Sunday, September 13, 2009
A few favorites
I've been wandering through my photo galleries from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. A few favorites have jumped into a new gallery.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Photos pop up among words
I've scattered some photos among the words in my tale. If you're interested in seeing a few images in the context of my travel days, take another quick glance through the pages of this journal.
The photos are clickable if you'd like to see others from that day's wanderings.
The photos are clickable if you'd like to see others from that day's wanderings.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Emerging photos
My photos have jumped from my camera and are now available for viewing. You can start with the top level gallery, To Newfoundland! August 2009, or you can click on the photos below to enter a specific gallery.
A swath of Newfoundland:
Pockets of Nova Scotia:
Of ships and shipyards:
Flutter by:
A swath of Newfoundland:
Pockets of Nova Scotia:
Of ships and shipyards:
Flutter by:
Friday, September 4, 2009
Another traveling dog
Oh look! Denise's sister sent us an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer about a couple who takes a dog like me along on their vacations.
Here's a link to the article - Personal Journey: Stuffed dog helps break the iciness of a waiter.
See? Denise isn't the only person who has an interesting travel companion. OK, OK, maybe it is a little odd. But I really, really like traveling with Denise, I know she likes having me along, and I know that Gromit likes traveling with Marilyn and John too.
--- Rover
Here's a link to the article - Personal Journey: Stuffed dog helps break the iciness of a waiter.
See? Denise isn't the only person who has an interesting travel companion. OK, OK, maybe it is a little odd. But I really, really like traveling with Denise, I know she likes having me along, and I know that Gromit likes traveling with Marilyn and John too.
--- Rover
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Wishing stone
Look! Denise got me my very own wishing stone.
I know, I know, it's really made of glass. I think I can look into it and dream of travel destinations for Denise and me.
Where did she find it? When we were in Sydney she found a brochure called the Cape Breton Artisan Trail Map, published by the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design. There were some galleries that jumped out at her, and she picked up a couple of small pieces of glass for herself, one at the place that published the map, and one at Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery. That second place is where she picked up my wishing stone. And there was an artist set up in a tent outside - in all of that wind - blowing glass into wonderful shapes. That was fun to watch too.
I know, I know, it's really made of glass. I think I can look into it and dream of travel destinations for Denise and me.
Where did she find it? When we were in Sydney she found a brochure called the Cape Breton Artisan Trail Map, published by the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design. There were some galleries that jumped out at her, and she picked up a couple of small pieces of glass for herself, one at the place that published the map, and one at Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery. That second place is where she picked up my wishing stone. And there was an artist set up in a tent outside - in all of that wind - blowing glass into wonderful shapes. That was fun to watch too.
--- Rover
A quick Rover review
I'm so glad that Denise knows that we will need to go back to Newfoundland and Nova Scotia someday. I won't need to do any convincing since she already knows we didn't get enough. I'd like to see some other places in Newfoundland, and I really need to go back to Gros Morne National Park again too.
We had a really good wander, even though rain and fog made us turn back early or skip some walks altogether. We walked in sunshine, in fog, in out and out rain. We bounced along the shore, and we climbed up high too.
I really wanted to visit Acadia on our way home (well sort of on a slightly out-of-the-way path home). I saw the weather forecast, so I knew that wouldn't be a good idea. I was sure I was going to need to convince Denise to stay on the highway and head straight home from Moncton, but she knew that going home was the right thing to do. No convincing needed. I wonder if I can talk her into a long weekend to Acadia a little bit into fall. Hmmm...
Denise is still reviewing her photos, and if I know her it will take a bit to get her galleries built. In the meantime, I grabbed a couple of photos to share with you.
From our first morning in Newfoundland, heading back to the mainland after encountering heavy heavy fog on the Port au Port peninsula. Why did we stop at this spot? Because of the alpacas!
Isn't he beautiful?
This is from our first walking day in Newfoundland. (Or should I say on Newfoundland?) We were bouncing along the Tablelands trail in heavy mist, then in light rain. Can you see the raindrops?
But oh! we had sunny days too. Here's a shot of me in front of Louisbourg Light in Nova Scotia. That was such a pretty day!
We had a really good wander, even though rain and fog made us turn back early or skip some walks altogether. We walked in sunshine, in fog, in out and out rain. We bounced along the shore, and we climbed up high too.
I really wanted to visit Acadia on our way home (well sort of on a slightly out-of-the-way path home). I saw the weather forecast, so I knew that wouldn't be a good idea. I was sure I was going to need to convince Denise to stay on the highway and head straight home from Moncton, but she knew that going home was the right thing to do. No convincing needed. I wonder if I can talk her into a long weekend to Acadia a little bit into fall. Hmmm...
