We may be home but the trip isn't over yet.
Trailer to clean out. Truck to clean out.
Trailer to wash. Truck to wash. Hope I don't have to call the EPA to get rid of foreign country bugs that seem to have gotten all over the trailer. With all the rain we were in on this trip, I'm surprised that the trailer and truck are as dirty as they are.
Final entry in this blog.
See y'all
Monday, August 11, 2008
Day 27 Aug 9th
647 miles today - left at 8AM and got into the KOA (overflow) at 9:45PM ! ! ! ! ! !
Had all intentions of heading straight south and making it a 2 day trip back to Duluth.
Welllllllllll – Judy saw a sign for a Carrousel Museum. We found it after about 30 minutes. Then we spent about an hour and a half in the museum. Great stuff and a super tour guide.
When we finally stopped for the night, the slide-out didn’t work. Good thing it’s the last night on the road. Will have to fix it when we get home tomorrow.
Night all.
Had all intentions of heading straight south and making it a 2 day trip back to Duluth.
Welllllllllll – Judy saw a sign for a Carrousel Museum. We found it after about 30 minutes. Then we spent about an hour and a half in the museum. Great stuff and a super tour guide.
When we finally stopped for the night, the slide-out didn’t work. Good thing it’s the last night on the road. Will have to fix it when we get home tomorrow.
Night all.
Day 26 Aug 8th
In and around Springfield, Mass to do more geneology researching. Found quite a lot after exhausting research. 
Met a John O’Connor at the geneology research center. He helped track down several other things. That being said, we were unable to track down Grandpa Hirsch’s whereabouts before 1916.Stopped to have a great steak dinner and then back to camp for more rain.
Day 25 Aug 7th
With a belly full of lobster, we slept very well last night.
Off and away to points SW of here.
Decided to visit the birthplace of Clara Barton. For those of you who don’t know who she was, she was the Founder of the American Red Cross. Plenty of pictures on the web page that will be made.
Then we decided to go to Springfield, Mass to try to find more information on Judy’s parents.
Rain most of the day. In fact, Tornado warnings in the general area tonight. Going to be tough to get under our bed if required. More information on the storms tomorrow.
Off and away to points SW of here.
Decided to visit the birthplace of Clara Barton. For those of you who don’t know who she was, she was the Founder of the American Red Cross. Plenty of pictures on the web page that will be made.Then we decided to go to Springfield, Mass to try to find more information on Judy’s parents.
Rain most of the day. In fact, Tornado warnings in the general area tonight. Going to be tough to get under our bed if required. More information on the storms tomorrow.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Day 24 Aug 6th
Out of PEI about 8AM. Long day today – headed to Augusta, Maine and a lobster dinner. Raining off and on all day long.Arrived back in the good ole US of A about 2PM. Great to be back on some good roads for a change.
Had dinner with Amber’s step mom – yep – LOBSTER – mmmmm mmmmmm good.Back on the road tomorrow – more rain according to the weather prognosticator.
Oh, yeh, we have developed a leak ! ! ! ! We found the carpet wet under a portion of the slide out. Right over the wheels. Seems we have a leak in the lower seal. Will have to look into it when we get home. (1224 miles from here)
Day 23 Aug 5th
Weather looks pretty good today so we will stay in PEI another day. Off to Charlottetown to take a bus tour.
The bus we are on is an authentic London double decker bus. Around town to see the sites. Since this town was the site that the “fathers” got together to form the original Canada, it is full of history. Yep, a bunch of old buildings. The most fascinating buildings were the old churches and kirks.
After our tour, we headed for the NE coast. Farms all over the place up here. We learned that there are only 186,000 people in PEI and the pet name for PEI is “The Land of 1,000,000 Acres of Potatoes” or “Spudland”. Anyhow, along our route we discovered Basin Head. White sand beaches meet the red iron oxide earth. Of course, Judy had to add to her rock collection. (More weight for the back of the truck.)
We finished our trek along the NE coast and headed back to camp. This province is beautiful. Just wish we had better weather. (It’s suppose to get warm and sunny tomorrow – but we’re headed out in the morning.Later, folks
Day 22 Aug 4th
Hate to sound like I’m repeating myself – but – it rained all night again. Thought we left that in Halifax.
