East Coast
On July 3rd we embarked on our summer adventure. This would take us to the east coast, but most notably to Newfoundland and Labrador. This would mark the last of the ten provinces for Brian, Hadley and myself... and Easton if you count that he was in my belly during our trip to the Vancouver Olympics.
We started in Quebec City. Hadley was most taken by the blue and white flags. We enjoyed some walking around the city and the kids enjoyed rolling down the hills. We ventured to Sainte Anne de Beaupre, we lit candles and prayed for a safe journey ahead.
From here we traveled to Baie-Comeau where we enjoyed some evening music at our campground as well as a community campfire with s'mores and the like!
The drive from here was rough and at times washboard like. The roads were wide with very large trucks building the road as we went along. For many hours we had no cell service. We were so happy to arrive in Labrador City! We checked into our hotel, and then as we came out to get our things... we had a flat tire in the parking lot. We were surprised but happy that if we had to have a flat tire, it was in a city with a Canadian Tire, and in a place where we had a hotel, and cell service. All blessings.
In and around Labrador City there were minors mining iron, lots of them, and almost everyone (if not everyone) was not originally from there. There was not much to do in Labrador City but we did manage to take the kids to the beach.
On the way to Happy Valley-Goose Bay we stopped at Churchill Falls which was actually nothing more than a drip of water compared to what could have been flowing through. Instead they used all the water to make energy.
Power lines were everywhere.
In fact when we arrived in Happy Valley Goose-Bay we were surprised to find out that all the hotels in town had three year contracts with the construction crews for the new Muskrat Falls Hydro Electric Dams.
After trying at least four hotels and calling all the B&B's in town and no campsites anywhere we had no where to sleep, so we considered pitching our tent in a random town location but just after 10 pm, we received a phone call back from one of the B&B's that said they had one room left with one bed and a bathroom. Hooray!
After some more northern driving we drove through Mary's Harbour where we saw our first ice burg. We woke the kids to take photos and we were all excited. Shortly after this we arrived in Red Bay.
Here we found pavement again!
We arrived in the evening and just before we had dinner at THE local restaurant, we went down by the water only to find two travelers who had just come in from the water with their big smiles and pieces of ice burg. We were fortunate enough that they shared some of this burg with us. We all licked it and then we added it to our cooler, although it didn't really stand a chance at staying in the form of ice.
After dinner we walked through the gift shop at the restaurant and asked a few questions about the campsites that were about 20 minutes away. We tried to call to make a reservation but there was no answer. Then the workers all suggested that we make camp at the community centre as there were washrooms open all night and free WiFi. Well, we decided to take them up on the free Wifi before leaving town and while we were parked outside of the community centre another person happily suggested that camping here was a fine option. (As he was here to borrow some tools from the fire hall which was attached to the open all night community centre/dance hall/library/fire department). So... we set our tent up on the back deck as it was the exact size of our tent. Free accommodations, free Wifi, all our devices were charged up by morning. This was all good. The town folk seemed to think this was normal for people passing through.
In the morning we took a tour through the whale exhibits, and started the kids Xplorer tag collections (from the 12 National Parks/Historic Sites).
Then as we were about to leave we found our van would not start. So after going to THE local gas stop, the owner said he couldn't leave the store but I could take his truck to try jump starting the van. WOW, small town indeed. I went back to where Brian was with the van, which was right next door and the same person that said he couldn't leave the store was now following me. Well, long story short, we got the van jump started and were on our way. I have a soft spot in my heart for this small town.
Just after leaving we found some snow still on the side of the road, so, we naturally got out and had a snowball fight because when can you do that in July?
Most of the trip was colder than we had expected with nights going down to about 10 C, and days under 18C.
From here we went to the Point Amour Lighthouse just outside of Blanc Sablon. It was pouring rain so we admired it from the van as we ate lunch prior to taking the boat across to Newfoundland.
After arriving in Newfoundland, we experienced L'ans Aux Meadows. We drove to the northern Peninsula, where we found the first European presence of the Norse people. Here we found sod buildings over 1000 years old. We walked a bog walk where we saw cliffs and water, and explored the Viking village. This UNESCO World Heritage Site had people dressed like Vikings and they encouraged us to not only see the village but to try on the costumes and thoroughly explore all that was there.