Denise is still reviewing her photos, and if I know her it will take a bit to get her galleries built. In the meantime, I grabbed a couple of photos to share with you.
From our first morning in Newfoundland, heading back to the mainland after encountering heavy heavy fog on the Port au Port peninsula. Why did we stop at this spot? Because of the alpacas!
Isn't he beautiful?
This is from our first walking day in Newfoundland. (Or should I say on Newfoundland?) We were bouncing along the Tablelands trail in heavy mist, then in light rain. Can you see the raindrops?
But oh! we had sunny days too. Here's a shot of me in front of Louisbourg Light in Nova Scotia. That was such a pretty day!
--- Rover
Saturday, August 29, 2009
2670 miles
...or 4297 kilometers if you prefer metric. That's how many miles I rolled over in my wandering - from home to the furthest point of my travel, around in some circles, and home again.
Yes, I know, that wasn't human-powered mileage. My feet put on a fair amount of mileage too, wandering on trails, along many bodies of water, even in cities. I could have happily continued wandering, but it was time to head home.
I really did hope to stop in Acadia National Park on my way home. After all, I've only been there once this year. A second visit sounded like a good idea. Of course that was before Danny started spinning up the East Coast.
Yesterday was my Moncton, NB to N Andover, MA day - heading home, driving on dry roads. Today? It rained all day, dropping about 2 1/2 inches of rain in the area near my home. Other towns received upwards of 5 inches. Now that's a lot of water!
My decision to head home without an additional stop in Maine was a good one (this time). It was a good and needed rest day. I took a quick look at my photos, more looking and weeding out still to come - but I spent most of the day relaxing, reading, listening to the rain.
I learned many years ago that the only places I don't need to return to are those places that I didn't like.
Happily, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia both jumped back onto my list of places to wander again.
Yes, I know, that wasn't human-powered mileage. My feet put on a fair amount of mileage too, wandering on trails, along many bodies of water, even in cities. I could have happily continued wandering, but it was time to head home.
I really did hope to stop in Acadia National Park on my way home. After all, I've only been there once this year. A second visit sounded like a good idea. Of course that was before Danny started spinning up the East Coast.
Yesterday was my Moncton, NB to N Andover, MA day - heading home, driving on dry roads. Today? It rained all day, dropping about 2 1/2 inches of rain in the area near my home. Other towns received upwards of 5 inches. Now that's a lot of water!
My decision to head home without an additional stop in Maine was a good one (this time). It was a good and needed rest day. I took a quick look at my photos, more looking and weeding out still to come - but I spent most of the day relaxing, reading, listening to the rain.
I learned many years ago that the only places I don't need to return to are those places that I didn't like.
Happily, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia both jumped back onto my list of places to wander again.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Province # 3
It was 5 o'clock when I crossed the Canso Causeway from Cape Breton Island back to the mainland portion of Nova Scotia. It was time to start the journey towards home.
I jumped onto route 104 heading west. It was a two lane road with sometimes passing lanes, with speed limits ranging from 80 to 100 kph. And then, it changed to a divided highway. The miles flowed by. I ended today's drive in Moncton, New Brunwick.
I keep thinking about stopping in one more wandering spot on the way home. The two places that have been swirling around in my mind are Hopewell Rocks and Acadia National Park. That doesn't surprise you, does it?
Problem is, if I stop somewhere to play tomorrow that puts me on the road on Saturday, driving through what's likely to be heavy rain. Only tomorrow will tell...
I jumped onto route 104 heading west. It was a two lane road with sometimes passing lanes, with speed limits ranging from 80 to 100 kph. And then, it changed to a divided highway. The miles flowed by. I ended today's drive in Moncton, New Brunwick.
I keep thinking about stopping in one more wandering spot on the way home. The two places that have been swirling around in my mind are Hopewell Rocks and Acadia National Park. That doesn't surprise you, does it?
Problem is, if I stop somewhere to play tomorrow that puts me on the road on Saturday, driving through what's likely to be heavy rain. Only tomorrow will tell...
Lookoffs and conversations
We drove, we stopped at lookoffs, we talked, we walked.
The sky was covered with layers of clouds early, and there were some sprinkles too. Later... the sun appeared, darting behind white and gray against a pure blue background. We still had (at least) one mountain to climb, with lots of lookoffs to embrace the scenery. And everyplace we stopped Denise spent some time chatting with other people - about the beauty around us, about photography, about the possible coming hurricane, about our wanderings in Cape Breton Highlands. It was a talking and looking kind of day.