Off to do some siteseeing along the north-center coast. FOG all along the top.Went to Cavendish and the Annie of Green Gables park.
Judy got some great ideas on how to finish and decorate the Strickland House.
More along the Heron Trail and more fog. Decided to head toward Charlottetown, the largest city in PEI and its capital.Stopped at a roadside stand and got some fresh veggies and apples. Mmmmmmm good
Ended up at a welcome center/museum in downtown Charlottetown. The way the museum is put together was outstanding. Self-guided with earphones with the story.
Back to camp about 7PM
Day 21 Aug 3rd
Raining all night. Small lakes around the trailer.
Left Halifax heading toward Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Over the Confederation Bridge between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and we find ourselves in a brand new topology..
Farms and pasture land every where we look. The earth (dirt) is red sand. Apparently this whole island is made up of the very fertile soil.
Arrived at Good Sam Park about 5PM. During our setup, a fellow camper came around and introduced himself. A local PEI guy. Told us about the wonderful PEI Potatoes and some sites to see. About ½ hour later, he came over with 6 fresh PEI potatoes in his hand. We chatted some more while Judy put the “tatters” on the stove. Think we are going to like it here. This island has many farms on it. Beautiful area. Tomorrow we start out to see the sites.
Left Halifax heading toward Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Over the Confederation Bridge between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and we find ourselves in a brand new topology.. 
Farms and pasture land every where we look. The earth (dirt) is red sand. Apparently this whole island is made up of the very fertile soil.
Arrived at Good Sam Park about 5PM. During our setup, a fellow camper came around and introduced himself. A local PEI guy. Told us about the wonderful PEI Potatoes and some sites to see. About ½ hour later, he came over with 6 fresh PEI potatoes in his hand. We chatted some more while Judy put the “tatters” on the stove. Think we are going to like it here. This island has many farms on it. Beautiful area. Tomorrow we start out to see the sites.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Day 20 Aug 2nd
A tour around Halifax and the boardwalk at the harbor.
We DID tour around Halifax getting TO the harbor because we kept getting lost. Well, not lost exactly. The GPS knew where we were. We made ONE turn 200’ short of the one we were supposed to. Got into one-way streets, short turns, the GPS was as confused as we were. We finally got the harbor. NOW – parking – street? Nah – tried to park a couple of places but they were for hotels and such. Finally found a parking lot right on the boardwalk.
Did I forget to tell you that the weather was socked in today????? Yep….. You will notice that any pictures we took have a great tinge of grey on them.
During our trip along the boardwalk, we caught this truley hip lobster.
We WERE able to help the Canadian economy at some of the great shops along the way. Walked up and down the boardwalk for a few hours and took in the sites.
We then went over to Dartmouth (just across the bay). Took a trip down to the Eastern Shore. Did take a picture of Halifax from across the bay.
Back home after a very pewy day. Sure glad the trailer has a furnace in it. The poor tent campers up here for the holiday weekend are not having a good time.
Out of here tomorrow for a new adventure.
We DID tour around Halifax getting TO the harbor because we kept getting lost. Well, not lost exactly. The GPS knew where we were. We made ONE turn 200’ short of the one we were supposed to. Got into one-way streets, short turns, the GPS was as confused as we were. We finally got the harbor. NOW – parking – street? Nah – tried to park a couple of places but they were for hotels and such. Finally found a parking lot right on the boardwalk.
Did I forget to tell you that the weather was socked in today????? Yep….. You will notice that any pictures we took have a great tinge of grey on them.
During our trip along the boardwalk, we caught this truley hip lobster.We WERE able to help the Canadian economy at some of the great shops along the way. Walked up and down the boardwalk for a few hours and took in the sites.
We then went over to Dartmouth (just across the bay). Took a trip down to the Eastern Shore. Did take a picture of Halifax from across the bay.
Back home after a very pewy day. Sure glad the trailer has a furnace in it. The poor tent campers up here for the holiday weekend are not having a good time.
Out of here tomorrow for a new adventure.
