Saturday, September 28, 2013
East Coast 2013 - Day 17
....and this is what we awoke to our first morning home, a beautiful way to end a memorable road trip.
East Coast 2013 - Day 16
September 14/13 - New York State and CANADA!
Our last day on the road was ironically the nicest for travel, and we enjoyed sunny skies and warm temperatures as we sped west across the I-90 to Buffalo. We crossed back into Canada without incident at the Buffalo/Fort Erie Peace Bridge, having already decided NOT to finish our vacation on the 401.
Instead we took Highway 3 and followed the Lake Erie shoreline all the way from Fort Erie to Wheatley. We noted how many motorcycles were passing us in the opposite direction, and then we remembered that the previous day had been Friday the 13th and Port Dover would have been crawling with bikers. The wisdom of our decision became apparent as we enjoyed a nice relaxing drive home, including stops at fruit stands as we drew closer to home.
Pulled in the driveway by late afternoon, all buildings still standing and all felines accounted for relatively quickly.
Our last day on the road was ironically the nicest for travel, and we enjoyed sunny skies and warm temperatures as we sped west across the I-90 to Buffalo. We crossed back into Canada without incident at the Buffalo/Fort Erie Peace Bridge, having already decided NOT to finish our vacation on the 401.
Instead we took Highway 3 and followed the Lake Erie shoreline all the way from Fort Erie to Wheatley. We noted how many motorcycles were passing us in the opposite direction, and then we remembered that the previous day had been Friday the 13th and Port Dover would have been crawling with bikers. The wisdom of our decision became apparent as we enjoyed a nice relaxing drive home, including stops at fruit stands as we drew closer to home.
Pulled in the driveway by late afternoon, all buildings still standing and all felines accounted for relatively quickly.
Buffalo
...where the Buffalo roam....
Has anyone seen the bridge?
Peace Bridge
Brief glimpse of the Niagara River
Oh CANADA!
East Coast 2013 - Day 15
September 13/13 - New Brunswick - Maine - New Hampshire - Massachussetts - New York
Friday the 13th!
Left Moncton early, bidding farewell to Roxi and following Highway 1 along the coast as we angled southwest towards the Maine border. Not that we could actually SEE the coast, for we spent the first few hours in a heavy fog that hung low over the Saint John area and chased us pretty much to Saint Stephen and the Calais, Maine crossing. A heavily treed drive across Maine Hwy 9 brought us to the interstate, and we headed south.
Spent much of the day driving through torrential rain down I-95 through Maine, New Hampshire and into Massachussetts. Heavy traffic and accidents on the 495 further hindered our progress. Finally we got off and took Highway 2 straight west through rolling hills and wooded river valleys of northern MA, apparently following the "Mohawk Trail" through the Pioneer Valley. Very nice drive, very nice area, and one we hope to explore again in future.
The town of North Adams was also quite a nice surprise, with a large number of repurposed mills and factories that now house art galleries and other cultural exhibits. Missed the bluegrass festival by one weekend! We crossed into New York state and carried on into the outlying areas of state capital Albany, and finally got a cheap hotel room and a nice meal in Schenectady, near the interstate for an easy morning departure.
Friday the 13th!
Left Moncton early, bidding farewell to Roxi and following Highway 1 along the coast as we angled southwest towards the Maine border. Not that we could actually SEE the coast, for we spent the first few hours in a heavy fog that hung low over the Saint John area and chased us pretty much to Saint Stephen and the Calais, Maine crossing. A heavily treed drive across Maine Hwy 9 brought us to the interstate, and we headed south.
Spent much of the day driving through torrential rain down I-95 through Maine, New Hampshire and into Massachussetts. Heavy traffic and accidents on the 495 further hindered our progress. Finally we got off and took Highway 2 straight west through rolling hills and wooded river valleys of northern MA, apparently following the "Mohawk Trail" through the Pioneer Valley. Very nice drive, very nice area, and one we hope to explore again in future.
