Saturday, July 4th

Happy Birthday America! First time I have ever not been in my country for the 4th. Hope everyone celebrated with fireworks.

This morning we drove down to Keji Lake again, this time to observe the building of an authentic birch bark canoe being being built by one of the last men still around who knows how. His skill at dampening and bending the supports that day was truly amazing. He told wonderful stories his grandfather told him while he passed on the knowledge and tradition. He used summer bark for the lighter parts of the skin of the canoe, and winter bark for the darker ones. Then he carved designs in the side - beautiful canoe!

Friday, July 3

After a typically wonderful and huge Bill breakfast we began to explore Keji. First we hiked a trail along the Mersey River that led to Mills Falls. Much photography and videography!

We discovered Merrymakedge, and area next to Kejimkujik Lake. The water is warm enough to swim in and many families were. We drove back down to the beach to capture some evening photography. As we sat on the beach waiting for the sun to go down, we were reminded of the longer days here. At 9:00 pm it was still light out out. Went home and built a nice hot campfire. Sleeping like a baby. No television, no wifi, two country music stations. Love it.

Thursday, July 2

Off to Nova Scotia. Bill drove the camper into the belly of the Princess of Acadia, the ferry that took us on the 2-1/2 hour trip to Digby, Nova Scotia. The ship, soon to be retired, was built in the 70's and ran from 15-20 knots. Combining that to the stiff breeze on deck, it was hard to stand up; but we spent as much time as we could outside talking to some very friendly Canadians crossing for vacation or visiting relatives. Kirby spent the trip in the camper and was very happy to see us when we reached Digby. Here is a view as we approached.

We drove about three hours from Digby to Kejimkujik National Park in Caledonia, an enormous park in south central Nova Scotia. Had a nice meal and told silly stories around the campfire.

Wednesday, July 1st

We drove four hours to St. John, New Brunswick to find the ferry to Digby, Nova Scotia. We were busted at the border and our pepper spray was confiscated – but not the liquor and wine (thank goodness!). According to the border patrol people, firearms are not allowed in Canada and there is very little violent crime because of it. The pepper spray is considered a concealed weapon. We just took the spray with us for protection, but they told us we needed to understand the culture in which people do not feel the need for it. However, BEAR SPRAY is okay and we still have it with us.

 

We arrived at the ferry terminal late in the afternoon and prepared to spend the night in the parking lot. Shortly after arriving we had an opportunity to view and photograph the ferry coming into the port to unload people and vehicles. I walked on the rocky beach and encountered two young men who worked for Bay Ferries taking a break before the ferry's final arrival for the day. They told me that it docks overnight and departs twice each day at 8:00 am and 2:30 pm. We have reserved a space in the afternoon tomorrow. We met a very nice extended family from Toronto who arrived here in two rented campers. They are departing tomorrow morning. A very nice man gave us maps and advice on what to see during our trip. The Canadians we have encountered so far have been so very friendly and helpful.

Today is Canada Day, very similar to our Independence Day celebrated on July. 4^th. We even watched fireworks across the water in St. John. Happy Canada Day to our Canadian friends!

 

Tuesday, June 30th

Today was our first day on the road. We drove from Gloucester, Massachusetts to Younity Winery andVineyards in Unity, Maine to park the camper and spend the night as a host location for Harvest Hosts. Our host Clem met us at his home and business located on a most scenic and peaceful mountaintop. His warm welcome and fascinating tour passed a couple of hours for us and included an education on the wine-making process and a wine tasting of all of his wonderful fruit wines.

 

We, of course, departed with three bottles of blueberry, rhubarb, and grape wines. When we awoke in the morning we found a bottle placed outside our door – a bonus from Clem!

Both of us loved the experience (keep in mind we sampled a lot of wine) and Clem's obvious love for his craft. We high recommend a visit to this wonderful place. Thank you Harvest Hosts!

On to Canada!

 Younity Winery and Vineyards

317 AlbionRoad

Unity, Maine

207-948-7777

Jeri and Clem

Second weekend out before the big trip. Drove four hours on Friday, the 19th to Minot, Maine via Route 91 in Vermont - almost to St. Johnsbury - then through the top of the White Mountain National Forest. Beautiful ride. Stopped several times for photographs. Met Bill there who drove the camper up from Gloucester.




 Saturday was a perfect day for shooting video and photographs at Hemond's Moto-X Park. Bill is working on a video featuring the son of his friend from Gloucester. He can actually pull 8 megapixal stills from the frames that are better than the 36 megapixal photographs I was taking because - well, he is Bill - and because he captures nearly every possible shot on constantly recording 4k video. Astounding results.

 We had permission to roam the track so we found some great spots to shoot. I shot from the viewing building for a while, but then wandered down to a shaded place where the riders were flying off of a seriously steep jump.

We stayed in the camper, of course, right next to the track. Parents of the competitors often came and stood by the fence to holler encouragement.

What an amazing experience it was to be with these motocross families in the camping area. Everyone was so friendly and helpful - smiling and saying "hey" as you walked by. The track brochure points out that these young people actually want to spend weekends with their parents!
 




Saturday night we wandered down to the bonfire and visited with other campers. Lovely end to a perfect day. Early Sunday morning we awoke to heavy rain on the roof and it was time to head home. I highly recommend a visit to Minot and this wonderful family motocross park.



Now we are making our final preparations for the big trip!

Stay tuned.

Trial Weekend! Camped two nights in Vermont. The first night at the foot of Bill's former log cabin on the hill in Athens; we parked in Jon and Linda's backyard. We tested all the pumps and electrical in the camper. Passed! We tried out the new camp grill outside and had a delicious chicken and rice dinner. Jon and Linda had just come back from a trip of their own so we got some tips there.

Saturday included making lists and visiting hardware stores for supplies. Headed over route 7 from Manchester to locate Mt. Tabor in the Green Mountain National Forest. It is worth a drive there to see that imposing landscape. You are allowed to camp anywhere on the road that takes you over the mountain, but you must be at least 200 feet from the road and any water. We drove to the very top but could not find a place for the camper. Stopped for a while to enjoy a beautiful rocky brook.

We decided to try the Emerald Lake State Park, which we had passed on the way by.  What a large, beautiful place - highly recommend it. There were plenty of lots to choose from since it is still early in the season. They have a picnic table and a fire pit, and we were just a short walk from bathrooms and showers. No plug-ins, but that was what we were looking for. We had time for a nice fire and dinner and a little wine before we heard thunder. Not a bad storm, but it rained all night. Nice sound on the roof.

Can't wait for more.


By the way, Kirby was with us every step of the way. She is definitely a traveling cat. Adjusts to whatever happens and wherever we go.