On the Go with Momma Jo &amp; Steve

On 5th October 2019

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been

Life is an adventure not a package tour!
Eckhart Tolle

Well, it is time to drive back to Ottawa, Winnie has her last visit to Niagara for the last warranty visit. Yeah!!!

Today the drive through New Brunswick was absolutely stunning with all the vibrant fall colours. The yellows where so brilliant, the reds and oranges were a blaze of colors. It was an absolutely spectacular drive and made the time go by quickly.

One thing we like to do when we travel is to stop before it gets dark. We read on someone else’s blog one day about stopping before dark so we have tried really hard to incorporate that in our daily travel limits. And we needed to stop because of the fuel situation …if you know what I mean. Today we checked out that iOverlander app again. There was this municipal park in Levis, Quebec on the river that only had a posted sign about no parking from “Nov to April” so we parked for the night. This little gem was an absolutely fabulous find. From this parking lot you had incredible views of the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. We watched the cruise ships come down the St Lawrence and stop in Quebec. We walked to the Ferry terminal and down the boardwalk and also checked out the beautiful fountains.

We wanted to stop at Corsaire-Micbrasseri for a beer and supper, Unfortunately the deck was closed and they did not allow dogs in the restaurant. So, we checked out the little Café Bonte Divine! The food was good. All in all, this municipal park is definitely a spot to recommend to fellow travellers.

The Acadian Dykes

On 27th September 2019

Slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
Unknown

Well, as you all know who follow us, I am REALLY way behind in my blogging. And what does one do now that they are “Staying the BLAZES home” because of the Covid-19. Well, we reminisce about time spent with loved ones, when we were able to walk outside in public as a family, and were able to hug each other too. So, I found this group of pictures from September last year when we went to visit our daughter in Wolfville and walked on the Acadian Dykes. When this is all over and we our out for a walk on a beautiful day like this one in the photo. We will not take any of these special moments for granted. Enjoy the moment. Find beauty in today.

Take care of yourself. I hope you will enjoy all our next blogs, as now that we have time we will catch up!

Fresh air, beautiful scenery, warm weather, exercise and time with family. How does it get better than this?

Kejimkujik National Park : Day 2

On 26th September 2019

In every walk-in nature one receives far more than he seeks.
John Muir

There was a magical and mystical morning fog that hung over the lake in a calmness that I can’t explain. The pristine quiet which gave you a sense of peacefulness. A sense of vastness that had you wondering what more was out there……

Once the fog lifted it was the most picturesque day you can imagine. While exploring Keji, our travels had us checking out the dark tea waters of Mersey River (apparently a historic river too). Biking, even on a board walk – which seems to be common in National Parks. We also watched the canoers leave Jakes Landing, from Whynot Adventures – I so wanted to canoe but my knee was not up for it. A stop at the turtle crossings looking for the endangered Blanding Turtles to no avail. Although while hiking we did see a rare snake and I must say much too close for my liking! We walked the Volunteer Walk of Honour – “Their Trail of Success” and lastly, we were captivated by the sounds of the rushing Mills Falls.

All in all, just what the doctor would ordered! Next year we will check out the Kejimkujik National Park Seaside which is a separate protected wilderness on the Atlantic Coast!

Kejimkujik National Park

On 25th September 2019

Mi’kmaw – Land of the Little Fairies
Mi’kmaq legends

Well, I finally made it. I am in my mid-fifties and have always talked about wanting to go there and finally I made it; and Kejimkujik National Park or Keji (as the locals call it) lived up to ALL my expectations. This picturesque National Park is definitely in harmony with nature. As you have noticed, I love to take pictures. Well this visit, was over the top. Over 1000 pictures; I couldn’t help myself. Good thing for digital imagery! Definitely made for some longer bike rides, (time wise anyway). Although I tried my best, the pictures do not give it any justice at all.

