North America
East, South, West, North – 18,068km through Canada and USA (Week 3)
Day 15 – 18/09/2010 – To the sea to the sea! I have been having some serious withdrawals since we last saw the ocean as we flew over it on our way to Canada from New Zealand over 10 months ago. I have never lived so far from the ocean considering that you can only get a maximum of 150 km from the ocean anywhere in New Zealand. It was great being back near it again. However, to get there we first had to spend the day driving across the width of New Brunswick to Nova Scotia. We left Riviere-du-Loup Walmart (they are all the same even if they are in a cool little town) and unfortunately that was it. We did come across a pretty cool sign as we entered Nova Scotia though and had to take a picture just for my lighthouse fanatic Mum.
Day 16 – 19/09/2010 – Another town, another Walmart sleepover. Adela is starting to get pretty sick of not having showers every day. Had our brekky at Port Hood Beach and took some great coastal photos along the way after Inverness to Joe’s Scarecrow Theatre. What the hell. This guy has basically dressed up over 100 scarecrows in various outfits and poses. Extremely creepy if you drove past at night time but quite funny to break up the drive during the day.
MOOSE. And not just one but two! A male, who had a massive rack of antlers and a smaller, but still humongous female. They were about 20m away off the small path we were on. The male was too busy trying to get the females attention to be bothered by us while the female just wanted to be left alone and have lunch. Kind of typical behaviour I think…
I could have spent hours watching them but Adela was getting a tad nervous that the male would lose interest and pick on us so we ploughed on. As we drove along the Cabot Trail a massive black bear ran across the road about 100 metres in front of us. Luckily we didn’t clip it. Found a camp ground at South Harbour and biked down to a deserted beach a couple of KM’s away with heaps of broken lobster pots and plenty of mosquito’s to keep us busy. Spotted an eagle this time so pretty stoked about finishing the day with such an abundance of wildlife.DAY 17 – 20/09/2010 – A super stormy day today with strong winds and some rain. Was cool driving along the coastline though up to Bay St Lawrence, a cute fishing town with heavy seas. We had planned on camping up at the northern most point at Meat Cove camp ground and were glad that we had decided not to once we got there. The sites were overlooking the ocean right above the cliffs and the wind was howling in. Pretty sure we would’ve been blown away overnight.
The local bridge had just been semi-repaired after previous storms had knocked it out a week ago. A bit hair raising as we drove across but it held. Since it was the first day of the Moose hunting season and we were located on the edge of the national park we also decided not to go for a walk up into the bush as planned. The hunters were hooning around on their quad bikes up into the forest. Spotted a lighthouse in Neil’s harbour so had to get the obligatory photos for Mum again. I must say I am starting to become a fan myself and could imagine walking up the creaking stairs to light the lamp each night to guide the ships in to the harbour safely. Pity its all automated now!
Found a short walk at Ingonish Peninsular and trekked out for an hour on there. We were playing the fun silence game (see week 2) again for this part but cheered up when we spotted the seals playing in the stormy surf at the end of the peninsular.
Onwards to Louisbourg, which used to be one of the main ports in North America and home of the first lighthouse in Canada. Bonus! The National Louisbourg Fortress is also located on the point which we decided to head to tomorrow with our Parks Canada passes we had given to us by Adela’s parents back in Jasper. That evening we were invited by the locals to a local fiddler… Not quite sure what to expect we headed to the town hall and were pleasantly surprised and was luckily not at all what we had in mind. We forgot her name but the woman was the stand-out as she rocked all the oldies, and us, playing traditional Celtic music. Two other guys were on the guitar and piano as well and they had little backup tap dancers and the works. Was pretty cool experience and one of the highlights of the entire trip. And to make it even better they had cookies and a tea break at half-time. Although I couldn’t participate in that as I was breaking into our car to get the locked keys out of it with a coat hanger in the pouring rain. Managed to get them out and catch the second half of the show. All in all a great evening.
KM travelled = 271 km.
Spending = $12 (food), $26 (camping), $33 (fiddling show) = $71 total.