Friday, August 1, 2008
Day 18 – July 31st
Off to tour the Bay of Fundy and the area of the world’s highest tidal shifts. The highest tidal change along this area (commonly referred to as the Minas Basin) was 50 some feet. For a lot more information on the Bay of Fundy, see http://www.bayoffundy.com/aboutthebay.aspx
Our first stop was at Cheverie to see the HIGH tide.
Next was a lighthouse at Walton. This one was actual a recreation since the old one burned down. Still interesting and we learned a lot.
We are now in South Maitland. Further East on the coast and in Cobequid Bay. The home of the bore tides (tides come in as a wave). There was an observation point – so we observed. You could almost see the tide line moving down the column. It is now only 30 minutes since dead high tide and the water has already dropped about 3 feet.
On around the shoreline, we watched as the tide dropped. We stopped at the little town of Economy and had a great lunch of fried local clams. Found this cove where the water was emptying the cove. As the cove emptied, the clammers moved in. Digging up clams in the cove some 30’ below high tide. There were signs all over the place warning folks of fast moving waters on the incoming time. Oh, yeh, this is where Judy added about 20 lbs of rocks to her collection.
By the time we got around to Pattsboro, the tide was about 80% out. Harbours dried up. If your boat was tied to the dock it could now be considered in “dry dock”.
On around the Minas Channel and up the road by Chignecto Bay Judy got this great sunset picture at a little town called Joggins. Continuing up route 302, we caught the TransCanada Highway and headed “home”. Have driven 250 miles and only 120 miles from “home”.
Our first stop was at Cheverie to see the HIGH tide.
Next was a lighthouse at Walton. This one was actual a recreation since the old one burned down. Still interesting and we learned a lot.
We are now in South Maitland. Further East on the coast and in Cobequid Bay. The home of the bore tides (tides come in as a wave). There was an observation point – so we observed. You could almost see the tide line moving down the column. It is now only 30 minutes since dead high tide and the water has already dropped about 3 feet.
On around the shoreline, we watched as the tide dropped. We stopped at the little town of Economy and had a great lunch of fried local clams. Found this cove where the water was emptying the cove. As the cove emptied, the clammers moved in. Digging up clams in the cove some 30’ below high tide. There were signs all over the place warning folks of fast moving waters on the incoming time. Oh, yeh, this is where Judy added about 20 lbs of rocks to her collection.
By the time we got around to Pattsboro, the tide was about 80% out. Harbours dried up. If your boat was tied to the dock it could now be considered in “dry dock”.
On around the Minas Channel and up the road by Chignecto Bay Judy got this great sunset picture at a little town called Joggins. Continuing up route 302, we caught the TransCanada Highway and headed “home”. Have driven 250 miles and only 120 miles from “home”.
Day 17 July 30th
Off to take in the Eastern coast south of Halifax. The route we are taking is known as the “Lighthouse Route”. Taking Provincial roads along the seashore and over the ridges close to the seashore. When away from the shore, there are dense forests of pine trees.
Our first stop in our excursion was at Peggy’s Cove. The upheaval of granite covers this area. Of course we had to make our way out on the rocks to view the coast from a different angle.
Back along the rocks to the lighthouse that protects this area. This lighthouse had a dual purpose for many years as Peggy’s Cove’s Post Office. Oh, yeh, mailing post cards from here back to the states costs $1.24 each. And you thought OUR rates were high.
From Peggy’s Cove, we kept on going south along the coast and came to the small village of Mahone Bay. This town is famous for its Three Churches on the coast. Being a long time fishing and boat building community, they needed plenty of blessings. Had a picnic here and headed onward.
The last community we visited was Lunenburg. Narrow streets, one way roads, many shops and eateries and the famous Lunenburg Academy (shown here).
Set the GPS for home and discovered that we had driven over 150 miles so far today and the campground was a short 60 miles away. Told you we drove along the coast.
Our first stop in our excursion was at Peggy’s Cove. The upheaval of granite covers this area. Of course we had to make our way out on the rocks to view the coast from a different angle.Back along the rocks to the lighthouse that protects this area. This lighthouse had a dual purpose for many years as Peggy’s Cove’s Post Office. Oh, yeh, mailing post cards from here back to the states costs $1.24 each. And you thought OUR rates were high.