Throughout the trip we had beach stops to collect shells and skip stones, as well as park stops; but a favorite was at Arches National Park. It was stunning! Easton was sleepy but we got him out anyway.
We took a fairly long hike to the Western Brook Pond in Gros Morne National Park where we got on a boat tour that took us to see Fjords and waterfalls, all while sitting in a boat (for an hour) while it rained on us. While beautiful and worthwhile, it was cold and wet. The water here is said to be some of the purest in the world. We had our eyes looking for Moose, but alas after much searching not one on our whole trip.
We did a few more small hikes in Gros Morne National Park seeing waterfalls and the like, however one of the coolest ones was the Tablelands.
After a hike that seemed long (by the kids standards), about 2 hours return, we were able to see a rare example of rock that lie exposed from
when the continents moved.
We moved on to Gander. This was emotional for me. I didn't know it would be so emotional but after exploring the aviation museum, and doing the fun things inside with the kids, we got to the last exhibit where there were letters and news footage of 9/11. I cried.
I felt proud of how Canada helped out that day. I also remembered where I was and what I was doing that day.
I was at work, and being as I worked in the Financial district I knew right away about the Twin Towers. Brian however was in Montreal in a closed door meeting with no knowledge of the news until around 11 am.
I couldn't get a hold of him. There were no trains going home, people were advised to stay off transit, so, with nothing more to do at work as we were all evacuated, I walked to where I was supposed to play beach volleyball that night. A long walk, but I had time to kill and no transit so it gave me a place to be.
I worried about Brian, alongside all others who worried about their loved ones. I was grateful when I finally heard his voice and that he managed to squeeze his way into a 4 person rental car with 5 people in it on route to Toronto. There were no planes and all rentals were taken!
Brian was in the car with someone who had a loved one in New York, who they later found out was safe.
From here we collected ourselves and headed to Terra Nova National Park. With rain in the forecast we decided this would be a good night to try out the Otentik's. This is a cross between a tent and a cabin. There are 6 single beds. Four on the bottom and two above, with an indoor table and four chairs. This site also had a BBQ and an outdoor picnic table that was screened in.
It is here that we finally managed to meet up with Brian's dad's cousin. We had been texting her throughout our NFLD adventures and thought we wouldn't actually meet up, but here we found ourselves 10 minutes away from each other so we were able to meet up and chat for the night about our adventures.
St Pierre was next. We left Canada by boat and after just a one hour boat ride we were in France. There is a small island just off the coast of NFLD that takes you to France, and so, for Bastille Day, (their equivalent to Canada Day), we went to party!
We enjoyed free wine at lunch, and all kinds of small town celebrations! Games like connect 4 in large size that Easton managed to win a ten Euro gift certificate to any restaurant in town. There was a merry go round, hockey shoot outs, and much more!
The day was full of celebrations and we finished it with a lobster dinner and fireworks.
The next day, the town seemed more like a ghost town. So... we moved on.
Signal Hill and Cabot Tower were up next. We drove to the top of the hill to see Cabot Tower which like all good monuments was under construction, so we went for a hike down the hill. I sent a text message to Lindsay across the ocean as she is living in England right now. It seemed like the thing to do. :)
The kids really enjoyed playing with the cannons along the path.
Next up was Terry Fox mile zero in Saint Johns. This was neat as we have been to the end of his journey in Thunder Bay.
At Cape Spear, the Eastern most point in Canada we were able to see many whales from the lookout point! The birds would give away where the whales were going to be next. It was fantastic to watch.
To add to our whale watching, we decided to take a whale watching / puffin tour in Bay Bulls.
There were so many of both!
That night we stopped at Butterpot Provincial Park. Here we found a full camp. So, the lady at the desk offered us the day use area for free where we could set up a tent. This proved to be amazing! We had a beautiful sunset and met another couple who also were camping in the day use area (only in their trailer). We talked until we went to bed, as there was no campfire pits, we just enjoyed snacks and conversation.
(More about this lovely couple later).
