Lynda L. Lock's Blog, page 12

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Saint Johns NB to Maitland Nova Scotia)

June 17th: Sparky and I stayed overnight in an okay Holiday Inn Express in Saint Johns. Not bad. Not great. Just a place to sleep, then we hit the road early in the morning traveling towards Nova Scotia. It's been nearly 37 years since Lawrie and I were in Nova Scotia. I'm really happy to be back here again. 

My dad's Irish ancestors immigrated to Canada in the 1720s and landed in Nova Scotia. They took up farming and eventually my great-grandfather, Joseph Lyons, became a shipbuilder and a ship owner in Parrsboro Nova Scotia, on the Bay of Fundy. My dad's French ancestors immigrated first to Illinois in the 1820s and then moved to Canada in the 1860s.

In 1986 I found the Lyons family home in Parrsboro and Lawrie took a photo of me standing on the front steps. However, that photo was a casualty of moving to Mexico in 2008.  I tried to find the house again this time but wasn't sure if  I was really looking at Captain Lyons' house. So, in the end, no photo.

In Parrsboro at the Harbourview Restaurant, I had the BEST OMG scallops and fresh fish. The Harbourview is a funky little place that looks as if it has been there since the 1930s with the same clientele. The ceiling is low. Additions have been made over the years. The prices are affordable. The food is fabulous! Basic and so good.

We arrive at Cresthaven by the Sea, in Maitland, around 3:00 in the afternoon. It's situated on the Bay of Fundy, home of the world's largest tides. Our home for the evening was pleasant and comfortable, with the additional entertainment of a thunder and lightning storm starting at midnight and ending around 2:00 in the morning. Sparky slept through the entire performance.

Cheers

Lynda and The Sparkinator

My dad with a ship model built by his granddad - Parrsboro NS
My dad again visited Parrsboro later in 1920s

Parrsboro Nova Scotia















Parrsboro Nova Scotia
Parrsboro Nova Scotia
Best OMG scallops, ever!

My Mazda and the big chairs at Parrsboro NS

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Grand Manan to Saint Johns NB)

 June 16th: I have a few days to catch up with blog posts. At times I just want to do a massive photo dump on Facebook and stop there, but my OCD heart needs to document the experience in better detail. Besides, I know when I look at the photo dumps of my FB friends, I frequently wonder, "Where was this photo taken? And why?" 

The Sparkinator and I caught the 9:30 a.m. boat from Grand Manan to the mainland of New Brunswick. I had a reservation for a much later crossing, but once I am up and organized, I want to be on the move. I stopped at the ticket booth in North Head, Grand Manan, and asked if I could change my reservation. 

"Sure. No problem!" And then we were on the boat. 

Unfortunately, it was another foggy morning and the ship's captain was required to sound the fog horn at frequent intervals. So, now my pooch is well and truly terrified of travelling on car ferries. He shook and shivered the entire 90-minute crossing. I'll have to drug him for the 7-hour crossing on July 2nd to Newfoundland.

We landed in Blacks Harbour New Brunswick. It's a cute area that I couldn't see on the way to Grand Manan because of the heavy fog. Our next stop was beautiful Dipper Cove a short detour on Highway 790, off of Highway 1. I could live there! It's tiny, sheltered, and right on the ocean!  (And, I might say that a few more times about other Maritime communities in the coming months.)

By 2:00 in the afternoon, we were at our okay-average Holiday Inn Express on the west side of Saint Johns. I didn't feel like exploring anymore and napped instead. My travel partner was okay with that!

Cheers, Lynda & The Sparkinator

Cheeky seagull Grand Manan NB
Seal Harbour Grand Manan

Leaving Blacks Harbour NB


Leaving Blacks Harbour NB
















Dipper Cove New Brunswick

Dipper Cove New Brunswick













Maybe Mazda Canada will notice?? LOL

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (exploring Grand Manan Island NB)

 June 15th: We started this adventure on May 1st, so today is our 46th day. It's been interesting, entertaining, educational, and occasionally hectic with many more adventures to come.

It's raining lightly on Grand Manan but the fog has lifted, and I can finally see the ocean. I am sitting at the kitchen table of my vacation cottage in Seal Cove, near the southern end of the island. Sparky is napping - again. I think I am wearing out my travel buddy.