Day 18 – 21/09/2010 – We were woken early in the morning with severe gusts of 80 km/hr and were thankful we weren’t in a tent. Headed out to the 1700’s styled Louisbourg Fortress and National Historic Site which is the largest rebuilt fortress in North America. So far they have only built 1/5th of it as well. What is awesome about the site is that all the employees are dressed in period costumes and act the part of their ancestors. You can imagine how hard it would have been in those days and Adela especially liked learning about the soldiers lives, especially the hierarchy systems they had in place between Officers and general footmen. They can’t have been all that crash-hot though at being soldiers as they lost the fortress twice to the British invaders who gave it back to the French after the first time.
They had freshly baked bread for $2 a loaf so we mowed into that for lunch along with a big bowl of chilli in one of the local themed taverns as it was still howling outside. We couldn’t afford the ritzy tavern where the Officer’s were hanging out.
Huge surf was coming in through the harbour entrance by this stage so we had to drive to the site of the first lighthouse to check it out. Spectacular surf and spray coming up over the rocks and it made me really miss being back at the Mount surfing in New Zealand. Would loved to spend more time in the old fishing village but as per usual we felt pressed for time and had so much more to see along the East Coast of Nova Scotia.
KM travelled = 293 km.
Spending = $13 (lunch), $67 (petrol), $21 (supplies) = $101 total.
Day 19 – 22/09/2010 – We had been planning on going for a surf or a sea kayak along the East Coast but it was still way too windy. However it was not too cold to stop at Taylor Head Provincial Park and have my first ever swim in the North Atlantic Ocean. Holy testicles it was freezing! Excuse the language but it really was. Jumped on the bikes to warm up but most of the trails were poorly maintained so unfortunately we didn’t get too far.
Checked out the surf conditions at Lawrencetown beach which is widely known as one of the best surfing spots in North America. Even though it was freezing and super windy I again wished I had my surfboard with me. Its another regret, just like in Montreal, that I missed out on.
We camped at Glen Margaret just along from the most photographed lighthouse in the world at Peggy’s Cove. Not sure how we had come to be following the lighthouse trail but we managed to see an absolutely stunning sunset at Peggy’s Cove all topped off with scrumptious clam chowder for dinner. No surprises that my favourite of the day was swimming in the ocean while Adela’s was dinner.
KM Travelled = 544 km.
Spending = $23 (petrol), $20 (camp ground), ($30 dinner) = $73 total.
Day 20 – 23/09/2010 – We started the morning back down at Peggy’s Cove (not actually sure how it got its name) as it was a beautiful blue sky morning and we wanted to get some more pictures of the lighthouse and fishing village. Very quaint.
Halifax was only a short drive down the coast and we felt like we needed to see some civilisation and Adela was hanging out for a Latte. I stumbled across a secondhand book store and picked up a few more to read. The only pain with the car was that we had to park under street lights most nights if we wanted read as it was dark by 8pm and we only had a small wind-up torch that would last 2 minutes before dimming slowly and needing rewinding again. A bit of pain when you are in the middle of an epic book or a juicy tale. We jumped on the trusty bikes down to the historic district and on to St Marys Cathedral Basilica. Still not as good as the Basilica in Montreal and I don’t think we will see a better one until we are travelling in Europe.
Visited Pier 21 which is where all the immigrants first arrived in Canada. Although most of the waterfronts in North America are way nicer than any in New Zealand, including Wellington waterfront which I love to bits, all the water is pretty scummy so it detracts from the niceness. Definitely a shame. Last stop in Halifax was the maritime museum with a really moving exhibit on the Titanic as Halifax was one of the closest ports to the Titanic at the time the distress call was made so a lot of history involved there. Also some amazing wooden boats and a bit on the Halifax bomb disaster. We sure love to learn.
KM Travelled 178 km.
Spending = $68 (petrol), $9 (parking and showers), $8 (books), $18 (museum) = $103 total.
Day 21 – 24/09/2010 – One of the amazing features, and I really do mean amazing, are the tides in the Bay of Fundy between Nova Scotia and Newbrunswick. The tides reach insane levels of variation with an extreme range of 16.3m! The boats will often be left high and dry on the shoreline when the tide goes out and as you can see, the docks are on massive stilts.
So we spent most of the day in Truro as we waited to watch the tidal bore come roaring up the channel. It basically results from the Bay of Fundy narrowing and the tides just being pushed higher and higher. When its big enough you can actually surf it and I had been looking forward to seeing this the whole trip across Canada. Unfortunately it was only 30 cm high this time but so powerful and you wouldn’t be able to standup against it.
