Yesterday Helen and I had a pretty good day meeting a friend from 40+ years ago. She certainly has aged! I'm not sure what I expected, but I know I seldom recognize the old man that looks back at me from the mirror each morning. Actually, Cathy looked good. She seems to be doing well and has her life under control. Health is okay and that's all we can ask for. Did I mention that Cathy was in the Miss Wareham Beauty Pageant of 1964? No, Then I probably didn't mention that Helen was in the Miss Quincy Pageant of 1962. I'm just the type of guy who attracts beautiful women. There's also Barb, from the Miss Iowa State Pageant of 1951 and Rita, who was so close to becoming Miss Bronx in 1949.
On the way back to MA from ME, we encountered the formidable drizzle and some fog that makes it ever so dreary. Driving down Route 128, we were about to pass the exit for the Mass. Pike. I thought how easy it would be to veer off to the right and just head for home. The dismal weather has taken a lot out of me this vacation, but I'm not alone. Back at Wompatuck State Park, the campground is still mostly empty. We hear on the news that businesses and resorts are cutting prices and adding incentives to get people to part with some of their money. We stopped at one restaurant in Auburn , Maine and spent $22.00. With my receipt, I got a coupon for $5.00 off on our next visit! They were really trying. The food was great and the service excellent, but they need more patrons.
We have a few thing that we want to do here in southeastern Massachusetts, but a lot depends on the weather. According to the lates report, Saturday and Sunday will be the only rainless days in the next two weeks. UGH!!!!
I'll cry more later on.
The wacky adventures of Paul and his patient wife, Helen
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Maine coast in the Sun
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| From Maine |
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| From Maine |
This is the better view in the daylight, from the campsite we had on Sunset Point. Unfortunately, this was a travel day, so we didn't get to see too much of the area.
After we got to the next campsite, Ellsworth, Maine, we took a ride down to the ocean along one of the many peninsulas that form so many picturesque inlets. What amazed is the juxtaposition of multi-million dollar mansions next door to a run-down and cluttered mobil home.
The Saga of the Lobster Trap
Several years ago, while visiting Newfoundland, Helen purchased an authentic Newfoundland lobster trap. It had been a working piece of equipment and it showed. Two years ago, in Maine, Helen sought a smaller replica lobster trap to use for decorating purposes indoors. We looked and looked to no avail. We saw several that were being used as decoration in businesses, but none for sale. Later, I found a source on line and ordered one. Months went by with no delivery and I called. The woman in charge assured me that it would be shipped promptly. Nope! More months went by and several more calls were made. After almost a year, I canceled the order. By the way, the midget lobster trap was about $50.00 US, plus tax, shipping and handling.
In Yarmouth, Nova Scotia a few days ago we saw them again as decorations and I again looked for one to buy. We had little luck until I stumbled on one in the window of a souvenir shop. It was a decoration and not for sale, but the sales lady called the boss and asked if he'd sell it. They quoted me $65.00 ($55.00 US) and I bought it. We never actually saw one on display for sale..........until now.
Yesterday we arrived at the Hospitality Woods Campground in Ellsworth, Maine and I went in the office to register. The office doubles as a small curio shop and there near the desk was not one, but two midget lobster traps identical to the one I bought. Oh, they were a bargain you can be sure. Having one already in the motorhome you can be sure they were cheap, at least by comparison. $24.99 US! Should I get another as a spare??? The coffee mug is in the picture to give you a sense of it's size.
In Yarmouth, Nova Scotia a few days ago we saw them again as decorations and I again looked for one to buy. We had little luck until I stumbled on one in the window of a souvenir shop. It was a decoration and not for sale, but the sales lady called the boss and asked if he'd sell it. They quoted me $65.00 ($55.00 US) and I bought it. We never actually saw one on display for sale..........until now.
Yesterday we arrived at the Hospitality Woods Campground in Ellsworth, Maine and I went in the office to register. The office doubles as a small curio shop and there near the desk was not one, but two midget lobster traps identical to the one I bought. Oh, they were a bargain you can be sure. Having one already in the motorhome you can be sure they were cheap, at least by comparison. $24.99 US! Should I get another as a spare??? The coffee mug is in the picture to give you a sense of it's size.