This morning we drove to North Head, to see the lighthouse at Swallow Tail and Net Rocks. The ferry happened to be passing at the same time. Even though we were on the ferry yesterday, the fog was so thick I couldn't see the shoreline, or even the boat that we were on. The boat's captain continually activated the ship's fog horn during the entire voyage, and for the first time ever, Sparky was shaking with nerves the entire trip. He's never been afraid of boats, cars, trucks, or airplanes. I think the constant noise was too much for him.

Earlier this morning, I noticed a cute cafe a short distance away that opens at 10:00 a.m., so that's where I am headed now.

Tomorrow morning we are headed to Saint John New Brunswick.

Cheers, and Happy Thursday!

Lynda and The Sparkinator

Seagull in the fog
Seal Cove Grand Manan, higher up from my cottage

The lighthouse at Swallow Tail point

View from near the lighthouse

The lighthouse pathway 
Lighthouse Keeper's car licence
The ferry to Grand Manan
Typical street in North Head Grand Manan

Net Rocks Grand Manan
I's wet. Does you have a towel for me?

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Grand Manan, New Brunswick)

June 14th: This island is new to me, and yet, it is a very familiar, place. Grand Manan is an island just off the coast of New Brunswick. It is 34 km (21 mi) long and 18 km (11 mi) wide and it is home to around 2500 residents.

Many years ago I moved to a similarly sized island, Bowen Island, near West Vancouver BC. So far, everyone has slotted right into the Bowen Island characteristics. Friendly. Helpful. Chatty. And willing to let the rules slide.

I arrived at the Black Harbour ferry terminal two hours early for my 11:30 reservation and told the ticket agent that I had a receipt, but it was in my travel binder, in the trunk. "Should I get it for you?" I asked.

Without batting an eyelash, she pointed to the boat and said, "If you hurry you can catch the 9:30. Just head over there." 

It wasn't until I was on the ferry that I realized I never did show her my receipt.

Upstairs in the doggie lounge, a very nice woman (and her elderly dog)  gave me an interesting geology and historical recap of the island as we journeyed for 90 minutes from Blacks Harbour through the dense fog to Grand Manan's ferry terminal.

When I arrived I phoned the owner of the cottage and explained that I had accidentally arrived two hours earlier than we had discussed. She said, "No problem. The house is clean. I'll text you the entry code and wifi info. Enjoy your stay."

Then the staff at the nearby store/restaurant were super helpful, explaining the difference between a clam platter and a clam strips platter. Whole clams as opposed to pieces of clams. I stifled a laugh when the young woman's expression clearly exhibited her disgust, "I don't eat either of those!" She said.

The weather is rainy, damp, and foggy. Waves ripple over the dark sand. I can taste the tang of seaweed in the air. And odors of clams, mussels, and crabs buried deep in the muddy shoreline waiting for the life-giving brine to wash over them at high tide. The shriek of seagulls. The moan of the fog horns. 

It all soothes my soul.

A foggy 90-minute ferry ride

Our home for the next two days

The southern head, steep cliffs, lots of birds

The salty tang of low tide

Near Fish Fluke on Grand Manan
Tired pupper!

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (hanging out near St. Andrew's NB)

June 13th: We spent the day enjoying our little seaside cottage, at Woodhaven on Passamaquoddy Bay New Brunswick. It was a pleasant way to spend a day. The ocean view frequently distracted me from my book, and Sparky insisted on at least one walk on the beach at St. Andrew's but otherwise, it was a wonderfully lazy day. 

My hosts, David McKinstry and Michael Rattenbury were busy later in the afternoon rebuilding the railing on their main deck. I offered helpful suggestions on occasion, which I think were sincerely appreciated. (Or not!)

David on left, Michael on right

Miss Maddy, one of two young ladies who reside at Woodhaven

A wild antiques and collectible store in St. Andrew's

My travel buddy on the beach














Sunset over Passamaquoddy Bay from my deck 

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (St. Andrew's New Brunswick)

June 12th: The Sparkinator and I moved a whole 5 kilometers along the coast to another very lovely, two-bedroom cottage, on the shoreline near St. Andrew's New Brunswick.

This one is a bit more expensive than last night's cottage but a whole lot less than the famous Algonquin Resort just a few miles away.

We have a large, private deck to enjoy as much and as often as we like.

Cheers, Lynda, and my co-pilot.

St. Andrew's New Brunswick

This sign made me giggle.

