Moved to Kiwanis Oceanfront Campground

Across the road from the campground

We had a short relaxing journey today, after yesterday's marathon. We had reserved for 3 nights at the St Andrews Kiwanis Oceanfront Campground in St Andrews New Brunswick. Because of yesterday's drive though, we could arrive there a day early, so called to see if they had a site. They were able to extend our 3 nights to 4 at the same site (#3 1/2) so we headed that way.

There were lots of moose warnings along the way. We didn't see any moose, but this sign gives a good sense of the size of a moose compared to a car:

 

Later on the way Cathie had to stop at Briggs and Little woollen mill, right on our route today.  What a coincidence eh!  :))

Some of Briggs and Little stock

Once in camp we wasted no time in getting comfortable, we're both tired from yesterday's drive:

A bike/hike trail runs right behind the campground, just the other side of these trees

Our little screened tent will be welcome shelter

 Today's journey:

 

 

Camped in De La Republique NB

The sun was just starting to peek through, east of Toronto

Yesterday was a travel day for sure. We slipped out of our daughter's driveway at 4:25 am, after making a large pot of coffee. It was much easier than usual getting out to the 401 hwy via Hwy 24, which is laden with shopping and shoppers normally. 

Luckily traffic volume stayed low, as about halfway to Toronto on a 3-lane section, the left lane was closed, then the middle lane, and signs warned that all 3 lanes are closed ahead. Huh? Literally true, but they opened up the paved shoulder as the only driving lane. Then that closed too and we had to detour off the 401 at James Snow Parkway, eventually finding our way back to the 401 further east.

Dawn breaking over Toronto

Our target was to get to Lancaster Ont in time for a good lunch stop at the Denny's just off the 401 there.

We got to Denny's about 11 as planned

Unfortunately... best-laid plans and all that

So, after a picnic lunch and a good break, we pressed on.

Heading to the Montreal Bypass bridge 

Crossing the bridge to Hwy 30 Est

And back on to Hwy 20 Est outside Montreal

A different-looking airport east of Montreal

Nice waterfall beside the hwy near Quebec City

And we kept on keeping on, with regular breaks of course, arriving at our camp spot just over the New Brunswick border at the De La Republique park about 8pm Atlantic time, 7pm Eastern.

Entrance to the Jardin Gardens next door to the camping park

 

1183 km altogether from Cambridge, pretty close to Google's estimate.

 

We're on our way east

Tonight we're parked at our daughter's place in Cambridge, in the city but a nice spot.

Our bikes are just visible through the shrubbery.

Cambridge (Galt) city hall parking lot

Tomorrow we'll be off pretty early, trying to slip through Toronto before anyone else is on the road there (Ha!). 

We're taking the bicycles this trip, the first time taking them on this long a trip. They rode quite well today, no issues so far. We're looking forward to using them on the PEI trail network, they have some lovely trails. 

 

 

Getting ready to head East

Yes, we're finally setting out on a road trip! This weekend we're heading to Atlantic Canada, mainly PEI and New Brunswick.

Like so many, it feels like a looong time since we've been able to do this. We're having to be careful packing the van, as we "think" we remember how to do it, but have already had a couple of signs we're not as ready as we think. Oh well, we'll have a full day or more after getting the van home from storage, to do our best to TAKE WHAT WE NEED and NO MORE. Those last couple of words are really important for van travel. :))

We are going to take our e-bikes though, carried on the back of the van. PEI has many lovely bicycling trails.

Fingers crossed the virus situation doesn't deteriorate enough to impact in-Canada travels.

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The Bald Eagle fledglings are getting restless

Sunset from Pioneer Park Bayfield

Here are a few pictures from some recent outings around our area.

I think this large tree is a chestnut, right along the highway in town:

 

A few days ago we hiked some nice trails at the George G. Newton Nature Reserve:

Interesting fungi (fungal?) growths

Al did his usual great job on pictures from his hike in the same area, in a recent Bayfield Bunch blog.

 

Playing with "Night Sight" mode on the cell phone cameras about 9:30 pm got a couple of nice moonlit scenes from our back patio:

That's the moon up there

Barb and George all lit up across the way

Last evening we headed over to see if we could see any action at the nearby Bald Eagle nest. Lots of action! The eaglets are getting restless and look like they will soon be flying.

Here's Dad keeping an eye on things, a few days ago

 

Last evening Mom was on guard at the nest:

Both chicks are getting big

 

Crowded by sibling's wing

They kept an eye on us

A little stretch and display

Oh Yeah? I'll show you!

Now kids, behave yourselves

Ready to soar soon