We walked a boardwalk through a bog, and then we moved on to the Skyline trail. We started down the trail, walking through a lane of trees. We walked, we walked a little further, it started sprinkling, and then we turned around. The end of the trail was purported to be a headland overlooking the Gulf coast. I bet it was beautiful... but you know about Denise, don't you? She really likes to be able to see things (other than lines of trees) during her walks and rides. I suspect that if it had been a warmer, sunnier day that we might have continued walking. I think that we're going to be coming back here another time, so we can finish Skyline then (whenever then is).
Back at the car, we continued down the Cabot Trail, stopping at more lookoffs. We stood for a while and watched the waves crashing against the shore, cliffs. The water was wild today, and the wind? It was another day of high winds. Denise had less of a problem today - she wasn't blown around quite as much as yesterday.
Oh! we stopped to visit Joe's scarecrows too. That was fun.
--- Rover
The sky was covered with layers of clouds early, and there were some sprinkles too. Later... the sun appeared, darting behind white and gray against a pure blue background. We still had (at least) one mountain to climb, with lots of lookoffs to embrace the scenery. And everyplace we stopped Denise spent some time chatting with other people - about the beauty around us, about photography, about the possible coming hurricane, about our wanderings in Cape Breton Highlands. It was a talking and looking kind of day.
We walked a boardwalk through a bog, and then we moved on to the Skyline trail. We started down the trail, walking through a lane of trees. We walked, we walked a little further, it started sprinkling, and then we turned around. The end of the trail was purported to be a headland overlooking the Gulf coast. I bet it was beautiful... but you know about Denise, don't you? She really likes to be able to see things (other than lines of trees) during her walks and rides. I suspect that if it had been a warmer, sunnier day that we might have continued walking. I think that we're going to be coming back here another time, so we can finish Skyline then (whenever then is).
Back at the car, we continued down the Cabot Trail, stopping at more lookoffs. We stood for a while and watched the waves crashing against the shore, cliffs. The water was wild today, and the wind? It was another day of high winds. Denise had less of a problem today - she wasn't blown around quite as much as yesterday.
Oh! we stopped to visit Joe's scarecrows too. That was fun.
--- Rover
Breakfast with Anna
If you don't like breakfast and conversations you might not want to stay at Highland Breeze. But if you do? What an awesome breakfast!
We sat down at a table filled with options for a start at breakfast. Yes, I did say start! There were a couple of choices of cereal, wild blueberries, yogurt, and coffee. Anna was very busy; when I walked into the kitchen she was busy stirring something wonderful. We had home-baked English muffins, cinnamon rolls, and potato pancakes. Eggs were on the menu too, but all of us opted out. We were already stuffed!
Conversation was flowing along with the food. I left the B&B a bit later than I'd planned. No matter - it was a thoroughly enjoyable start to the day.
We sat down at a table filled with options for a start at breakfast. Yes, I did say start! There were a couple of choices of cereal, wild blueberries, yogurt, and coffee. Anna was very busy; when I walked into the kitchen she was busy stirring something wonderful. We had home-baked English muffins, cinnamon rolls, and potato pancakes. Eggs were on the menu too, but all of us opted out. We were already stuffed!
Conversation was flowing along with the food. I left the B&B a bit later than I'd planned. No matter - it was a thoroughly enjoyable start to the day.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Not again!
Did you know that there is another hurricane starting to swirl in the Atlantic? I didn't want to tell Denise, but it turns out that she already knows. She was chatting with Anna in the living room and the television was tuned to the weather channel.
We're still going to be playing in Cape Breton tomorrow, but we don't have a definite end point for the day. I suppose we could make it home on Friday if we make it a really long driving day. I think it's more likely we'll be back on Saturday.
Driving in a nasty storm doesn't sound too smart, does it? I suppose if we're still traveling when the storm hits that we may end up finding a place to wait it out. It's a good thing that Denise bookmarked the Canadian Hurricane Current Conditions page so we can keep an eye on the storm track.
--- Rover
We're still going to be playing in Cape Breton tomorrow, but we don't have a definite end point for the day. I suppose we could make it home on Friday if we make it a really long driving day. I think it's more likely we'll be back on Saturday.
Driving in a nasty storm doesn't sound too smart, does it? I suppose if we're still traveling when the storm hits that we may end up finding a place to wait it out. It's a good thing that Denise bookmarked the Canadian Hurricane Current Conditions page so we can keep an eye on the storm track.
--- Rover
Scary strong winds
Ah, another good breakfast to start the day... fresh fruit, yogurt, and banana nut muffins, followed by French toast. Very nice.
It was a driving day, a walking day, and a fighting the wind day. I started by repeating a few kilometers of road backwards, looping from Sydney past North Sydney, then heading towards the Cabot Trail. I skipped a bit of driving by taking the Englishtown cable ferry to cross St. Ann's Harbour.