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| From Maine |
Saturday, July 18, 2009
BACK IN THE US OF A
We got back into the States yesterday morning after spending an evening with our friend Lorena and her family in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Between Yarmouth and Fredericton we stopped for two days in Truro, Nova Scotia to see the tidal bore, a large wave that travels upstream as the tide comes in. We we're disappointed that our "wave" was only about ten inches high. Other people in the campground went on a tidal bore raft trip on another river and caught a bore twenty-nine feet high. They got soaked with muddy water, but enjoyed every minute. Helen and I will have to catch that next trip.
In Fredericton we "camped" at the nearest Wal-Mart along with half a dozen others. In our visit with Lorena we met her daughter, Keri Ann, and SIL Rob. Of course we've seen them several times before and always enjoy their company. This time we met Lorena's sister Hazel and find her to be as pleasant as the rest of the family. She has that quality of feeling like an old friend even though we had never met.
Next,it was off to Maine. We passed through the border patrol area and were stopped and searched, as was the camper ahead of us. In fact, the going was kind of slow as the agents seemed to be more careful with everybody. We availed ourselves of cheap fuel(compared to Canada prices) and stopped to plan ahead. We opted to head toward bar Harbor, picking a campground in Harrington, Maine. The Sunset Point Campground is situated right on the coast and we had a beautiful spot. Well, it would be beautiful if we could see. The fog and rain have found us again!
All was going well until Helen got to thinking about the Border Patrol search and the amount of time one officer spent in the bedroom with the door closed. In fact, the other agents asked him if he was moving in. With the rear slide in, there is not a lot to check, but there was the cabinet with Helen's jewelry. Helen had to check, and she found that two of her pieces were gone. She was irate! And, that is putting it mildly. She has absolutely no recourse. She can't really accused the guy because we were not in there with him and it would be her word against his that the pieces actually existed. She stewed all night and composed a letter to the port officer voicing her complaint, but she will never see those items again nor will she be compensated. It's late in the morning now and she has calmed down......a little.
It's supposed to clear up this afternoon, so we should get a nice sunset. Tomorrow it's off to a campground closer to Bar Harbor where Helen will do her part to keep the shops open for another year.
In Fredericton we "camped" at the nearest Wal-Mart along with half a dozen others. In our visit with Lorena we met her daughter, Keri Ann, and SIL Rob. Of course we've seen them several times before and always enjoy their company. This time we met Lorena's sister Hazel and find her to be as pleasant as the rest of the family. She has that quality of feeling like an old friend even though we had never met.
Next,it was off to Maine. We passed through the border patrol area and were stopped and searched, as was the camper ahead of us. In fact, the going was kind of slow as the agents seemed to be more careful with everybody. We availed ourselves of cheap fuel(compared to Canada prices) and stopped to plan ahead. We opted to head toward bar Harbor, picking a campground in Harrington, Maine. The Sunset Point Campground is situated right on the coast and we had a beautiful spot. Well, it would be beautiful if we could see. The fog and rain have found us again!
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| From Maine |
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| From Maine |
All was going well until Helen got to thinking about the Border Patrol search and the amount of time one officer spent in the bedroom with the door closed. In fact, the other agents asked him if he was moving in. With the rear slide in, there is not a lot to check, but there was the cabinet with Helen's jewelry. Helen had to check, and she found that two of her pieces were gone. She was irate! And, that is putting it mildly. She has absolutely no recourse. She can't really accused the guy because we were not in there with him and it would be her word against his that the pieces actually existed. She stewed all night and composed a letter to the port officer voicing her complaint, but she will never see those items again nor will she be compensated. It's late in the morning now and she has calmed down......a little.
It's supposed to clear up this afternoon, so we should get a nice sunset. Tomorrow it's off to a campground closer to Bar Harbor where Helen will do her part to keep the shops open for another year.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Busy around Yarmouth
We've been having a grand time in and around Yarmouth. We visited the Cape Forchu lighthouse. Watched the CAT ferry come into port, and later leave. Of course we did some shopping and went out to dinner.
