THE PARSONS PROJECT!
... Ken & Fran's Travelogue - 2023
Embedded Files
August 2023 - Clickable Links
August 2023 - Clickable Links
Campbellton, NB
Campbellton, NB
1-2 - Driving Day from Perce, QC & Area Visit
1-2 - Driving Day from Perce, QC & Area Visit
Today was the last day to enjoy the Quebec scenery as we drove towards New Brunswick. It was an uneventful drive...it's amazing how one gets used to the views of the water and we become immune to the uniqueness/beauty of it all.
Yup, Ken found the actual brewery for Caribou Pit Pub beer, just a short drive from Perce. Wish we would have found this the day before as it would have been a great place to enjoy a pint and the views.
Lots of municipal rest areas,"Halte Municipale", along the roadways in Quebec, unfortunately for us we are too big for almost all of them when we are towing the trailer.
The days view as we drove along. Churches in abundance in each of the villages and lots of water views.
As we cross the bridge from Quebec, we will be in New Brunswick
Made it to New Brunswick!
We are staying for a couple of nights here at the Campbellton Community RV Park which is just at the base of the bridge as we crossed over the Restigouche River.
Campbellton is a city in Restigouche County, New Brunswick, Canada. Situated on the south bank of the Restigouche River opposite Pointe-à-la-Croix, Quebec, Campbellton was officially incorporated in 1889 and achieved city status in 1958. Wikipedia
There is a really nice Esplanade just off our campsite that skirts around the main downtown area. We enjoyed the walk and seeing some of the displays.
Not sure the story of the lighthouse as we walked the Esplanade as there were no plaques. However the scottish dude was mentioned in a plaque!
There is a strong influence of the Acadiens in this part of the province.
At this time, only First Nations are allowed to fish due to the low quantity of fish in general. There is not much fresh fish to be had in town for dinner, but there is this cute display!
Found our salmon!
View at the end of our fist day.
To the left of the bridge is Quebec, to the right is New Brunswick.
Drove around the area on Aug 2nd without the trailer in tow...so much easier to stop and see things along the way!
Needed to stop by Sugarloaf Provincial Park as Ken remembered from his youth, his friends going to this location to ski. Not much of a hill from what we could see!
In the small community of Dalhousie, is a wonderful little historic lighthouse, "Inch Arran" or more commonly referred to as "The Dalhousie Lighthouse"
First lighthouse keepers in 1870.
Bay of Chaleur & the Bon Ami Rocks
Double Crested Cormorants living on the rocks.
One of the longest natural sandbars just outside of Dalhousie on First Nation land just after the village of Eel River Bar. We had hoped to get some lobster for lunch but the first nation restaurant was "closed for the season"...just our luck!
Salt water on the left coming from the Bay of Chaleur & fresh water on the right coming from Eel River.
The beach on the bay side of the sandbar. Lots of people hanging out for the day.
Our driving day photos.
At the end of our driving day, it was a short walk from our spot at the community RV park to a taphouse (soon to be a micro-brewery) , to enjoy a red ale from the Brasseux d'la Cote.
Caraquet, NB
Caraquet, NB
3-4 - Driving day from Campbellton & Area Visit
3-4 - Driving day from Campbellton & Area Visit
We were driving more inland today and there are lots of factories, this one of the wood mill was enormous!
This factory looks to be closed for some time and left to die a slow death!
Our favorite part of the day!
In Bathurst, NB we found 13 Barrels Brewing. Great stop for a quick lunch on our way towards Caraquet.
A really quiet campground for 2 nights.
A really rocky beach on Caraquet Bay just down the path from our campsite.
This area is rich in history about the Acadians.
Went for a walk after dinner and found a really unexpected treasure..The Ste-Anne-Du-Bocage Sanctuaire. As soon as you enter the grounds you are greeted by soothing music playing amongst the trees and there are all sorts of statues to behold. Very tranquil indeed.
