Jul 2008

Leaving Hopewell Cape, we drove along the waterfront and you could see the high tide in Fundy Bay. This was a rainy day, really poured at times. We stopped in Springhill, NS, home of Anne Murray. They have an excellent museum of her items and records. We were told that last Saturdy she was there and gave a concert. On to Truro and the campground, still raining, so had a slow day in the coach.

On the Road Again, this time on to Hopewell Cape. Left Saint John about 0830 and headed north on NB1. After about 45 miles we exited and took 114 to Fundy National Park. This park is on the Bay of Fundy. It is mainly a hiking park, with one road thru it. At the water side of the park lies the town of ALMA. This is a quaint little town with cafes and some shopping. We had lunch and visited the local bakery for some great sticky buns and jams.
On to Hopewell Cape and the camp ground. Once set up, we went to the Hopewell Rocks Park. This park allows access to the bottom of the ocean. The tides at Fundy Bay are most extreme, sometimes as much as 50 or 60 feet.
Today the tide was 33 feet. When out, you can walk on the floor of the bay. It is most hard rock and beds of kelp.
Low tide was at 1534, and we walked on the bottom. When the tide comes it, the area we walked on and the stairs we used will be under several feet of water, today 33 feet. It was an interesting area. High tide was at 2115, and the view was totally different, only water.

Tour day at Saint John. We left the campground for a tour of the Reversing Falls and the city of Saint John. The Reversing Falls is the result of the extreme tides in the Bay of Fundy and the rock formations at the mouth of the Saint John River. The tide fluctuates some 28 feet from high to low. Under the water some 36 feet is a solid rock formation. At high tide, the ocean water overpowers the water of the river and great amounts go up stream, thus creating a rapids moving up river. As the tide moves lower, it reaches slack tide. There the river and ocean are at equal levels and forces. The water is smooth, and vessels can traverse the area. As the tide moves to low tide, lower than the river, the water rushes from the river into the ocean. Again this causes extreme rapids going into the ocean or bay. It is not really a falls but more of a class 6 rapids. There are many kayaks playing in the rapids. Vessels are forbidden to traverse this area except at slack tide. Saint John is a very old city. Some of the houses date back to the 1700's. They get about 10 feet of snow and 3 feet of ice every winter. (lots of freezing rain)
Our campground is a city park. It is some 2200 acres with several lakes. The lakes were hand dug by the prisoners over several years. There are hiking, biking trails, a zoo, several athletic areas and a campground for some 200 RV"s.

Well here we are 'ON THE ROAD AGAIN' and made it to Saint Johns, New Brunswick. The journey took us from Trenton northward on US 1. The roads in Northern Maine leave a lot to be desired, bumpy, full of chuck holes. Agout two hours north we parked the coaches at the American Legion and took the cars to the childhood home of Franklin D Roosevelt, Camppbello Island. The island is in Canada, so we had to clear Canadian customs to enter the provencial park. The cottage (15 bedroom house) is exactly as it was when the Roosevelts lived there, including the original furniture. It was a beautiful structure and you could imagine all the activities of the children in the house.
While on the island we had lunch at the Family Fisheries cafe, very good. Next we headed to Calais Me, and St Stevens CA and the real crossing into Canada. We made it thru with little scrutiny, however many were searched in depth. Arriving at our campground in Saint Johns, we set up camp, took out the fire place and had a happy hour with all rigs paricipating. Weather is cool, 65F.

First day of official tour. We had our organizational meeting and all the rules and events were discussed. Spent the rest of the day meeting the others.
Tomorrow, Friday, we depart Trenton, ME and head for St Johns. I will try to keep the blog everyday, but internet coverage may me erratic at times.

Toured the town of Ellsworth, neat little coastal town with the city square and tall steeples.
In the morning the Tracks had a coffee mixer so all those present could meet. Final preparation of coaches for the Maritime Tour was in order.

Great day, no fog, about 65Fin the morning.. Had an orientation meeting at 0900, picked up our packet with all the goodies in it. The basica of the tour were explained, with information that the main meeting would be on the 10th.
We had made reservation on the Trolley to tour Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Left the campground at 1000, headed to Bar Harbor, looked at the shops, ate lunch and got on the trolley. The driver/guide was very good. He knew the area and had some good jokes. It was a hot and muggy day as time passed, up to 92F and about the same on humidity.

Explored the local area and got some items done on the coach, like washing all the dirt and grime off.
Met the Wagonmaster and Tailgunner, nice folks. Planned the tour of Bar Harbor and Acadia Park.

Time to leave this great RV Park. Got on the 95 North at 0900 and headed towards Bangor. Beautiful, not a cloud in the ski. Stopped along the way for lunch and fuel just before we arrived at Timberland RV Park. Made plans for our free time there and also met the Wagonmaster for our trip into the Maritimes. As you can see, Barbara has now perfected the art on adding photos.

Easy day, did some relaxing, food shopping and hanging out. The park had a special on Lobster dinner, so everyone ordered and came to our site to eat. Barbara fixed chicken for us. Fresh strawberry shortcake with ice cream was the dessert.