From Peggy’s Cove, we kept on going south along the coast and came to the small village of Mahone Bay. This town is famous for its Three Churches on the coast. Being a long time fishing and boat building community, they needed plenty of blessings. Had a picnic here and headed onward.
The last community we visited was Lunenburg. Narrow streets, one way roads, many shops and eateries and the famous Lunenburg Academy (shown here).Set the GPS for home and discovered that we had driven over 150 miles so far today and the campground was a short 60 miles away. Told you we drove along the coast.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Day 16 July 29th
Day 16 July 29th
Out of Saint Johns and heading toward Nova Scotia along Highway 1 and the TransCanada Highway. These are 4-lane roads. About 250 miles of mostly hilly roads. Surface isn’t too bad. Sure is better than I-80 in Wyoming and Nebraska.
Crossed into Nova Scotia about 3PM and stopped at their welcome center. Picked up some maps and interesting sites to see. We originally scheduled 3 days up here, however, after talking with the gal in the visitor’s center, we changed our mind to five full days. We’ll see if we have to extend it.
The rest of the trip today was pretty much uneventful. Our exit (4B) wasn’t – the GPS saved the day again. Safe and sound at the KOA. Night all.
Out of Saint Johns and heading toward Nova Scotia along Highway 1 and the TransCanada Highway. These are 4-lane roads. About 250 miles of mostly hilly roads. Surface isn’t too bad. Sure is better than I-80 in Wyoming and Nebraska.
Crossed into Nova Scotia about 3PM and stopped at their welcome center. Picked up some maps and interesting sites to see. We originally scheduled 3 days up here, however, after talking with the gal in the visitor’s center, we changed our mind to five full days. We’ll see if we have to extend it.
The rest of the trip today was pretty much uneventful. Our exit (4B) wasn’t – the GPS saved the day again. Safe and sound at the KOA. Night all.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Day 15 - In and Around Saint Johns
Day 15 – Time to see what we can see in Saint Johns.
Our first visit is to the Reversing Falls. A great site to see and experience. You can learn more about the “Reversing Falls” by going to: http://www.new-brunswick.net/Saint_John/reversingfalls/reversing.html
Anyhow, we got there when the tide was going out. Took some pictures, saw a movie about it, took some more pictures, visited the gift shop, and took some more pictures.
Since we had some time before dead low tide, it was decided that we should go down town Saint Johns and see some sites. One of the places we went was to the Central Market. This place was designed like an upside-down ship. Fruits and vegatables on both ends and crafts in the middle section.
Of course, we had to do some shopping. We did find one real crafter. Made his stuff from red clay that is found in the area. Quite unique crafts. Funny character.
After our trip around Saint Johns, we wound our way back to the Reversing Falls. We arrived at slack tide (dead low tide). Water was NOT moving either direction. We noticed, for the first time, a rock sticking out of the water near the far side.
We decided to eat at the restrurant just beside the falls. A great dinner and also gave some time for the tide to turn. After a delightful dinner, the tide had indeed turned and was rushing up the river. Yes, it had reversed the flow of the river. We were told that this reversing ran all the way to an upstream dam. DAMN
Found our way back to the campground and prepared for an early start.
Our first visit is to the Reversing Falls. A great site to see and experience. You can learn more about the “Reversing Falls” by going to: http://www.new-brunswick.net/Saint_John/reversingfalls/reversing.html
Anyhow, we got there when the tide was going out. Took some pictures, saw a movie about it, took some more pictures, visited the gift shop, and took some more pictures.
Since we had some time before dead low tide, it was decided that we should go down town Saint Johns and see some sites. One of the places we went was to the Central Market. This place was designed like an upside-down ship. Fruits and vegatables on both ends and crafts in the middle section.
Of course, we had to do some shopping. We did find one real crafter. Made his stuff from red clay that is found in the area. Quite unique crafts. Funny character.
After our trip around Saint Johns, we wound our way back to the Reversing Falls. We arrived at slack tide (dead low tide). Water was NOT moving either direction. We noticed, for the first time, a rock sticking out of the water near the far side.
We decided to eat at the restrurant just beside the falls. A great dinner and also gave some time for the tide to turn. After a delightful dinner, the tide had indeed turned and was rushing up the river. Yes, it had reversed the flow of the river. We were told that this reversing ran all the way to an upstream dam. DAMNFound our way back to the campground and prepared for an early start.