I joined the Cabot Trail, entered Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and started climbing mountains. The first big one was Smokey. I looked ahead to see the road hanging on the side of the mountain, high above, a tiny ribbon. It was a rather slow climb since I was one of several cars following three large trucks up that winding and steep hill. My speed? It ranged from 10 to 20 miles an hour. The view from the top was fabulous.
Ah, time to walk. I headed out Middle Head, a wonderful walk out a very narrow point of land. It was on that walk when I discovered that the prediction of 50 kph winds was real. The further I walked, the stronger the wind became, It was pretty much an out-and-back walk, with a very small loop at the very end. As I started around that loop I started to feel like I was going to get blown over. Instead of completing that small circle I reversed direction.
I'm traveling with both a monopod and a tripod, and it is the monopod that has been accompanying me on my hikes. Yup, that's what I had with me on Middle Head. It helped, but the tripod would have been a better choice. Yes, I did switch to the more stable 3-legged support a little later in the day. By that time the wind was so strong that while I used the tripod I felt like I had to keep a firm hand on the camera and tripod so they wouldn't blow away.
My last stop before finding my home for the night was Dingwall. And then, I climbed over one more mountain before rolling into the Highland Breeze B&B.
Interesting.
Anna - my B&B hostess - provides food twice. There's the normal breakfast, and there is also dessert and conversation in the evening. She made a very tasty cake, served topped with ice cream, a nice treat.
It was an evening of interesting exchanges between Anna, the other guests here, and three more people staying at a B&B down the road because Hghland Breeze was already full when they called for reservations. Anna invited them to stop by, and they did.
It was a driving day, a walking day, and a fighting the wind day. I started by repeating a few kilometers of road backwards, looping from Sydney past North Sydney, then heading towards the Cabot Trail. I skipped a bit of driving by taking the Englishtown cable ferry to cross St. Ann's Harbour.
I joined the Cabot Trail, entered Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and started climbing mountains. The first big one was Smokey. I looked ahead to see the road hanging on the side of the mountain, high above, a tiny ribbon. It was a rather slow climb since I was one of several cars following three large trucks up that winding and steep hill. My speed? It ranged from 10 to 20 miles an hour. The view from the top was fabulous.
Ah, time to walk. I headed out Middle Head, a wonderful walk out a very narrow point of land. It was on that walk when I discovered that the prediction of 50 kph winds was real. The further I walked, the stronger the wind became, It was pretty much an out-and-back walk, with a very small loop at the very end. As I started around that loop I started to feel like I was going to get blown over. Instead of completing that small circle I reversed direction.
I'm traveling with both a monopod and a tripod, and it is the monopod that has been accompanying me on my hikes. Yup, that's what I had with me on Middle Head. It helped, but the tripod would have been a better choice. Yes, I did switch to the more stable 3-legged support a little later in the day. By that time the wind was so strong that while I used the tripod I felt like I had to keep a firm hand on the camera and tripod so they wouldn't blow away.
After Middle Head I drove and stopped, drove and stopped. The wind seemed to get stronger and stronger. I couldn't let it stop me from playing with my camera though.Hey, it's Rover. I really wanted to bounce down the Middle Head trail with Denise, but I rode in the camera pack all day. I figured out to sneak the zipper open enough so I could see all of the beauty around us. I really think I would have been blown into the ocean if I tried to walk. Denise was having trouble staying standing at some points during the day, and she weighs more than I do!
My last stop before finding my home for the night was Dingwall. And then, I climbed over one more mountain before rolling into the Highland Breeze B&B.
Interesting.
Anna - my B&B hostess - provides food twice. There's the normal breakfast, and there is also dessert and conversation in the evening. She made a very tasty cake, served topped with ice cream, a nice treat.
It was an evening of interesting exchanges between Anna, the other guests here, and three more people staying at a B&B down the road because Hghland Breeze was already full when they called for reservations. Anna invited them to stop by, and they did.
Big water
So much water...
Today I was looking at our maps, and I thought I'd list the (big) water we've seen on this trip. We rode over two waters, and we wandered next to others. So, let's build the list.
We started by floating across the Gulf of Maine. We walked next to the Bay of Fundy, then we crossed the Strait of Canso, the narrow channel between mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island, between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. We drove by Bras D'Or Lake on our way to North Sydney. Then we crossed Cabot Strait on our way to Newfoundland, then bounced next to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Yesterday we were at the Atlantic Ocean, and today we followed the edge of Cape Breton Island from the Atlantic Ocean back to the Gulf of St Lawrence.
That's a lot of big water, isn't it?
--- Rover
Today I was looking at our maps, and I thought I'd list the (big) water we've seen on this trip. We rode over two waters, and we wandered next to others. So, let's build the list.