Today we went to an Arcadian restored village and had a very good time chatting with the people there. It's run a bit like Plimouth Plantation, with the people in dress of the age, which was not too long ago for Arcadia. One woman we chatted with is the grand niece of the founder of this area and she gave us an excellent presentation. Everything is working, so the kitchens are operating. We had molasses cookies at the first house, but the woman was already working on more food for the "staff". In a second home split pea soup was in the works.
I couldn't help but feel a little aged myself as I recognized a stove similar to the one my parents had when I was a kid. I also recognized the treadle sewing machine and the wind-up Victrola.
Later we talked with a man who gave us a lot of information about boat building and lobster traps. He showed me how to build a lobster trap and even gave me some netting to use. A demonstration of an early gasoline engine was very interesting as well as the salt drying of cod and pollack. Salt cod is another thing I remember from my past.
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| From Cape Forchu |
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| From Cape Forchu |
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| From Cape Forchu |
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| From Cape Forchu |
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| From Cape Forchu |
Today we went to an Arcadian restored village and had a very good time chatting with the people there. It's run a bit like Plimouth Plantation, with the people in dress of the age, which was not too long ago for Arcadia. One woman we chatted with is the grand niece of the founder of this area and she gave us an excellent presentation. Everything is working, so the kitchens are operating. We had molasses cookies at the first house, but the woman was already working on more food for the "staff". In a second home split pea soup was in the works.
I couldn't help but feel a little aged myself as I recognized a stove similar to the one my parents had when I was a kid. I also recognized the treadle sewing machine and the wind-up Victrola.
Later we talked with a man who gave us a lot of information about boat building and lobster traps. He showed me how to build a lobster trap and even gave me some netting to use. A demonstration of an early gasoline engine was very interesting as well as the salt drying of cod and pollack. Salt cod is another thing I remember from my past.
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| From Acadia |
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| From Acadia |
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| From Acadia |
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| From Acadia |
Friday, July 10, 2009
Tancook Island
Hello All,
Tancook Island is a small island outside Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. We were heading there Monday, but got to the ferry much too late. Tuesday we planned a lot better. Tancook has a population of 110 people in the winter, but it balloons to 210 in the summer. The other 100 people are generally past residents who return home for awhile. Most of the people on the ferry were day-trippers, like Helen and me. We take an early ferry across, spend a couple of hours on the island, then return to the mainland. It was quite an experience. The normal ferry is out of service, so they were using a make-shift one for the time being. This one didn't have the boom and crane of the normal ferry, so they had a truck-mounted crane aboard to load and unload cargo. It took up a great deal of the ferry. There were pipes and cables everywhere.
We got there early and the crew told us that we could go aboard anytime we wanted and sit anywhere we chose. In the states, there would be a boarding time a few minutes before departure and we would not be allowed on early for legal reasons. In Canada, other than Quebec, they are more laid back. Eventually all came aboard and we sailed for the island. Much like the conductor on old trains, a crewmember came around to collect fares. $5.00 for us day trippers and a ticket for the regulars. Tickets cost $2.00 each when bought in book form, so its quite a savings.
There were two sisters and a daughter with us and they were a riot. We laughed all the way over and most of the way back. There was also a mechanic aboard whose only function was to use the crane. Thus he was busy for about two minutes before we left the mainland and two minutes when we got to the island. These are the two sisters and their friend on the island.
There is one diner on the island, Carolyn's. The food was good and so reasonable. Helen had fish and chips. I had fish chowder (mostly lobster) coffee and wild blueberry pie. YUM!!! Helen also bought a painted jar for $4.35, and the total bill came to just over $20.00.
Helen and Carolyn
Adjacent to the pier is "Fossil Beach" and Helen and I had to investigate. We only found one fossil and this is it.
Tancook Island is a small island outside Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. We were heading there Monday, but got to the ferry much too late. Tuesday we planned a lot better. Tancook has a population of 110 people in the winter, but it balloons to 210 in the summer. The other 100 people are generally past residents who return home for awhile. Most of the people on the ferry were day-trippers, like Helen and me. We take an early ferry across, spend a couple of hours on the island, then return to the mainland. It was quite an experience. The normal ferry is out of service, so they were using a make-shift one for the time being. This one didn't have the boom and crane of the normal ferry, so they had a truck-mounted crane aboard to load and unload cargo. It took up a great deal of the ferry. There were pipes and cables everywhere.
