End good, all good?

I had to cancel my complete Canada/Alaska trip a bit over a week ago. Today I can write I am still going, although I will only do part of the complete trip, I will only board for the cruise. Flying in and out to Vancouver. I think it is still a very nice Holiday,

The Trip

• Vancouver, BC, Canada


• Inside Passage (Cruising)


• Juneau, AK


• Glacier Bay National Park, AK (Cruising)


• Skagway, AK


• Ketchikan, AK


• Inside Passage (Cruising)


• Vancouver, BC, Canada

With excursions:

Juneau: Photo Safari by Land & Sea

Capture Juneau’s top attractions and abundant marine wildlife on a single excursion.

On this extraordinary excursion you will:

• Meet your professional photography coach who will take you to local photo hot spots while sharing tips and techniques to enhance your images.


• Your guide will choose from a variety of secluded destinations, so be prepared for a short walk.


• The flexible itinerary allows for changing light and weather conditions. Historic relics, glacier views and seasonal highlights – such as spawning salmon – will occupy the outdoor enthusiast.


• You will also get up-close and personal aboard our exclusive exploration vessel for an unforgettable journey through the pristine waterways of Juneau’s Channel Islands.


• Discover the star of the show can be different every day: Blue glacier ice, light on a foggy channel, a misty rainforest, feeding humpback whales, curious sea lions and even sleek killer whales are possibilities.


• Learn about Juneau’s natural wonders as you strive to capture that “magical moment” in the medium that’s worth a thousand words.

Skagway: Eagle Preserve Float & Scenic Cruise

This unique journey combines a scenic float trip (no white water) through the world famous Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve with a spectacular fjord cruise.

On this combination excursion you will:

• Cruise Alaska’s deepest fjord, with its sheer walls and beautiful waterfalls.


• See historic Haines and Fort Seward.


• Float quietly down the river, through the heart of the eagle preserve, home of the world’s largest gatherings of bald eagles.


• Watch out for moose, bears, wolves, and a host of other animals.


• Be surrounded by towering mountains, hanging glaciers, lush forests, and fresh air.


• Listen as expert guides share their extensive knowledge of the unique ecosystems and the area’s rich native history.


• Be treated to a delicious picnic-style lunch. This is an unforgettable adventure into the grandeur of Alaska!

Ketchikan: Misty Fjords & Wilderness Explorer

Explore Misty Fjords while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska.

On this excursion you will:

• Begin your adventure as soon as you leave Ketchikan’s picturesque harbor, passing by colorful fishing boats and float planes, en route to a wilderness experience you will never forget.


• Keep a sharp eye out for whales, porpoise and sea lions as the water jet-powered catamaran "flies" at sea level past rugged coastlines.


• Cruise into into Behm Canal surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords, stop to view an active bald eagle’s nest and a Tlingit pictograph.


• Admire New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the emerald sea.


• Delight in the unhurried exploration of Rudyerd Bay, an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the monument.


• Learn the natural history of the fjords while gliding quietly beneath 3,000-foot vertical cliffs.


• Feel the mist of glistening waterfalls and listen to the call of seabirds nesting on a rock face sculpted by glacial forces.


• Cruise south from Rudyerd Bay to view a gathering of harbor seals.


• Enjoy a selection of complementary snacks and beverages while watching for other species of wildlife that thrive here.


• While en route to Ketchikan, have the opportunity to experience native culture and history presented by a Tlingit storyteller, watch a native artist at work, or enjoy a tour-related video presentation.

No Holiday

What? Yeah no Holiday, not possible to go business wise, some important clients to take care off. I have had months of pre-fun ... but now it's over.

Well next year new chances to go to Canada.

Getting closer

OK, still some days but I am getting closer to my Holiday. Yesterday got the ticket and the car voucher and in the afternoon I went to the city hall to get me a new passport. Although my current one is still valid I need a new one, with chip, for the USA. And as part of my trip to Canada, I will take a cruise to Alaska, so I'd better be sure to have the right ingredients. Would be a pity if I can not board the ship in Vancouver.

Never ending story

That might be the case as at the moment I am not in the position to move, but thinking about is equally fun :-).

