New Brunsick and the Bay of Fundy

Leaving Quebec City, drive-time today was a whopping four and a half hours. The drive was scenic along the St. Lawrence River, then across rolling country into New Brunswick. Making multiple stops for various reasons, – mostly to get out and move to get the blood flowing and joints working – the total time on the road today was 7 hours!

Taking advantage of a cost-free overnight we drove 6 miles off the main highway to Meduxnekeag Valley Nature Preserve. Quiet, buggy, and a sound sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll arrive at Fundy Nat’l Park.

Road maps can be deceiving. Named towns and villages may be nothing more than a crossroads, perhaps a convenience stop gas station, or maybe more. Terrain and road conditions are not discernible on road maps. I use a smart phone map app but it has limitations and there’s A LOT to consider when planning. Long story short: I missed a turn-off 60 miles from our destination to Fundy National Park. With no exits or turn-around opportunities for 38 miles – except authorized personnel turn-outs – I felt lucky to have had plenty of fuel and it only an additional half hour to arrive at the Park.

Fundy National Park is full of trails and the neighboring town of Alma – a charming fishing village – is rich with history, has a variety of eateries, local art shops, museums and friendly locals. It’s just a walk – of course, down a steep hill – from the campground.

From Alma across the Bay of Fundy to Nova Scotia is far and wide. The famous Tidal Bore, largest in the world, is not noticed here, but the rise and fall of the tidal zones are! Fishing boats have to time their launch and landings based on tides.

Marilyn – Super-excited to enjoy her first lobster of the trip at the Alma Lobster Shop. Me? Lobster eyeballs can be disturbing.

It is said there are 58 covered bridges in New Brunswick, and more throughout the region. Covered bridges were built to extend the timber truss bridge’s lifespan by shielding it from the harsh Canadian winters.

At times the views were long and beautiful. Flowers and butterflies would indicate warmer weather than we were experiencing. Beautiful trails took us through woods walks, beach strolls and a gorgeous boardwalk trail with multiple crossings of the stream at Dickson Falls despite cloudy skies and a bit of rain.

We spent two nights at Fundy National Park. Another day of hiking would have been great. Although this is not yet high season yet, beware of weekends. On our second night, Marilyn was literally among a throng of young men, with numerous tents, having a grand time out. She was able to move sites, whew!

Next stop PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND!