Well, we stopped over to visit Coyla and Edward Barry in Chapel Hill along with Marcia and Burns Jones. Coyla and Marcia are Dad's sisters.
I had a nice romp in a nearby pond and then we had a great dinner courtesy of Coyla's culinary skills. It was interesting because we actually had some of the Barry's beef that they raise at their ranch in Montana...very tasty.
The next day we traveled the last day home to Dataw Island, arriving Saturday evening, August 28.
Dad reports that we traveled 5327 miles, over 42 days, 6 weeks! Here's some other factoids of the trip:
- Since we didn't travel every day, Dad figures that we averaged about 180 miles per driving day, about 4 hour drives
- We averaged about ten miles per gallon. And the price per gallon was about $2.80. Gas was more expensive in Canada, about 50% more.
- Our favorite camp ground was up on Prince Edward Island...Twin Shores. It had fantastic beaches and beautiful sunsets. I think the worst camp ground was outside of Halifax..hideous bathrooms and a pump that went 24/7 and drove Dad crazy. Dick King said that Dad was driving him crazy complaining about the pump.
- Our favorite stop was into Neil's Cove up on the western part of the Cabot Trail on Nova Scotia. Charming little harbor. And a fish chowder to die for...the best!
- Our most scary experience was running the tidal bore at the far eastern end of the Bay of Fundy. Mom and Dad got drenched. Dick King said his hands are locked into a permanent grip from holding on to the side lines.
- The most interesting spot was the walled fortress of Lewisburgh, up on the South eastern shore of NV. But the Alexander Graham Bell Exhibit in Baddick was also fascinating.
To summarize I must say that this was a most excellent adventure. While I wasn't thrilled with the many hours staring up at Mom and Dad in the camper while underway, the sights, sounds, and smells of the Canadian Maritimes are unsurpassed. And oh yes, the cool temperatures were a real treat after leaving the sweltering heat of the Low Country.
Dad had some final thoughts:
"We were struck by several things about Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The people are very cordial and kind. There's a gentleness about the people that's rare in this day and age. The coastlines of both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are some of the most beautiful and untouched natural settings in North America. The views are simply stunning. The history is also rich and varied. We learned amazing things about the early French and English settlers, the ship building industry on PEI, and the arrival of the Scottish in 1843. From about 300 original immigrants, the Scots now comprise over 60% of the population of Nova Scotia. And their rich culture was amazing to witness up close, although about 2 hours of bag piping is about my limit.
The RV ran flawlessly, and we had absolutely no problems mechanically. Pat and Linda King did a masterful job of planning the entire trip, making reservations, and laying out a sight seeing schedule.
I would encourage everyone to put this region on your bucket list to visit, particularly if you want a respite from the heat."
Jasmine here for a final comment.
I am a wiser and better dog for making this long adventure. I can truly say that the winds of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island will continue to ruffle my fur with fantastic memories for the rest of my life.
So stay tuned for my next Excellent Adventure next summer when we trek north to Minesotta to vist Mom's family
Cheers!
Jasmine Bell
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