A Day On The TCH....

Wednesday, August 18

New Glasgow to Antigonish

On the road by 8:10 as far as the grocery store which was the wrong direction for our ride. Stocked up and on the road 'for real' by 8:55. Today's ride took us entirely on the Trans Canada. It was quite a nice ride despite the heat and we benefited from a decent tail wind. (Nice after yesterday)!!!

The scenery was quite nice with trees of every shade of green imaginable. We had numerous long gradual climbs followed by some long downhills. We rode through a beautiful section of countryside where we wound our way through hills along a stream. As picturesque as we have seen for a while.

We are camping in Antigonish at Whiddens Campground and Cottages in the downtown of the city.

P.S. Nova Scotia drivers are vying for the 'title of most unfriendly to cyclists'. Yesterday we had a couple of 'boneheaded' moves as we were proceeding around a traffic circle and again today we had someone pass while meeting us. I guess we are 'invisible' in Nova Scotian's eyes. Hope that improves!!!

Daily Distance = 64.03 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 51 minutes. Average Speed = 16.56 km. Maximum Speed = 56.19 km. Wildlife Sightings = Chickadees.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

Nova Scotia We Are Here....

Tuesday, August 17

Wood Islands to New Glasgow

A couple of rainstorms during the night left our campground soggy but our tents were able to dry because of the strong south winds off of the water. Packed up and on our way to the ferry dock by 8:05. By 8:30 we were wandering around the ferry dock waiting for our ferry to take us from PEI to our 9th province, Nova Scotia.

A 75 minute ferry ride was followed by a tough 8 km ride to the information place in Pictou.

After lunch the real 'slogging' began. We faced a 20 km south wind with gusts of 35 km (according to the Weather Channel) all the way to the Trans Canada. At times we were 'crawling' at speeds under 10 km. And did I mention that this part of Nova Scotia was not flat? As the guy at the information place said "nowhere in Nova Scotia is there a flat road". Doesn't that sound promising? And about the information place...this was the friendliest, most knowledgeable, best serviced Provincial Information place we have come across in our whole adventure. They even booked us a motel for tonight 'free of charge'!

We had another short day as we are planning our 'attack' of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton. (This really is 'kicking the '#@+$' out of our daily average)!!!

Daily Distance = 33.00 km. Time on the bikes = 2 hours 27 minutes. Average Speed = 13.38 km. Maximum Speed = 46.69 km. Wildlife Sightings = Marsh Hawk, Red Tailed Hawk, Osprey, Cormorants, Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Black Ducks.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

On The Road Again....

On the road by 8:05 with 'another' beautiful blue sky. Today's ride took us on the Trans Canada Highway once again through some more of PEI's cropland and especially potatoes. As we got closer to the east end of the island the agricultural land became much poorer as more and more trees dominated the landscape. The ride was not flat with many long 'grades' to climb.

PEI...A Summer Vacation Paradise! PEI is made for tourists. It has beautiful beaches, cities with developed waterfronts, and of course 'Anne of Green Gables' to attract 1000's of visitors. The downside is that accommodation, though plentiful, is hard to come by when cycling. Reservations are almost a necessity. PEI has varied agriculture of course dominated by potatoes. With a population of only 132,000 it is hard to believe it is its own province! Protective they are, however, with a law that prohibits any individual or corporation from owning more than 2000 acres! As for cycling on the island, it is not as easy as one might think. Hills dominate the island and coupled with shoulderless highways (except the Trans Canada) makes cycling a challenge

We are camping at Northumberland Provincial Park 2 km from the ferry terminal. Our site is right on the ocean overlooking the ferry terminal and in the distance can be seen our 9th province, Nova Scotia!!!

Daily Distance = 66.92 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 7 minutes. Average Speed = 16.20 km. Maximum Speed = 36.41km. Wildlife Sightings = Great Blue Heron, Black Duck, Marsh Hawk, White Crowned Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Black Backed Gull.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

P.S. Eric reached the 3000 km mark today for his ride!!!

A Canadian History Lesson....

Sunday, August 15

Charlottetown

A dinner at an Irish Pub complete with some 'Irish Ale' followed by a show was a nice way of spending our first evening in Charlottetown. And I believe for only the second time on this adventure we were completely 'off of our bikes' today.

We visited Province House National Historic Site of Canada, PEI's present day legislature, and the site of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, the meetings that set the 'blueprint' for the formation of Canada in 1867. We toured the old historic streets of Charlottetown and also Founders Hall. Founders Hall is a 'walk through time' tracing the formation of Canada from 1864 and concluding with the formation of Nunavut in 1999...A Canadian History Lesson!

We decided to stay at our motel for an extra day so we did not have to ride our bikes back into the city to be 'tourists'.

Off To Charlottetown....

Saturday, August 14

New Glasgow to Charlottetown

Last night's New Glasgow Lobster Supper can only be described as 'superb'. Our campground hosts took us for a quick tour up into the 'hills' above New Glasgow to a golf course with "the best views in PEI" (at least that is what our host told us) before dropping us at the dinner first course, seafood chowder (as much as you could eat), rolls (as much as you could eat), and mussels (as many as you could eat and served in a pail). Second course, a salad. Third course, lobster or salmon. Fourth course, 5 kinds of pie or strawberry shortcake (as many pieces as you wanted). Do you think we tried our darndest to get our money's worth??? As a bonus while having our pie, a hot air balloon was launched from the lawn outside of our window. Up to the gift shop to get them to phone our hosts and we were picked up and given a 2nd tour of the area by our hosts.

Before leaving the campground this morning we talked to a fellow Cross Canada cyclist who along with 2 other guys left Vancouver May 17 and reached Lunenburg, their final destination by July 24. His wife has now joined him and they are cycling PEI's Confederation Trail (rail trail that crosses PEI) before returning home to Ontario. I also must mention that of all the campgrounds we have stayed in The New Glasgow Highlands Campground is 'hands down' the friendliest and cleanest. Any one travelling in PEI should make a stop here!

Now for the ride...PEI again showed us it is 'not' flat. Many climbs were necessary to get ourselves to the Confederation Trail and then the rail trail down into Charlottetown. We are staying at the Quality Inn in the downtown area. We are going to 'The Theatre' again to 'get some culture' for our 15 year old friend!

Daily Distance = 31.23 km. Time on the bikes = 2 hours 16 minutes. Average Speed = 13.74 km. Maximum Speed = 50.97 km. Wildlife Sightings = Junco, Black Duck, Bald Eagle, Chipmunk.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

Crossing The Island...Sounds Easy...Not Particularily....

Friday, August 13

Summerside to New Glasgow

Last nights show of Highland dancing, piping and drumming was quite entertaining and I believe even Eric would have to agree. On the road by 7:55, it must have been 'A Miracle'! Our ride north east away from Summerside was similar to yesterday's ride, at least in the beginning. Again we went through potato country and saw numerous farmers harvesting wheat.

We came upon another bakeshop today, in Kensington, that provided us with some mid morning 'sweets' and will provide us with some evening 'treats' as well. If people only new how lousy Tim Horton's donuts are compared to these small bakery’s!

As we rode towards Cavendish today we went past one of the largest factories that we have seen on our trip. Cavendish Farms, the 'French Fry' company has two plants across the road from each other. Both were massive buildings and we suspect a major employer of the area.

We stopped at the L.M. Montgomery National Historic Site, Green Gables, to tour a re-creation of where Lucy Maude Montgomery grew up and was inspired to write her famous novels. As we rode away from Cavendish, the hills of PEI appeared in their 'full glory'. Our relaxing ride was over. The climbing really began. Some long, steep hills faced as we headed away from Cavendish to our destination, The New Glasgow Highlands Campground. I guess the name should have been a clue as to what we were about to face. We have a small cabin for the night and the owners are going to take us to the New Glasgow Lobster Supper. These suppers have been served daily since 1958. I think they may have this down to a science!

Daily Distance =50.12 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 9 minutes. Average Speed = 15.89 km. Maximum Speed = 64.94 km. Wildlife Sightings = Yellowlegs, Chipmunks, Red Eyed Vireo, Yellow Rumped Warbler, Great Blue Heron, Black Ducks.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

P.S. Today we passed 7000 km for our adventure!!!

Being A Tourist....

Thursday, August 12

Confederation Bridge to Summerside

On the road by 8:05 this morning with a beautiful blue sky. We mapped out a plan last night to spend 4 days in PEI being tourists. So today's ride was a short one through PEI's countryside. We were greeted with panoramic views of the Confederation Bridge, a truly 'amazing' structure 13 km long. PEI's countryside is simply 'beautiful'. Farmland at its best! Wheat, canola, and of course how could you forget the potatoes. Acres and acres of 'spuds' (30 % of Canadian production comes from PEI). Obviously the 'red' soil is productive. A unique thing we saw today was 'rural milk delivery'. Can you imagine door to door delivery in 2010???

By 10:00 am we were sitting eating nanaimo bars, peanut butter cookies and chocolate macaroons at a bakery in Summerside. Summerside was our destination for the day and we spent our time walking the boardwalk along the old wharf area. And oh yes, we had a game of mini golf (on a course with water hazards and sand traps) and we will not talk about who won...Sue...no...Eric...no!!! We are going to The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada to see a show tonight, The Highland Storm. We are staying at the Mulberry Motel in Summerside, in a motel because the campgrounds were outside of town and we have tickets to the dance show and would have had to 'ride in the dark', not a good option!!!

