So this is going to be a short post, we are traveling again and making our way home. Weather seems to have turned against us, at least partially, and more weather predicted for tomorrow. Let me give you a quick recap. When I last posted it was late night in Gander, Newfoundland. Tonight I am typing in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
It started off a bit dreary.
When we left Gander a couple of days ago, it was a foggy morning and our destination was Stephenville, five or so hours away. The sun came out for a while as we wandered along listening to a horribly written and narrated audio book. Once we started it we felt we should tough it out..ultimately we finished it, but its not a book I would recommend. The drive back through the southern end of the Gros Morne area was just as spectacular as the first time we saw these mountains. After a stop or two along the way, by late afternoon, we arrived in Stephenville with enough time to check out the downtown. Stephenville is about two hours from the ferry back to Nova Scotia, leaving from Port aux Basque. This is the closest, best accommodation we could find that is pet friendly. It worked out just fine. There was a pub in the hotel which served us a great supper, convenient and good food. Morning came too early as we were on a tight schedule to get to the boat, and the rain had begun.
Arriving at the produce inspection station. We had none. . .
The last two hours of driving on Newfoundland was horrible. At times the rain came at us sideways and at other times the wind was a fierce enemy, but we arrived on time and all in one piece. The ladies at the check in booth only wanted to chat with Harper and lavish her with affection and a couple of treats. Good people these Newfies.
Harper makes friends.
We queued up in row 5 and prepared to wait. The rain eased up enough that we all got in a much needed bio break, Harper was especially glad to see a grassy area for dogs. Last chance for quite a while.
Waiting
Announcements come in from loud speakers with instructions, both in English and French. We soon drove up an elevated road and onto level 5 of the M/V Highlanders.
Up the ramp to level 5.
We grabbed some essentials and made our way to our cabin for the journey back to the mainland. The ferry slipped away from the dock with a blast of its horn right on time and the small glimpse of land that we could see the the weather started to move away. Within minutes we could tell we were at sea. On our trip coming here there was no apparent motion, but now we were rolling with the harmony of the waves and wind.
Land quickly disappeared
Not a bad motion, just a reminder of who is really in charge. It was an uneventful trip and by the time we had made our passage the rain had moved on and the fog had lifted. We arrived back into a dry world.
Classic, park at your door motel
We drove off the ship and found our way to our hotel, The Clansman. A Scottish themed place not much more than a mile or so from the ferry terminal. This was an awesome classic roadside motel where you park your car in front of your door, and they had a restaurant as well.
Harper helps me decide.
We got settled in by about seven thirty. While I was walking Harper I popped my head into the restaurant and asked if the would allow Harper into the restaurant for supper with us. I was told 'only service dogs' - so I told the young lady that I am completely blind, and that Harper is my guide dog, 'she whispers directions my ear so I know where to turn'. She chuckled and said we could bring Harper to supper. Harper enjoyed getting bites of my meat pie.
Nova Scotia
This morning we were up early and back on the road. We left North Sydney around 8:00 and arrived here in Fredericton late this afternoon. Our plan is to make it to the farmers market here in the morning and then make a dash toward home, and see how far we get. I apologize that we didn’t take more pictures, but it was just a travel day mostly on highways.