Day 14 July 27th
Day 14—Off to Saint Johns , New Brunswick. There is a reversing falls there, so we just have to check it out. Found a campground with room so we made early reservations. We had an adventure just finding it. The directions were poor and the person on the phone was not much better.
Finally found it.
It required a ferry boat ride to get there. We have check into taking the trailer on ferry boats. Would you believe cubic money per foot. This ferry is cable driven and is run by the Provincial Maritime. Also we lost and hour in a new time zone. We are on Atlantic time.
The campground had been flooded on May 1 2008. Lots of rain and the flood gates were opened to control the flooding upstream. We had a great spot up on top of the hill. Had to try the hill twice! ! ! Spinning the tires the first time. Only got 1/3 of the way up. Got a little running start and made it just fine.
Finally found it.
It required a ferry boat ride to get there. We have check into taking the trailer on ferry boats. Would you believe cubic money per foot. This ferry is cable driven and is run by the Provincial Maritime. Also we lost and hour in a new time zone. We are on Atlantic time. 
The campground had been flooded on May 1 2008. Lots of rain and the flood gates were opened to control the flooding upstream. We had a great spot up on top of the hill. Had to try the hill twice! ! ! Spinning the tires the first time. Only got 1/3 of the way up. Got a little running start and made it just fine.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Day 13
Met Jim (Amber's step-dad)and Aletha (Amber's mom) and off we were on a day of sightseeing.
Day 13---Met Jim and Aletha and off we were on a day of sightseeing. First onto the ferry to Peak Island. The weather was great. Sunny and a bit of a breeze.
There were lots of remnants of the civil war forts and gun bunkers. Protection of the harbor and shoreline was paramount. Then a bit of shopping and off to a lighthouse. One of many along the shore. They are still active today. A treat was in store.
Judy got to meet a Lobster up close and personal. He wasn’t her type, so all we did was take the picture.
The light house was open for tours. I have never been in a lighthouse before. There were cooking quarters on the first floor ,sleeping on the second and third floors and the light on top. The tenders of the lights boated to work. Fine in the summer, cold and harsh in the winter.
Next to a great lunch on the boat docks and off to another spectacular lighthouse. This one was not open.
The shore line was beautiful. Took lots of pictures. Last, but not least, a scoop of ice cream to top off the day. We said good by to Jim and Aletha with many thanks for a wonderful day. They should be tour guides.
Day 13---Met Jim and Aletha and off we were on a day of sightseeing. First onto the ferry to Peak Island. The weather was great. Sunny and a bit of a breeze.
There were lots of remnants of the civil war forts and gun bunkers. Protection of the harbor and shoreline was paramount. Then a bit of shopping and off to a lighthouse. One of many along the shore. They are still active today. A treat was in store. 
Judy got to meet a Lobster up close and personal. He wasn’t her type, so all we did was take the picture.
The light house was open for tours. I have never been in a lighthouse before. There were cooking quarters on the first floor ,sleeping on the second and third floors and the light on top. The tenders of the lights boated to work. Fine in the summer, cold and harsh in the winter.
Next to a great lunch on the boat docks and off to another spectacular lighthouse. This one was not open. 
The shore line was beautiful. Took lots of pictures. Last, but not least, a scoop of ice cream to top off the day. We said good by to Jim and Aletha with many thanks for a wonderful day. They should be tour guides.
Day 12
Day 12—Off to Vermont Teddy Bear and the anticipation was great.
Mrs. Childress was just so happy and so was I . The bible was huge and I had figured it was about 100 years old. When I opened the cover it had myGreat Grandfathers name plate in it in gold leaf. I just cried. What a treasure. She was so happy also. We also got the bag with the letters and pictures. She thinks there still may be other pictures there. She is going to look and mail them to me. She said they are your families items not mine. I just could not bear to discard them. What are the chances of something like this happening in a life time. She had saved these for over 40 years, hoping that someone would come. Tears and hugs and off we went to continue our trip.
Of course, Judy could not help but buy something at the store.
We took the scenic route across Vermont and New Hampshire. Soooo pretty. We ended up in Portland , Maine. We arranged to meet Ambers’ family the next day.