Drove on to Cape Chignecto but again couldn’t again kayak due to the poor and misty weather so settled on another lighthouse journey at Cape D’Or. Spotted a small black bear up on the rocks but decided not to get any closer after living near them in Jasper all year. Tonight ended up being our last night in Canada until we returned to Vancouver in a few weeks’ time on the opposite side of the country. We are really looking forward to getting into America and checking out New York for 5 days.
KM Travelled = 197 km.
Spending = $33 (food), $30 (camp ground) = $63 total.
Week 3 KM Travelled = 2,679 km total.
Week 3 Spending = $628.00 total.
North America
The Best Way to Stay in LoDo Denver
City Guides
The Best Dog-Friendly Attractions in Portland, Oregon
With a green focus and an animal-loving attitude, a superb collection of pet-friendly hotels, and many fantastic pooch-welcoming bars and restaurants, Portland is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the USA. Check out our top dog-friendly attractions…
1 Sellwood Riverfront Park
With a 1.5-acre off-leash area that extends to the river, this is a great place to bring your dog, especially if yours loves to run and play with other dogs. You’ll need to put your dog back on the leash to use the connecting paths that take you through the forest, parks, and neighborhood areas, but there are plenty of places to enjoy sniffing around. Make sure you bring your poop bags and drinking water for your dog. The park provides picnic tables where you can rest after your walk.
Funny Jack Russell Terrier Dog Walks Down Street On A Leash. Dog Looks Directly Into Camera—wide Angel Lens Shot.
2 Wildwood Trail, Forest Park
This wilderness area is situated at NW Germantown Road for serious hikers and canines of a high fitness level. Its 30-mile hike takes a couple of days to get around comfortably. It would help if you considered getting a map of Forest Park to find the best way to get around the trails, as some are more challenging than others. You’ll need to keep your dog on a leash the whole time, and you’ll have to bring your water and poop bags as these are not provided.
3 Portland Saturday Market
If you and your pup are the socializing kinds, then the open-air arts and crafts Saturday Market and Farmers Market at 2 SW Naito Parkway is the place to be. You’ll have to keep your dog on the leash while browsing for delicious baked goods, meats, and cheeses, but dogs are made welcome with plenty of drinking water stations and lots of shady spots when the weather gets too hot.
4 Portland International Raceway Dog Park
If you’re looking for somewhere you can let your canine stretch their legs, the fenced-off dog park has the best place to go. This is a very well maintained area where the grass is kept short and neat, and garbage is constantly cleared away, so take poop bags with you. Portland International Raceway is the home of drag racing, auto racing, motorcycle racing, and motocross, as well as Cruise-in specials, and all of these are held at various times throughout the year, so why not make a weekend of it and enjoy plenty of thrills, excitement, music, and great food and drink. Remember, though, that your pet must be adequately supervised, on a leash at all times, and must be cleaned up after. Some events do not allow pets, so check before you book.
group of dogs in the park walking with a professional dog walker
5 Plum Hill Vineyards
How about this for something a little different? Plum Hill Vineyards, situated between Forest Grove and Gaston, this family-owned concern brews its wines, and not for nothing do they say it’s ‘your dog’s favorite winery’! It has to be one of the very few places where you can enjoy the company of your canine friend and, at the same time sample, some of the delicious wines the Plum Hill Vineyard has to offer. This place is genuinely dog-friendly as well-behaved dogs (and their humans) are allowed into the tasting room and onto the outside patio area. A large fenced dog run right next to the Vineyard where you and your dog can play. Poop bags, water, and treats are thoughtfully provided for you.
6 International Rose Test Garden
If you love to walk around well-tended gardens full to the brim with the sweet aroma of more than 10,000 beautiful roses, other plants, and attractions, then this is well worth a visit. The International Rose Test Garden, the oldest public garden in the US, is pet-friendly and extremely easy to get around on paved paths. You can take one of the free public tours or stroll around at your own pace to enjoy the fountain, statue, and gardens. Why not bring a picnic lunch and sit a while to enjoy the superb view, provided it is a clear day, over the city and Mt Hood in the distance. The garden is open all year round, but you should visit in June to see the roses at their best. There is free admission and a gift shop on-site as well.