A walk down the stairs and you find a dove & cross in the bay!
Tabusintac, NB
Tabusintac, NB
5-6 - Village Historique Acadien & Driving Day & Relaxation
5-6 - Village Historique Acadien & Driving Day & Relaxation
Left our campsite by 10am in the rain and headed back to Village Historique Acadien to tour what we did not see yesterday. We were not sure what to expect of this stop but it was fascinating talking to the hosts at each of the some 40+ homes. The 2 hours that we were there yesterday was just not enough time. This exhibit was extremely well done and a must see if you are in the area. Plan on about 4 hours and lots of walking.
From their website
Witness to the birth of New Brunswick’s Acadie by travelling through 200 years of history!
More than a simple open-air museum, the Village historique acadien is a tourism complex built around a 2.2 km circuit bordered with historic buildings,
all inhabited by fully bilingual (French and English) interpretive guides who portray the daily lives of the Acadian people from 1770 to 1949.
We were lucky on our 2nd day that it was a rainy one as that allowed the guides time to be able to speak with us in English.
The day prior there were lots of french people so it took more time at each building as we waited for the guide to be able to tell us about the home.
After spending time at the park, it was a short drive to our campsite for the next couple of nights, staying at Ocean River RV Resort. They can call it a resort as they have a pool! And of course can charge more as well, $49.00 for water & electric. But it is peaceful and quiet as there are not many campers here, I will take it!
We did nothing while here, it was wonderful :)
Shediac, NB
Shediac, NB
7 - Parlee Beach
7 - Parlee Beach
Driving Day from Tabusintac where we stayed at Ocean River RV Resort.
Stayed at the closest campground to the provincial park beach which was a short 20 min walk away.
The beach is just over the dunes in front of the trees by the parked cars.
This was on the holiday Monday, New Brunswick Day, so the beach was extremely busy.
Just over the dunes was the really long & busy beach.
Did not get in the water but did touch the sand...does that count?!
Shediac is also known for having the World's Largest Lobster, so of course had to check that out. Turns out it is was a Rotary project. You just never know where Rotary will pop up!
Moncton, NB
Moncton, NB
8 - Driving Day
8 - Driving Day
Wow, this was a strenuous driving day, a whopping 28 minutes!
What were we thinking?! We should have just come here to the Moncton region a day earlier and done a day trip to visit Shediac. Everything is just so close!
Found a great camping spot for the next 3 nights just on the north end of Moncton. Stonehurst Golf Course & Trailer Park, which is really a campground, not a trailer park.
Time to restock the fridge at Costco and get gas! As well as exploring the area...
9 - Moncton Visit
9 - Moncton Visit
The day started out a bit rainy so we decided that today would be our day touring a bit of downtown Moncton.
Just never know who you are going to run into!
Yup, found another one! We were protected from the rain by the covered outdoor patio at Pump House Brewpub.
Monction is one of the few locations in the world that experiences a "Tidal Bore". A few descriptions...
A tidal bore is a rare natural phenomenon occurring on several rivers emptying into the Bay of Fundy, between the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. The surge of the incoming Fundy tide is so strong it temporarily reverses the flow of these rivers and appears as a crest of water traveling upriver....National Geographic
The Tidal Bore in New Brunswick Canada, occurs along the Peticodiac River near Moncton & Riverview and is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is caused by the surging waters from the Bay of Fundy tides which are the highest tides in the world, that roar up the Peticodiac River twice daily during the changing tides. The Tidal Bore occurs twice per day and creates a thick wave of water from the higher waters in the bay Bay of Fundy which run up the placid Peticodiac River and roll back upstream in one wave, which can vary in height from 3 cm (1 in.) to 60 cm (24 in.). Just as spectacular is the rapid and dramatic change in the river itself. At low tide the muddy river bottom is often visible, but within an hour of the arrival of the Tidal Bore, the water level rises some 7.5 m (25 ft.), filling the river to its banks. ...TidalBoreTimes.ca
We were not sure what to expect but after enjoying the beer we walked a short distance to Bore Park to see the "wave" on the Petitcodiac River. They estimate the bore times each day and today's was expected about 5:15pm. Lucky that we arrived about 4:35pm and the wave actually came in about 4:45pm.
The Petitcodiac is nicknamed the Chocolate River due to its brown colour—the result of heavy sedimentation (among the heaviest in North America). It runs through the city of Moncton, which has a wonderful tidal bore viewing point in Bore Park, off Moncton's Main Street ...TourismNewBrunswick.ca
By 6:30pm the Petitcodiac river was already up quite a ways.
Before
Before
After
After
Fran's Viewpoint of the Tidal Bore
Ken's Viewpoint of the Tidal Bore - a little further down from Fran
He found another one...
TransCanada Trail that is!
Terry Fox...once again making an impact on the community
Irish Families Memorial...Moncton had a strong Irish settlement in the mid 1800's.
10 - Touring the Bay of Fundy
10 - Touring the Bay of Fundy
We were told that the Fundy Trail Parkway rivelled Cabot Trail, so we needed to see about that! It would be a long driving day but we've been sitting for a day so why not hop in the truck once again!
2023 08 10 - Fundy Trail Parkway Map.pdfOne of our first stops on the parkway was to Fuller Falls. It was a first for both Ken & I to see and use Cable Steps. It was a steep decline to the falls viewpoint but well worth it.
Another great spot (as it turned out) was the Suspension Bridge and the Rock Piles that were on the other side of the bridge.
Some of the viewpoints that we stopped at...
Walton Glen Falls...the best part of the gorge!
After going through the Fundy Parkway we drove through Fundy National Park on our way to Alma.
The tide was out with lots of people hiking the bay.
He's not going anywhere, anytime soon!
The Holy Whale Brewing Co was a welcome stop on our way home. It's claim to fame other than the beer is that it is in an old church and they have kept it alive with some of the original stained glass and the pews for people to sit at.
Back in Moncton and a final view of the muddy Shediticodiac before the tide came in and before dinner.
Ended our day with a seafood dinner at Skipper Jack's. A small restaurant, very busy, but worth the wait. And to boot, the prices were reasonable.
New Glasgow, NS
New Glasgow, NS
It was a rainy day as we left New Brunswick and headed to our friends place in Nova Scotia. Bruce & Jacqueline Spears welcomed us to their cottage in Antigonish along with lots of other family.
11 - Cabin Life
11 - Cabin Life
We made it!
Thankfully the driveway was wide enough for us to make it over the ditch, and in one shot to boot!
Lots of room for the large family group.
Glad to have our own space though!
Beautiful view of the lake and maybe in September when we get back there we will even venture into the water...however it won't be 90 degrees so we will see!
You just never know who is going to stop in! Christmas in August! Thanks to Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus for making the day for those young at heart.
12-22 - Relaxation Time
12-22 - Relaxation Time
Will be taking time off from the blog to enjoy some downtime before Warren, Jane, Mike & Carol arrive.
In the meantime we will be staying with our very dear friends, Bruce & Jacqueline Spears at their home. We are able to park our home next to theirs so it is the best of both. It's a lovely set up and we are looking forward to some quiet time.
Halifax, NS
Halifax, NS
23 - Driving day & Airport Pick Up at the Airport - Vacation in Nova Scotia & PEI
23 - Driving day & Airport Pick Up at the Airport - Vacation in Nova Scotia & PEI
And so it begins...our 3 week vacation with my brother Warren & sister-in-law, Jane & friends of theirs Mike & Carol Murphy, who are also now friends of ours (well we are still a little up in the air about Mike...just kidding!).
Breakfast of champions...7:00am at Enfield Big Stop Restaurant.