Mrs. Childress was just so happy and so was I . The bible was huge and I had figured it was about 100 years old. When I opened the cover it had myGreat Grandfathers name plate in it in gold leaf. I just cried. What a treasure. She was so happy also. We also got the bag with the letters and pictures. She thinks there still may be other pictures there. She is going to look and mail them to me. She said they are your families items not mine. I just could not bear to discard them. What are the chances of something like this happening in a life time. She had saved these for over 40 years, hoping that someone would come. Tears and hugs and off we went to continue our trip.
Of course, Judy could not help but buy something at the store.We took the scenic route across Vermont and New Hampshire. Soooo pretty. We ended up in Portland , Maine. We arranged to meet Ambers’ family the next day.
Day 11
Day 11—Lots of rain last night and a misty overcast day today. Off to Vergennes city hall. The people were great there. They have all the records in a vault , a very small one at that. They showed us how to track the items. One book has the names and the book and page that the actual record is in. Then we could use their copier . No charge for any of this. We started with my grandmother and traced back from there. The record said the mother had other children. Wow, I never knew of other children except her sister Ruth.We found 4 other siblings. Then we traced her parents and grandparents. What a surprise to find them there also. People of earlier generations were born, lived and died in the same general area. It made it easier to trace for us. We also looked up the property recordd and found out that the property belonged to my grandmothers’ mothers’ father. One of the ladies in the office had been there 30 years. She knew the family that bought the family house from my great Aunts’ estate. She suggested that I might knock on the door and ask to see the house and ask questions about my aunt..
We did just that. Mr. Childress was very kind when I told him my grandmother was born there and my aunt was the last resident, Ruth Eagan. He knew about her. He shared that the house was empty for three years before they bought it and all the furniture was in it. Then he showed us a picture of the house in the 40’s he framed and then brought out a plastic bag with letters and pictures. They found them in the house and had saved them over 40 years as they could not bear to throw them away. There was letters from my great uncle sent home from France during WWI, and pictures of family members. I recognized one that was my grandmother and great aunt ruth. I was blown away. He said that if his wife was home she would probably give them to me . I told him I understood as they were in their house. We took some pictures outside of the creek that we had a picnic on when I was 15.
We thanked him very much and went to the library to find more info. We hoped to find newspaper info on the family or house. We found very little. The archive room was locked as it was appt. only. They had microfish of newspapers there. The person was on vacation that took care of that, so a no go on that.
So, off we went back to the campground. On the way we saw Vermont Teddy Bear. A must stop, of course. As we got out, my cell phone rang and it was Mrs. Childress. She was thrilled that someone had finally cared about the Eagan family. She wanted us to have the letters and then she told me there was a family bible there also that she had saved, hoping that someone might come there. Imagine my total shock and surprise. She asked where we were, when I told her she laughed. I work there she said. We arranged to meet in the morning there.
We did just that. Mr. Childress was very kind when I told him my grandmother was born there and my aunt was the last resident, Ruth Eagan. He knew about her. He shared that the house was empty for three years before they bought it and all the furniture was in it. Then he showed us a picture of the house in the 40’s he framed and then brought out a plastic bag with letters and pictures. They found them in the house and had saved them over 40 years as they could not bear to throw them away. There was letters from my great uncle sent home from France during WWI, and pictures of family members. I recognized one that was my grandmother and great aunt ruth. I was blown away. He said that if his wife was home she would probably give them to me . I told him I understood as they were in their house. We took some pictures outside of the creek that we had a picnic on when I was 15.
We thanked him very much and went to the library to find more info. We hoped to find newspaper info on the family or house. We found very little. The archive room was locked as it was appt. only. They had microfish of newspapers there. The person was on vacation that took care of that, so a no go on that.
So, off we went back to the campground. On the way we saw Vermont Teddy Bear. A must stop, of course. As we got out, my cell phone rang and it was Mrs. Childress. She was thrilled that someone had finally cared about the Eagan family. She wanted us to have the letters and then she told me there was a family bible there also that she had saved, hoping that someone might come there. Imagine my total shock and surprise. She asked where we were, when I told her she laughed. I work there she said. We arranged to meet in the morning there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)