Keji has something for all, outdoorsman, hiking, canoeing, biking, bird watchers, historians, wildlife enthusiasts and Star gazers. They have Campfire programmes and an Outdoor amphitheatre, also some Aboriginal rock art that illuminates Mi’kmaw heritage. They have a Sky Circle that shows you the Dark sky preserves. On a dark night allows you experience the astronomical depth of this allowing you to gaze at the brilliant celestial bodies (stars) with the naked eye. It was Simply Amazing.

We spent a couple of days here at Jeremy’s Bay Campground, (unfortunately it will be closed for the 2020 season). We had a site that you could see the water through he trees, it was quite and peaceful and just what we needed a chance to slow down.

Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards

On 24th September 2019

Winnifred needs a special type of wheel alignment done and believe it or not there are not as many places out here to have it done. But there is one in Kentville, Nova Scotia at Family Tire which is conveniently located close to Rebekah! Any excuse at all to visit our daughter! So, another road trip down east, another 1500 km! I keep hearing the song “on the road again” going trough my head.

We dropped Winnie off for the day and decided to explore a little. Our first stop was Kates Bakery in New Minas for breakfast. Filled with beautiful colorful cupcakes, cookies, pastries, scones, pies and fresh bread to name a few. Awesome coffees and a decent cup of hot chocolate too.

But the highlight of the day was a late lunch at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyard and Winery. Fresh woodfire roasted pizza, Tidal Bay wine, outside on a deck under a tent; still lots of warmth left to the days. Having lunch beside the vineyard just adds some amazing ambiance to the meal. The wine was good the meal amazing and the setting surreal and the company fantastic. Always great treat to take a student to a place she cannot afford to go herself! ……How does it get better than this?…….

Pinelopi’s Greek Kitchen

On 20th September 2019

Good food is all the sweeter when shared with good friends.
Unknown

Well we are back in Ottawa just for a couple of days before we head out again to Nova Scotia. Since our time in Ottawa is limited, we seize the moment and try to spend the time with friends. So today we decided to try a new restaurant in the area and spend some time with our friends Ted and Kelly.

Pinelopi’s is a unique little Greek restaurant, in a tiny little strip mall in Barrhaven. If you are not actually specifically looking for it, you will miss it. It was an amazing find! The food was extravagant with unique flavours to tantalize your palate. They serve a variety of Classic and Modern Greek dishes, many different colorful drinks and of course unique imported Greek Beer (Yep you guessed it; Jo had the beer). Our favorite “awe moment” was when they brought out the Saganaki flaming Greek cheese as our first course. Traditional Moussaka, Penne Antonia, Santorini Chicken and the special lamb wrapped in phyllo pastry with veggies were a few of the amazing dishes we tried. And to end the meal we had a carrot cake cheese cake. Imagine someone put a carrot cake into a cheese cake instead of cream cheese icing; simply divine!

To top a perfect evening off, a special Greek drink on the house. It is always nice to travel with people who know people!

Definitely above a 10 on any scale!

Puddicombe Estate Farms

On 18th September 2019

Well, today was spent inside Sicard RV for Winnie’s warranty maintenance. It was a dream day, as they were getting ready for their big fall event and we spent a lot of time wandering through all the different models and makes on the lot. The big Class A’s, Class C’s like Winnie as well as the smaller Class B’s. We even helped some future buyers tour around some models, as they did not want a sales person to help them. After all that, we still decided Winnie was still the best for us!

Tonight, we took advantage of another Harvest host at Puddicombe Farms. This farm has been in operation and in the Puddicombe family since 1797. We camped beside a train caboose and under a magnificent weeping willow at the end of the pear orchard.

To generate some different clientele, they have transformed an old train into a small inn, so people could enjoy a unique farm experience. We arrived right when the market store closed, so we would have to check it out in the morning.