We started by floating across the Gulf of Maine. We walked next to the Bay of Fundy, then we crossed the Strait of Canso, the narrow channel between mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island, between the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Atlantic Ocean. We drove by Bras D'Or Lake on our way to North Sydney. Then we crossed Cabot Strait on our way to Newfoundland, then bounced next to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Yesterday we were at the Atlantic Ocean, and today we followed the edge of Cape Breton Island from the Atlantic Ocean back to the Gulf of St Lawrence.
That's a lot of big water, isn't it?
--- Rover
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
A light wandering day
I think Denise is still a little tired so I told her that I would take over the word play for the day. The day started with an excellent breakfast, fresh fruit topped with yogurt and fresh bran muffins followed by poached eggs. Oh! And good morning conversation too.
Our first bounce of the day was to the Sydney waterfront. Did you know that there is a big fiddle sitting in front of one of the buildings there? It's really, really big, isn't it?
We headed back to the B&B, and Denise spent some time chatting with Gordon and Bev (our hosts) about where we should wander for the rest of the day.
Our first stop was Mira Gut. Don't you think that's a strange name? We headed a bit north from there, back towards Sydney, and then Denise decided to follow a dirt road onto a little island and out to Waddens Cove. That was such an empty road, and yet... there were a number of houses at the very end of the road. It seemed like such an incredibly isolated place to live.
Next stop Louisbourg. I think most people head there to visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site but today didn't feel like a history kind of day. Instead, we started at Louisbourg Light. The rocky coastline reminded us of Maine, of Acadia National Park. The ocean was even making the same big crashing noise as it does at Thunder Hole in Acadia. Oh! And we could hear the sound of rounded rocks rolling together. We bounced down a trail in that area, and of course Denise was playing with her camera.
After a bit we decided to move on to a different spot. This time we headed to Kennington Cove, a beautiful beach accessed via another dirt road.
We were so lucky that Denise asked Gordon & Bev for their suggestions - we never would have seen Kennington Cove on our own.
It was a good wandering day.
--- Rover
Our first bounce of the day was to the Sydney waterfront. Did you know that there is a big fiddle sitting in front of one of the buildings there? It's really, really big, isn't it?
We headed back to the B&B, and Denise spent some time chatting with Gordon and Bev (our hosts) about where we should wander for the rest of the day.
Our first stop was Mira Gut. Don't you think that's a strange name? We headed a bit north from there, back towards Sydney, and then Denise decided to follow a dirt road onto a little island and out to Waddens Cove. That was such an empty road, and yet... there were a number of houses at the very end of the road. It seemed like such an incredibly isolated place to live.
Next stop Louisbourg. I think most people head there to visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site but today didn't feel like a history kind of day. Instead, we started at Louisbourg Light. The rocky coastline reminded us of Maine, of Acadia National Park. The ocean was even making the same big crashing noise as it does at Thunder Hole in Acadia. Oh! And we could hear the sound of rounded rocks rolling together. We bounced down a trail in that area, and of course Denise was playing with her camera.
After a bit we decided to move on to a different spot. This time we headed to Kennington Cove, a beautiful beach accessed via another dirt road.
We were so lucky that Denise asked Gordon & Bev for their suggestions - we never would have seen Kennington Cove on our own.
It was a good wandering day.
--- Rover
Monday, August 24, 2009
Floating
I woke up to find blue skies decorated with white this morning. The clouds returned, the air stayed dry. It was a good day for driving, and hopefully it will also be a good day for a sea voyage. The engines have just started rumbling, soon to be moving.
My quick drive through Port aux Basques didn't reveal any enticing walkng spots. Off to the ferry... I was early enough to see the MV Joseph and Clara Smallwood arrive in port, spin around, and back into its docking spot. I can't imagine turning something as large as this ship so precisely.
The ship seemed to enter the port slowly. Maybe that was because of the need to turn and back; we pulled out of port very quickly. I found a home for the voyage, some seats along the side of the ship, daylight streaming through the windows, companions for some conversation.
As the sun was sinking into the sea, I headed up on deck for a bit. Sitting still, the ship seems to be stable. Standing and walking is another story entirely. There's a definite roll, with deep waves visible on the horizon. Sitting is a good thing.
I'm still sitting on a moving ship. At about quarter to 9 they made an unfortunate announcement. The MV Atlantic Vision is still in port at North Sydney, unloading and reloading. With the Atlantic Vision in port there isn't room for another ship, so our arrival time was changed to midnight. Ouch! I wandered over to see if there was a phone book on board since I left the phone number of tonight's B&B in the car, and the car decks are not accessible when we are moving. I found the phone number, discovered that my cell phone works on one side of the ship and not the other, and was able to contact Colby House to tell them that their late-arriving guest was going to be even later than expected. I feel bad that they are waiting up for me; this situation is totally out of my control – and that's what my hostess said too.
A very late arrival... now I'm doubly glad that I was able to extend my stay at Colby House (back) to two nights. I was originally supposed to be there Sunday and Monday nights. When I canceled Sunday because of the canceled ferry, I was down to one night, but when I called to confirm tonight I asked if they had a room for Tuesday too. Luckily for me they had a cancellation for tomorrow night. Not moving to a new location tomorrow sounds good to me.
Ah, this ship does have Internet access. Posted while floating...
Later, after midnight
Ah... what a nice welcome for a very late arrival. In spite of the fact that I was a good three hours later than expected - much much later than is usually acceptable at a B&B - Gordon & Bev welcomed me to Colby House with a smile and made me feel very welcome. I'm settled in to my very comfortable room, time for some sleep.
My quick drive through Port aux Basques didn't reveal any enticing walkng spots. Off to the ferry... I was early enough to see the MV Joseph and Clara Smallwood arrive in port, spin around, and back into its docking spot. I can't imagine turning something as large as this ship so precisely.
The ship seemed to enter the port slowly. Maybe that was because of the need to turn and back; we pulled out of port very quickly. I found a home for the voyage, some seats along the side of the ship, daylight streaming through the windows, companions for some conversation.
As the sun was sinking into the sea, I headed up on deck for a bit. Sitting still, the ship seems to be stable. Standing and walking is another story entirely. There's a definite roll, with deep waves visible on the horizon. Sitting is a good thing.
I'm still sitting on a moving ship. At about quarter to 9 they made an unfortunate announcement. The MV Atlantic Vision is still in port at North Sydney, unloading and reloading. With the Atlantic Vision in port there isn't room for another ship, so our arrival time was changed to midnight. Ouch! I wandered over to see if there was a phone book on board since I left the phone number of tonight's B&B in the car, and the car decks are not accessible when we are moving. I found the phone number, discovered that my cell phone works on one side of the ship and not the other, and was able to contact Colby House to tell them that their late-arriving guest was going to be even later than expected. I feel bad that they are waiting up for me; this situation is totally out of my control – and that's what my hostess said too.
A very late arrival... now I'm doubly glad that I was able to extend my stay at Colby House (back) to two nights. I was originally supposed to be there Sunday and Monday nights. When I canceled Sunday because of the canceled ferry, I was down to one night, but when I called to confirm tonight I asked if they had a room for Tuesday too. Luckily for me they had a cancellation for tomorrow night. Not moving to a new location tomorrow sounds good to me.
Ah, this ship does have Internet access. Posted while floating...
Later, after midnight
Ah... what a nice welcome for a very late arrival. In spite of the fact that I was a good three hours later than expected - much much later than is usually acceptable at a B&B - Gordon & Bev welcomed me to Colby House with a smile and made me feel very welcome. I'm settled in to my very comfortable room, time for some sleep.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Stepping to the south
A bit of driving, a bit of walking...
The rain started a bit later than expected. It was gray but dry as I headed away from Gros Morne. The visitor information center in Deer Lake provided maps of the Corner Brook area, and conversations with two bikers (of the motorcycle variety for those (bi)cyclists reading this). I crossed paths with the bikers several more times in the day, giving us an opportunity for an interrupted, interesting conversation.
Once I got to Corner Brook I headed down Captain Cook's Trail. The part of the drive that hugged Humber Arm was just a drive without any access to the water, but once the water opened into the Bay of Islands there were more views, and even a few places to stop. Funny, when I passed through York Harbor I could see a car on what appeared to be a dirt road right along the shore. It was a road without a sign; an opening that I missed as I continued to the end of the road in Lark Harbor. I kept an eye out after I reversed direction; luckily the road jumped out at me. Ah, time for a walk along the water, a chance to look at reflections in a lagoon, at clouds lowering, hovering in the hills.
I ended my day in Corner Brook just as a light rain started. It's raining quite hard now, and there is a rainfall warning and a tropical storm watch in effect.
What ferry will I be on? I just listened to a long detailed recording at Marine Atlantic. My departure time is now set for 4 tomorrow afternoon. All things considered, that's not bad at all. To Nova Scotia!
The rain started a bit later than expected. It was gray but dry as I headed away from Gros Morne. The visitor information center in Deer Lake provided maps of the Corner Brook area, and conversations with two bikers (of the motorcycle variety for those (bi)cyclists reading this). I crossed paths with the bikers several more times in the day, giving us an opportunity for an interrupted, interesting conversation.