The next day we went to Castle Hill National Historic Site. We toured the grounds and the kids did a scavenger hunt.
Then it was time for the BIG boat ride. 16 hours from NFLD to Nova Scotia.
On the boat in the evening is where we met up with Harvey and Darlene, from the night before. We found out they are from Huntsville, and exchanged email addresses. We sat with them as we enjoyed what I imagined to be cruise like live music. Hadley even managed to get Harvey on the dance floor. It was quite fun!
We had a four bed room. Two bunks that were cozy but roomy enough. There was a small desk and a washroom with shower. Perfect.
The next day after getting off the boat we went to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Here we saw many old phones, the kids learned about rotary dialing, amongst other inventions from Bell. We also enjoyed flying kites outside.
Cabot Trail. This stunning drive was long but I am glad we did it! The land is beautiful and it is mostly coastal. We had great weather for it too.
After many hours in the car, we arrived in PEI. Here we shared Anne of Green Gables with the kids. This was super fun as we watched the movies prior to going. Plus we have memories of Hadley mastering her walking skills on the hill at the house. She had just started to walk and this hill helped her to master the skill. So, while we were here, we had both kids run down the hill. We also walked around the grounds and of course had some cordial.
Easton only likes milk and water to drink and after basically forcing him to try a sip, he later asked for a second sip and caught on video, said that he also now likes cordial. :)
On our way to the bridge we saw the birth place of Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables.
We also stopped to touch the red dirt in a potato field and have some ice cream from COWS. Here we treated the kids to Moocraft shirts. A play on words to the Minecraft game that they both love to play.
It was fun to cross the confederation bridge with the kids. It is SO long!
New Brunswick. We went to Magnetic Hill. This is always fun!
Speaking of fun, we were at Hopewell Rocks after this, and while Brian and I thought the mud was super fun, both kids... not so much.
More driving with a quick stop at reversing falls. Which is more like reversing river but... ok.
Hadley thinks she saw a seal here. Maybe.
Last Canadian stop... Ganong Chocolate Museum. All the chocolate you can eat while you learn about the inventors of the chocolate bar.
So yummy and interesting!
Shortly after this Hadley finished her 800 page Disney Princess Comic Treasury Book. (This took her two days).
We drove to Acadia National Park in Maine. We got there late and all sites were full. We did manage to get the wheel chair spot as we arrived 10 minutes before closing. So at least we had a place to stay. However, the next day we saw how full the park actually was. It was a Wednesday and driving up Cadillac Mountain was insane. Easton, Hadley and I walked faster to the top than Brian could drive it. There were people everywhere. The only beach had no parking for miles. So... we moved on.
Arriving in Easton Massachusetts, Easton had such pride for "his town". We took pictures with things that had his name on it and visited the library, and a community building that was donated to the town by the Ames family. (The family known for inventing and producing shovels). In the community building the kids were happy to see that Minecraft was set up and there were two extra remotes. So, while Brian and I enjoyed some free WiFi, the kids played.
Later we tried to go to the Historical Society of Easton but it was closed. So, we were on the road again. For dinner we stopped to have pizza in a park while listening to the Belcherton Community Band on their 30th anniversary. Then that evening we arrived in Hadley, Massachusetts. Again, more pride for "her" town. We took pictures with her and her sign, went to the town hall, and then, just outside of town took the kids to glow in the dark bowling. We spent the night in Hadley.
The next day in the car both kids learned to tie a shoe. Neither one can tie it while on them, but in front of them, they have a loose but correct bow.
We stopped in Niagara Falls at the fashion outlets to get a new outfit for the kids first day of school and new shoes. Then we explored the states side of the Niagara Falls. Pretty too, but our side is much better!
So, on the Canadian side we took the kids GoKarting. SO MUCH FUN!
From here we went to Listowel for what felt like a few hours just so we wouldn't have to take the kids home only to take them out to Kerwood the next day to a bridal shower for Brian's cousin Steven and his wife to be, Melissa.
When we arrived home that night, I was tired. The house smelt like wood as everything had been closed up, and it was clean.
I didn't unpack until the next day. It took ALL day! It felt like the van exploded in the house.