Day 36 - Sunday, July 6 - Welcome to Nova Scoyia

Well today is sunny and bright - quite a dramatic change from the storm we had yesterday and into the night.  Rain pelting the Moho, winds ripping through the park.  We fared pretty well considering the devastation in Fredericton and Saint John.  Trees down, power outages, flooding, roads closed and the police warning people to stay inside and not travel if at all possible was on the news last night.  This morning the pictures on CBC news confirmed all of that and more.  And to think that at one point we were considering backtracking to Fredericton, I am sure glad we didn't.  

Yesterday, in between storms, we took a buzz into Sussex looking for Sussex Ginger Beer.  We were talking to some of the people at the camp and they said you could probably but it at Sobeys.  So with all our inside chores done - off to Sussex and Timmy's for coffee.  The town of Sussex is famous for its dairy and murals (similar to Merritt).  They don't have quite as many murals but what they have depict rural farming and the history of Sussex - I didn't get any pictures due to weather, but enjoyed looking at them.  Yes Sobeys has Sussex Golden Ginger Ale - although we asked many people no one was quite sure if it was ever made here, but you can only get it in the Maritimes.  Back at camp we enjoyed the stew that was cooking in the crockpot all day - certainly the weather for stew that's for sure.  

The camp here has many activities during the season.  Last night was movie night and tonight is bingo.  So off to bingo I went - it's a family event here.  It was something different to do that's for sure.  We both rate this camp a 5 star, right alongside the one we stayed in Niagara Falls - the worst campsite we have stayed at so far is the at 1000 Islands, not recommended at all.  

This morning over breakfast, and after checking out all route options, we decided to pack up and head for Sackville, New Brunswick and down into Nova Scotia.  Waves are supposed to be pretty high today on the Digby run so that put us off.  Change of plans, but our plans are very flexible for most part.  

New Brunswick is the province of covered bridges it seems, we just saw another one as we travel on Hwy 108 to Salisbury.  Nice scenery along this route.  There are many inland ferries in New Brunswick and they are free as they are part of the provincial highway system.  Another point of interest is that the highway maintenance is still provincial as well.  

New Brunswick just before Moncton.

Well we arrived in Moncton, but actually we ended up in Riverview - on the wrong side of the River to get to Sackville.  So we stooped at the info centre - but they had no power and this made the young gal confused - but she did find a paper map and managed to show us a route that would put us right.  But alas she forgot to tell us that the name of the road changed and that the number of the Highway was actually 10 not 15!  So I guess the power outage really affected her, and us too as we went round in circles for a few times before we finally got on the right road.  So off we go to Sackville and we are looking for the Carriage Museum - hmmm, round and round we go following signs, but no luck, no museum!  Well that was a lost cause and so we leave, ready to enter Nova Scotia.  

We made it!! 

We stopped at the info centre so we could get our travel questions answered and to avoid our usual circle or backtrack tours!  

And guess what?  A piper was piping at the info centre - awesome!

First stop on our route is Amherst!  Apparently the first town in Nova Scotia.  Very old town and buildings that show the architecture of the period.  

 And they have statues of the founders!  Chandler, McCully & Dickie.

As we went round and round this town - we finally found our way out to Springhill - the home of Ann Murray.  We went to visit her centre.  It was awesome, on display her legacy, moments in her life and gold and silver records, as well as her many fund raising efforts for various charities.  She was and is an amazing artist.  It is the 25 Year Celebration for her centre this year.  She has made an awesome contribution to her hometown!  

She will be appearing July 26th for the 25th Celebration - not sure if we will be there at that time or not.  Our wedding song "Could I Have This Dance" is very special.  Ann made an album just for the centre and we bought it - it has our wedding song on it.  She certainly has had an amazing career!   A great place to visit.

Our next stop in Springhill was the Springhill Miners Museum.  What a tribute to the industrial heritage of the coal mines in Nova Scotia.  A nice young fellow gave us our tour.  I made it only part way down the shaft - it was over 300' below ground and quite a climb in and out - so I decided half way that I would like to return to the top.  Dan went all the way with the guide.  Amazing what those poor fellows went through to put food on the table.  If you survived the mine you probably died from lung disease due to the coal dust!  Not good odds.

The "chainsaw" that cut into the walls of the tunnel.

Ready to enter the mine shaft.

Wow what an interesting day, now time to find a place to rest our bones.  So what's new? We can't find our way to Hwy 2 which is the scenic route along the coast - so after much frustration we ended up on Hwy 104 (the Trans Canada) headed towards Halifax.  We finally figure out a way to get off, but of course it is after the Toll Booth.  A lot like the Coquihalla, a newly paved divided highway, climbing and lots of trees and a toll.  It cost $5.75 for our unit, the highway is wonderful and worth it. 

We find the exit to Great Village which will lead us to Glenholme on Hwy 2 which is the scenic route along the coast.  So we settle for the night finally - travelling today has been a bit frustrating - but we are here and ready for a rest.