In the morning I also had a chance to talk to the owner before the market opened. I loved hearing his stories and on his advice we went apple and pear picking, filled our bags with various brands of apples, Cortland, Macintosh, Empire, Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp and of course some beautiful pears!! We capped it off with a stop at the market to check out all their different ciders and of course, some baked goods! At least this stop we had bought some healthy food. We would highly recommend this farm/market/cidery/winery and I have a feeling we will be back.

Legends Estates Winery

On 17th September 2019

Well, we continue along Lake Ontario through to Buffalo and crossed the Bridge to Canada in the Niagara Region. Yep, we now have cell coverage again! Even though Jo says she doesn’t need the cell phone while traveling in the US, she secretly was relieved to be back in Canada to have access to her phone.

Our stop today had us using another Harvest Host, the Legends Estates Winery located right on the shores of Lake Ontario in Beamsville, Ontario.

Now, when we stay at the wineries it usually cost a few extra dollars as we always buy some wine. Of course, this stop was no exception. Wine tasting was 3 samples for 5 dollars. A good deal, as I was not trying any but they always try and find one for me anyway…. We tried a Diva-2010 Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon, a 2012 Merlot, a 2001 Cherry Riesling, the Meldville-2017-Syrah, then a 2018 Riesling, a 2012-Cabernet Sauvignon, and a 2001 Apple Chardonnay and a couple more that I didn’t take note of. Over 8 samples of wine and after all of that she did not charge us! But we did buy a few bottles of wine to go with the pasta we had planned for supper that night.

Somewhere out there, there is a wine that I will like!

Lake Ontario

On 16th September 2019

It is one of the five great lakes of North America. The north half of the lake is bordered by Ontario, Canada and the southern part of the lake is in New York, USA with the border somewhere in the middle of the lake.

Our drive today had us heading west, along the bottom of Lake Ontario with our final destination to stay at a Harvest Host; the Ontario Orchards Farm and Market. The market itself was packed with amazing local fruit and vegetables and amazing home baked apple products. The apple pie won out over some other amazing home baked goodies. Now, the actual farm was a few miles up the road and we actually got to camp in the middle of the apple orchard, a pumpkin patch , the corn field and a Christmas tree farm. It definitely made you think of the holiday season with all the produce and the perfectly shaped Christmas trees.

The only thing that seemed a little odd was being at the Ontario Orchards, in New York, USA, but not being in the province of Ontario. After living 30 years in province of Ontario, one becomes narrow minded to the fact that not all things with the name Ontario come from Canada. I mean really; Lake Ontario is huge and is one of the five great lakes in North America after all. The fact alone that we did not have cell coverage because we were in the states should have been the first clue. For anyone travelling in the area, I would highly recommend the Ontario Orchards Farm Market in Oswego, NY as a place to shop and stop.

UBEKNOWNST

On 15th September 2019

Well It is time for another warranty check up for Winnie, so back to Niagara we go. This time our routine maintenance turned into another adventure. We decided to travel south of the border. (Honestly anything to avoid the 401). Once over the Ogdensburg bridge, we decided to head a little more east and navigated ourselves to the Robert Moses State Park, Massena, NY situated in the Thousand Islands area.

Now, to reach the park you have to go under a tunnel, unbeknownst to us at the time this was a tunnel under the Eisenhower Lock. We actually didn’t discover this until the next morning.

September is a nice quiet time of year to camp there. We explored the campground on foot, along the 4B-Long Sault Dike with beautiful water views. We did not do the full length of the dike which, unbeknownst to us, would lead us to the elusive Eisenhower Lock.

Our campsite had views of the water, and at night when sitting around the campfire you noticed the lights of a ship docked in the distance. Unbeknownst to us, it was a ship waiting to enter the Eisenhower Lock.

The sunrise in the morning was tranquil, the water was calm and picturesque. With the gracefulness of the ducks swimming by and the morning chirping of the birds in the tress, at this moment I really understand the Mother Earth and Father Sky Thing! Absolutely stunning scenery. Both visually and auditorily!

In the morning we are heading out of the park and you guessed it; we saw the sign for the Eisenhower Lock! – so this time knowingly we went to see it. To watch a tanker ship, raise 46 feet up in the water was extraordinary to say the least! Definitely a must see, if you’re in the area.

Check out our video here!

Merrickville and the Rideau Canal

On 10th September 2019

In Events

Amazing journeys begin with the simple decision to go.
ANONYMOUS

Our goal was to make it back to Ottawa in time for the 23rd birthday of our son, Matthew. Which we did for first time in the last 6 years! Also, I needed to get a good cooking fix out of my system. Eggs Bennie and Mimosas for breakfast and Carbonara and Ribs for supper. Then a night of dancing at a friend’s reception. Perfect! Happy Birthday Matthew!

OK, party over, and now we have actually been home for four days and I needed a road trip. Today my driver was Momma Duck; and our adventure took us to Merrickville and the Rideau Canal Lock system.

Now, the Rideau Canal, is one of Ontario’s most important waterways, and it creates a historical line between one of the oldest cities in Canada (Kingston) and our nation’s capital (Ottawa). Almost in the middle of these two cities is the town of Merrickville.

Merrickville is one of the oldest municipalities in Upper Canada. It was apparently first settled by Irish, Scottish and French over 225 years ago with the building of the canal. The architecture and stone buildings in town create a great ambiance and show you the history that is here. There are some historical ruins to explore in the area also.

There are shops in Merrickville that aren’t available anywhere else, like the Yellow Canoe Café, which by the way is closed on Tuesdays. Then Mrs. McGarrigle’s Fine Foods Shop, which is known for her unique mustard flavors and her hand made chocolates. Nana B’s Bakery, and The Wick Witch, a unique hand-crafted candle shop. These are just a few examples of the many quaint businesses in the area.

Now, any trip to Merrickville isn’t complete without taking in the Rideau Canal Lock System. It is a great learning experience, watching the canal lock system in operation, with a bridge and road that swings to allow boats through and how it can stop traffic in the middle of town; with some waiting patiently and others not (if you know what I mean). It is simply amazing to see how big some of the boats are, that do actually come though the lock system.

After our day of exploring we tried the Goose and Grid Iron Pub for lunch on the patio followed by a stop at the new, and awesome, Stella Luna Gelato shop. A stop for Gelato is simply a MUST!!

Saint-Roach-des-Aulnaires

On 6th September 2019

In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.
Aristotle

From Sugarloaf Provincial Park we decided to take a different route home and travel across the Gaspé Peninsula. We took Highway 6 through the mountains which winds alongside of the Matapedia River. The drive was spectacular and the views were breathtaking. We stopped frequently for picture taking opportunities. Red covered bridges, deep blue skies, intense forest green, combine for some magical pictures, and some peaceful mesmerizing moments.

Once across the peninsula we headed down the St. Lawrence river valley, for those amazing riverfront views. Today we used the iOverlander app and found a church that other campers have parked behind. Place de l’Eglise in Saint-Roach-des-Aulnaires which was right on the shores of the St Lawrence. The towering steeples with her bells ringing, was the icon of the community. This cathedral styled church was built back in mid 1800’s (1845-1853) with her steeples over 150 feet tall. The architecture was beautiful. It also makes one wonder how they could build something that magnificent and this stunning over 150 years ago.

We walked around the community in search of a place to eat. But all the little restaurants were closed for the season, which was definitely disappointing as all we had left in the camper was a few protein bars and only one bottle of water, which we needed to make sure the dog had some too. Well at least we had some beer. By the end of the night there was 5 other campers parked there with us. The big key was to make sure we were all gone before church started in the morning.

Sugarloaf Provincial Park

On 5th September 2019

The best view comes after the hardest climb.
shutterstock.com

The end of the Acadian Coastal Drive is where the Appalachian Route starts. Definitely, totally different scenery than we have seen for the past few days. However, how do you not love mountains!

