September 2015 – Page 4 – Steps to Anywhere

Sydney

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Edward Thorpe

Tuesday we left Bathurst, NB in the rain which followed us offering periodic showers all the way to Sydney, NS. It was not a difficult drive even with the rain. We stopped for lunch at the Welcome centre on the Nova Scotia border, one of the few still open. From there part of the Bay of Fundy was visible.

In Sydney, we stayed at the Hampton Inn. While we were doing our laundry we discovered that the hotel happy hour each Tuesday was “free.” Always better to be lucky. Great way to pass the time while the laundry is in the dryer.

Wednesday morning we were able to sleep a little later, so we did. After breakfast we headed out to Louisbourg, one place we were unable to visit on previous trips to the area. There is a ton of history at the site which may never be fully excavated and restored. The parts currently on display tell an interesting story of early colonial days. There is no way photos can tell the story but here are a few. The first is a 360 degree panorama from the centre of the compound.

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Louisbourg Lighthouse

Gaspe to Bathurst, NB

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Edward Thorpe

It was still raining when we went for this morning’s breakfast and as we began our day’s travel. Despite the rain we decided to circle Forilon National Park. The rain let up but there was fog as we climbed the hills. By the time we reached Cape des Rosiers the rain had stopped and I managed a few photos.

Cape des Rosiers coast

By the time we returned to Gaspe it was brighter and the inlet was a glassy reflection of the shoreline beyond.

Gaspe

We continued driving along the coast until we reached Perce Rocks. Just as we were preparing to take some photos of the rock the rain began, this time it was quite heavy so I grabbed a photo and retreated to the car for lunch. I did manage to get a shot while we were north of the rock and before the rain began.

Perce Rock from north

The rain was with us most of the way from Perce Rocks to Bathurst, NB. We arrived about 5 PM Atlantic time, checked in and had a really nice dinner at a restaurant called Nectar. Now, back at the motel to regenerate for tomorrow’s drive to Sydney.

Chicoutimi to Gaspe

Posted on September 13, 2015 by Edward Thorpe

It was raining this morning when we departed Chicoutimi. It never rained hard but it was continuous until we arrived at Tadussac. After a brief stop we continued to the ferry terminal at Les Escoumins where we arrived an hour early. We were able to check in then we managed to find a place to buy coffee. There were no services at all at the terminal which was no more than a parking area. Upon return to the terminal we parked and waited to board. We were the third vehicle to board so we were well positioned to disembark at Trois Pistoles after the 90 minute ferry ride. We saw numerous whales during the trip but none near enough to pose for photos.

Upon arrival we started what we knew would be a long drive to Gaspe. It turned out to be about 6 hours so the sun was setting as we arrived at the Adams Motel. The drive was well worth the effort. It is a beautiful coastline and the highway is very near the gulf almost all of the way. The speed limit is 90 kph with only one small section at 100 kph. Of course the speed drops to 70 and 60 kph through the myriad of towns along the highway. Most are tiny while a few seem to be moderate in size.

The efficiency of the Sonata Hybrid has been rather good averaging 5.5 l/100km on major highways and 6.0 l/100km on the hilly Gaspe highway.

After checking in to the motel we had dinner at the Adams Restaurant. There was no lack of quantity on the plate and the food was quite good. We were treated to free drinks after dinner and then back to the room to collapse. It looks like tomorrow will be wet but we have no out door activities planned.

Here are a few photos of the Gaspe coastline taken with the dash mounted GoPro camera. They appear in the reverse order of travel.

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Chicoutimi and vicinity

Posted on September 12, 2015 by Edward Thorpe

On Friday we moved from Quebec City to Chicoutimi. It was a very easy drive compared to the day from home to Quebec City. The only minor complication was Quebec City traffic. Had we delayed departure we would have had an additional complication of a pro bicycle race. We saw some of the riders practicing, riding up the QC hills without breaking a sweat.

We paused for short breaks and lunch at Baie-Saint-Paul, La Malbaie and Saint-Simeon before arriving in Chicoutimi. The terrain appeared similar to parts of Northern Ontario. We were able to wander in Chicoutimi and walk for a while along the Saguenay River before dinner.

Today we took a casual drive around Lac Saint-Jean. It was lovely and quiet. Most of the “touristy” things had closed for the season and there was only moderate traffic. The lake is quite picturesque even on a cloudy Saturday in September.

This panorama was taken at Roberval, on the eastern shore of the lake.

Well, we did not have our “traditional” emergency visit to the dentist before departing this time. However, Gail will be visiting upon our return. I guess tonight’s lasagna was too much for one tooth. Good news though, no pain and she can still smile.

Off to Gaspe tomorrow.