Algonquin Resort St. Andrew's by the Sea


Our cozy waterfront cottage for a lot less than the Algonquin
Tonight's view from our deck

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (St. Stephens & Sunset Tides New Brunswick)

 June 11th: Staying at the Sunset Tides.

Sparky and I have a choice of two lovely bedrooms, our own kitchen, an enormous bathroom/shower, laundry facilities, and multiple choices of how to make my coffee. Espresso. Kuereg. Or standard filter. Amazing. The hosts Angela and Aaron are warm, welcoming people. The property has a beach where guests can have a bonfire (unless the no-campfire regulation is in effect).

The nightly rate for this beautiful two-bedroom seaside apartment is cheaper than a scruffy Howard Johnson in downtown Bangor Maine.

Until now, I had no idea how beautiful this area is between St. Stephen's and St. Andrew's in New Brunswick. It's a good thing that Lawrie isn't here with me. We'd probably drink a bottle of wine, find a real estate salesperson, and buy a house on the waterfront. Several of our real estate deals were purchased just like that.... in the Okanagan BC, Montreal Quebec, and Mexico.

As I have said, this area is gorgeous!

Welcome sign at Sunset Tides







One of two lovely bedrooms
Kitchen, living area, and coffee bar!

View at Sunset Tides New Brunswick

  Milltown / St. Stephen's New Brunswick 





Milltown St. Stephen's NB
Sparky - Milltown NB

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Maine to New Brunswick)

June 10th. Bangor Maine to along the coastal highway to Sunset Tides New Brunswick. I took a ton of photos but when I downloaded them, they disappeared off my laptop. I checked my Google Drive and they have been uploaded to that ... but when I try to download to my laptop I get a message that I can't do that!

Anyway, the scenery was fantastic and we are now in a cute little place near St. Stephen's New Brunswick.

Time to head outside and watch the sunset with a glass of wine.

Cheers Lynda and The Sparkinator

(UPDATE: a few of my Maine photos magically reappeared today! Sigh.)

Ellsworth Maine Library
Wharf built for tide changes Jonesport Maine


Lobster traps Jonesport Maine

Red Clyffs near Calais Maine


Red Clyffs near Calais Maine
Red Clyffs near Calais Maine

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Quebec & Maine)

June 9th: Granby Quebec to Bangor Maine.

What a stunningly beautiful drive south from Sherbrooke Quebec and into Maine. Gorgeous low 'mountains,' rivers, lakes, and charming communities. It must be a spectacular drive in the fall when the oaks, maples, and poplars are changing from green to gold, orange, and red.

I live in BC where the mountains are considerably younger, not worn down by the various ice ages. These mountains are rounded and gentler but still beautiful.

Notre Dame de Bois Quebec

Notre Dame de Bois Quebec

Border crossing between Quebec and Maine
Sugarloaf Mountains area of Maine


My @Mazda 3 - Sugarloaf Mountains Maine
Sugarloaf Mountains Maine

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Kingston & Granby Quebec)

Sparky's Epic Adventure took a short break for 5 days in Kingston, Ontario. We didn't do any sightseeing because I have visited Kingston several times in previous years, and Sparky isn't big on touring museums or historic sites. He was more interested in hanging out with our friends, Scott and Judy. 

So, I used the downtime to have my Mazda 3 serviced by the folks at Kingston @Mazda. Thanks to Alex LaFrambois for fitting me into the busy shop schedule.

On another day, I managed to squeeze a hair appointment in for me, and a spa day for The Sparkinator. We were all fresh and set to head out again on Thursday, June 8th.

To start the day we headed east toward Cornwall Ontario, then turned off the 401 freeway to enjoy the secondary roads that pass through various communities. Sparky ran into a snarly 'wolf' in Cornwall. I had a good chuckle watching him stand his ground. 

Sparky and the 'wolf.' He was supposed to frighten geese
We passed through several charming villages in the area between Cornwall Ontario and Granby Quebec. There was a detour for road work in one village, and my French was a bit rusty. Even with Miss Google's help I still made a wrong turn and added another 30 kilometers to my driving distance. Unfortunately, I didn't keep an accurate record of where I took each photo. This is a collage of several locations. 
The detour that added 30 kms to my route
One of several bridges in this area of Quebec

Many churches - Cowanville Quebec
This word I know!














Also in Cowanville Quebec