DAY 10 - Halifax, NS to Charlottetown, PEI

This morning we hit the road at 8:00 am.  It was raining as we started out which is the first rain we have had since we started so we can’t complain too much.  As we headed out of Halifax the rain started to come down harder.  It continued to rain until just before Truro, NS.  After having some breakfast at Tim Horton’s we took off the rain gear and headed out towards the ferry to PEI.  It sprinkled a bit but not enough to put the rain gear back on.  We arrived at the ferry at the perfect time as they were just unloading and we got to load up right away.  No charge to get to PEI but to return home we have to pay to get off the island. 

PEI is beautiful – the red sand – the fields and the little villages are very quaint.  We stopped at a great place for lunch called the Chuckwagon.  The special today was a Hound Dog Burger which consisted of a hamburger with peanut butter!!  Miles tried it and said that the taste of the peanut butter overwhelmed the taste of the burger!  Good to know!

We arrived in Charlottetown around 3:30 pm and found our hotel and then headed to the Harley Dealer.  Then for some great ice cream from COWS which is rated the best ice cream in Canada by Readers Digest.  It is very good I must say after tasting the Wowie Cowie ice cream which was truly a WOW experience.

Back to the hotel where Miles had arranged to have a house set up for us so we could wash our very dirty bikes.  Grocery store was next for a salad and a wrap and then back to the room to relax. 

Tomorrow (Wednesday) we head out at 8:00 again with a tour around part of the island before heading into Moncton, NB for the Canadian National HOG Rally.  Looking forward to seeing all my relatives and enjoying the rally too.

NOTE:  A day behind as the hotel in Charlottetown was full and the internet grinded to a halt!!  So tomorrow morning (Thursday) I will complete Day 11 - Charlottetown, PEI to Moncton, NB.  Thanks for waiting.

DAY 9 - Halifax Harbour Front

This morning after breakfast Miles, Patti, Skip and I headed down to the Harbour Front for a walk.  Lots of vendors at the harbour front.  Some of the shops were open but most of them were closed for the holiday.  What an amazing place to spend the day.  It was overcast and a little foggy but very muggy!




The private boats that are docked at the harbour are amazing!  Wow to think of the money that would be required to own and operate one of those boats - not in this life time!



I stopped in at the Alexander Keith's Nova Scotia Brewery to pick up some items for the boys!  Wish they were here to take a tour with me.








This afternoon I lazed around in my room as I needed some time just  to relax and get rejuvenated for some more riding tomorrow.

Tonight Rebecca (a Cobden girl now living in Halifax) joined me for supper and a tour around the harbour front.  The busker festival was on and the entertainment was awesome!  Shared lots of updates at supper and lots of laughs at the busker festival.  Thanks again Rebecca for the awesome company. 

Tomorrow we head out at 8:00 am and we are heading to Charlottetown, PEI using the ferry to get there!  Should be fun - our third ferry ride for our trip. 

DAY 8 - Yarmouth, NS to Halifax, NS

This morning was an early one - kickstands were up at 7:00 am.  Being Sunday there were very little places open first thing in the morning as we soon found out when Skip needed gas.  Thankfully we were able to find gas and the place was just opening as we saw the manager cross the parking lot and open the gas station as we were turning around the corner. 

The ride along the coast was foggy today with very few clear breaks.  It is hard to find those wow moments in the fog!  As Skip says the coast line is more rustic in Canada than it is in the United States.  I would have agree.  The area today was not very populated at all.  The largest community that we came across at lunch time was Lunenburg where the Blue Nose is being refurbished.  Both Miles and Skip said that they could have spent at least a couple of days there exploring the little town and wish we had of stayed there a night or two.  Very picturesque even with the fog rolling in and out as we ate our lunch at the Dockside Restaurant and Lounge. 

Amistad

The sailing vessel the Amistad was docked which intrigued Miles as there was a movie made about this particular ships true story. 

Amistad is a 1997 historical drama film based on the true story of an uprising in 1839 by newly captured African slaves that took place aboard the ship La Amistad off the coast of Cuba, the subsequent voyage to the Northeastern United States, and the legal battle that followed their capture by a United States revenue cutter  It shows how, even though the case was won at the federal district court level, it was appealed by President Martin Van Buren to the Supreme Court, and how former President John Quincy Adams took part in the proceedings.