It was an early start for them as they were on the red eye from Edmonton and got into Halifax just before 6am with little to no sleep on the plane. They look pretty spry! Warren & Jane on the right,
Mike on the right behind Jane and Carol behind Fran on the left.
Looking out at downtown Halifax as we are crossing the Angus L Macdonald Bridge (the "old" bridge).
After breakfast we parked downtown and walked most of the Halifax Harbourwalk.
We needed to do something to kill some time as we could not check in to our Airbnb until 3pm. We had no trouble finding a parking spot at 8:30am!
And then it was off to tour the Halifax Citadel, a short walk up George Street to the top of the hill.
from Parks Canada...
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
In the heart of downtown Halifax, this strategic hilltop fort offers a commanding view of Halifax Harbour. Step back to 1749 and immerse yourself in the social and military history of Halifax with the 78th Highlanders and the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery. Learn about the changing roles of the fort and visit the Army Museum.
We took a 45min guided tour which was very informative. You can also do a self-guided walking tour.
Overview of the main yard
Gun Shooting Display
Top of the wall...waiting, waiting, waiting...
Still lots of energy!? Well some more than others!
A special treat to view the once per year Freedom of the City walk. We thought it started at 11:00am but actually got underway at 11:30am. Lots of waiting but still fun to see and hear the bagpipes.
Freedom of the City is an honour granted to military or paramilitary groups in recognition of their service to a municipality. Since 1998, the 78th Highlanders have exercised this privilege by marching through the streets of Halifax. Take in the special squad inspection inside the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site starting at 11:00 am. Once the noon gun signals 12 noon, follow the Highlanders to Grand Parade for an inspection and then onto Government House for a final inspection and dismissal.... Discover Halifax.
Historic Properties after the Citadel.
The Lower Deck...a popular night time hangout and a good place for a beer.
Warren & Jane
Mike & Carol
Wall paintings are in so many cities.
This one's color caught my eye!
24 - Peggy's Cove
24 - Peggy's Cove
Daytrip to Peggy's Cove. Got their about 10am before the crowds arrived as we left there after 12pm. I think Ken was surprised to spend a couple of hours there, but I was not. It really is an unusual due to the rocks but picturesque site to behold in my mind.
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, also known as Peggy's Point Lighthouse, is one of Nova Scotia’s most well-known lighthouses and may be the most photographed in Canada. Located in the quaint fishing village of Peggy’s Cove along the South Shore, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse was built in 1915.
Peggy’s Cove is famed for its picturesque and typically East-Coast profile, with houses perched along a narrow inlet and on wave-washed boulders facing the Atlantic. ...NovaScotia.com
Peggy's Cove in the original region known as St. Margaret's Bay.
Before we got to the lighthouse we stopped at the Swissair Flight 111 Memorial.
Peggy's Cove view from the memorial.
Finally...wildlife!
Views at Peggy's Cove. We had excellent weather to view the area.
Who is that scurrying in the background?!
More wildlife, thanks to Carol for finding them! Trigger Fish as it turns out, not Dogfish as Ken was hoping they were.
It was a short walk to Polly Cove just a short drive from Peggy's Cove.
And finally time for a cold one and some seafood at Shaw's Landing. It was delicious and as the sign says "Beer and Lobster...Enough Said!"
Lunch time views...
Jane was a happy girl as we visited a cemetery...Our Lady Star of the Sea Cemetery which as it turns out was quite fascinating as we found out about the SS Atlantic Heritage Park a little further down the road.
25 - Halifax Downtown
25 - Halifax Downtown
Wow this was a busy day! Started off with going to Fairview Lawn Cemetery to visit the Titanic gravesite.
And then we were off to take a short walk in Point Pleasant Park. This was a park that Ken remembered fondly as a child and I remember going there with Nanny & Papa (Ken's parents) and Matt & Andrew.
Just had to touch the Atlantic Ocean at the point of the park! How do you like that rocky beach?