As written in other entries I am rather hooked to Canada, and especially to Nova Scotia. Why? The mix of perfect scenery, very friendly people, nice sea food, clean air and empty roads, gives a very comfortable feeling, at least to me. As living in Amsterdam is missing some of those aspects, but you do get other nice ones back though. And no I do not mean smoking pot or whatever ... Amsterdam is just a very nice and not too big city. Not been there? Try it :-).

Back to Nova Scotia. Almost every day I am checking out lots and houses and it seems I am narrowing the search, really .... only search ...

I think the best mix you can find is in the Chester area, but this is also one of the most expensive parts of Nova Scotia. Another area, near Lunenburg, and especially close to Kingsburg is rather special, not cheap but less pricy compared to Chester.

From Wikipedia:

Kingsburg, Nova Scotia is a small community in Lunenburg County on the South Shore that is now mainly a vacation area.

The village is located at the end of Kingsburg peninsula by the villages of Rose Bay and Riverport. The closest major centre is Bridgewater. It also is not very far from Lunenburg. Kingsburg is located between two beaches: the popular Hirtle's Beach and the lovely, but usually deserted Kingsburg Beach. There are also a cape which has hiking trails (Gaff Point) Like all of Nova Scotia, the ocean is usually too cold to swim in,but many of the locals do but Kingsburg has two large lakes and a number of smaller freshwater ponds that are popular swimming locations. and the locals only swim in one of those

The village was settled by German settlers, with a land grant from King George lll of England on July 5 1787 to five families. (Leonard Hirtle, John Mossman, Peter Knack, Christian Hartman and John Kayser) It was for many decades primarily a fishing community, and a fish packing plant was established there. The village grew to have a few hundred residents.

In the late twentieth century, with the widespread decline of small-scale Atlantic fishery, the packing plant closed and the fishing culture nearly disappeared completely. With little industry, the town's population collapsed and many of the buildings were abandoned and destroyed, leaving the town with only a few dozen full time inhabitants.

By the 1990s, however, the South Shore had become a major vacation destination. As other popular destinations such as Mahone Bay and Chester became crowded and very expensive, travellers turned to smaller locations like Kingsburg. Kingsburg with its beaches and quiet isolation became a prime location. The old houses were bought and restored, mostly by wealthy out-of-province cottage goers from Ontario and the United States. The empty land was also bought up and many new houses were built. Prices skyrocketed and land there is now worth over 200 000 Canadian dollars per acre ($50/m²).

One of the only detractions to Kingsburg's idyllic setting is the great amount of fog. It is perfectly possible to go for weeks, even in mid-summer, with only a few days of visible sun.

--------

The last sentence is not so good and the one about lot prices is also not very positive, but all together still very interesting.

One of the interesting aspects is also that a well know architect, Brian MacKay-Lyons, has built some extremely nice houses in the area, most of them on spectacular cliffs or in open fields with views you can only dream of. Well in my dreams I see myself overlooking the see with a beautiful sunset all from a Brian MacKay-Lyons house. Will I ever?

Below is one of his designs, the Hill house, now costs a staggering 2.650.000 $ Canadian, you get at least a nice acreage :-).

Major changes?

For my trip to Canada I was planning to do the Inside Passage one way. Due to some very interesting pricing for a complete trip I might reschedule all … well there is not a real schedule yet, but this will have some major implications on my plan.

What could be added is taking a cruise from Vancouver.

Sep 9 Vancouver, BC, Canada
Sep 10 Inside Passage (Cruising)
Sep 11 Juneau, Alaska
Sep 12 Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska (Cruising)
Sep 13 Skagway, Alaska
Sep 14 Ketchikan, Alaska
Sep 15 Inside Passage (Cruising)
Sep 16 Vancouver, BC, Canada

I think this is very interesting but as said is changing my plan completely. It will be difficult to fit in Vancouver Island.

Possible new schedule:

4-Sep Amsterdam – Calgary
5-Sep Calgary
6-Sep Calgary / Banff
7-Sep Banff
8-Sep Banff / Kamloops
9-Sep Kamloops / Vancouver / Cruise
10-Sep Cruise
11-Sep Cruise
12-Sep Cruise
13-Sep Cruise
14-Sep Cruise
15-Sep Cruise
16-Sep Cruise / Vancouver / Whistler
17-Sep Whistler
18-Sep Whister
19-Sep Whistler / Prince George
20-Sep Prince George / Jasper
21-Sep Jasper region
22-Sep Jasper / Vancouver
23-Sep Vancouver
24-Sep Vancouver – Amsterdam
25-Sep Amsterdam

Will think about it and sleep over it.

