Thursday June 03 2004

I am up early, eat breakfast and on the road early as usual.

It is a cold, all day rain today, about 7 degrees celcius.
I am surprised at the extent of wilderness in New Brunswick, both sides of the road is thick forest that goes on forever, very beautiful landscapes.

Up ahead on the highway 2 moose dart across in front of me, I can see why they can surprise you with their speed, it seemed like only 2 seconds and they were across the road, not much time for you to react if they are in your path.
I slow down and crawl to a stop to try for a photo.
A mother and her young one, which is almost as big as the mother, they are huge animals.
They don't pose for long, the rumble of the motor scares them into the bush before I get stopped.

I have been told about the Acadian Historic Village and i pull into take the tour through.
It has been highly recommended to me and look forward to get out of the rain also.
But, it is not my day.
They do not actually open until Sunday for the tourist season.
Oh well, back on the road and into the rain, not much of a respite from the weather.

I continue along highway # 11, around the coast and stop late afternoon and treat myself to a warm, dry room in a B&B called Maison Touristique Gugas in Caraquet, N.B.

It happens to be the oldest B&B in Canada, the owner tells me all about the history of the area, the B&B, his family and the Acadians, very interesting and very unique house kept in its original condition throughout, enjoyable stay and highly recommend it.

Friday June 04 2004

Another wet day to drive in.
I am used to it now, I am very glad to have my CD/AM/FM player to help make the rain a little less noticeable.

I drive through Kouchibouguac Nat'l Park, stop for fish 'n chips in Shediac and decide to head for the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island, maybe I can find some sun on PEI.
Famous last words!

I drive to Charlottetown with intentions to stay at the Youth Hostel.
When I finally get the directions and arrive the sign on the front door says it has been closed for sometime.

My Lonely Planet travel guide for Canada is about 2 years old and it has closed since the latest print.

Now I am resigned to try for B&B's and it will be getting dark soon, still raining on & off and I am tired and hungry.

All the B&B's are filled up, no vacancies. They all refer me to others and eventually find one with one empty bed.

There is sun in the forecast for tomorrow!
Famous last words!