Lunnenburg, NS

As we were leaving Lunenburg I had to move my bike out of the traffic area so that Miles could get his bike out of the parking spot.  Needless to say the traffic downtown was very busy and I had to keep moving and therefore drove around the block only to find that the guys had headed out as I looked in my rear view mirror and saw them going the other way.  Since I knew it was going to be difficult to find them I quickly texted Miles to let him  know I would meet him at Peggy's Cove our next stop.  So off I went on a leisurely drive down Route 3 by myself.  Miles and Skip ended up on Route 103 a more direct ride and arrived about a half hour before me. 

Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Cove was very busy with tourists from all over the world.  I think Miles and Skip were quite surprised by this tourist destination.  The fog was still in and we were not able to see out onto the ocean.  Leaving Peggy's Cove we had a slow ride into Halifax as a driver in a truck must have thought the speed limit was 60 instead of 80 and backed the traffic up!  Skip took over with his GPS to find the hotel.  Patti (Miles' wife) had already checked in as she flew into Halifax earlier that afternoon. 

Lighthouse at Peggy's Cove

We all joined up for supper at about 6:30 and enjoyed telling Patti a few of the tales we had a long the way.  Tomorrow will be an exploring tour around Halifax, more than likely without the bikes.

DAY 7 - Saint John, NB to Yarmouth, NS

This morning was  a late start as we didn't catch the ferry from Saint John until noon.  So we met at the bikes for 10:45 in order to make sure we would get to the ferry and be ready to board when necessary.  It was a clear, sunny, hot day today - no fog in sight.  At the ferry terminal parking lot there were several other bikes as well waiting to get aboard.  Of course everyone always likes to check out each others bikes and have a chat about where people are from and where they have been and where they are going.  Lots of Americans and very few Canadians which I found very interesting. 

In order to board the ferry we had to go over one of those lovely metal bridges that are always quite scary on a bike and then onto a wet painted floor which was not fun and I was very afraid that I would slip out and the bike would land on top of me.  Well of  course it didn't and I got parked fine.  The guys that work on the ferry were a great help providing tie downs and making sure the bike was secure before we headed upstairs to the deck.  The ferry ride was uneventful and there were no whales which was disappointing but I saw a few dolphins - at least we think that is what they were! 

Departing the ferry three hours later was a relief that we could actually get on the bike and ride!  Heading down Route 101 to 1 was spectacular!  The road took us along the water front all the way to Yarmouth.  What an amazing ride.  Beautiful views after beautiful views.  I never realized that Nova Scotia people decorated their yards with Acadian flags and colors similar to the Americans with their American flags and colors.  There were some light houses and some beautiful old churches along the route.

Arriving in Yarmouth I immediately gave Jean Vallillee a call to let her know I had arrived.  It had been 33 years since I saw her last and it was like we had never been apart.  We have changed a bit but just physically (lol).  It was great reminiscing about the trip I took with her and her family to their cabin by their grandparents place.  I had such a wonderful time with Jean and her family then and have very fond memories of that trip.  Jean talked about having a huge crush on my brother which I never knew - and she thinks that Randy didn`t pay her any attention whatsoever at the time.  Too funny. 

Jean and Ian have  beautiful spot really a paradise in Forest Glen about a half hour outside of Yarmouth.  Jean provided beer and supper while we chatted and she showed me around some of her 7 acre haven.  It is a beautiful cabin in the woods.  The place has been overgrown for awhile and Jean and Ian are unearthing all these lovely gardens as they clear it away.

Jean and Ian

Just as it was getting dark I headed back into Yarmouth.  Arriving at the hotel I find out that we are leaving with kickstands up by 7:00 am - yes seven!!  We do want to see a lot tomorrow so I will give them that.  Patti (Miles` wife) is also flying in to Halifax tomorrow so we need to be there for at least supper.  So much to see and so little time tomorrow. 

DAY 6 - Bar Harbor, ME to Saint John, NB

This morning was foggy again as we headed out of Bar Harbor.  It was warm in areas and then down right cold in others as we travelled from area to area.  The fog engulfed us at times when we were close to the ocean and then would dissipate as we got further away. 

Crossing into Canada was busy and we had about a half hour wait as we coasted down hill and over the bridge into Saint Stephen, NB.  Had lunch at a little take-out that was recommended by the border crossing guard - not so great - but filled the hole.

Back roads were calling our name and we headed towards Saint Andrews, NB and it proved to be well worthwhile.  What a lovely little town.  Beautiful downtown area.  We were able to ride our bikes right out onto the dock and stop to take pictures.  That was a treat.  Then seeing a light house we decided to see if we could get up close and personal.  The light house has been rehabilitated and looks amazing.  It is always nice to see people come together to bring back to life something that is historical and part of the culture of a small town.

There were not too many more back roads on the way to Saint John so we rode Route 1 which  turns off and on into a four lane down to a two lane highway.  Again in and out of the fog and the temperature was drastically changing again.  Back on the jackets went for the rest of the ride into Saint John.  Arriving in Saint John we were not too impressed with the hotel on the outside as it is an older Holiday Inn Express but once inside and up to the lobby it is actually quite nice.  Rooms are very nice and a very nice note was left as follows:

"Thank you for choosing the Holiday Inn Express.  Please help yourself to the snack provided for you in the fridge.  If you need anything contact front desk or any team member.  We hope you enjoy your stay!  Team H.I.E. Saint John."  Well in the fridge was a beautiful spread of crackers, meat, cheese and vegetables with dip.  Wonderful welcome to Canada!  I hope the guys were treated the same in their rooms as it was truly a welcome little lunch before going to meet with my cousin Jeff.

Cousin Jeff, his wife Sherry and daughter Addison!

Jeff came to get me here at the hotel and I followed him back to his house thinking I could find my way back to the hotel later.  Sherry, Addison and their dog Rosie were there to great me when I arrived at Jeff's house.  Beautiful, friendly neighbourhood and lovely house.  Jeff and Sherry have down quite a lot of renovations on the house - which I had followed on facebook through Sherry's updates over the last few years.  Job well done I must say!  We headed out to East Side Mario's for supper.  I have not seen Jeff for a few years now and it is so nice to be able to sit down with cousins and catch up.  Wish I was closer so I could see them more often.  Hopefully they will come visit me in Cobden sometime soon - Jeff and Sherry - you know the door is always open! 

Well tomorrow we catch the ferry from Saint John to Digby,  NS and hopefully we will get some sightings of some whales along the way. 

DAY 5 - Bar Harbor, ME

It rained overnight again.  Fog rolled in but was soon dissipating with the sunshine shining through.  Slept in until 8:15 which was heaven.  Met for breakfast and then walked around the hotel grounds.  Beautiful gardens which overlook the ocean. 

Skip had to work from his hotel room today so Miles and I headed out on the road through the Acadia National Park driving the Park Loop and up to Cadillac Mountain.  The views are spectacular - a word I seem to be using over and over again! 

Samuel Champlain explored this area in 1604, nine years before he lost his astrolabe near Cobden, ON.  How people were able to travel back then is truly amazing.  I am sure in 400 years from now they will say the same thing about us driving motorcycles all over.  Who knows!

This afternoon after riding back from the Park Loop we headed into Bar Harbor downtown and I found some great t-shirts for Paul and the boys - can`t wait until they see them!  Picked up a lobster roll for lunch and ate it back at the hotel.  Can you imagine walking down the street and spotting a Route 66 restaurant.  I can`t believe that I see Route 66 memorabilia everywhere - in restaurants, on TV and on main streets so far removed from the actual Route 66 it is amazing! 

We were to go on our whale watching tour but it was cancelled due to the fog that still was hanging on in over the ocean as seen in some of the pictures.  I was really looking forward to that but perhaps on Saturday the ferry ride from Saint John, NB to Digby, NS might turn up some whales.  So later this afternoon before supper  I took advantage of the pool and sunshine (trying to get rid of the raccoon eyes from my sunglasses). 

This evening we took the bus back into Bar Harbor for supper.  Had a few laughs reminiscing about some of the people and places we saw on our trips.  Of course lobster was on my menu again tonight!  We ate at Rupununi.  Next to us there sat down a couple speaking French.  We starting talking to them asking where they were from and the man was extremely French straight from France.  The lady was from Caraquet, NB and knows the Theriault`s from Anse Bleue.  Small world!!

Tomorrow kick stands are up at 8:00 am and we head into Canada. 

DAY 4 - Freeport, ME to Bar Harbor, ME

Today it was calling for rain for most of  the morning.  I met the guys down at the bikes at about 7:55 am and there was no rain in sight.  It was overcast but nice and we had the kickstands up by 8:04 am.  It was not long before the sun started to shine and our coats came off.  The views that we saw along the ocean ride were spectacular. 