Four funny, cute dogs ex abandoned homeless, adopted by good people and having fun on the pillows in the pet shop enjoying a new life selective focus
7 Sandy River Delta, Thousand Acres Park
Although known to locals as simply Thousand Acres, and located just off I-84, 20 minutes from downtown Portland, this is 1,400 acres of doggy paradise. Consisting of open fields, wetlands, hiking trails, two rivers (the Sandy River and Columbia River), and numerous blackberry bushes, you and your pup can enjoy as much off-leash fun as possible. If your dog loves to swim, run, or just take a stroll at your side, you should come here to appreciate all that the Thousand Acres has to offer. It isn’t solely for dog walkers either – the Park is popular with birders, waterfowl hunters, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. There is one part of the park that you won’t be allowed into; however, as one-third of it is an off-limits wildlife habitat, so be aware of this. The park is open all year round from dawn until dusk, and there is car parking on site. The US Forest Service is responsible for the upkeep and development of the Park and for maintaining the off-leash regulations for doggy visitors. These state that dogs should be kept on a leash in the parking lot and within 100 feet of the Confluence Trail.
8 Hotel Monaco
Canine and human visitors to Portland will need a dog-friendly place to stay, and the Hotel Monaco is one of the best. The hotel welcomes all dogs, whether large or small, pure-breed or mutt. On arrival, you and your pup are greeted by the hotel’s canine, a Golden Retriever, to make you all feel at home. You can order a dog bed, food and water bowls, and mats if you don’t want to take your own. The hotel’s nightly wine reception welcomes guests and their pups, and you’ll be glad to know there are many dog-friendly restaurants nearby.
North America
5 Great Reasons To Visit Miss Liberty
Visiting the Statue of Liberty is easily one of the most popular activities among the 60 million travelers who make their way to New York City annually. 4.5 million tourists per year make their way through Upper New York Harbor to this iconic, towering statue that stands on Liberty Island. That’s more than most other tourist stops in NYC and the USA.
But why is seeing the Statue of Liberty up close and personal so popular?
Five reasons to visit the Statue of Liberty?
1. The Ferry Ride
When you go on the Liberty Cruise to Liberty Island, you will find that the incredible views you catch of the NYC skyline and the gentle breeze off the bay on the way over are an experience in their own right. Just hop on the ferry for free at Battery Park at the tail end of Manhattan, and you’ll be over to Miss Liberty in a matter of minutes: but they are genuinely scenic minutes that you’ll remember for years to come.
2. It’s a Great Deal
Yes, you heard that right. You can take a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty 100%. And you can often set up your tickets while you buy NYC bus tour tickets online. The bus can drop you off at Battery Park, and the boat can take it from there. You will have to pay a small fee to get inside the statue and a little more, plus a months-ahead reservation to get a view from the crown. That can all be done with foresight and a modest expense, but just going to see the statue is free (and the rest is a great deal.)
3. A History Lesson
Learning about the Statue of Liberty’s history is worthwhile for history buffs and everyone else with an ounce of curiosity about the history and the significance of a 151-foot tall piece of copper standing on an equally tall pedestal. On Liberty Island, you can go on an audio or personally guided tour of all things related to the origin and history of this iconic symbol of New York City and American Liberty.
4. The Rest of the Island
Besides the statue herself, Liberty Island also offers a sculpture garden, the Statue of Liberty Museum Store, the Crown Cafe (not located in the crown), and an impressive view of old glory at Flagpole Plaza. The photo-ops abound, and there is enough to keep you occupied for hours on this island of freedom.
5. The Island Next Door
It’s easy to get over from Liberty Island to Ellis Island, which is very close by. You ride there directly and on the same ferry, still for free. The immigration museum on Ellis Island tells how many decades of immigrants flooded into the US through the Ellis Island immigration station. Sometimes that history is a cause for pride. Other times there was discrimination, but anyone interested in how we became this “melting pot” should take the time to visit Ellis, along with Miss Liberty.
We have been wearing out our jandals (Kiwi for flip-flops) on our travel adventures around the world since 2009. We think our blog is thought provoking and a little witty. But we have been proven wrong before. Find out more about us here...
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