Friday-Saturday, August 10-11

Friday - Woke up to some fog but that quickly cleared away, we exercised and after breakfast headed over to the Fortress of Louisbourg.    This fort from the 18^th century was a village for 3,000+ people and after the two sieges between the French and the British, the British destroyed the entire compound.    So, 200+ years later….in the 1960’s, after much searching and digging and sorting thru artifacts, etc., the restoration project began.     The fortress was replicated to look like it had in the mid 1700’s and it is quite unbelievable.    Several men, women and children are in costume and take you back to how it was.   We walked all over the grounds, inside the buildings and heard several describe their particular interest or lifestyle.

There are 3 places to enjoy a “period” type of food…..full dinner, ala carte or the bakery.   We chose the ala carte and ate at long trestle tables in front of the fireplace using pewter dishes, mugs, etc.     Mark had the pea soup; I had the fish soup both with bread, rum punch, and then for dessert, he had chocolate cake and I had bread pudding.    Both were totally different than what we’re used to, but good!    It was a delightful experience with the waitresses dressed in costume and we sat with a man and 2 women from British Columbia who are traveling in their RV.

Ready to chow down with our bibs (large dish cloths)

The intricate art of lace making - wow!   An eye-opening experience and great admiration at this skill and all the TIME....

Children depicting long-ago dancing and singing

This afternoon we drove about 35 miles to North Sydney and got in line for the Atlantic Vision (large passenger/vehicle ferry built in 2002) to take us to Argentia, Newfoundland.      We packed a bag for the overnight stay and enjoyed some local music from Newfoundlanders (Newfies) while we waited to board the ferry.  Daisy and Toad were parked on lower level of ferry and our cabin was on the 8^th floor and very nice –  our room had 4 bunk beds (2 could fold up along the wall) 2 closets, bath, desk and good-sized window.   They have a large lounge “Colours” and the name fits the decor!

Colours - place to sit and relax, watch TV, have a drink and watch out the windows

There are 3 areas to eat (formal dining room, buffet or snack center).   There is a gift shop, children’s play center, 2 theater-style seating rooms with movies, internet room (we could not get connected) and on and on!    We had dinner in the dining room – excellent (fresh Atlantic halibut with apple chutney).    Mark was happy they had chocolate volcano cake for dessert with raspberry coulis.    Oh my…….a winner!

This is the 5^th type of “on the water” vessel we’ve experienced this year…….USS Stennis (aircraft carrier), Discovery II (riverboat), Atlantic Vision (ferry). Michael and Brooke’s “Ski Nautique” and of course, Catrina!!!    Such a variety of watercraft!!!

Saturday - After a good night’s sleep, we arrived in Argentia around 9:30 AM – we set the clocks up ½ hour for this new time zone.   

The Atlantic Vision

Here we are...

 I had mentioned that we heard the Newfies were friendly – well, that certainly was the case when we left in Daisy/Toad from the ferry and saw a sign for Tim Horton’s (we did not eat breakfast on the ferry).    We ended up taking a wrong road and stopped and asked an older man for directions (for some reason, it wasn’t on the GPS)?    He then proceeds to have us follow him straight to Tim’s which was a few miles away – how’s that for hospitality – our own personal escort.    The lengths we nomads go to find a good donut….

Stopped at the visitor’s center and got maps, brochures, etc., and good chat with local guide who tells us we will have so much to see and do here in this beautiful province and love it all!     We are in St. John’s (largest city and capital of Newfoundland and Labrador at 197,000) and staying for 2 nights at the Pippy Park Campground.     It’s been in the 60’s and misty rain all morning.

So many lakes and pine trees everywhere and the curvy, winding roads!     Brings back memories of Alaska and all that beauty!   We were surprised that gas prices are less here than Nova Scotia….we paid $5.15 per gallon before coming across on the ferry (280 miles).

After settling in at Pippy’s, we took off for downtown and the waterfront.   St. John’s is very hilly and the streets are each on a different level.    They have many steps leading up to the next street.    After lunch at “Velma’s Place” (actually a late breakfast of fish cakes, eggs, potatoes and toast for Mark and fresh blueberry pancake for me), we walked all over old St. John’s  and came upon George Street.    Unreal with all the pubs…..I asked Mark if he thought the ferry took a wrong turn and we were in Dublin???   Anyway, George Street in St. John’s, Newfoundland  is “Pub Country” big time and I can imagine what a happening place this street is in the evening.   One store had the shirts that said “What happens on George Street….stays on George Street”!!!   Guess we shouldn't be surprised as we've been in some of "The Highland" areas where they play the celtic music, listened to the bagpipers, etc.  

 Having BLT's for supper on Daisy this Saturday evening (been cloudy and cool all day) and planning a whale watching tour for tomorrow!