The small villages were very quaint.  We decided to take Route 1 and then take some side trips down into the harbours.  Twice we rode in and had to ride back the same way but the roller coaster roads and the beautiful views at the end of the road were well worth the extra time.  And to top it off riding the other way you see things differently! 

Our first stop for a coffee for the guys and an orange juice and a blueberry scone for me was at Orr Island.  We had quite a chat with a kayak guide who let us know a few places that might be worth while to stop and see.  He did not disappoint!  Beautiful and picturesque every time our ride opened up onto the ocean.

By the time we rode back and headed out on Route 1 again to Route 130 where at the end of the road was a lighthouse and a gift shop with a restaurant.  Lobster was on my menu so a lobster roll it was.  Served to perfection along with some Kettle Chips from Maine.  We were able to walk down to the rocks close to the ocean to take some great pictures.  Departing Route 130 we took Route 32 back out to Route 1 and then followed Route 1 the rest of the way to Bar Harbor.  As we started getting closer to Bar Harbor and especially in Rockland where they were celebrating the Lobster Festival. 

Our final leg into Bar Harbor you enter the Acadia National Park which is tourist supreme.  Our hotel for tonight and tomorrow is the Holiday Inn Regency and is beautifully set on the ocean.  We are able to park the bikes and hop on the shuttle bus provided that takes everyone downtown Bar Harbor where there is plenty of shops and restaurants to chose from.  Tonight we ate at the Carmen Veranda Club where of course I had a lobster roll again which was part of the Taste of Maine.  Lobster Roll, cup of clam chowder, chips and a piece of blueberry pie that I shared with the Miles and Skip.  So two days in Maine and three meals of lobster - not doing too bad!  Tomorrow we are going to tour around and then head out on a whale watching tour - should be fun!

DAY 3 - Burlington, VT to Freeport, MN

Kickstands were up at 7:30 am this morning.  Leaving Burlington, VT we took the interstate for about 40 miles.  Then onto another wonderful curvy scenic road.  Riding through Vermont and then into New Hampshire - you can tell the difference between states. 

New Hampshire was more sparse but then again we travelled through White Mountain National Forest stopping a few times to take pictures along the way.  Highway 302 was picturesque.  The beautiful Mt Washington Resort was a worthwhile stop on the side of the road to take pictures.  What a beautiful site it was riding past and I was really glad when Miles also decided to stop to take pictures. 

Another stop was at the Willey House located in the Crawford Notch State Park.  This is an historic place as it was operated in 1825 by the Willey's and their five children along with two hired men as an inn to accommodate travellers through the mountains. 

That year they witnessed a landslide and decided to build a cave so the family would be safe in the event of another landslide.  In August of 1826 after a long draught there was a fierce storm that saw the river rise 20 feet.  No one knows for sure what the family did but two days after the storm friends and relatives found the house unharmed and the Willey's were found with two of their children and the two hired men were found nearby crushed under the debris.  Three of the Willey's children were never found.  The inn continued to be operated until it burned in 1898.  It is quite a story and it is hard to imagine life back then.  Even to travel through the mountains on horse and buggy - amazing!  I am so glad I am able to complete the ride on a Harley instead of a horse named Harley!

It wasn't long before we were in Maine and the traffic started to get busier.  There are a lot of beautiful villages along on the way packed with tourists enjoying the shops and restaurants. You could start to smell the ocean about an hour away from Freeport, Maine!  The temperature was cooler as well.  Freeport is where L.L. Bean has a huge store that the boys and Paul would have loved to see.  The hunting and fishing areas were amazing - lots of camo and orange!  Too bad I am on the bike - and just not enough room for all that I would have loved to take home for them. 

In parts of the stores as with most outdoor stores these days there were displays of stuffed animals everywhere.  Two moose were set up as the last stand fighting each other - a truly spectacular piece that the boys and Paul would love to see in real life! 

Supper we had at the Mudder Rudder Restaurant where I indulged in my first lobster of the year!  Wonderful.  It was decided that we would feast on lobster each day for at least a week!  Hopefully not with the same price tag as tonight's meal.   

Well kick stands up tomorrow at 8:00 am and hopefully the weather will cooperate.  It is calling for rain over night but it should stop between 8 and 9 so lets hope so. 

DAY 2 - Mexico, NY to Burlington, VT

Kickstands were up at 7:50 am this morning!!  Early can you imagine.  Even after all the pictures before heading off we were on the road by 7:58 am!  We filled up and then hit the road that truly was spectacular.