Daily Distance = 23.55 km. Time on the bikes = 1 hour 38 minutes. Average Speed = 14.32 km. Maximum Speed = 37.44 km. Wildlife Sightings = Black Backed Gulls, Piping Plovers.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

Leaving Province #7 Behind....

Wednesday, August 11

Shediac to Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island

Packed up our wet tents and on the road by 8:20. Just does not seem to matter how much practice we have, 'some of us just cannot get 'our' acts together in the morning. (And which two do you think I might be referring to...Sue...Eric...or maybe both)???

Our ride today was supposed to be an easy short ride to the bridge to PEI. Some things do not go as planned. Our 50km ride turned into 65 due to a road closure! Our forecast for light winds turned into a 'very strong' headwind for the last 20 km approach to the bridge.

We were shuttled across the bridge (bicycles are not allowed on the Confederation Bridge) and dropped off at the 'brand new' Gateway Village and PEI's 'huge' visitor centre. We watched a video on the building of the bridge, a 'brag fest' about a 'mega project' finished 'on time' and 'on budget'. Funny how they failed to brag about what that cost actually was!

We are staying at the Carleton Motel, 2 km from the bridge and are planning our extended 'holiday within a holiday' on PEI.

New Brunswick...a province of many 'surprises'. First and foremost how 'French' this province is. We had to keep reminding ourselves that we were not in Quebec. The area we rode through has French as its dominant language. Secondly, (and connected to the first) how many 'Acadian Flags' that were flying. The third thing would have to be the vast areas of 'nothingness' that we cycled through. Also, how hard hit New Brunswick has been by 'plant closures' mostly due to the collapse of the lumber industry. Cycling in the province is OK. The roads have some shoulders but are inconsistent. Goodbye New Brunswick (Province # 7) and hello Prince Edward Island. Daily Distance = 65.80 km. Time on the bikes = 4 hours 2 minutes. Average Speed = 16.31 km. Maximum Speed = 40.02 km. Wildlife Sightings = Great Blue Herons, Osprey, Black Backed Gull.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

Life really is good!!

Tuesday, August 10

Bouctouche to Shediac

After our full continental breakfast we were on the road by 8:20. The sun shone while we meandered our way along the Atlantic Shoreline. The ride was leisurely and flat and actually scenic, unlike the last 2 days. We had great views of the ocean and lots of 'big' houses to look at. Over the last few days we have also crossed 'numerous' bridges of many styles. Today's ride took us over a wooden structure with a wooden deck covered by asphalt (and in really bad shape). We were wondering how old some of these structures actually are?

As we rode along we came to the town of Shediac, a bustling town with 'way too many tourists' and thus 'way too many cars'! Our intended destination was Parlee Beach Provincial Park, but due to New Brunswick's 'lack' of road signage, we somehow missed it and were forced into 'Plan B'. Plan B is a 'private campground', Ocean View, located 'on the ocean' and I mean 'on the ocean'! Our tents are set up only a few metres from the water. (Well a little further now since the tide is going out)! We are hoping that the weather forecast for tonight is not accurate.

Daily Distance = 59.16 km. Time on the bikes = 3 hours 37 minutes. Average Speed = 16.32 km. Maximum Speed = 38.53 km. Wildlife Sightings = Willet, Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Marsh Hawk, Kingfisher.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.

You know "Life really is Good"!!!

Meteorologist 100%...Eric 0%....

Monday, August 9

Miramichi to Bouctouche

Woke up to a dark sky so we quickly packed up our tents before the rain. And sure enough before we finished it was raining. We took 'refuge' in the laundry room to finish our breakfast and final pack. On the road by 8:20 with our raingear on.

Today's ride took us through a whole lot more of 'nothingness' along Hwy 11. Turning onto Hwy 134 took us past Kouchibouguac National Park and then through the town of Richibucto. In Richibucto we stopped to watch lobster traps being loaded onto lobster boats. It appears that the lobster fishery plays a huge roll in this area.

Meteorologist 100%...Eric 0%...that is how the weather prediction score went for today. Rain was predicted and rain we got! By times it was rather heavy particularly the last couple of hours. And did I mention the headwind! Now to the 'Eric prediction'. He maintained that the sun would shine by 4:00. Boy was he wrong! Maybe the sun was shining in Australia!!!

We are keeping our record intact. One night camping, one night in a motel! We are staying at the Auberge Bouctouche Inn. It is quite a nice motel overlooking the town and the Irving Nature Interpretive Centre. We have done to this room what we are really good at doing...make it a mess! It is still absolutely pouring outside!

Daily Distance = 81.22 km. Time on the bikes = 5 hours 7 minutes. Average Speed = 15.90 km. Maximum Speed = 34.81 km. Wildlife Sightings = Caspian Terns, Cedar Waxwing.

Kevin = 3, Sue = 0, Eric = 1.