A great day to hold hands and enjoy the day!
Do you see the seal?
And then we were off to Downtown Halifax.
A quick stop at The Durty Nellie to have a pint.
Alexander Keith's original brew location. The tours were all booked and there did not seem to be a taproom but the building looked pretty cool.
The gang all split up and I really wanted to see the Public Gardens, so we headed in that direction after seeing Alexander Keith's.
On our way to the Public Gardens we came across this brewery, Nine Locks and stopped to enjoy one before walking in the park.
Our view of the Public Gardens from the brewery.
The gardens were just gorgeous, I really enjoy the Victorian garden style.
The gang all met up again at "The Old Triangle".
And Carol met her idol, Anne of Green Gables! :)
Took the ferry to Dartmouth where Ken grew up and that is a short 10 min ride from Halifax.
Our destination in Dartmouth was to go to New Scotland Brewery.
Back in Halifax, met up with Warren & my cousin, David Stepan who lives in the area and is a wonderful artist selling his wares in Halifax during the busy season.
So great catching up with David...What a treat to get to know one another now that we are adults!
Bridgewater, NS
Bridgewater, NS
26 - Pleasantville - Driving Day
26 - Pleasantville - Driving Day
Left Halifax after a fun day & night out the day prior and headed towards the south shore. Stopped in Chester & then in Mahone Bay. Such cute towns but with the rain it was not a day to tour the town. But we did take the opportunity to stop at "Oh my Cod!" and we enjoyed a great seafood chowder. Everything was made to order and with my allergy to celery, they even made my chowder without the broth as it had celery in it. But it was not a loss as the soup was outstanding!!!!
27 - Lunenburg, NS
27 - Lunenburg, NS
Time to see the Bluenose II
Lots of colorful houses can be found in town.
It was a rainy day before and likely that morning, but Carol cleaned off an adirondack chair so that a pic could be taken. What a friend!
A view of part of the harborfront.
How would you like this for your Christmas tree? Just got put up the other day and will stay up until after the holidays.
The Bluenose II just coming back from a harbor cruise. This is the first time we have seen her with the sails out.
Once the ship is back in port we were able to board her for a deck walk.
I was fascinated by some of the rope work.
The coils that are hoisted up the main shaft. Are you able to see the grease?
A colorful coil...
And the Bluenose graces the back of the Canadian Dime (10 cent piece)
The town is filled with very colorful houses.
The town of Lunenburg is a World UNESCO Heritage Site and this row of housing is known as the Unesco Fresco! This was the first set of houses that started the colorful housing in I think the 1990's.
The Wedding Cake house so named from the 3 tiers on the top of the windows.
The academy that only closed down in 2012 as a school and is now used for town administration.
The oldest house in Lunenburg, sometime in the mid 1700's.
The longest continually operated Inn in Canada.
Just one of the 5 churches for a town of 2400.
This church was recently restored due to a major fire that destroyed the left half of the church in the early 2000's.
This church was just beautiful on the inside!
Ghost stories abound about this home...
A piece of the Berlin wall brought to town from a German businessman.
A display of the Lunenburg Bump (the bumpout on the top of the doorway to protect from the rain as one entered the home.
And of course had to enjoy a cold one at the King Street Brewery in Ken's old hometown of Bridgewater.
Halls Harbour, NS
Halls Harbour, NS
28 - Driving Day - Visit to National Historic Sites
28 - Driving Day - Visit to National Historic Sites
Left our AirBnb in the Bridgewater area and drove to the Annapolis Royal. Stopped at Fort Anne for a quick break before touring the grounds at Port-Royal National Historic Site which was the first permanent European settlement in Canada. This site was a reconstruction as the original site has not been found from the early 1600's.
Port-Royal.
A stark contrast from the last church that we saw in Lunenburg.
Dinner anyone?
Samuel D. Champlain.
A view from the front door.
