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Spending time with Tanya at Le Baluchon Eco Village was yet another cup-filling, soul-softening time on this cross-Canada motorcycle adventure. Sure I had taken time to stop and smell the flowers here and there, but it has been mostly eat-sleep-ride-repeat. I mean don’t get me wrong, I live for that, but after 5 weeks, stopping to engage in a little bit of self-care was a welcome rest. Tanya booked us in for… Read More
It’s funny how food, a good sleep, and leaving before rush hour hits can change one’s perspective. I had no problem at all navigating my way OUT of Bangor! It was a wonderful day spent zig-zagging my way from the south east of Bangor to the north west of Maine before crossing into Quebec. I wish I could share the route Petunia (my phone) laid out for me, but she had me… Read More
I crossed the border into Maine without too much hassle. I didn’t have any nerves like I did heading into North Dakota, so I managed to keep my poop in a group and rode off without having forgotten anything. Back in Nova Scotia when I lunched with fellow riders, they recommended I ride highway 9 into Bangor. It was a nice little ride, but not as twisty as I expected. After Peru,… Read More
I set Petunia up first for Magnetic Hill, then Hopewell Rocks, and then St. Stephen as I prepared to leave the Motel 6 in Moncton. My plan was to hit up some touristy spots and then head kitty-corner through Maine to re-enter Canada close to Montreal. Just as I was about to mount, another motel guest came over to chat. I am all for having bike-side chats. In fact I love them!… Read More
When I got to Moncton, I pulled off at a gas station to fuel up and figure out where to sleep for the night. You know I like the low roof, side of the highway style motels. I remember watching “One Week” years ago and the main character’s visit with another traveler outside their rooms*. Those have been some of my favourite experiences on this trip; chats with fellow travelers outside our… Read More
Finally the morning arrived when it was time to hit the road again and head home from Mom’s in Yarmouth area. The Wharf Rat Rally was pretty much my last “to do”, and it was now September! Initially I’d planned to take the Cat from Yarmouth to Bar Harbour Maine. Then I learned it was a whopping $245 USD for a one way voyage. Gulp. Nope. That’s crazy talk! I wasn’t interested… Read More
The morning I set out for the Digby Wharf Rat Rally was entirely unique on this adventure. This day was the first time I’d set out for a day ride. I wore only a t-shirt under my jacket, and Jules just wore her luggage. I left my dry bag at home, of course, because it held everything I used day-to-day. We set out along the Evangeline Trail about 8:00 am. Although I’d… Read More
I hopped on my bike and set off towards Halifax from the Aberdeen before 8:00 am. I made great time and soaked up the sun and crisp morning air for several hours before I hauled off to fuel the tanks; mine and Jules’. The Smitty’s parking lot in this town (don’t recall where I was) was a gong show. Sigh. Where to park so I’m not in the way? I saw a… Read More
When I went to bed at the Aberdeen Motel, I figured I’d book it to Pembroke the next day. The weather radar showed nothing but rain and I was about done with getting wet. When I woke up, however, it was such a gorgeous day that I decided to take the scenic south shore instead. It meant a longer day on the bike, but the Cabot Trail was a relatively short day…. Read More
After saying goodbye to Mom and Peter at the Cove Motel, I headed out to ride the Cabot Trail. It had been years since I’d last done the trail, and I was excited for the ride. It turns out Erin didn’t have my number that day; she’d blown out to sea. I really could not have asked for a better day. There was no wind and the traffic was light. I’d heard… Read More
The Happy Canuck 