Just got chided by my big sis for not writing in a while. Guess it has been almost a week. Since Hunter left, our days aren't near as much fun!
Left New York behind us and headed north to Brattleboro, Vermont. New owners there, so we got to stay still for 3 nights.
The shoulder is still hurting; having trouble sleeping in the bed - just can't get comfortable - so it's back to the recliner for now. Tried taking some of my 'hard' pain medicine left over from my knee replacement, but its just too hard to take that and try to work. So I'm back to the gentler stuff, but it doesn't kill the pain as well. Have found that one thing that really hurts is clicking the computer mouse. Just goes to prove that muscle runs from your finger all the way up your arm!
On to Littleton, New Hampshire to do their review. A short overnight stay and then it's south to Boston. Took Roger over an hour to get his satellite 'zoned' in, but that guy won't give up! A cold sandwich for supper tonite - for we still have to do the walk-about on this park. Have to have the review ready by 4:00 p.m. tomorrow, for we head back north to Freeport, Maine first thing Sunday.
Had some very bad news from one of our parks this morning. Up at 5:15 and checked my e-mail to find that the Niagara Falls North KOA had a fire overnight and their main building was burned to the ground. No idea what caused it yet. A pretty park - and the folks had done so much work on the building. Know it is devastating, but thankfully no one was in the building at the time the fire started (3:00 a.m.). We won't be back in that area for a couple of weeks, but have been in touch by e-mail and phone today. Thankfully they still have power to their campsites, a second bathhouse, kabins and the swimming pool. Hopefully they can salvage the rest of the camping season.
Well, it's off to work - 5:30 p.m. - when most folks are just quitting for the day. That's our life!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
Priceless!
Arrived at the Newburgh/NYC North KOA to find ourselves in a very busy weekend. Got in our 'overflow' site and figured Hunter would be ready to explore. But, no, her only focus was to get her suitcase packed and ready for her flight home on Saturday. That suited me, for I was needing some 'down' time.
Saturday morning and the process was still going on, for she kept finding things she had 'forgotten'. We pulled out another suitcase for it became obvious all her treasures weren't going to fit in the one she brought. I'm sure the baggage inspectors had to smile when they found the inflatable alligator float, a bag of rocks, pieces of driftwood, etc. when they checked hers.
Headed to Newark, NJ just before 11:00 and got there in plenty of time, without too many wrong turns. Lots of traffic though!
When the flight attendant called her name, she was up and half way to the plane before we could call out to her to 'be good, give bubba a hug, etc.' She was so excited she was hopping!
Called Russ to let him know she was on her way and we made out way 'home'. The trailer seemed 'empty' without her bubbling presence, but know it's the way its supposed to be. We've got our 'plate full' for the next 2 months, and know the time will pass quickly.
Saturday morning and the process was still going on, for she kept finding things she had 'forgotten'. We pulled out another suitcase for it became obvious all her treasures weren't going to fit in the one she brought. I'm sure the baggage inspectors had to smile when they found the inflatable alligator float, a bag of rocks, pieces of driftwood, etc. when they checked hers.
Headed to Newark, NJ just before 11:00 and got there in plenty of time, without too many wrong turns. Lots of traffic though!
When the flight attendant called her name, she was up and half way to the plane before we could call out to her to 'be good, give bubba a hug, etc.' She was so excited she was hopping!
Called Russ to let him know she was on her way and we made out way 'home'. The trailer seemed 'empty' without her bubbling presence, but know it's the way its supposed to be. We've got our 'plate full' for the next 2 months, and know the time will pass quickly.
This whole adventure brought to mind a popular TV commercial:
Bicycle - $40
Air Mattress & Pump - $40
Extra Food - $100 +
Various quarters for game machines - $20 +
Tickets for the Newfoundland Ferry - $35
Whale & Iceberg Boat Ride, complete with T-shirt - $140
Newfie Hoodie - $20
Two new outfits - $45
Various Postcards - $5
Day at Niagara Falls - $75
FIVE WEEKS WITH OUR GRANDDAUGHTER - PRICELESS!
Bicycle - $40
Air Mattress & Pump - $40
Extra Food - $100 +
Various quarters for game machines - $20 +
Tickets for the Newfoundland Ferry - $35
Whale & Iceberg Boat Ride, complete with T-shirt - $140
Newfie Hoodie - $20
Two new outfits - $45
Various Postcards - $5
Day at Niagara Falls - $75
FIVE WEEKS WITH OUR GRANDDAUGHTER - PRICELESS!
Saturday, July 21, 2007
A Slight Change in Plans
Thursday found us up and moving, although not as quickly as Roger would have liked. We were all a bit slow after our long day at the Falls.
Pulled out of Canandaigua, NY about 9:30 a.m. heading east. Hunter is counting the days till Saturday; she is very anxious to be home. Five weeks is a long time - even when you are having fun.
Drove through rain on and off (more on than off) but decided to go ahead and make a stop at the Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA right about lunch time. Needed to do a follow up visit here, and figured we could stop for a bite of lunch afterwards to break up the 5 hour drive to Newburgh, NY.