After a little bit of history, we drove back to Annapolis and had a drink and meal at the Annapolis Brewing Co. We were able to bring in food as none was on site, and luckily there was a Fish & Chips takeout place down the street and even luckier for me, the owner/chef did everything Gluten Free and from scratch!
Our next AirBnb was right on the Bay of Fundy! Here we are at low tide
Low tide on the Bay of Fundy during our short walk on the rocky beach.
So relaxing!
A little "Dice Fiesta!" as we waited for the sun to set.
A beautiful end to the day.
29 - Winery Day with a little bit of History
29 - Winery Day with a little bit of History
Before touring a few wineries in the area, we visited Grand-Pre to learn about the expulsion of the Acadians. Hard to imagine something like this could happen. I'm not sure that we have learned from the mistakes of the past based on some of the things that are still happening in today's society that are similar to this.
After a sobering tour of history it was off to visit a couple of wineries.
Learned about the Tidal Bay type of wine that is only produced here in Nova Scotia and specifically here in the Annapolis Valley. A white wine that is just off dry is how I think the young gal described it. Whatever it is, it was quite good.
Benjamin Bridge Winery is beautiful!
Found a bunch!
And congrats to Warren & Jane, who celebrated 42 years together today!
Parrsboro, NS
Parrsboro, NS
30 - Driving Day
30 - Driving Day
31 - Walking on the Floor of the Ocean
31 - Walking on the Floor of the Ocean
Spent the morning with Anna from FundyContemplations.ca as she was our guide for the Bay of Fundy Two Islands (The Brothers) Tour in the Minas Basin in the Bay of Fundy. This tour is only offered once per month on the full moon as then the tide is low enough to be able to hike from Big Brother to Small Brother.
The day started at 5:20am and we finished up at 10:00am. We were lucky in that we were able to see the Super Blue Moon (pictures do not do it justice) which did help to light our way on the hike down to the beach.
Also needed some headlamps to light our way.
Looking back towards the moon.
The last of the moon as we walked on the beach before the crossing.
Just before we crossed over to Big Brother, the island in the background).
Anna was a wonderful guide taking us through the water to Big Brother (the larger of the two islands) to Small Brother. We needed to wear water shoes as we crossed from the beach to Big Brother and even though the water was initially cool it warmed up quickly enough. The barnacles on the bed were very sharp, so we were glad for the water shoes.
And Warren is looking for ??, the inquisitive one of the group!
The tide was quite low, so we were not up to our knees which was a possibility... good thing!
Made it!
The tide was at about its lowest.
Once we arrived on Big Brother, the rocks that were initially covered by the water were extremely slippery and the beaches were very rocky! Not what you would imagine your typical beach to be. Anna provided hiking poles to help keep us steady.
We did not venture too close to the edge of the mountain as just before we crossed we heard some rocks falling from the top.
Big Brother behind us.
Easy does it!
When the tide returns, this entire area will be covered by the water.
Anna Hergert, our tour guide with FundyContemplations.ca
During high tide the water covers all of the seaweed that is showing.
It's a Hershey's Kiss!
Anna heated up some water so that we could have a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate when we got back to the other side. Much appreciated.
The "zipper" effect of the two sides of the tide joining together. This is only seen during the full moon as the tide is very low
at this time.
Here's how it looked when we got back to the other side
And here it is again (slightly different angle) after the tide came in
Dinosaurs lived here many years ago. And this is the site of one of the first dinosaur sites ever excavated in Canada.
The area around Parrsboro is known as the Glooscap Region. So named for the hero of the Indigenous people. This statue was right in front of our AirBnb.
Glooscap, the culture hero, transformer of the Eastern Woodlands Indigenous people. Huge in size and powers, Glooscap is said to have created natural features such as the Annapolis Valley, in the process often having to overcome his evil twin brother who wanted rivers to be crooked and mountains impassable. ...Canadian Encyclopedia
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse