Fundy National Park

After a long day of driving with interminable waits due to construction right at the end of our journey, we finally made it to Point Wolfe campground which was to be home for the next three nights. The site was a bit smaller than we expected but the facilities and grounds were really well kept-- a huge plus for Miss A whose camping experience can be ruined by a single large spider in the bathrooms (or washrooms as they say in Canada). 

On our first full day we kayaked in the Bay with Fresh Air Adventures.  We found the staff to be knowledgeable and easy going.  We learned about why the Bay is so special and kayaked along some beautiful shoreline. Although we departed at the top of high tide, we still had to take out elsewhere. The tide had already receded so much where we had put in that it was mud flats! Later in the afternoon the kids frolicked in the solar heated saltwater pool. Since it was an overcast day the pool wasn't especially warm but they didn't seem to mind!

On our 2nd day we set off in search of a place to drive the remote controlled boat. We ended up at Bennett Lake, a little further inland in the park.  Captain Isaac was the intrepid navigator.  While he explored via boat, Adelaide and I took off in a kayak to look for baby ducks at one of the islands. Soon we were joined by Nicholas. No babies but we had a nice paddle.

Once we had our fill of the water, we turned our sights on the land and set out on the Copper Mine Trail. It was an easy loop through peaceful moss covered woods. We saw the remnants of the mine from over 100 years ago--- bits of metal as if from a cookstove and a jumble of quartz-like rocks coming down the hill.

Then our attention turned to the sea. We walked out over the area where had kayaked the day before. Photos just do not give the scope.  We all agreed the water had gone out about a half mile.  We walked to the water's edge where we found lots of sea scallop shells (or so we think) but to our surprise the most we saw of other sea life were all the barnacles attached to the many rocks covering the Bay floor. Nicholas would have been pleased to stay until the tide turned so he could race it in (although it is hard to say if it would have been that abrupt although there was quite a distance to cover until shore), but we had one more stop...

First view of Fundy

....to fun in Fundy!!

No signals and big data charges in Canada will truly unplug us! There was something for everyone in Fundy.  Will update more soon. Our ferry to Newfoundland was cancelled and we've been rerouted to Port Aux Basque on the Western side. That means a change in plans--definitely an adventure!  I will post a couple of Fundy photos and fill you in once we make our Plan B!!

Getting ready...

Getting our Newfoundland playlist together. Here's a selection by Great Big Sea, a NL favorite band: Have a Cuppa Tea

We gave our presentations the other night and the trip overview powerpoint really got the troops excited. We also got a crash course on Viking exploration in North America. All prepared for L'Anse Aux Meadows! Our Bay of Fundy leg was planned and presented-kayaking and remote control boating.  Any ideas on who gave that presentation?! We learned about the weather and it sounds like we may have some chilly nights (oh! I'd better finish this and pack a winter hat for tent nights!). Lastly, we are all looking forward to trying bakeapples and poutine, not to mention fish & chips and lobster. It's got to taste different there-right? We'll report back soon!

A Summer's Night at the Milford Drive-in

Milford Drive-in, Milford, NH:  $25 a car, double feature (tonight's shows: Monsters U. and the Lone Ranger), mini race car entertainment, and a good old traditional concession stand! It finally feels like summer after a weekend of 4th festivities, a day at the beach, and kayaking.  Let the adventures begin!!

Winter Break in Gilford, NH

It has been a fun winter break! Gunstock was a great destination for us. It is a big step up from the local ski spot, but manageable enough for all the kids. The kids took lessons yesterday which freed us up for cross country skiing. In true form, Adelaide made a friend in her class. Today they were off for the day together!

The staff here has been very helpful and friendly.  We especially appreciated the patience for the non skiing parents as we wrapped our heads around everything. The instructors were fantastic in their thorough reports.  John and I had some adult time at lunchtime both days. We had a leisurely time with a game and good beer ( Blue Moon and Angry Orchard).

John got out today for a drive down Memory Lane.  After asking assistance from an old timer, he was able to find the location of The Chanticleer--the former hotel-now condos that his family stayed at in his youth. Before we left home, we had watched some old movies of the Notte kids sledding down to the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. John was able to find the same vantage of the lake.  That's the photo above.
With a tired crew, we are ready to go home to the latest snow storm--hurrah!

Oh and we forgot to mention our first night of tubing....what a ride, what a rush!  It was one fast course with creative thinking staff who were more than willing to show you the best take off patterns!

Skiing All Around

The adults enjoyed the snowy woods while the kids enjoyed the slopes. We stopped at the Tilton Diner on our way up-- part of the Common Man empire as John says. : ). So nice to have the mountains so close! We already look forward to warmer weather and some hikes!