My B&B hunt

It took me some days, but found me a B&B for my first 2 days after arrival. It seems Calgary is rather busy that weekend and many hotels and B&B did not have a room available, or were to expensive or not nice enough.

Just today I agreed on going to the Pathway Cottage. It is a bit further from the center, looks very nice and got a recommendation from another B&B, and of course I am also not here to just go/see to Calgary. Being in the outer part seems to be even a better place to check the area.

Rescheduling

Well that takes time ... The last Bed and Breakfast in Vancouver was no problem to reschedule, great cooperation I got. To reschedule the first hotel was a longer process. I have sent numerous e-mail, had some calls and even sent a fax and every time they said that is not possible due to the special you had from the website. Just yesterday (a few days before my targeted arrival) I was able to contact the right person. Also he said at first "not possible", but after some mail with writing about the not so nice behaviour (he could reschedule but for almost 500$ for 2 nights) he proposed to refund all. As result I do not have a accommodation yet so I am trying many alternatives. And I have to say that is not so easy, hotels are rather expensive or do not have rooms. B&B are difficult to find and several I check do not have rooms available (any other date the do ...). Will update later.

Updated

Updated my last Canada visit in 2005 with some entries and pictures. Will be writing about my 2009 Canada in the same Canada Tab.

Home again

Will update the pages and add new ones including pictures.

One of the best, I think .... All pictures will be on my Pictures Website.

My last day

It’s sad but it’s already my last day. I had a perfect holiday in a very relaxed and very big country. I drove almost 6.700 km (only a small part from Canada), much more than anticipated. Although most areas were beautiful, some were better than others. I also missed 2 locations, which was told me afterwards was a pity to have missed them, Cape Breton and Algonquin Provincial Park. So I have to go back one time.

To give some background information about Cape Breton:

Cape Breton Island’s first residents were likely Maritime Archaic Indians, ancestors of the Mi’kmaq Nation, who later inhabited the island at the time of European discovery. Giovanni Caboto reportedly visited the island in 1497 to become the first Renaissance European explorer to visit present-day Canada however, historians are unclear as to whether Caboto first visited Newfoundland or Cape Breton Island.
The island saw active settlement by France with the island being included in the colony of Acadia. A French garrison was established in the central eastern part at Ste-Ann in the early 18th century before relocating to a much larger fortification at Louisbourg so as to improve defences at the entrance to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and defend France’s fishing fleet on the Grand Banks. The French named the island “Île Royale.” It remained part of colonial France until it was ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Britain merged the island with its adjacent colony of Nova Scotia (present day peninsular Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Some of the first British-sanctioned settlers to the island following the Seven Years’ War were Irish, although upon settlement, they assimilated with local French communities. From 1763 to 1784 the island was administratively part of the colony of Nova Scotia and governed from Halifax. In 1784, Britain split the colony of Nova Scotia into three separate colonies: New Brunswick, Cape Breton Island, and present-day peninsular Nova Scotia, in addition to the adjacent colonies of Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. The colony of Cape Breton Island had its capital at Sydney on its namesake harbour fronting on Spanish Bay and the Cabot Strait. In 1820, the colony of Cape Breton Island was merged for the second time with Nova Scotia; this being present-day peninsular Nova Scotia.
During the first half of the 19th century, Cape Breton Island experienced an influx of Highland Scots numbering approximately 50,000; a result of the Highland Clearances. Today the descendants of the Highland Scots dominate Cape Breton Island’s culture, particularly in rural communities. Until the 1970s, the Gaelic language was still spoken by many older generations who would have learned it prior to learning English in rural farming and fishing regions. A campaign by the provincial government during the 19th and early 20th centuries aimed to eradicate the use of Gaelic among school children. The growing influence of English-dominated media from outside the Scottish communities saw the use of this language erode quickly during the 20th century.
Tourism promotions beginning in the 1950s recognized the importance of the Scottish culture to the province (although it wasn’t dominant throughout Nova Scotia), and the provincial government made attempts to encourage use of Gaelic once again. The establishment of funding for the Gaelic College of Celtic Arts and Crafts and formal Gaelic language instruction in public schools are intended to address the near-loss of this culture to English assimilation.