Once I got to Corner Brook I headed down Captain Cook's Trail. The part of the drive that hugged Humber Arm was just a drive without any access to the water, but once the water opened into the Bay of Islands there were more views, and even a few places to stop. Funny, when I passed through York Harbor I could see a car on what appeared to be a dirt road right along the shore. It was a road without a sign; an opening that I missed as I continued to the end of the road in Lark Harbor. I kept an eye out after I reversed direction; luckily the road jumped out at me. Ah, time for a walk along the water, a chance to look at reflections in a lagoon, at clouds lowering, hovering in the hills.
I ended my day in Corner Brook just as a light rain started. It's raining quite hard now, and there is a rainfall warning and a tropical storm watch in effect.
What ferry will I be on? I just listened to a long detailed recording at Marine Atlantic. My departure time is now set for 4 tomorrow afternoon. All things considered, that's not bad at all. To Nova Scotia!
Animal smiles
Oh! I saw a moose today! We were just about to turn into the Southeast Brook Falls trailhead when Denise thought she saw something. I popped up and saw the same thing. It was a big (female) moose. No photos, but we both have memories of a somewhat close encounter.
Did you know that Denise talks to animals? We were rambling down the trail when a little chipmunk ran in front of us and jumped up a tree, running around to hide on the back side. We stood still; the curious chipmunk popped his head out to look at us. He had what looked like a blob of small sticks in his mouth. Denise asked him what he was eating; instead of answering, he just ran up the tree. Funny..
--- Rover
Did you know that Denise talks to animals? We were rambling down the trail when a little chipmunk ran in front of us and jumped up a tree, running around to hide on the back side. We stood still; the curious chipmunk popped his head out to look at us. He had what looked like a blob of small sticks in his mouth. Denise asked him what he was eating; instead of answering, he just ran up the tree. Funny..
--- Rover
Saturday, August 22, 2009
A funny kind of day
The rain was heavier than I expected, but it did eventually stop. The ferry worry is gone since Marine Atlantic decided to suspend operations from 8 AM Sunday until 8 AM Monday. I'm hoping to set foot on Nova Scotia at some point on Monday (I hope, I hope...). In between the rain and making some travel arrangements, I did manage to do a little bit of wandering.
We had what I would consider a special treat for breakfast. What? Oatmeal – the soak overnight kind – topped with yogurt, cinnamon, and a little maple syrup. Wonderful... I would happily eat that every day (but I guess that will have to wait until I return home, won't it?).
The downpour of this morning lightened up a bit. Time to head out...
My first destination was Broom Point, My intent was to walk along the shore after I visited the restored fish store, but by the time I pulled in there the wind was howling and rain was falling sideways.
Thinking I needed an indoor activity for a bit, I headed to the Bonne Bay Marine Station in Norris Point. There is an aquarium there that is open to the public in addition to the research facility that is the station's reason for existing. There was one tank of fish - wolffish if I remember correctly – where the fish were lined up staring at me. You don't think they were staring? It certainly looked like they were.
What I found even more interesting were the charts showing the ocean currents flowing through this area.
The rain turned to mist, and outside activities called to me once again. I walked places today that I had walked before on a quieter day – what a difference! Waves were rolling against the shore, there were clouds and mist, and I could lean against the wind. In fact, there were times when I found it difficult to stay upright – and these winds were no where near hurricane strength.
Dinner tonight was at Java Jack's again. I couldn't resist a sweet potato carrot soup laced with interesting spices as a starter, followed by veggie lasagna with a Caesar salad. Very nice.
Tomorrow I'll be headed to the south.
I still don't know when my ferry will be leaving; at this point it sounds like it could be late Monday afternoon. Of course that's assuming that Hurricane Bill has exited the area by Monday morning. The current storm track still shows it hitting the eastern tip of Cape Breton Island at 9:30 tomorrow night and clipping the eastern edge of Newfoundland as a tropical storm at 3:30 Monday morning. Maybe that will allow the ferries to start running again Monday. I was on the second cancelled ship, so that means I will likely be on the second ship to leave here once Marine Atlantic resumes operations.
I'd like to be a little closer to the ferry, so I will start in that direction tomorrow. I'll be staying in Corner Brook, two hours from my current home, and a 3-hour drive to the ferry.
We had what I would consider a special treat for breakfast. What? Oatmeal – the soak overnight kind – topped with yogurt, cinnamon, and a little maple syrup. Wonderful... I would happily eat that every day (but I guess that will have to wait until I return home, won't it?).
The downpour of this morning lightened up a bit. Time to head out...
My first destination was Broom Point, My intent was to walk along the shore after I visited the restored fish store, but by the time I pulled in there the wind was howling and rain was falling sideways.
It was raining so hard that Denise borrowed my baby camera to take photos in the fish store. She didn't want to carry her big camera in that downpour. Isn't it a good thing that I have a camera with me too?