A large park, rather spread out, so Roger went one direction and Hunter and I went the other. Our goal was to check to make sure the 30-day items we left with them a month ago had been corrected and basically just touch base with them. As we started out, I hit a muddy spot and found it slippery; I caught myself and cautioned Hunter to be careful. We then chatted how the one thing Grandma didn't need to do was fall in the mud! Checked the kabins first and was pleased to find everything accomplished, so we headed to the satellite bathhouse. One moment I was walking up a slight incline and the next minute I'm face first in the mud! Of course I was carrying an umbrella and so I fell with my right arm outstretched - and knew immediately I had done something very bad to my right shoulder. Tried to get up, but couldn't put any weight on my shoulder and the mud was so slick I couldn't get my feet under me.
I remember Hunter saying, "Oh, Grandma!" There wasn't anything she could do, so I sent her running to find Grandpa, while I sat in the mud and rain. Hadn't even thought to ask Hunter to hand me my umbrella! Not long, here came two work kampers who wanted to try to help me up, but I insisted that I just sit there until Roger got there. One of the men did hand me my umbrella - and the other decided to go get the truck and try to find Roger.
When Roger got there, he moved a picnic table over to me (and almost fell himself) - and we finally got me on my feet. There I stood, covered with mud, soaked to the skin - just as the owner, followed by an EMT unit arrived. Seems they were in the middle of their "Rock & Gem Camp" and are required to have an EMT unit on the grounds. He checked me over and told me that I needed to go to the Urgent Care Center and have my arm x-rayed. I was in so much pain, I was not arguing, but I also wasn't going anywhere covered in mud. Holding on to Roger, I walked myself back to the trailer, where he helped me get into some clean - and dry - clothes.
Meanwhile, Rene had whisked Hunter off to Gem & Rock Camp so she wouldn't have to spend her day in waiting rooms. I got to the Urgent Care Center in Herkimer where they x-rayed my arm - and provided plenty of Kleenex - to dry my tears, which were a mixture of pain and pure frustration at having 'screwed' up!
The PA there indicated that my shoulder was separated, but thankfully nothing broken. However, they didn't have anyone on staff that was qualified to put it back in place, so we drove the 20+ miles to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica. They had alerted the ER staff that I was coming and whisked me right in. Even with all the efficiency, it was still over 4 hours from the time it happened until they got the IV in and was able to give me some real pain relief.
Par for the course, the first tries to pop it back didn't work, so more sedation and some injections right into the shoulder joint, and much pulling later, mission accomplished! The doctor wrapped a sheet around me and had Roger and the nurse on one side of the bed pulling the sheet one way, while he was pulling my arm the other. But I was floating so high I was hardly aware of anything - thankfully.
Don't remember much after that - but about 7:00 they got me up and into a wheel chair and rolled me out to the yellow truck. When we got back to the park, Roger checked on Hunter to find her completely immersed in 'camp' with her new friends. He was going to stick something in the oven for supper, but was told that our supper would be arriving shortly.
Well fed and still feeling no pain, I settled into my recliner and promptly went to sleep. Hunter flew in sometime later and grabbed blankets and her pillow and went off to join her friends for the 'overnight' in a kabin.
Rene insisted that we hang around the next day until after the 'ending ceremonies' for the camp. It was very nice and wasn't complete without a parting picture of Hunter and her new friends. As is normal, wasn't much sleep during the 'sleep over' and Hunter was sound asleep in the back seat of the truck almost before we got on the thruway.
Just south of Albany we stopped for gas and Roger went in and got us some 'lunch' . The smell of food woke Hunter and she wolfed down her Quarter Pounder - and went promptly back to sleep.
Pulled out of Canandaigua, NY about 9:30 a.m. heading east. Hunter is counting the days till Saturday; she is very anxious to be home. Five weeks is a long time - even when you are having fun.
Drove through rain on and off (more on than off) but decided to go ahead and make a stop at the Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA right about lunch time. Needed to do a follow up visit here, and figured we could stop for a bite of lunch afterwards to break up the 5 hour drive to Newburgh, NY.
A large park, rather spread out, so Roger went one direction and Hunter and I went the other. Our goal was to check to make sure the 30-day items we left with them a month ago had been corrected and basically just touch base with them. As we started out, I hit a muddy spot and found it slippery; I caught myself and cautioned Hunter to be careful. We then chatted how the one thing Grandma didn't need to do was fall in the mud! Checked the kabins first and was pleased to find everything accomplished, so we headed to the satellite bathhouse. One moment I was walking up a slight incline and the next minute I'm face first in the mud! Of course I was carrying an umbrella and so I fell with my right arm outstretched - and knew immediately I had done something very bad to my right shoulder. Tried to get up, but couldn't put any weight on my shoulder and the mud was so slick I couldn't get my feet under me.
I remember Hunter saying, "Oh, Grandma!" There wasn't anything she could do, so I sent her running to find Grandpa, while I sat in the mud and rain. Hadn't even thought to ask Hunter to hand me my umbrella! Not long, here came two work kampers who wanted to try to help me up, but I insisted that I just sit there until Roger got there. One of the men did hand me my umbrella - and the other decided to go get the truck and try to find Roger.
When Roger got there, he moved a picnic table over to me (and almost fell himself) - and we finally got me on my feet. There I stood, covered with mud, soaked to the skin - just as the owner, followed by an EMT unit arrived. Seems they were in the middle of their "Rock & Gem Camp" and are required to have an EMT unit on the grounds. He checked me over and told me that I needed to go to the Urgent Care Center and have my arm x-rayed. I was in so much pain, I was not arguing, but I also wasn't going anywhere covered in mud. Holding on to Roger, I walked myself back to the trailer, where he helped me get into some clean - and dry - clothes.
Meanwhile, Rene had whisked Hunter off to Gem & Rock Camp so she wouldn't have to spend her day in waiting rooms. I got to the Urgent Care Center in Herkimer where they x-rayed my arm - and provided plenty of Kleenex - to dry my tears, which were a mixture of pain and pure frustration at having 'screwed' up!
The PA there indicated that my shoulder was separated, but thankfully nothing broken. However, they didn't have anyone on staff that was qualified to put it back in place, so we drove the 20+ miles to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Utica. They had alerted the ER staff that I was coming and whisked me right in. Even with all the efficiency, it was still over 4 hours from the time it happened until they got the IV in and was able to give me some real pain relief.
Par for the course, the first tries to pop it back didn't work, so more sedation and some injections right into the shoulder joint, and much pulling later, mission accomplished! The doctor wrapped a sheet around me and had Roger and the nurse on one side of the bed pulling the sheet one way, while he was pulling my arm the other. But I was floating so high I was hardly aware of anything - thankfully.
Don't remember much after that - but about 7:00 they got me up and into a wheel chair and rolled me out to the yellow truck. When we got back to the park, Roger checked on Hunter to find her completely immersed in 'camp' with her new friends. He was going to stick something in the oven for supper, but was told that our supper would be arriving shortly.
Well fed and still feeling no pain, I settled into my recliner and promptly went to sleep. Hunter flew in sometime later and grabbed blankets and her pillow and went off to join her friends for the 'overnight' in a kabin.
Rene insisted that we hang around the next day until after the 'ending ceremonies' for the camp. It was very nice and wasn't complete without a parting picture of Hunter and her new friends. As is normal, wasn't much sleep during the 'sleep over' and Hunter was sound asleep in the back seat of the truck almost before we got on the thruway.
Just south of Albany we stopped for gas and Roger went in and got us some 'lunch' . The smell of food woke Hunter and she wolfed down her Quarter Pounder - and went promptly back to sleep.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Kissed by the Mist!
What a day!
Although Hunter's 10th birthday has been anything but ordinary, she still bemoaned the fact that she didn't get the 'traditional' cake & candles. Time & circumstances just didn't make it possible while we were in Quebec on her actual day. But who's to say it has to be on a 'certain' day!
So yesterday morning she awoke to find, not only cake & candles, but a new outfit as well. We even serenaded her with song! (She got the English version this time). What day could go bad when you start it with cake & ice cream?
Then it was off 100 miles to the west to Niagara Falls North KOA to do a follow-up visit. She & I watched the first half of King Kong on the way over to help pass the time. She hit the pool for a bit while we made our visit - and then it was off for our day at Niagara Falls.
Once there, we stopped to fortify ourselves with a picnic lunch before beginning the adventure.
The seagulls were our lunch companions and I think Hunter gave half her lunch away. Before she was through they had dined on bread from her sandwich, several handfuls of chips and even some powdered donuts for dessert.
We started first at the Cave of the Winds (at the base of Bridal Veil Falls). Hunter complained loud and long about having to wear the 'funky' sandals (they didn't go with her new outfit!) She had no choice in the matter though, and it became clear as to why they require them! Roger & Hunter made it clear to the top at Hurricane Deck (I took the bypass) and both came down good and wet.
Next stop was the overlook at Horseshoe Falls - you could almost touch the water! It's as close as you can get to the Falls without being in them!
Next trolley stop was Three Sisters Islands, with bridges that actually go over the Canadian rapids. Hunter & Grandpa actually stuck their feet in the water. Always the 'star' of the show, Hunter was hamming it up as usual.
Hunter in the tree is what happens when I leave Hunter & Grandpa without supervision! 
But the highlight of her day was the Maid of the Mist boat ride, complete with not one, but two rainbows! The sheer majesty of Horseshoe Falls - from the bottom looking up - is indescribable! This is the second time we have experienced it and it's still awesome! We were all thoroughly soaked, of course, and Hunter wanted to go again!
Then it was out to the Observation Deck for more magnificent views. By that time it was 6:15 (where did the day go?) , but not willing to pay 'tourist trap' prices, Hunter dined on a bowl of ice cream, while Roger & I made due splitting a Diet Coke. Our day ended in the Adventure Theatre for the 7:00 p.m. showing before hopping the trolley back to our yellow truck.
Hunter had the second half of King Kong going before we ever got out of the parking lot- and kept telling me to 'stay awake'. But it wasn't me that didn't make it till the end of the movie. I glanced back to find her sound asleep sitting straight up!
Pulled in to 'home' about 10:30 and she woke up long enough to down a bowl of cereal before crashing for good.
Although Hunter's 10th birthday has been anything but ordinary, she still bemoaned the fact that she didn't get the 'traditional' cake & candles. Time & circumstances just didn't make it possible while we were in Quebec on her actual day. But who's to say it has to be on a 'certain' day!
So yesterday morning she awoke to find, not only cake & candles, but a new outfit as well. We even serenaded her with song! (She got the English version this time). What day could go bad when you start it with cake & ice cream?
Then it was off 100 miles to the west to Niagara Falls North KOA to do a follow-up visit. She & I watched the first half of King Kong on the way over to help pass the time. She hit the pool for a bit while we made our visit - and then it was off for our day at Niagara Falls.
Once there, we stopped to fortify ourselves with a picnic lunch before beginning the adventure.
The seagulls were our lunch companions and I think Hunter gave half her lunch away. Before she was through they had dined on bread from her sandwich, several handfuls of chips and even some powdered donuts for dessert.
We started first at the Cave of the Winds (at the base of Bridal Veil Falls). Hunter complained loud and long about having to wear the 'funky' sandals (they didn't go with her new outfit!) She had no choice in the matter though, and it became clear as to why they require them! Roger & Hunter made it clear to the top at Hurricane Deck (I took the bypass) and both came down good and wet.
Next stop was the overlook at Horseshoe Falls - you could almost touch the water! It's as close as you can get to the Falls without being in them!
Next trolley stop was Three Sisters Islands, with bridges that actually go over the Canadian rapids. Hunter & Grandpa actually stuck their feet in the water. Always the 'star' of the show, Hunter was hamming it up as usual.
Hunter in the tree is what happens when I leave Hunter & Grandpa without supervision! 
But the highlight of her day was the Maid of the Mist boat ride, complete with not one, but two rainbows! The sheer majesty of Horseshoe Falls - from the bottom looking up - is indescribable! This is the second time we have experienced it and it's still awesome! We were all thoroughly soaked, of course, and Hunter wanted to go again!
Then it was out to the Observation Deck for more magnificent views. By that time it was 6:15 (where did the day go?) , but not willing to pay 'tourist trap' prices, Hunter dined on a bowl of ice cream, while Roger & I made due splitting a Diet Coke. Our day ended in the Adventure Theatre for the 7:00 p.m. showing before hopping the trolley back to our yellow truck.
Hunter had the second half of King Kong going before we ever got out of the parking lot- and kept telling me to 'stay awake'. But it wasn't me that didn't make it till the end of the movie. I glanced back to find her sound asleep sitting straight up!
Pulled in to 'home' about 10:30 and she woke up long enough to down a bowl of cereal before crashing for good.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Back in the U.S.A.!
Tuesday morning found us up and around, anxious to get back on U.S. soil. It's been an eventful 3 weeks plus, but there's no place like home - even if it's not Oklahoma. Had no problem crossing back into the states; they didn't even check our trailer.
Stopped for lunch at a Cracker Barrel to help break the day. Hunter ordered up some 'homemade chicken & dumplings' but was very much disappointed with them. She announced that these were NOTHING like Grandma's - only two little pieces of chicken! Had to smile at that one. I'm afraid my chicken & dumplings is always a bit 'heavy' on the chicken and 'light' on the dumplings. All was not lost though, for she ordered a 'sundae' for dessert - which for her is 2 scoops of ice cream topped with whipped cream & a cherrie - no chocolate, no nuts! But even Grandpa and I had to help her finish that off (we didn't mind), although Grandpa had to grumble about ordering something and not eating it.
Arrived at the park about 2:00. Hunter was plumb worn out from her last two days at the Cardinal KOA - so she 'vegged out' in front of the TV while Roger and I made a much needed WalMart run. Then it was 'home' to do six loads of laundry that had been piling up, while Roger did a 30-day recheck here at this park. That took most of the evening and so we found ourselves having 'supper' at 9:00 p.m. I'm beginning to think that our days will never be 'normal' again!
Today (Wednesday, 7/19) will be our last big hurrah of Hunter's trip. Headed over to Niagara Falls, still combining business with pleasure as we stop to do a 30-day recheck at one of the parks, but most of the day will be spent at the falls.
Stopped for lunch at a Cracker Barrel to help break the day. Hunter ordered up some 'homemade chicken & dumplings' but was very much disappointed with them. She announced that these were NOTHING like Grandma's - only two little pieces of chicken! Had to smile at that one. I'm afraid my chicken & dumplings is always a bit 'heavy' on the chicken and 'light' on the dumplings. All was not lost though, for she ordered a 'sundae' for dessert - which for her is 2 scoops of ice cream topped with whipped cream & a cherrie - no chocolate, no nuts! But even Grandpa and I had to help her finish that off (we didn't mind), although Grandpa had to grumble about ordering something and not eating it.
Arrived at the park about 2:00. Hunter was plumb worn out from her last two days at the Cardinal KOA - so she 'vegged out' in front of the TV while Roger and I made a much needed WalMart run. Then it was 'home' to do six loads of laundry that had been piling up, while Roger did a 30-day recheck here at this park. That took most of the evening and so we found ourselves having 'supper' at 9:00 p.m. I'm beginning to think that our days will never be 'normal' again!
Today (Wednesday, 7/19) will be our last big hurrah of Hunter's trip. Headed over to Niagara Falls, still combining business with pleasure as we stop to do a 30-day recheck at one of the parks, but most of the day will be spent at the falls.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Bon Fete, Hunter!
Not every girl can say she celebrated her 10th birthday (just a bit early) strolling the streets of Paris!
Thursday evening, after giving Lori a walking tour of the KOA, we headed out with Charles & Muriel for dinner in Old Quebec. Time for a walk before our 7:45 dinner reservation and we (or I) quickly discovered that 'strolling the streets' involves a lot of stairs! But onward & upward. We truly stepped into a different world. What a treat to walk the cobbled streets and realize that these buildings have been here for 400 years! Of course, the stone facade is all connected and one can't see where one begins and another ends. Charles told us that if someone wants to 'renovate' a building they can do so only on the interior; the outside must remain as it was originally.
Dinner at Le Cochon Dingue (The Crazy Pig) was an experience in itself. Their specialty is mussels, harvested right out of the St. Lawrence River right there in Quebec (now that's fresh!); served up with a generous portion of French Fries. Charles & Lori chose that, and Hunter's eyes got round as saucers when they brought Lori's plate with a 'kettle' (1 lb.) of mussels! Of course, most of a mussel is the shell, but it's not the 'typical' dinner she is used to seeing. I selected another house favorite - "poutine dingue" - which turned out to be a bowl of French fries, with cheese curds & a brown sauce, topped with tender BQ pork rib meat. Delicious! Roger's choice was one of his favorites - seafood pot pie. Hunter stuck with her chicken fingers & fries, but was delighted when the waitress brought out a HUGE brownie, complete with a sparkler! The waitresses all sang Happy Birthday - in French, of course. I wish we had thought to bring the camera.
In Canada, no meal is complete without an after dinner cup of coffee or tea. Roger chose a caramel, pecan & chocolate 'pie' (and I sampled it). One bite and it took me right back home to Uncle Harvey's homemade caramels! It was an 'individual' pie shell, filled with wonderful caramel & pecans, topped with a milk chocolate 'crust'. VERY rich, but wonderful. I don't think one's brain could count the calories in that one little 'tart'! Thinking I had found a coffee I could drink, I ordered a cappachino when everyone else ordered coffee. But this cup of cappachino was hot and about 5 times stronger than my Ice Capp from Tim Horton's the other day! I got most of it down, but wow, was it strong!
Our tummies full we decided that Charles & Muriel would give us a walking tour of the rest of the city. While Muriel & Lori climbed the stairs up, the rest of us rode the L'incomparable Funiculaire de Quebec which is a type of elevator that goes right up the side of the very steep hill. It was well worth the $1.75 - or I would never had made it. A festival was going on, and the city was full of people. How enchanting to walk and take in the different street performances and artists. Side walk cafes full of people, the clip clop of horse drawn buggies, street lanterns, the St. Lawrence River as a back drop . . . we couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening. As 11:00 o'clock approached, we decided to call it a night. Everyone but Roger & I took the stairs down (we rode the Funiculaire). I had long ago passed 'tired' and my bed never felt so good!
The next morning we drove over to pick Lori up at her hotel, have breakfast, and then back to the campground to get the trailer. Headed south to Montreal. When we stopped to say our goodbyes, Muriel had a birthday present for Hunter, but told her she could not open it until Saturday. What a sweet thing to do & Hunter could hardly wait. About a 3 hour drive, driving through some horrific rain & lightening. Roger thought he was back home! But the rain had stopped by the time we arrived, and after setting up, it was time to do the walk-about. Hunter had made 'instant' friends with a brother & sister from Manitoba, so while their folks supervised them in the pool, we got busy.
As we finished up, Tom came by to invite us to go to dinner. Hunter has been so good to endure our meals out where all we do is talk business, that I hated to interrupt her fun - and I needed the time to prepare the report anyway. Later she cooked herself up a double batch of Easy Mac & Cheese, and I dined on left over spaghetti. There can be much said about a quiet 'at home' dinner. Worked until 11:00 p.m. and fell into bed, only to be back up before 5:00 to finish it. Sat down with the owners at 10:00 a.m. and finally wrapped it up about 2:30. Actually I slipped out near the end and went to get the trailer ready to roll, for we have to drive about 45 minutes to the next park and do the walk-about before we can call it a day. Hunter's friends had pulled out that morning, so it was very boring for her. She found ways to entertain herself though, as you can see!
We had thought she could have a TV day, but the mower bumped the satellite dish shortly after our meeting began and so she didn't even have the TV. She endured, but not exactly a 'great' day - for she couldn't interrupt our meeting to have Grandpa 'fix' it. Grandma compensated by giving her $5 to spend in the store and game room, which only meant that now we have a somewhat 'hyped up' little girl to contend with. Having Miss Lori to chat with while we drive helps. As we left, Miss Betsy had gifts for all of us, and Hunter's was a bag filled with Canadian candies (oh joy, more corn sugar!).
What a delightful surprise to pull in to the little park on the west side of Montreal. It's 'out in the boonies', but these new owners have really turned this place around! It was packed full for the 'country & western' weekend and so we signed up for the steak cookout. Sure glad I don't have to cook! Although the rain that had been threatening made good later on, it held off while we enjoyed our meal. Saturday was Hunter's 'real' birthday, so she was quite pleased that they were serving her favorite meal (steak) in her honor! I have never seen such huge T-bones! They were plate size, and Lori couldn't believe it when Hunter ate the whole thing! No salad or potato for her - just the meat please! After dinner the band sat up under the pavilion and the 'dancing in the streets' began! Hunter even got in on the line dancing and picked it up really quick.
With no motel within miles, Lori decided to have a 'sleep over', when Hunter volunteered to give up her air mattress to Miss Lori. With all the trees here, Roger couldn't get satellite, so Hunter & Lori walked up to the store and bought a 'used' DVD of the movie, Flight Plan. They weren't sure it wouldn't be in French, but since it had the title in both French & English, they were hopeful. Once again, Grandpa to the rescue. When they put the DVD in everyone was speaking French. But a few clicks of the remote and Grandpa found the 'language selection' screen and they were in business. So as Hunter's birthday wound down, Roger & I hit the sack and left Miss Lori and Hunter watching the movie. As tired as we all were, we were surprised to learn that they both had lasted to the very end. I'm sure Lori never envisioned that her ride-along with us this year would include a sleep-over with a 10-year-old! Thank goodness she's flexible - and good with little girls! She's mentioned how much Hunter reminds her of her own daughter, Melissa (who is now all grown up and in college).
I was up before 5:00 again to type the review. Met with the folks, and this time we did the review while walking the park. These folks are mostly French-speaking, and understand things better if we can show them, rather than just try to explain it with the spoken and written word. It went very well; we are so impressed with all the progress they have made.
Hit the road about noon, headed south again, but this time into Ontario. Another park that is in the middle of major improvements. I sent Hunter off to the jumping pillow while Roger & I set up the rig. (Lori is staying in one of their rental trailers here.) I went up with a book (for me) and a hotdog (for Hunter) - only to find that she had once again 'connected' with some new friends and was already in the pool with them and their grandmother. This lady wins the award for being the most active grandmother - as she entertained them for almost 2 hours playing chase, Marco Polo, races, etc. I got tired just watching!
Since everyone had skipped lunch today (Hunter never ate the hot dog), we headed out for Chinese with Daniel and Karen. It wasn't the Golden Palace (Hunter's favorite in Oklahoma), and Hunter didn't recognize anything on the menu, so she opted for a hamburger & fries. However, when Roger's won ton soup came, she decided to give it a try. Think Roger got - maybe - two or three bites, before finally passing it over to Hunter - who finished it off. We ended up having everyone pick one thing from the menu and so we had a smörgåsbord of Chinese. Have to admit, it was delicious. A quaint little restaurant in a tiny little town of Prescott, Ontario.
Had thought we would make a stop at the big grocery store we passed to pick up some supplies, but found it closed up tight. Here in Canada, Sundays are still 'special' with stores being open only a few hours (if any). So we made do at the convenience store while Roger got gas. All was not lost as I was able to find my Diet DP - and a loaf of bread. We'll survive now. Had been 'without' my beverage of choice for about a week, and I was getting a bit 'cranky'.
Roger & I caught about an hour of peace & quiet, while Hunter 'hung out' with Miss Lori, running fun bike races and playing giant checkers. But our day wasn't over, for about 9:00 p.m. we gathered around the campfire to share stories, some wine, roasted marshmallows - and a taste of 'cotton candy' ice cream. What a combination! A few minutes stretched into 2 hours and we finally called it a night about 11:00 last night. It's a wonder we weren't up all night with stomach aches! All of this socializing is great - but hard to keep up the pace, when one is also supposed to be working. Monday morning, another walk-about & report to do. Lori leaves us about noon today and we will head back into the good 'ol U.S. of A. bright and early tomorrow morning.
Thursday evening, after giving Lori a walking tour of the KOA, we headed out with Charles & Muriel for dinner in Old Quebec. Time for a walk before our 7:45 dinner reservation and we (or I) quickly discovered that 'strolling the streets' involves a lot of stairs! But onward & upward. We truly stepped into a different world. What a treat to walk the cobbled streets and realize that these buildings have been here for 400 years! Of course, the stone facade is all connected and one can't see where one begins and another ends. Charles told us that if someone wants to 'renovate' a building they can do so only on the interior; the outside must remain as it was originally.
Dinner at Le Cochon Dingue (The Crazy Pig) was an experience in itself. Their specialty is mussels, harvested right out of the St. Lawrence River right there in Quebec (now that's fresh!); served up with a generous portion of French Fries. Charles & Lori chose that, and Hunter's eyes got round as saucers when they brought Lori's plate with a 'kettle' (1 lb.) of mussels! Of course, most of a mussel is the shell, but it's not the 'typical' dinner she is used to seeing. I selected another house favorite - "poutine dingue" - which turned out to be a bowl of French fries, with cheese curds & a brown sauce, topped with tender BQ pork rib meat. Delicious! Roger's choice was one of his favorites - seafood pot pie. Hunter stuck with her chicken fingers & fries, but was delighted when the waitress brought out a HUGE brownie, complete with a sparkler! The waitresses all sang Happy Birthday - in French, of course. I wish we had thought to bring the camera.
In Canada, no meal is complete without an after dinner cup of coffee or tea. Roger chose a caramel, pecan & chocolate 'pie' (and I sampled it). One bite and it took me right back home to Uncle Harvey's homemade caramels! It was an 'individual' pie shell, filled with wonderful caramel & pecans, topped with a milk chocolate 'crust'. VERY rich, but wonderful. I don't think one's brain could count the calories in that one little 'tart'! Thinking I had found a coffee I could drink, I ordered a cappachino when everyone else ordered coffee. But this cup of cappachino was hot and about 5 times stronger than my Ice Capp from Tim Horton's the other day! I got most of it down, but wow, was it strong!
Our tummies full we decided that Charles & Muriel would give us a walking tour of the rest of the city. While Muriel & Lori climbed the stairs up, the rest of us rode the L'incomparable Funiculaire de Quebec which is a type of elevator that goes right up the side of the very steep hill. It was well worth the $1.75 - or I would never had made it. A festival was going on, and the city was full of people. How enchanting to walk and take in the different street performances and artists. Side walk cafes full of people, the clip clop of horse drawn buggies, street lanterns, the St. Lawrence River as a back drop . . . we couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening. As 11:00 o'clock approached, we decided to call it a night. Everyone but Roger & I took the stairs down (we rode the Funiculaire). I had long ago passed 'tired' and my bed never felt so good!
The next morning we drove over to pick Lori up at her hotel, have breakfast, and then back to the campground to get the trailer. Headed south to Montreal. When we stopped to say our goodbyes, Muriel had a birthday present for Hunter, but told her she could not open it until Saturday. What a sweet thing to do & Hunter could hardly wait. About a 3 hour drive, driving through some horrific rain & lightening. Roger thought he was back home! But the rain had stopped by the time we arrived, and after setting up, it was time to do the walk-about. Hunter had made 'instant' friends with a brother & sister from Manitoba, so while their folks supervised them in the pool, we got busy.
As we finished up, Tom came by to invite us to go to dinner. Hunter has been so good to endure our meals out where all we do is talk business, that I hated to interrupt her fun - and I needed the time to prepare the report anyway. Later she cooked herself up a double batch of Easy Mac & Cheese, and I dined on left over spaghetti. There can be much said about a quiet 'at home' dinner. Worked until 11:00 p.m. and fell into bed, only to be back up before 5:00 to finish it. Sat down with the owners at 10:00 a.m. and finally wrapped it up about 2:30. Actually I slipped out near the end and went to get the trailer ready to roll, for we have to drive about 45 minutes to the next park and do the walk-about before we can call it a day. Hunter's friends had pulled out that morning, so it was very boring for her. She found ways to entertain herself though, as you can see!
We had thought she could have a TV day, but the mower bumped the satellite dish shortly after our meeting began and so she didn't even have the TV. She endured, but not exactly a 'great' day - for she couldn't interrupt our meeting to have Grandpa 'fix' it. Grandma compensated by giving her $5 to spend in the store and game room, which only meant that now we have a somewhat 'hyped up' little girl to contend with. Having Miss Lori to chat with while we drive helps. As we left, Miss Betsy had gifts for all of us, and Hunter's was a bag filled with Canadian candies (oh joy, more corn sugar!).
What a delightful surprise to pull in to the little park on the west side of Montreal. It's 'out in the boonies', but these new owners have really turned this place around! It was packed full for the 'country & western' weekend and so we signed up for the steak cookout. Sure glad I don't have to cook! Although the rain that had been threatening made good later on, it held off while we enjoyed our meal. Saturday was Hunter's 'real' birthday, so she was quite pleased that they were serving her favorite meal (steak) in her honor! I have never seen such huge T-bones! They were plate size, and Lori couldn't believe it when Hunter ate the whole thing! No salad or potato for her - just the meat please! After dinner the band sat up under the pavilion and the 'dancing in the streets' began! Hunter even got in on the line dancing and picked it up really quick.
With no motel within miles, Lori decided to have a 'sleep over', when Hunter volunteered to give up her air mattress to Miss Lori. With all the trees here, Roger couldn't get satellite, so Hunter & Lori walked up to the store and bought a 'used' DVD of the movie, Flight Plan. They weren't sure it wouldn't be in French, but since it had the title in both French & English, they were hopeful. Once again, Grandpa to the rescue. When they put the DVD in everyone was speaking French. But a few clicks of the remote and Grandpa found the 'language selection' screen and they were in business. So as Hunter's birthday wound down, Roger & I hit the sack and left Miss Lori and Hunter watching the movie. As tired as we all were, we were surprised to learn that they both had lasted to the very end. I'm sure Lori never envisioned that her ride-along with us this year would include a sleep-over with a 10-year-old! Thank goodness she's flexible - and good with little girls! She's mentioned how much Hunter reminds her of her own daughter, Melissa (who is now all grown up and in college).
I was up before 5:00 again to type the review. Met with the folks, and this time we did the review while walking the park. These folks are mostly French-speaking, and understand things better if we can show them, rather than just try to explain it with the spoken and written word. It went very well; we are so impressed with all the progress they have made.
Hit the road about noon, headed south again, but this time into Ontario. Another park that is in the middle of major improvements. I sent Hunter off to the jumping pillow while Roger & I set up the rig. (Lori is staying in one of their rental trailers here.) I went up with a book (for me) and a hotdog (for Hunter) - only to find that she had once again 'connected' with some new friends and was already in the pool with them and their grandmother. This lady wins the award for being the most active grandmother - as she entertained them for almost 2 hours playing chase, Marco Polo, races, etc. I got tired just watching!
Since everyone had skipped lunch today (Hunter never ate the hot dog), we headed out for Chinese with Daniel and Karen. It wasn't the Golden Palace (Hunter's favorite in Oklahoma), and Hunter didn't recognize anything on the menu, so she opted for a hamburger & fries. However, when Roger's won ton soup came, she decided to give it a try. Think Roger got - maybe - two or three bites, before finally passing it over to Hunter - who finished it off. We ended up having everyone pick one thing from the menu and so we had a smörgåsbord of Chinese. Have to admit, it was delicious. A quaint little restaurant in a tiny little town of Prescott, Ontario.
Had thought we would make a stop at the big grocery store we passed to pick up some supplies, but found it closed up tight. Here in Canada, Sundays are still 'special' with stores being open only a few hours (if any). So we made do at the convenience store while Roger got gas. All was not lost as I was able to find my Diet DP - and a loaf of bread. We'll survive now. Had been 'without' my beverage of choice for about a week, and I was getting a bit 'cranky'.