And Algonquin Provincial Park:

Algonquin Provincial Park is the oldest provincial park in Ontario and one of the largest parks in Canada. It encompasses 7725 square kilometers, and is located on the southern edge of the Canadian Shield between Georgian Bay and the Ottawa River.

Algonquin Park is home to an amazing diversity of life. There are over 260 species of birds, 40 types of mammals and l000 species of plants. Commonly sighted birds and animals include; ravens, gray jay, grouse, moose, porcupine, raccoon, beaver, hare, deer, turtle, mink, otter, chipmunk, and if you are lucky enough to see one, a timber wolf or black bear. Courtesy of Exploring Algonquin Park - Runtz/Michael

Algonquin Park is covered by both deciduous and coniferous forest. Some of the more common deciduous trees found in the park include sugar maple, yellow birch, and beech trees; the northern coniferous forest includes pine, spruce and balsam fir trees.

Hiking, Canoeing and Camping are some of the more popular activities people can enjoy in Algonquin Park. There are overnight and day walking trails, interior and car camping and an art museum and visitors center. There are 3 lodges in Algonquin each with a unique atmosphere and lodging experience. There are also several kids’ camps.

Algonquin can be enjoyed by both first time and experienced paddlers. Flat water canoeing as well as white water canoeing is available. Park users can paddle and portage on over 1600 different kilometres within the park. This gives campers the flexibility to stay for a few night’s, or a few weeks and still see different areas of the park. The Petawawa River runs from the top North end of the park to the East end of the park and is a seasoned white water paddlers dream in the spring!

But that’s all for next time, I have landed safely, now duty calls .....

What to do next?

I “planned” my route at home and most places were visited, but now when the last days are approaching I had to make choices. So I left Montreal for what it was, passed it and had a great view from the bridge and headed to Ottawa. The last days the temperature went up again and it’s now a staggering 35 degrees, with humidity factor feeling like 43 ... It was the hottest day in Ottawa since 1946 ... So not the best day to visit a huge city, but again not to be missed. To me it seemed to be the most relaxed of all.

Why Ottawa became Canada’s Capital?

In 1857, Queen Victoria was asked to settle a dispute between Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Kingston and Ottawa as to which city should be named Capital of the Province of Canada (made up of Upper and Lower Canada which consisted of parts of today’s Provinces of Ontario and Quebec). Queen Victoria chose the City of Ottawa as the seat of the new government. Work immediately began on the new Parliament Buildings on Barrick Hill (henceforth to be Parliament Hill) and between 1859 and 1866 the Centre, East and West Blocks were built. (The latter two Blocks were known as the Eastern and Western Departmental Buildings.)

One year after their completion, Ottawa became the Capital of the new Canadian Confederation composed of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and parts of present-day Quebec and Ontario. Ottawa’s population was 18,000 in an area of 760 hectares.

The parliament is located on top of the hill.

It took some time but here they are finally, found them in Ottawa for tourists only.

Although I should have ended up in Toronto, my room was already payed for, I did not, mainly due to the extreme weather and drove south to Kingston, located on Lake Ontario and stayed in a waterfront located inn.

I was the only guest, so again no complaints about the view.

Quebec City and Mont Orford

As written earlier I did not stay long in Quebec City, but read more about it and wanted to visit it. So on my way back I passed it again. I would not have missed it, very nice city. It is rather French European and is partly developed on a hill, which gives a magnificent view over the St. Lawrence, from where the citadel is located.

Especially the Chateu Frontenac cannot be missed.

On the way North I passed Thetford Mines, an anormous complex of mines,

and ended up at the foot of Mont Orford (below view from my bedroom), near Montreal.

Acadians and the Evangeline Trail

From Yarmouth where the Lighthouse trails stops, although many other lighthouses will be visited the next days, I started the Evangeline Trail.