--- Rover
Thinking I needed an indoor activity for a bit, I headed to the Bonne Bay Marine Station in Norris Point. There is an aquarium there that is open to the public in addition to the research facility that is the station's reason for existing. There was one tank of fish - wolffish if I remember correctly – where the fish were lined up staring at me. You don't think they were staring? It certainly looked like they were.
What I found even more interesting were the charts showing the ocean currents flowing through this area.
The rain turned to mist, and outside activities called to me once again. I walked places today that I had walked before on a quieter day – what a difference! Waves were rolling against the shore, there were clouds and mist, and I could lean against the wind. In fact, there were times when I found it difficult to stay upright – and these winds were no where near hurricane strength.
Dinner tonight was at Java Jack's again. I couldn't resist a sweet potato carrot soup laced with interesting spices as a starter, followed by veggie lasagna with a Caesar salad. Very nice.
Tomorrow I'll be headed to the south.
I still don't know when my ferry will be leaving; at this point it sounds like it could be late Monday afternoon. Of course that's assuming that Hurricane Bill has exited the area by Monday morning. The current storm track still shows it hitting the eastern tip of Cape Breton Island at 9:30 tomorrow night and clipping the eastern edge of Newfoundland as a tropical storm at 3:30 Monday morning. Maybe that will allow the ferries to start running again Monday. I was on the second cancelled ship, so that means I will likely be on the second ship to leave here once Marine Atlantic resumes operations.
I'd like to be a little closer to the ferry, so I will start in that direction tomorrow. I'll be staying in Corner Brook, two hours from my current home, and a 3-hour drive to the ferry.
Canceled
I'm actually relieved. I was listening to the radio when I heard that Marine-Atlantic canceled all departures from tomorrow morning until Monday morning. I'm still hoping to get to Nova Scotia on Monday. They are not yet shuffling passengers; the agent I spoke to said they are making decisions on how to proceed now. When I asked how they manage to rebook 3 or 4 ferries worth of vehicles, she told me that they had stopped taking reservations for Monday and Tuesday, and that hopefully all vehicles would be accommodated quickly. I'm not holding my breath.
When I called the B&B in Sydney to cancel for tomorrow night the owners told me that they were waiting for my call. I had let them know that I would be coming in from the ferry when I made my reservation.
The wind is howling now, but the rain has stopped for a bit. It's time to walk again.
When I called the B&B in Sydney to cancel for tomorrow night the owners told me that they were waiting for my call. I had let them know that I would be coming in from the ferry when I made my reservation.
The wind is howling now, but the rain has stopped for a bit. It's time to walk again.
Watching the fog...
...roll in and out
It's a gray, rainy morning here. As I sit looking out of the window, I can see a spit of land across the harbor. Just a minute ago that land was completely engulfed in cloud.
The rain has been cycling between light rain and heavy downpours. I was ready to move, to head out to walk, and the heavy rain started again. Hmmm... I think I'll sit for a little longer. I can happily read for a while, and chat with other guests who are also waiting out the rain. I think there will be walking in my day at some point, probably wet walking.
I have a good rain jacket with me, rain hat too. The jacket is in my room, but my hat and umbrella are in the car. That's not too smart, is it? Just a short dash through the rain will get me the rest of my rain gear.
Marine Atlantic has posted warnings about possible ferry delays between 8pm tonight and 8am on Monday. I just phoned for an update, and was told to call at 10:30 tomorrow morning for an updated boarding time. When I told them that I'd be on the road at that point in time they suggested that I call at 7am.
The word I got this morning is that the departure times are under control of the captains (as they should be), and that it would be a delayed departure as opposed to an outright cancellation.
It's a gray, rainy morning here. As I sit looking out of the window, I can see a spit of land across the harbor. Just a minute ago that land was completely engulfed in cloud.
The rain has been cycling between light rain and heavy downpours. I was ready to move, to head out to walk, and the heavy rain started again. Hmmm... I think I'll sit for a little longer. I can happily read for a while, and chat with other guests who are also waiting out the rain. I think there will be walking in my day at some point, probably wet walking.
I have a good rain jacket with me, rain hat too. The jacket is in my room, but my hat and umbrella are in the car. That's not too smart, is it? Just a short dash through the rain will get me the rest of my rain gear.
Marine Atlantic has posted warnings about possible ferry delays between 8pm tonight and 8am on Monday. I just phoned for an update, and was told to call at 10:30 tomorrow morning for an updated boarding time. When I told them that I'd be on the road at that point in time they suggested that I call at 7am.
The word I got this morning is that the departure times are under control of the captains (as they should be), and that it would be a delayed departure as opposed to an outright cancellation.
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