The town of North Adams was also quite a nice surprise, with a large number of repurposed mills and factories that now house art galleries and other cultural exhibits. Missed the bluegrass festival by one weekend! We crossed into New York state and carried on into the outlying areas of state capital Albany, and finally got a cheap hotel room and a nice meal in Schenectady, near the interstate for an easy morning departure.
Border between Maine and New Hampshire at Portsmouth
Heavy traffic means a longer look at this cool ride
Accident on the 495
A long day of this....
Florida, MA lookoff on the Mohawk Trail
The Juke is made for hairpins
North Adams, Massachussetts
Coolest state line (except maybe the Hoover Dam) - on a winding mountain road between MA and NY
East Coast 2013 - Day 14
September 12/13 - Cape Breton to Moncton
Packed up in a light mist, though luckily we got everything stowed away before the rain intensified. Stopped a little ways down the road at the main campground to enjoy a nice hot shower before we hit the road in earnest.
After a souvenir stop at the Canso Causeway, we actually headed southeast rather than OFF Cape Breton Island, through Port Hawkesbury and down the 104 to visit the Isle Madame area - yet another island off the coast of an island, with yet more causeways. Nice area, certainly a much more quiet part of Cape Breton, less rugged and spectacular but still pretty nice.
After a quick loop around the island, we headed back to the Canso Causeway and crossed back over to the mainland, making good time westbound on Nova Scotia 104 and then New Brunswick's Highway 2.
We already knew we were stopping for the night in Moncton, staying with Jane's friend Roxi - thanks again for the hospitality! Ironically her boyfriend was in southwestern Ontario at the time as guitarist in the band The Motorleague - check 'em out, they're about to be big! She also joined us to meet some former Ontario colleagues for dinner and drinks at the Pump House brew pub downtown. Nice to see some familiar faces again, especially when there's beer involved.
Packed up in a light mist, though luckily we got everything stowed away before the rain intensified. Stopped a little ways down the road at the main campground to enjoy a nice hot shower before we hit the road in earnest.
After a souvenir stop at the Canso Causeway, we actually headed southeast rather than OFF Cape Breton Island, through Port Hawkesbury and down the 104 to visit the Isle Madame area - yet another island off the coast of an island, with yet more causeways. Nice area, certainly a much more quiet part of Cape Breton, less rugged and spectacular but still pretty nice.
After a quick loop around the island, we headed back to the Canso Causeway and crossed back over to the mainland, making good time westbound on Nova Scotia 104 and then New Brunswick's Highway 2.
We already knew we were stopping for the night in Moncton, staying with Jane's friend Roxi - thanks again for the hospitality! Ironically her boyfriend was in southwestern Ontario at the time as guitarist in the band The Motorleague - check 'em out, they're about to be big! She also joined us to meet some former Ontario colleagues for dinner and drinks at the Pump House brew pub downtown. Nice to see some familiar faces again, especially when there's beer involved.
The sign says it all!
Isle Madame - Arichat - Little Anse
Canso Roundabout
Crossing the Canso Causeway and Farewell to Cape Breton
A fine selection of beverages from the Pump House in Moncton
East Coast 2013 - Day 13
September 11/13 - Cape Breton Highlands
Of course, it rained ALL night, accompanied by strong winds. Of course.
Undeterred, we broke our fast in the picnic shelter (deja vu) before setting out for a day amongst the Highlands. We visited Cheticamp again, making our second trip to the Doryman for beverages, wifi, and a wi-fine view of the sea.
We also finally managed to undertake the Skyline hike, which always seemed to be closed due to high winds every time we were there. I would hate to see "high winds" if this day was any indication. At any rate, stunning scenery prevailed, and a lovely walk through the woods gave way to an open ridge along the ocean, with the Cabot Trail snaking below. A sudden gust of wind did catch me off guard at one point while focusing on a photo op, and my many years of martial arts training saved me as I was blown backwards into an instinctive zenkutsu dachi.
