Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Springdale & icebergs!)

July 6th: Happy Birthday to my sis, Val. Wishing you many more celebrations!

Before Sparky and I left Woody Point, I finally stopped in at the Galliott Studios on the waterfront. My friends Berardine and Stewart Cochrane had suggested that I visit while in Woody Point, but for some reason, I had forgotten that they also serve good coffee and goodies. 

Coffee, goodies, pretty things, and dog-friendly!

I popped in for a latte to go and discovered they are also super dog-friendly. Sparky and I could have hung out there every day on the waterfront, drinking coffee and soaking up the local vibe! I really need to ask local establishments more often, "Are you doggie-friendly?" 

More often than not in Newfoundland, the answer is a resounding, "Yes! We love dogs."

The back deck at Galliott's Woody Point

Not a normal iceberg photo

We arrived in Springdale around 1:00 p.m. and were able to check into the Ocean Breezzz Chalet on the waterfront. 

Springdale's population is around 3000. It's on the northwestern shore of Hall's Bay, close to Baie Verte Peninsula, where the icebergs sail silently past. 

Occasionally, the bemouths manage to find a route into Halls's Bay, and some have been known to park themselves in front of the cottage where Sparky and I are staying for two nights. One large icy visitor had just moved from in front of the cottage to the other side of the bay. It will hang around in the bay until it melts.

This one was in front of the cottage yesterday

At my cottage in Springdale, NF

Ocean Breezzz Chalet (yes, the spelling is correct)

Springdale, NF, iceberg across the bay

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 Kings Square 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

Home for the next 2 days, Kings Square Cottage

The southern head, steep cliffs, lots of birds

The salty tang of low tide

Near Fish Fluke on Grand Manan

Tired pupper! Kings Square Cottage 

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Tennessee back to Kentucky)

May 29th, traveling between Lebanon, Tennessee, and Berea, Kentucky. The fun part of traveling with Miss Google telling me where to go is that she also says things like: Speed trap ahead! Thanks, Miss Google.

Crosses in front of the church for the Memorial Day service

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Kentucky)

May 26th, day 26 of Sparky's Epic Adventure. We wandered through more of Missouri and a bit of Illinois, then overnighted in Paducah, Kentucky. I took the scenic backroads today, and we were 7 hours on the road.

Before we left Paducah in the morning, we roamed around the historic area of Paducah. It was a Saturday, and the market was in operation. I purchased a metal dog sculpture from the artist to add to our overloaded car! What was I thinking?

On the backroads

Paducah Kentucky market

Ewin Ledbetter and my new dog

Historic area of Paducah Kentucky

Historic area of Paducah Kentucky