We entered into Canada at the Calais, ME & St. Stephen, NB crossing. Going into Canada only took perhaps 15 minutes. When our turn came we were only asked if we had any weapons, alcohol or tobacco. Having none of any, we were passed right through. Coming into the U.S. from Canada the line was very, very long. At least three of four city blocks. I imagine there was a two hour wait. I exchanged $300 US to Canadian money at the Royal Bank of Canada. After a $3 fee, I only received $305.41. (The teller was born in Vero Beach. Small world) The dollar is essentially at par. There was a time when Canada was a very good deal for Americans. No more. Food & gas are very expensive n New Brunswick. Gas runs about $4.50/gallon. A 2 liter container of milk, not quite a half gallon, was $3.46. Three peaches cost me $2.80.
We drove to Saint John and stayed in the City owned campground at Rockwood Park. Not a very attractive campground; basically a gravel parking lot with water & electric hookups. But, it's only five minutes from the historic downtown area of Saint John. Plus it has free Wi-Fi. That probably accounts for it being perhaps 2/3 full. On Saturday morning we drove downtown. There was large parking lot very close to the historic district so parking the camper wasn't a problem. Visited the City Market; a nice collection of vendors selling fruits & veggies, prepared food, tourist junk, etc. Then we had breakfast at Cora's. Wow! There must have been fifty wonderful breakfast choices. I has an omelet wrapped in a crepe them topped with hollandaise sauce. Carol was even more decadent. She had a cinnamon bun, sliced then made into french toast then covered with a cream cheese topping. Between us we ate a weeks calories in one sitting. I should have walked back to the campground. After that we drove to a City park on the bay. The plan was to take a nice walk on the paved path but the weather, which started out cool & overcast, continued to deteriorate into fog mixed with a light rain. Not much of a day for a walk. We did some grocery shopping then headed back. Spent the rest of the day reading, playing with the computer, etc. This is one of the very few poor weather day's we've had on this trip.
Tomorrow, Sunday, we're off to the Fundy National Park.
On the way to Fundy NP we drove by the neatest little village of St. Martins. See the photo of the lobster boats at low tide and the covered bridge.
On Sunday we camped at the Headquarters Campground at the Fundy National Park. The costs of everything in Canada continues to amaze me. On more illustration. The cost to get into the park for one day is $18.50. The cost of one nights camping with no hookups is $24.57. At $43.07/night that makes for the most expensive campground we recall staying in. On the other hand, Fundy NP is just beautiful. The 40' plus tides are remarkable to see. See the attached photo of the Hopewell Rocks taken at low tide. All but the top of the rocks is covered at high tide. We walked into the adjacent town of Alma. Bought some sticky buns & fresh baked bread.
On Monday we headed for Nova Scotia. Stopped by a roadside railroad exhibit for lunch then the welcome center then continued on to the Amherst Shores Provincial Park near Amherst, for the night. A basic campground, nothing special but a place to sleep on a driving day.
On Tuesday we went to Pictou, NS, did our grocery shopping at Soeby's then stayed at the Harbor Light RV Park. If I wasn't just tired of driving, needed to dump the tanks and wanted wi-fi, I would have left. What a dump. Basically a parking lot with about 75% seasonal tenants. If you're ever up this way, don't stop here unless you're desperate.
We enjoyed New Brunswick. Worth exploring some more in the future.
