Day 1 and 2

We are off!! A different trip plan this time and more sensible (note I did not say "mature").  Instead of a 450 mile motorcycle drive to Nova Scotia, we decided to put the bikes in a trailer and drive up to our launch point in North Sydney where the ferry leaves to Newfoundland. Of course, our sensible plan has turned into a nightmarish 1200 mile detour to accommodate George's interest in visiting off beat bicycle stores in northern Maine and the Atlantic Provinces. 

We had a great time first night at a Mexican Restaurant with my step son Drew. He's having a fantastic time juggling school, work in a soup kitchen and a band that opened this summer for the Mighty Mighty Bostones. Sorry that we missed Rachel. I'm completely impressed with his energy and social commitments. 

It's now the end of Day 2. It started as always, with George getting up early and having breakfast with the night staff.  Breakfast was scheduled from 6-10.  He was there at 5:30.  I found him a few hours later drinking coffee and chatting with Gloria, the same woman who had offered him a couple of late night dinner yogurts when we checked-in around 10:30 Atlantic time.

After breakfast, over my objection, we continued to keep the motorcycles in the trailer and took our 42-foot tandem vehicle into the narrow streets of Charlottetown so George could hobnob with the guides who led his cycling trip to Cuba.  After raving about George's biking prowess, they tried to sell him an expensive gravel grinder.  George didn't bite but I left $35 lighter after feeling compelled to purchase a rubber mount that would secure his precious iPhone his motorcycle. 

We just left PEI on our way to  North Sydney. A fair amount of our trip has centered around visits to bike shops as stated above. One was in Maine and the other in PEI. Disappointing,  we have no new purchases in the back of the truck but it's early. 

We have also been lost and gone down the wrong roads. This might surprise our many readers since we know that George, who generally serves as navigator as part of his high tech background,  was unaware until it was too late, that the GPSs were taking us on routes involving ill-timed ferries.  We lost nearly three hours backtracking to the bridge and around.  Of course George didn't mind a bit as he sang along to his playlist which features no songs recorded within the last 40 years.

I think of Celia. Always, always bring a paper map. 

The differences in Canada are subtle but significant. On the highways there are wire fences to prevent moose and deer collisions. At major intersections there are stop signs with flashing lights. The government invests in simple and thoughtful measures to save lives. 

The houses are modest and well maintained. There are no abandoned rusted vehicles, broken hula hoops, or disintegrating armchairs in the front yards. An occasional travel trailer in the side yard. Canadians are invariably friendly, modest and less stressed. It's a very different feel. 

We plunged into the gulf of St. Lawrence in the rain today (see videos;)

1. Eric;  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=t_jgqJuz0Ik 

2. George;

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2jLQxVWwSb4

Sounds brave but it was warm. No bathing suit for me but black undies were fine. 

George pulled off another remarkable feat of charm and cajoling after our lunch in the historic Hotel Dalvay

(where Ann of Green Gables was filmed) by the sea. (Thanks again to our server Natasha 

  from Newfoundland for travel tips).  

We realized we had not brought towels. As we were leaving the hotel we came upon an outdoor building with a laundry, towels galore. George made haste toward the building and I took off in typical fashion after giving him ten dollars. Moments later he arrived at the car with four towels and my money. Apparently he was initially offered a rag by the male launderer but the launderess quickly overturned that decision after George looked forlorn with that special sheepdog look, stating "I suppose that will do." 

Seriously though, it was moving to see the women on the NU soccer team surround George after their 1-0 loss to UNH on Sunday. They not only surrounded him but hugged him too. Their affection for him, and all he did to build that program, was genuine. I worry that the University will not easily replace an Athletic Director who was always there for the players and whose door was never closed. 

Well that's the last time I will be maudlin. We are in for some hard riding in the rain.  Not to mention diving off of fjords into ice cold water and doing reverse wheelies as we dodge the moose of  Newfoundland and Labrador!