Newfoundland 2015 – Page 4 – Steps to Anywhere

Sydney to Channel-Port aux-Basques

Posted on September 17, 2015 by Edward Thorpe

Today began with an easy 15 km drive from our Sydney hotel to the North Sydney ferry terminal. Upon checking in we discovered only one of us was actually booked for travel. Once that was repaired we moved into our assigned position in lane 27 and left the car to go for coffee. There is no food service in the terminal but, how coincidentally, there is a Timmy’s right next to the terminal.

We were among the first vehicles to board the lowest level on the MV Lief Ericsson ferry. A cruise ship she was not. One hopes that they emphasize sea worthiness in their maintenance program because they certainly don’t emphasize much else. There was rust evident everywhere and the furniture definitely showed its age. The food was adequate and what it lacked in quality it made up for in quantity. However, the seas were quiet and the voyage was uneventful.

We chatted with travelers from all over the country. There was a couple from Washington state who were perpetual nomads, numerous hunters visiting for a week long hunt and others from nearer home. Everyone was willing to chat whether in the lounges or out on the open deck. The weather was superb, even hot out on the deck. Some folks seemed to spend the whole voyage outside.

As we neared Channel-Port aux-Basques it was evident that there was no fog and we would actually get to see the town. We stayed on deck until the ferry was docked and then we were called to our vehicles. Things looked much different on deck 3 then when we left the car in the morning. We had to negotiate our way around a line of 18 wheelers and squeeze between them and the line of passenger vehicles to finally arrive at the car.

Once again we among the first vehicles to move and start for our hotel. The GPS was quite confused as we left the ship. It still thought it was in North Sydney and selected a very long route to our hotel via Argentia, the other ferry terminal. Once outside the ship Penny (the GPS) figured out we were only 4 km from destination.

Once at the St. Christopher’s motel we had a very nice dinner at the hotel restaurant and had great dinner conversation with a couple from Lethbridge, Alberta. Now we are just relaxing in our room watching the Blue Jays.

A few shots arriving in Channel-Port aux-Basques.

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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