We got there early and the crew told us that we could go aboard anytime we wanted and sit anywhere we chose. In the states, there would be a boarding time a few minutes before departure and we would not be allowed on early for legal reasons. In Canada, other than Quebec, they are more laid back. Eventually all came aboard and we sailed for the island. Much like the conductor on old trains, a crewmember came around to collect fares. $5.00 for us day trippers and a ticket for the regulars. Tickets cost $2.00 each when bought in book form, so its quite a savings.
There were two sisters and a daughter with us and they were a riot. We laughed all the way over and most of the way back. There was also a mechanic aboard whose only function was to use the crane. Thus he was busy for about two minutes before we left the mainland and two minutes when we got to the island. These are the two sisters and their friend on the island.
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| From Tancook |
There is one diner on the island, Carolyn's. The food was good and so reasonable. Helen had fish and chips. I had fish chowder (mostly lobster) coffee and wild blueberry pie. YUM!!! Helen also bought a painted jar for $4.35, and the total bill came to just over $20.00.
Helen and Carolyn
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| From Tancook |
Adjacent to the pier is "Fossil Beach" and Helen and I had to investigate. We only found one fossil and this is it.
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| From Tancook |
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| From Tancook |
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| From Tancook |
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| From Tancook |
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| From Tancook |
Monday, July 6, 2009
Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
I was a bit alarmed to hear rain on the roof again last night. When dawn came, dark and overcast I was even more alarmed. Then the weather quickly cleared and we had a beautiful day. Helen and I decided to go to a small town called Chester, where they have a ferry service that goes to a small off shore island. Unfortunately, we got there so late that they only had one more trip to the island and we would not have time to get off and explore. No problem, we went back to Mahone Bay and visited the cafe we last saw three or four years ago. I had the usual, half a lobster sandwich and a bowl of fish chowder. As usual, it was perfect!
These are a couple of views of Mahone Bay. It's noted for the three churches you can see in one of the pictures.
This is a picture of the dogs having a swim in La Harve River in Bridgewater,Nova Scotia. The ships in the background are being prepared to be used as offshore reefs as is done in Florida. Locals consider the ships and dock to be an eyesore, but we see it as being scenic and having character.
Tomorrow, weather permitting and if we get up in time, we'll try to get the ferry from Chester again.
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| From Bridgewater |
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| From Bridgewater |
These are a couple of views of Mahone Bay. It's noted for the three churches you can see in one of the pictures.
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| From Bridgewater |
This is a picture of the dogs having a swim in La Harve River in Bridgewater,Nova Scotia. The ships in the background are being prepared to be used as offshore reefs as is done in Florida. Locals consider the ships and dock to be an eyesore, but we see it as being scenic and having character.
Tomorrow, weather permitting and if we get up in time, we'll try to get the ferry from Chester again.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Labrador Retrievers and Toilet Paper
No, not at the same time, but a bit about Jodie and Coco and then a short treatise on toilet paper.
Helen and I went out for supper last night leaving the dogs in charge of the motorhome. Earlier in the day we went shopping and Helen bought a package of lemon tarts for her and raspberry pastries for me. Foolishly, we did not put them out of the dogs' reach when we went out. Returning later in the evening we found the box and papers associated with the lemon tarts on the kitchen area floor. The box was shredded in a million pieces and the tarts were gone! Jodie was cowering in her bed, under the table, looking as guilty as a dog could be. We didn't even think of the raspberry pastries. This morning, I crawled under the table to straighten out the blankets that make up the bed. Lo and behold, there was the remains of the raspberry pastry box. Again, shredded into a million pieces. Did Jodie do this by herself? Did Coco help or share in the bounty? We have no way to be certain. Neither dog got sick or displayed any evidence that would point to one or the other. Needless to say, nothing will be left out again.
