O' Canada

Hmmm, time for a new tire?

Our final days in Canada involved a temporary fix for some tire trouble in St. John, followed by a quick dive into Maine for about 2 hours before arriving back in Canada for a boondocking site on Campobello Island.

Our front right tire has been wearing unevenly for some time and finally demanded immediate attention when the steel belts started showing and causing a front end wobble at low speeds. Way back in Michigan we had tried unsuccessfully to get an alignment done and had decided to wait until we were ready to put on new tires. Well, we are now ready to buy new tires. We have replaced the bad one with our spare, and have four new Continental 215/65R16Cs waiting at my brother's home on Cape Cod. The spare is a new tire, so I'm just hoping the other front tire lasts, as it is looking worn also. The roads we have traveled are not the lovely interstates, and tires can take a beating on the rough backroad potholes. Besides, most Rialta's come with four tires of two different sizes (yes, there is a reason) and we have been looking forward to getting all four tires and spare to a common size. Now is the time.

Tour guide Peter and me

Campobello Island is a small Canadian island that sits just off the eastern most tip of the United States. When the summer ferry isn't running you must drive through the US to get to it – sort of like Point Roberts back in our Pacific NW. Our hosts, Peter and Bea, are Europeans who have come through Norway and Alberta to Campobello, where they run a sight seeing business during the summer and migrate south in the winter. Upon arrival we were welcomed with tea and freshly baked cookies, which totally made my day. Peter then offered to guide us around the island and gave a marvelous tour, complete with historical facts and anecdotes, local color and current events. During the early part of the last century the island was the summering grounds for wealthy New Englanders who would flock to the area, many of them building summer "cottages" or staying in grand hotels. Most notable was the F.D. Roosevelt family. There is an international park here devoted to the family containing many beautiful acres of beaches, forests, bogs, miles of hiking, and a nice visitor center. The original Roosevelt home is now gone but they have created a nice representation of the home. Sadly, it was closed for the season and we were not able to visit. The next day, after it stopped raining, the four of us went for an excellent walk on several sections of the International Park trails. We saw seals and lots of birds, this area reminds me greatly of our own San Juan Islands.

Peter, Bea, Thayer

Much of the economy of the island is dependent upon tourism which is hardly enough, but many more locals still make their living from the sea. There is a salmon farm in a nearby bay and fishing boats tucked into snug harbors. A lighthouse at the north end has been adopted by the community and refurbished after years of neglect. You can only get to it during the low tide and must be very careful to get back before the tide turns. Even here the tides are tremendous.

Beach covered with beautiful rounded rocks!

Head Harbor Light station

Our time here in Canada, much longer than we anticipated, has been so wonderful. We have enjoyed each and every beautiful park, village and city that we have visited. The well tended, wonderfully tidy farms and homes are a joy and inspiration to see. The people have been so friendly and helpful at every stop, and are generous with their advice and time, taking a break from their day to visit and share what they know about their communities. We often drive away from a place saying "I could live here!", but happily move on after considering the frigid wintertime season. The National Parks and Historic Sites have opened our eyes to new and exciting landscapes, fascinating cultures and thousands of years of history. I am inspired to learn more about the people and places we have only just started to get to know. We have enjoyed expanses of wilderness, agricultural lands and seascapes, dotted with small cities and villages and flavored to perfection with friendly local people. Thank you Canada, for a wonderful 6 weeks!!

It is with some trepidation that we journey into the northeastern part of the US. When I look at the map filled with criss-crossing highways, huge cities, and dense populations I can just feel my blood pressure rise. Adding to my unease, the weather is getting colder and wetter with temperatures dipping into the 20's later this week. Brrrrrrr!  Where has our summer and early fall gone so suddenly? 

Mill Falls, KNP

Colorful, detailed doorway

Cape Breton seashore

Cape Breton Highlands

Aspy River trail