days. Peggy’s Cove lighthouse was the big attraction, it’s the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Cruise ships from Halifax sent bus loads of tourists everyday to get their own pictures. We did a day trip into Lunenburg to see the Fisherman’s Museum and the famous sailing schooner the Bluenose. She is a 143 foot racing and fishing vessel built in 1921 and was nicknamed the Queen of the Atlantic. We were able to board the ship, walk around the deck and check out the craftsmanship upclose. Lunch at the Salt Shaker overlooking the water then walked along the harbor checking out the private yatchs on the docks.

Another day trip into Halifax to visit their museum with artifacts from the Titanic and the huge Halifax explosion of 1917. Both displays were fantastic, didn’t know Halifax played a big role in the Titanic. The Halifax Explosion was a disaster that occurred in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the morning of 6 December 1917. SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship laden with high explosives, collided with the Norwegian vessel SS Imo in the Narrows, a strait connecting the upper Halifax Harbour to Bedford Basin.  This blast devistated Halifax for miles inland and many locals lost their eyesight from this huge blast while watching the ships on fire before the explosion. 1782 people lost their lives with another 9000 had injuries.

Cape Breton is the furthist East we will be traveling on this journey, it’s on the Northeast corner of Nava Scotia. This area is know for their famous Cabot Trail, a 293 KM trail that loops around the island with spectacular views from high atop Kelly’s mountain. Beautiful beaches, harbors, small towns, restaurants and blue water all along the trail. We stopped at the Hideaway Campground and Oyster Market because it just sounded intriguing. Who knew there would be an oyster bar out in the middle of these little mountain towns. Oysters and beer for Ron and Glenna while Kathy and I enjoyed just the oysters ( I was the driver). Long day on the road but well worth the time spent exploring the trail. We found a very small harbor with a couple of crab boats coming into the dock to offload their catch of the day. Of course we talked to the captain about their catch and we were able to buy Snow Crabs right off the boat. We took them back to the RV, cleaned them and cooked these great tasting creatures. WOW, they were delicious. I think Glenna and Kathy might call this a highlite of the trip, they really love eating fresh crab. Glenna and I played golf at the Seaview CC with lots of water views and overall a beautiful course.

We are here till Friday then off to Prince Edward Island for 7 nights, Caraquet, Gaspe, Mettis Du Mur and Quebec City before we drop down into Vermont on September 1st.