Some background info:

The history of Grand Pré is full of of courage bravery and sorrow.  The lives of the Acadians were filled with culture, a strong sense of community and a devotion to the land they loved.  Longfellow’s fictional tale of Evangeline and Gabriel depicts the story of the deportation and is an striking example of the loss the Acadians suffered. Throughout this region, you will be reminded of the story of the tragic “Expulsion of the Acadians”.

It all started with the settling of Grand Pré. From Port Royal in 1680, came two families seeking serenity from the perils that threatened Port Royal. For fourteen years they prospered in this sheltered and beautiful countryside. The citizens of this village worked together on the dykes, reclaiming the level lowlands from the tides. As the French population of Grand Pré increased and spread over a wide district, there soon became more Acadians than the English at Annapolis. Gradually they were drawn into the side currents of the contest that waged between the French in Louisbourg and Quebec, and the English of Acadia and New England.

In 1711, fresh disturbances arose between France and England and in 1745 Louisbourg fell to New England troops. In a few years the French arrived, most of the New England officers were killed in the battle that ensued. On September 5, 1755, the heads of Acadian families were assembled in the church of “St. Charles” in Grand Pré, to advise them that they and their families were to be deported and their lands confiscated. Many of them buried considerable quantities of dollars and other keepsakes in the earth which were later found by the English. In the end, it became impossible to keep families together.

This event has been immortalized by the American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, when he wrote his epic poem “Evangeline.” It is a tale of lovers; Evangeline is separated from her betrothed, Gabriel, never to find him until he lies dying because of the Acadian expulsion of 1755. A beautiful bronze statue of the fictional heroine Evangeline, symbolizes the tragedy of the Deportation. The “Expulsion of the Acadians” remains for all time the most tragic occurrence in Canada’s history and part of our local heritage.
Evangeline was a beautiful girl - kind and loving. She cared for her father, Benedict Bellefontaine, the wealthiest farmer in Grand Pré. Everyone loved Evangeline, but Gabriel, son of Basil the Blacksmith, loved her most of all.

Evangeline and Gabriel spent much of their lives together working with their families. As the years passed, deep true love grew between them. In the fall of 1755 they decided to be married.

On September 5, 1755 Grand Pré as the Acadians celebrated the coming wedding, Evangeline and Gabriel looked so happy. Everyone in Grand Pré knew this couple was meant to be together.

But then the church bell began to ring, and all the men were called into the church by the British guards and soldiers who came from the British ships in the Bay. Gabriel, Basil and Benedict, along with the rest, were told that they were going to be sent away from Grand Pré. When Gabriel tried to leave the church, he was made to stay.

The awful news slowly found its way to Evangeline and the other women and children outside. Evangeline walked among her friends offering support and comfort to all she could.

Evangeline tried to stay cheerful. She told Gabriel not to be sad and that true love will keep them from harm. 

Five days later, the Acadian people were indeed driven from their homes with only what they could carry. Some families were separated in the confusion of being loaded onto the boats including Gabriel and his father.

Night came, Evangeline tried to comfort her father, while they waited to be loaded onto a ship. From the housetops and barn roofs, fire flashed and lit up the sky. When Benedict saw his farm burning, his whole life disappearing in the smoke and flames, it broke his heart and he died. In the morning, Evangeline and Father Felician buried him.

At last, Evangeline was loaded onto a ship. The British ships took the Acadian people to many different places along the eastern coast of North America, left to start their lives again.

Evangeline spent her life searching for Gabriel, praying to be together with him again. As the years passed, many people tried to tell Evangeline to give up her search but she would tell them and assure them that she will find him and that she will not stop searching.

As the long sad years of her life passed, Evangeline was seen in tents of missions, in noisy camps and battlefields; in small villages and in big cites. She grew tired and old, when, in disappointment, she gave up her search.

One Sunday morning, while climbing the stairs to those awaiting her kindness, Evangeline felt an unusual calmness come over her. On a bed near the top of the stairs, Evangeline saw an old man - long and thin, with grey curls around his face.

It was her own sweet Gabriel’s face! She ran to him and knelt beside him, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. Gabriel could not speak or get up. Evangeline kissed him, and told him once more not to be sad, that true love has kept them from harm and that they are together now and always will be. She held him close to her as he died in her arms.