Now if you are from the west coast you would probably call these rolling hills. Rolling hills or mountains; the Appalachians are beautiful. At the north end of the Appalachian route is the Sugarloaf Provincial Park. At the base of the mountain is the ski lift and definitely an area to come to, if you like to ski. There are also multi-use trails for biking, hiking, or cross-country skiing in the winter.

Today we decided we would hike the Terry Fox Trail which connects to the Summit Trail to the top for fabulous views. Now the Terry Fox Trail itself is wide flat and well groomed, with the exception of one down tree the trail was pristine.

We connected to the Summit Trail which started off lovely but soon turned into a steep, rough and uneven path. (Definitely use good footwear). The elevation for us, out of shape people, was a challenge. But in general, it was a good challenging path. The views from the summit of Chaleur Bay and the Gaspé were definitely worth the hike.

As we say, “how does it get better than this…….??”

, 33, 34 the Beer Quest is on

On 4th September 2019

We decided to continue along the Acadian Coastal Drive to the end of the scenic drive. With a stop in Bathurst to refuel, stock up and of course check out a craft brewery.

Now, a few months ago we mentioned that we had a goal of trying 100 different craft beer. It’s now September and we are well over that goal and are at about 154. So, we decided to increase the goal to a Beer Quest of 50 different Craft Breweries and 200 different types of beer.

You do realize that BEER is an acronym for Brew…Enjoy…Empty…Repeat…. After doing a little bit of tourist stuff in Bathurst, we found a brewery on Google and stumbled on one by ourselves. 13 Barrels is a newer brewery (our 33^rd for the year) but I have to say it is one of my favorites so far. The ambiance was great, the service was amazing, the server was knowledgeable on the brews and the history of the brewery. The outdoor patio overlooking the river, on a warm summer’s day was perfect. They were extremely well organized for us beer quest fanatics. The Miss Clara’s Kolsch has been one of my more favourite brews so far. The Tipsy Barrel Radler, was nice but I prefer a light and crisp flavor of the Kolsch. Steve enjoyed Rendez-Vous Rouge and the Wild Goose Stout. (Remember 4 x 4oz = a pint).

Next stop we headed to Googles suggestion of Four Rivers Brewery. Tried a few; Blues d’la Baie, Belgian Amber, Timbersnip Milk Stout, and Rock Bolter- Black IPA. I have to say I much preferred the 13 barrels. Every brewery is different and caters to their clientele but if you only have time for one quick stop, I would definitely make the time for 13 Barrels.

The Acadian Isles

On 3rd September 2019

Lighthouses don’t go running all over an island looking for boats to save; they just stand there shinning.
Anne Lamott

Today, we continued up the Acadian Coastal Drive and decided to check out the Acadian Isles and go to the tip of New Brunswick. We were just at the “edge of New Brunswick” so why not the tip as our next stop? Miscou Island is that tip!

Definitely a road less traveled, but also definitely worth the drive. We found a small, quaint campground “Camping la Vague”, basically right on the beach. Now we know that people will boon-dock in the area around the lighthouse. But today we decided to support the local economy. Might have something to do with the fact we needed to hook up to electricity for the night!

A walk on the beach with views of the windswept coastline, checking out the drift wood, and looking for beach glass along the shore. Watching the sunset and listening to the waves wash up on the shoreline at high tide made for a perfect evening. A trip to the island is not complete without seeing the lighthouse. Isn’t a lighthouse the icon of a coastal drive?

Not all bikes are created equal

On 2nd September 2019

It was that time again to head back to Ontario and for this trip we decided it was time to explore a bit of New Brunswick. We followed the Acadian Coastal Drive with our resting stop today had us in Kouchibouguac National Park. This park has something to offer for everyone. It has miles of bike trails, beautiful sandy beaches, sand dunes, salt water marshes, lots of fishing opportunities and great for the bird watcher and for wildlife sightings. We can attest to this first hand, as we actually saw a bear cub eating; we did not see Momma Bear but I am sure she was not far away and after a quick picture we were out of there!

Kelly’s Beach was beautiful and still full of lots of people; some fishing, some building sand castles, others tanning, and some beach-combing or swimming and then there are the people watchers; the list goes on. This area is called the “edge of New Brunswick” where the water was warm and inviting. The smell of salt air will have you reminiscing about your childhood memories onto the beach.

We did check out over 50 km of bike trails here; some were well marked and well groomed while others were a challenge. Terrains varied; mud, boardwalks, narrow, deep-rutted ones, grass covered, rock exposed, etc. Now, our bikes are considered a hybrid bikes, so in theory they should cover most terrains (at least according to the park attendant at the front desk). So today Steve decided to challenge that theory and took a one-direction only mountain bike trail. (That fact alone should have given us a clue to what the bike path would be like.) It was a challenge for sure. Jo’s hands are still cramped for the death grip she had on the handle bars! Steve’s hybrid bike with shocks definitely made the difference on this trail. So now we know, all bikes are not created equal.

Taco Gringo!

On 30th August 2019

Well, today we decided to explore Tatamagouche on the bikes. The Great Canadian Trail aka “The Great Trail” has a section that runs through Tatamagouche.

We picked up the trail besides the farmers market. Of course, only after shopping at the market which is located in the Creamery Square area. We also checked out the shops in the grain elevator village. Interesting part of the geography, a grain elevator here in Nova Scotia. When I think of a silhouette of a grain elevator, I think of the vastness of the open Saskatchewan landscape. I have always wanted to see the inside of a grain elevator, so to go shopping in it was so much fun. Good to see the community has found a great use for it.

The trail has many great views of the bay, as we stopped along the way at the Patterson’s wharf area to enjoy the view. Our goal today was to checkout the Taco Gringo Food Truck. The place was packed! We stood in line for a while, and luckily for us, they stopped serving just after us. (Whew!) They had ran out of food so took a break to stock up.

We enjoyed the fish tacos and the beef taco and they were actually more like a burrito; the most important thing was that they were simply amazing. We also enjoyed the ambiance of the colorful patio area and would actually love to come back, but unfortunately it was our first and last experience with Taco Gringo as they were closing up shop and selling the business. Not all good things last for ever.

Speaking of good things, our day would not be complete with out a local beer at the brewery. Already our favorite watering hole (and not because it is the only one).

Hennigar’s Farm Market

On 25th August 2019

When the kids were growing up, I used to say they were growing like sunflowers.

When everyone else would comment on how fast the kids were growing up, that they were growing like weeds, I would always say no, they are growing like sunflowers. They grow just as fast but grow stronger and taller, and make people smile when they look at them. Can you tell I like sunflowers?

Today’s travels has us back down in Wolfville checking in on Rebekah before we head back to Ottawa. (Winnie has another RV appointment in Niagara.) Our stay tonight had us at a Harvest Host stop at the Hennigar’s Farm Market. Now this place is amazing. We were up in the apple orchard, with views over the bay. Beside the orchards there was a huge acre of sunflowers, which were in full bloom. Well I was in heaven and I think I took over 50 pictures.

Before the sun set, we decided to jump on our bikes and find the Harvest Moon Trail and biked into Grand Pré National Historic Site. After a little of exploring around the park we decided to ride the dykes. The Grand Pré Dyke – 3013 acres below Sea Level, behind 28455 feet of dyke. This is such a cool phenomenon. As we grabbed a picture of the sun starting to come down over the high tide filled basin, we headed back to Hennigar’s to pick up some fabulous fresh fruit and veggies and a jug of there amazing fresh apple cider. We highly recommend stopping at Hennigar’s if you are ever in Wolfville.

Dark Night Skies

On 24th August 2019