As for my issue with toilet paper, here are my thoughts. I'm almost 66 years old and have been using essentially the same size toilet paper all my life. Now I've noticed that things are changing. The toilet paper of the past is 4 1/2 inches wide and come on a roll about 5 inches in diameter. At rest areas and at our current campground, the paper is 3 1/2 inches wide and the roll is about 9 inches in diameter. I've seen rolls at least 12 or 14 inches in diameter. Tonight we had to replenish our paper supply and were surprised to find that the newly bought product is only 3 3/4 inches wide. Soon toilet tissue as we know it will be gone, replaced by a product called toilet ribbon on rolls feet in diameter. Eventually, we will only have toilet floss, miles and miles of it on gigantic rolls.
Helen and I went out for supper last night leaving the dogs in charge of the motorhome. Earlier in the day we went shopping and Helen bought a package of lemon tarts for her and raspberry pastries for me. Foolishly, we did not put them out of the dogs' reach when we went out. Returning later in the evening we found the box and papers associated with the lemon tarts on the kitchen area floor. The box was shredded in a million pieces and the tarts were gone! Jodie was cowering in her bed, under the table, looking as guilty as a dog could be. We didn't even think of the raspberry pastries. This morning, I crawled under the table to straighten out the blankets that make up the bed. Lo and behold, there was the remains of the raspberry pastry box. Again, shredded into a million pieces. Did Jodie do this by herself? Did Coco help or share in the bounty? We have no way to be certain. Neither dog got sick or displayed any evidence that would point to one or the other. Needless to say, nothing will be left out again.
As for my issue with toilet paper, here are my thoughts. I'm almost 66 years old and have been using essentially the same size toilet paper all my life. Now I've noticed that things are changing. The toilet paper of the past is 4 1/2 inches wide and come on a roll about 5 inches in diameter. At rest areas and at our current campground, the paper is 3 1/2 inches wide and the roll is about 9 inches in diameter. I've seen rolls at least 12 or 14 inches in diameter. Tonight we had to replenish our paper supply and were surprised to find that the newly bought product is only 3 3/4 inches wide. Soon toilet tissue as we know it will be gone, replaced by a product called toilet ribbon on rolls feet in diameter. Eventually, we will only have toilet floss, miles and miles of it on gigantic rolls.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Another Job Completed
Today I finally took care of the leaking coolant tank on the Journey. It was a bit of a job as the Winnebago motorhome was assembled around the Freightliner chassis. Some of the bolts that were so easy to install some years ago were nearly impossible. However, I did get it done and I did not utter a single cuss word. My arms are a bit cut up, so I hope I don't get in a situation where Helen might be accused of spouse abuse.
This is the original tank after I "gooped" it up the second time. It mostly held, just oozing a bit of antifreeze.
This is the new tank. Actually, I lost so little coolant that there is no need to add any to bring it up to a proper level.
A little celebration is in order, so Helen's taking me out to McDonald's.
Some of my "friends" have voiced the opinion that I have not posted enough blog material. Believe me, it hurts me more than it hurts you. The lack of new blogs means that we're doing the same thing day after day after day, hanging around the campground because there is so little to do on the Gaspe Peninsula when one doesn't speak French. Especially when the weather is so consistently lousy. For so many days we've been greeted with fog and 56 degrees in the morning, going to 56 degrees and fog in the afternoon and 56 degrees and fog at night. Throw in a little rain from time to time and you can understand why we have not done too much.
Today we are in the Berry Patch Campground near Bathurst, New Brunswick. English is the spoken language here and the weather is SUPPOSED to change.
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| From Maintenence |
This is the original tank after I "gooped" it up the second time. It mostly held, just oozing a bit of antifreeze.
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| From Maintenence |
This is the new tank. Actually, I lost so little coolant that there is no need to add any to bring it up to a proper level.
A little celebration is in order, so Helen's taking me out to McDonald's.
Some of my "friends" have voiced the opinion that I have not posted enough blog material. Believe me, it hurts me more than it hurts you. The lack of new blogs means that we're doing the same thing day after day after day, hanging around the campground because there is so little to do on the Gaspe Peninsula when one doesn't speak French. Especially when the weather is so consistently lousy. For so many days we've been greeted with fog and 56 degrees in the morning, going to 56 degrees and fog in the afternoon and 56 degrees and fog at night. Throw in a little rain from time to time and you can understand why we have not done too much.
Today we are in the Berry Patch Campground near Bathurst, New Brunswick. English is the spoken language here and the weather is SUPPOSED to change.
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