She kissed him again, then bowed her head in thanks. She found her beloved Gabriel at last.

Side by side, in their nameless graves, Evangeline and Gabriel lie sleeping - far from Grand Pré, but together forever.

The scenery is completely different from the days before. It’s much greener and the slopes are less steep. Most is in French and many churches are along the roads, from which one is the largest wooden church in North America, Sainte Marie.

Exterior:

Interior:

I stayed the night before in Mavilette (Cape St. Marie), the motel has a perfect view on the bay (Motel is on the left):

From Digby to St. John I took the 3-hour long ferry ride and ended up in New Brunswick near Grand Falls.

Lighthouse trail

From Mahone Bay to Yarmouth I followed the Lighthouse Trail. But besides the very nice lighthouses there are several interesting towns, like Lunenburg and especially Shelburn. Shelburn is the Nova Scotia’s loyalist town.

What are loyalists?

Loyalists were British North American colonists who remained loyal subjects of the British crown during the American Revolutionary War. They were also called Tories or “King’s Men”. Those Loyalists settling in what would become Canada are often called United Empire Loyalists. Their colonial opponents, who supported the Revolution, were called Patriots, Whigs, or just Americans. From the American perspective, the Loyalists were traitors who turned against their fellow colonists and collaborated with an oppressive British government from the Canadian and British perspective, the Loyalists were the honorable ones who stood by the king, while the American rebels were the traitors.

A number of structures from these times survived, like the Coopers Inn:

the Guild Hall:

and the one below a bit later, which was typical Scottish build from the early 19th Century:

The best is yet to come

And yes it did ...

After I embarked the Ferry in New Glasgow I went down to Sherbrooke (Nova Scotia). Sherbrooke Village is an open air museum where people actually work and live like they did in the beginning of the 19th Century. Again I was almost alone in the complete park, some more action is needed .....

She posed happily:

as did he:

From Sherbrook I went along the coastal route and ended up in the Salmon River House, also known as The Lobster House.

This is how you should treat visitors. Not only is the couple running the Inn doing an excellent job, also the complete atmosphere is something you only experience once in a while. I had such an experience once before in New Hampshire, in the Christmas Inn. The food was great, Lobster Thermador, the bed was better than perfect, the view was outstanding and as said the couple running the Inn and also the cook and in the morning the other staff were making you really feel at home. It’s something worthwhile to come again soon.

The recipe

Ingredients needed:

1 whole lobster, about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds
2 lemons, halved
1 onion, quartered
1 bouquet garni
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1/4 cup white wine
2 cups milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh tarragon
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
6 ounces bacon
1 cup julienned onions
1/2 pound haricots verts, blanched
Salt and pepper
1 teaspoon chopped garlic
2 teaspoons finely chopped parsley

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a pot of salted water containing the lemons, quartered onion and bouquet garni to a boil. Add the lobster to the boiling water and cook for 8 to 12 minutes. Remove the lobster from the water and place in a bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process of the lobster. In a sauce pan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes for a blond roux. Add the shallots and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the wine and milk. Bring the liquid up to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes or until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. This sauce will be thicker than a normal Béchamel because it will be used as a filling. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Remove the sauce from the stove and stir in the mustard and tarragon. Remove the lobster from the water and split the lobster in half. Remove the tail meat from the shells and with the back of a knife, gently crack the claws. Dice the tail meat and fold in the Béchamel sauce. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese and reseason if necessary.

Divide the mixture and spoon into the two lobster tail shells. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the lobster. Place the filled lobster on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the top is golden brown. In a hot saute pan, add the bacon and render until crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add the onions and saute for 2 minutes. Add the beans and continue to saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the garlic. Remove the beans from the heat. To assemble, divide the bean mixture between two plates. Lay the lobster halves on top of the beans. Garnish with parsley.

Halifax and Mahone Bay

From The Lobster Shack I went south again to Halifax. Halifax is a nice town. Almost 350.000 people live here, from the total 900.000 in Nova Scotia . Nova Scotia is bigger than the Netherlands though.

The totally renewed harbour front is a very nice place to stroll and has many places to eat and drink. From there I went up to the Citadel. Especially here you can see the Scottish influence of the early days, many bag-pipe players were present in the fort.

