A Canadian writer's life

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

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 (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

Monday, June 12, 2023

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 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 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 https://sunset-tides.gonewbrunswick.com/en/

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

June 10th. Bangor, Maine, to the coastal highway, then to Sunset Tides, New Brunswick. I took a ton of photos, but when I downloaded them, they disappeared from 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!)

Ellsworth Maine Library

Wharf built for tide changes, Jonesport, Maine

Lobster traps Jonesport, 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

Border crossing between Quebec and Maine

Sugarloaf Mountains area of Maine

My @Mazda 3 - Sugarloaf Mountains, Maine

Sugarloaf Mountains Maine

Sunday, June 11, 2023

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.

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.' To frighten the geese.

We passed through several charming villages in the area between Cornwall, Ontario, and Granby, Quebec. There was a detour for road work in a 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 - Cowansville, Quebec

This word I know!

Monday, June 5, 2023

Sparky's Epic Adventure Across North America (Rome and Cape Vincent New York)

June 3rd, from Lock Haven, PA, to Rome, New York, and Tug Hill, New York. The drive was beautiful, passing several interesting towns.

The heat was intense when we arrived in Rome, New York, so we didn't explore the way I had intended. We overnighted in Tug Hill Resort, a bit north and west of Rome. The facility was okay, but I could hear every word from the guests in the next room. Ah, well, I got a decent sleep, and we headed out early in the morning.

I had planned to catch the small ferry from Cape Vincent, NY, to Wolfe Island, Ontario. It was out of order, so I drove another 25 miles and connected with the bridge from near Clayton, New York, to Ontario. I should have booked a night or two in this area.