Driving the back roads is really the only way to go.  Driving through Pulaski and over the Interstate 81 on County Road 2.  Some of the ride the guys thought reminded them of the movie Deliverance!  It is really back country with some hamlets that are hanging on by a thread.  Passing through Osceola reminded me of Kyle and his new house just outside of Osceola, ON in name only!   Off to Boonville - it appeared that we just missed the fair! 

Old Forge is a very tourist town.  The local hardware store Miles indicated was somewhat famous as having everything you would ever want or need.  He said people come just to check out the hardware store and all the items that you might find there. 

Leaving Old Forge we headed towards Lake Placid.  We stopped for gas and then headed for lunch at Lake Placid.  Parking is always a chore for someone who is short.  I always have to make sure that where I park I can get into and out of without too much difficulty.  But when someone with "long legs" is around I can ask for help and park in different places.  Miles chose to park on this hill and left enough room for all three bikes in one space.  So "long legs" were borrowed to finish parking and to back up!  Thanks again Miles, much appreciated.  We took some time to tour the downtown shopping district of Lake Placid and decided to have lunch at Steak and Seafood - rather expensive but we were in Lake Placid after all.  Of course a Harley Davidson store was downtown and we visited to see what we could find.  T-shirt for me nothing for the guys!  We did meet a couple that were from Thunder Bay, ON on their way to Moncton, NB for the National HOG Rally as well.  So hopefully we will see them there.

Leaving Lake Placid we headed downhill.  Both up and down the mountains were amazing.  It felt like we were skiing - the corners were amazing.  Love, love, love those roads.  The road we went on was the road that I had been on before when I went to Americade four years ago!  At that time we were driving from Lake George to Lake Placid. 

Our first ferry ride of our trip was over Lake Champlain.  The trip lasted approximately 45 minutes.  We were able to see the mountains in New York and the mountains in Vermont while we were out on the lake.  Besides the pedestrians the bikes were the first ones on and and the first ones off.  Prime parking at the front of the boat - special treatment again!!  The ferry was built in 1929 and runs very smoothly - no need to have tie downs for the bikes as they didn't even move!  Thanks to the fabulous navigation from the captain of the ship.

  

Driving through Burlington, VT we hit traffic.  Following the guys through the city was at times difficult - the hill coming out of the ferry parking lot was interesting!  The number of stop signs and traffic lights was distracting.  I ran one yellow/red light and Skip and Miles laughed.  They said they put Canadians in jail for doing that.  LOL  Too funny a couple of lights later this car squeezed through the red light and was half in our lane and half in the middle of the road as it was turning - I said "it must be a Canadian" - well sure enough the car was from Quebec - too funny!  No one went to jail - the police could never get there anyway as it was too busy!  Accommodations are at the Holiday Inn Express and supper was at the restaurant attached to the hotel.  Perfect - too tired anyway to go anywhere.  So kickstands up tomorrow at 7:30 am.  That means breakfast first then bike - early - hope this isn't a trend of getting started a half hour earlier each morning.  Just kidding I don't mind whenever I am on the bike - after all I am not at work!!

DAY ONE - MEXICO, NY

DUTY FREE

They let me into the USA again - what were they thinking!!  LOL








Arrived safely in Mexico, NY at Miles and Patti Ross's house.  Skip had already arrived and was taking a nap when I got here.  He had been visiting with family for the last few days and I guess a few late nights caught up to him.  

CHEZ PATTI

Miles and Patti's daughter, Molly, and her two children were here too and it was great to visit with them and get caught up on everyone's ongoings over the last year.  After a wonderful supper of bbq ribs, salty potatoes (a local favourite), beans, and coleslaw Miles took us on a tour of Mexico and over to Lake Ontario.  Beautiful area!  Mexico, NY is across Lake Ontario from Kingston, ON just to put the area in perspective.  We went to the local ice cream store and Skip treated us to dessert!  Everyone is just chilling out - on their computer or finishing packing (Miles and Patti). 








Tommorrow kick stands up at 8:00 am.  I can handle that.  I am not sure how Skip convinced Miles of that instead of 7:00 am but hey I am not complaining!!




BIKES READY TO GO!!

Bikes are in the garage and ready to go in the morning.  Skip's is the trike on the left, mine is in the centre and Miles's is on the right!