The next stop is a must see: Peggys Cove.

According to legend, Peggys Cove was named after the only survivor of a schooner that ran aground and sank in 1800...a woman named Margret. Local folk called her “Peggy” and her home came to be known as Peggy’s Cove.

The original lighthouse was built in 1868. Exactly 100 years later in 1968 the Campbell family opened a five-table tearoom and the Sou"Wester was born. Over the past 34 years it has grown into a 180 seat restaurant and two-level gift shop with one of the largest selections of giftware in the Maritimes.

But it’s not only the lighthouse or the Sou"Wester, but also the little village that attracts people from all over the world. Many Japanese were present, but I managed to take “clear” pictures from the lighthouse, took some while though.

I ended up in Mahone Bay, one off the best spots to stay for a night. I had my first B&B, run by John and Rosalie. He English, she from New Brunswick.

There were 2 couples from NB, St. John (one of my next stops), both driving BMW cabrio’s and a farmers family from Alberta.

The B&B is perfect; the breakfast as normally is perfect to catch up with stories from these different people. The night before we spoke long about the London tragedy. It’s getting closer and closer and I do not see any reason any more why Amsterdam should no be the next ..........

I am now in Bridgewater and most probably will be ending up in Yarmouth in the south. From there tomorrow to St. John, and only one more stop before I will have to be in Toronto again and have to leave regretfully. Hope to give the next update from Toronto.

P.E.I. Day 2

The second day was even worse, raining and storming. I wanted to do one of the other routes but instead I did a half one and later took the Ferry from Wood Islands to New Glasgow (Nova Scotia).

I passed Murray River though and one of the Light Houses I visited was very interesting because there the first announcements of the sinking Titanic came in ...

P.E.I. Day 1

After visiting Kouchibougiac National Park I stayed in Rexon. The following morning I was driving to Prince Edward Island or PEI as the locals call it.

There are now 2 ways to get there, still by Ferry or by the 13 km long bridge. I took the toll bridge. Funny is that you do not have to pay getting in, only getting out ... They really want you to stay.

The Island can be devided in 2 part, the Northern, the Central and the Eastern / South part. For all they have several tours. I started with the Northern one, it’s the lighthouse tour. It was a very quiet day again, almost no tourists. They say it’s because of the high oil price. Having a full tank costs about 60% of what I am used to so I don’t mind. But for the Americans who like to go here thatis extremely expensive. And because the ferry from Portland Maine to Halifax is not sailing this Summer they have to drive the route .....

The route is exceptional, also because it’s so empty and getting to lighthouses where no people are is a real treat. It took me all day to complete and stopped in Summerside. The name suggests that this is the better side of the Island, this day it wasn’t, it was raining Cats and Dogs all day.

The Confederation Bridge

An integral part of the Trans Canada Highway network, the 12.9 kilometre Confederation Bridge is the longest bridge over ice-covered waters in the world. Officially opened on May 31, 1997, this historic landmark carries two lanes of traffic 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Strait Crossing Bridge Limited, the company that operates and maintains Confederation Bridge, is committed to 24 hour-a-day continuous Bridge Patrol and monitoring surveillance, and provides a safe environment while travelling between Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

Bic - New Brunswick

I changed plans again. I went from Bic to Campbelton in New Brunswick. From there (where I am typing now) I will travel to Prince Edward Island where I will stay for several days and enjoy Lobster(s). Next message will be from there.

Whale watching

I was on Whale whatching before, from Boston that was. In Boston I got a free ticket afterwards because we didn’t see any whales, here they were almost all over. Not really .... but we were able to spot several Minkey whales, many White Beluga’s and Captain Hook, one of the big “local” blue whales. I have to say, although some action was rather far away, this was again spectacular to whitness.

From Bay Sainte Catherine I went to Sainte Simon to take the ferry to the other side of the Sainte Laurence, to Riviere du Loup. I had to wait in line for 3,5 hours, the one leaving was full. In the meantime had lunch and whatched people.

At the other side I went north-east along the river and stopped in Bic, a scenic place. Here a couple was running a small motel and I tried to learn them some English and they tried to learn me the French dialect, no luck for both BTW.