All told, we did not travel far today, though all the winding, climbing, dropping and stopping along the road makes it feel like you have. Before heading back to Corney Brook for a cheery fire, we opted for a dinner of takeout pizza and garlic fingers from Wabo's in Cheticamp - it may sound odd going all the way to the east coast for pizza, but Wabo's is really good and who knows when we'd be back again.
Also met some interesting neighbours (in the white camper) - turns out they are professional travellers! They live in the camper (which is a lot nicer than it looks) - they don't have an actual home, they just drive around and have been for three years now. He has a software business developing apps, and can work from just about anywhere with his special satellite dish. I never knew what my goal in life was until now....though we'd need a big trailer to tow all the cats behind us....
Of course, it rained ALL night, accompanied by strong winds. Of course.
Undeterred, we broke our fast in the picnic shelter (deja vu) before setting out for a day amongst the Highlands. We visited Cheticamp again, making our second trip to the Doryman for beverages, wifi, and a wi-fine view of the sea.
We also finally managed to undertake the Skyline hike, which always seemed to be closed due to high winds every time we were there. I would hate to see "high winds" if this day was any indication. At any rate, stunning scenery prevailed, and a lovely walk through the woods gave way to an open ridge along the ocean, with the Cabot Trail snaking below. A sudden gust of wind did catch me off guard at one point while focusing on a photo op, and my many years of martial arts training saved me as I was blown backwards into an instinctive zenkutsu dachi.
All told, we did not travel far today, though all the winding, climbing, dropping and stopping along the road makes it feel like you have. Before heading back to Corney Brook for a cheery fire, we opted for a dinner of takeout pizza and garlic fingers from Wabo's in Cheticamp - it may sound odd going all the way to the east coast for pizza, but Wabo's is really good and who knows when we'd be back again.
Also met some interesting neighbours (in the white camper) - turns out they are professional travellers! They live in the camper (which is a lot nicer than it looks) - they don't have an actual home, they just drive around and have been for three years now. He has a software business developing apps, and can work from just about anywhere with his special satellite dish. I never knew what my goal in life was until now....though we'd need a big trailer to tow all the cats behind us....
Overcast skies can't dampen the spirit
Coffee's on!
And breakfast too!
Formerly the Doryman Beverage Room during previous visits
Holiday math: Juke + Cabot Trail = FUN!!!
Actually there's a whole mountain "under the boardwalk"
Skyline view
There's our tent in the middle....
....right behind the white camper!
Skyline trailhead
Lead me down the garden path....
Those tiny people were us a few minutes ago!
Juke can look....but Juke can't touch
Taking the chill off
Lights out, kids!
East Coast 2013 - Day 12
September 10/13 - Cape Breton
Did I say sister ship? Why...yes I did. And yes, we ended back "down in the hole" on the MV Highlanders as well! Sigh. Loading and parking chaos ensued. Again. In fairness, it had far more to do with the drivers than with the ship's crew. Just sayin'.
Had a pleasant sleep in the comfy recliners located in the rear lounge, and before we knew the sunrise revealed the shores of Cape Breton. We docked in North Sydney and headed straight out for Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where we planned to spend a few days. Other than a very nice breakfast along the way, we only stopped for scenic panoramai as we drove up the east side of the Highlands, across the middle, and down the western shore to our chosen campsite on a cliff at Corney Brook.
No matter how many times you drive the Cabot Trail, it never fails to take your breath away. Luckily Jane has puffers for these situations.
After we set up, we made the obligatory run into Cheticamp for groceries, before settling in for a soothing night oceanside
Did I say sister ship? Why...yes I did. And yes, we ended back "down in the hole" on the MV Highlanders as well! Sigh. Loading and parking chaos ensued. Again. In fairness, it had far more to do with the drivers than with the ship's crew. Just sayin'.
Had a pleasant sleep in the comfy recliners located in the rear lounge, and before we knew the sunrise revealed the shores of Cape Breton. We docked in North Sydney and headed straight out for Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where we planned to spend a few days. Other than a very nice breakfast along the way, we only stopped for scenic panoramai as we drove up the east side of the Highlands, across the middle, and down the western shore to our chosen campsite on a cliff at Corney Brook.
No matter how many times you drive the Cabot Trail, it never fails to take your breath away. Luckily Jane has puffers for these situations.
After we set up, we made the obligatory run into Cheticamp for groceries, before settling in for a soothing night oceanside
Sunrise over the rear deck of the MV Highlanders
Arriving in North Sydney, Nova Scotia
Landscapes flash past
The East Gate to Cape Breton Highlands National Park
First aggressive seagulls, and now this????
Keep your eyes on the road....
Set up at Corney Brook
Green Point
The Road Goes Ever....Up
Pleasant Cove - aptly named!
The Cabot Trail
Y'arrrr, she be half woman and half tent!
East Coast 2013 - Day 11
September 9/13 - Cape Ray - Rose Blanche - Port-aux-Basques
Packing up wet just plain sucks. At least we enjoyed a dry night courtesy of Killdevil Camp, but still had a bit of a mess to pack away the next morning. We dragged everything into the picnic shelter and bagged it all in garbage bags before we hit the road, headed south for the ferry on our last day on The Rock.
The run down the western coast was uneventful, and ironically some of the best weather our entire time on the island.....just as we were leaving. Once again we had booked the midnight crossing, having more to do with when we wanted to arrive in Cape Breton rather than when we wanted to leave. Still, we had the better part of the day left to explore the general vicinity of the ferry terminal in Port-aux-Basques.
We took the opportunity to visit Cape Ray and it's lighthouse at the southwest tip of Newfoundland, and then took the extremely scenic Route 470 east along the south coast to Isle aux Morts and Rose Blanche, one of our favourite little towns in all of Newfoundland.
We returned with some time to spare, and the friendly folks at the Visitor Welcome Centre told us they were closing, but that we were Welcome to set up our tent if we wanted to dry it out before we boarded the ship. We gladly took them up on the offer.....and even borrowed a few nearby rocks temporarily to make sure the tent did not end up across the harbour.
Eventually we drove to the terminal and settled in line to board the MV Highlanders, sister ship to the ferry that brought us over. Even had a nice little chat with the CFIA inspector tasked with making sure we weren't taking any potatoes off the island. Memories, yes. Spuds, no.
Packing up wet just plain sucks. At least we enjoyed a dry night courtesy of Killdevil Camp, but still had a bit of a mess to pack away the next morning. We dragged everything into the picnic shelter and bagged it all in garbage bags before we hit the road, headed south for the ferry on our last day on The Rock.
The run down the western coast was uneventful, and ironically some of the best weather our entire time on the island.....just as we were leaving. Once again we had booked the midnight crossing, having more to do with when we wanted to arrive in Cape Breton rather than when we wanted to leave. Still, we had the better part of the day left to explore the general vicinity of the ferry terminal in Port-aux-Basques.
We took the opportunity to visit Cape Ray and it's lighthouse at the southwest tip of Newfoundland, and then took the extremely scenic Route 470 east along the south coast to Isle aux Morts and Rose Blanche, one of our favourite little towns in all of Newfoundland.
We returned with some time to spare, and the friendly folks at the Visitor Welcome Centre told us they were closing, but that we were Welcome to set up our tent if we wanted to dry it out before we boarded the ship. We gladly took them up on the offer.....and even borrowed a few nearby rocks temporarily to make sure the tent did not end up across the harbour.
Eventually we drove to the terminal and settled in line to board the MV Highlanders, sister ship to the ferry that brought us over. Even had a nice little chat with the CFIA inspector tasked with making sure we weren't taking any potatoes off the island. Memories, yes. Spuds, no.
Soggy tent
Packed and ready to roll!
Thanks again!
Drying out
The Wreckhouse Wrevisited
Outdoor Reading Room
Cape Ray
Beautiful Decay
Rose Blanche
Rose Blanche, Part Deux
Rose Blanche III
A farewell to Newfoundland
MV Highlanders
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