Roger & I caught about an hour of peace & quiet, while Hunter 'hung out' with Miss Lori, running fun bike races and playing giant checkers. But our day wasn't over, for about 9:00 p.m. we gathered around the campfire to share stories, some wine, roasted marshmallows - and a taste of 'cotton candy' ice cream. What a combination! A few minutes stretched into 2 hours and we finally called it a night about 11:00 last night. It's a wonder we weren't up all night with stomach aches! All of this socializing is great - but hard to keep up the pace, when one is also supposed to be working. Monday morning, another walk-about & report to do. Lori leaves us about noon today and we will head back into the good 'ol U.S. of A. bright and early tomorrow morning.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Quiet Days
After Newfoundland & Cavendish, I don't think the rest of the trip holds much magic for Hunter. Pulled out of Cavendish about 10:00, with plans to stop by the WalMart at Summerside on the way off the island. Got there about 11:00 to find that the WalMart didn't open until 12:00 noon. Not exactly the way they do it in the states!
With no real agenda for the day, we decided to just park and wait. When Roger was there the other day getting the oil changed, he found the Wrangler black jeans he loves. We have looked in every WalMart from Oklahoma to Maine and could not find them anymore. So he thought he had found 'gold'! His intentions were good (he bought the wrong size) - so while he went to return them and find the right size, Hunter and I 'wandered' to the girls department.
Grandpa waited patiently while she tried on a few things and ended up choosing a cute little black knit top and shorts. Of course, then it was Hunter's lunch time, and luck was with her (or so we thought) for there was a McDonald's in the WalMart this time. Get in line to order the famous "Quarter Pounder" - only to discover this 'mini' McDonald's didn't sell them! So she had to settle for a Big Mac - ketchup only, eh? Needless to say, Hunter was NOT impressed with her first Canadian McDonald's!
On the road again, headed to Casey's in New Brunswick and the much awaited and anticipated strawberry shortcake. We were in luck this time and after a lite supper we all three indulged. Hunter wasn't too impressed with their 'shortcake', for it's a biscuit in Canada. BUT, she loved her berries. Her and Grandpa went back the next morning to buy 'just a bowl of strawberries' which was Hunter's breakfast that day.
A new road for us the next day, traveling up TransCanada Highway #2 to Grand Falls. Tried to break up the days of traveling a bit and had read up on the area, which was touted as Canada's "Niagara Falls". Arrived about 1:30 in the afternoon, got set up in a campground (not a KOA) and headed into town to see these falls. Roger wasn't impressed when they charged him $3 to park at the reception center, and was even less impressed to find that the 'falls' could be controlled by a dam.
But determined to see this 'wonder', we paid up and went in, only to find that they are best seen from the 'other side' of the gorge. So we drive over there. (Thankfully they didn't charge us another $3!) So while we are waiting on Hunter to make a bathroom run, I'm 'observing' and figure out they want to charge us $15 just to walk the path. After a bit of indecision, with Hunter less than enthusiastic, we decided they were into us for $3 and that was enough. So we piled back in the truck and headed back to the campground.
We'll see some REAL falls when we get to Niagara (and they can't be 'turned off' by a dam!) With the whole afternoon ahead of us, Roger & Hunter decided to go on a 'nature walk' which was actually a glofified "inspection" tour of this non-KOA park. They did see a beaver swimming across the pond, but were thoroughly unimpressed with the rest of it.
Meanwhile I had made a batch of chocolate chip cookies for Roger and was ready to turn the kitchen over to Hunter.
She had been 'itching' to try her hand at making some peanut butter cookies - all by herself. So with Grandma watching from one side of the counter, she proceeded to do just that. And just like her dad in his younger days, as soon as she was finished 'creating', she was through!
Although I complained loudly about being left with a mess, I didn't really mind. The kitchen is definitely only big enough for one. It was time to cook up a bit of supper before Hunter and Grandpa filled up on cookies, anyway. Cajoled Grandpa into watching the movie "Nanny McPhee" and we all enjoyed a quiet, rainy evening 'at home'.
Up early the next morning, for we wanted to make Quebec City before noon (for a scheduled conference call with the Home Office). Would have made it fine, except we hit major road construction (of course!). Pulled in about 20 till, and thought we would get parked in plenty of time, when the owner appeared and wanted to 'chat'. A bit late getting connected (but not much) and by the time the call was over (80 minutes later!) my arm (and ear) was numb, Roger had the trailer set up, and Hunter had fixed - and eaten - her lunch. So Roger and I had a bite (while I related all the Home Office info) and then it was off to the pool for Hunter and I. She gave this park (Quebec City) an A+ for their heated pool and 'neat' playground equipment immediately upon arrival.
Got back to the trailer to find Roger 'cleaning' - which means he was dismantling the A/C vent and I had to clean it. I wasn't exactly ecstatic about his timing, but it had to be done. Hunter chose 'popcorn shrimp' for supper, which was an easy fix, and I thought, one of her favorites. Only that night the breading didn't suit her and she proceeded to 'peel' her popcorn shrimp, with Grandpa proceeding to give her a hard time about it! By the time supper was over and this day was done, this Grandma was about ready to wring both their necks!
So I did what every self-respecting Grandma does! Put my nightgown on, claimed my recliner, and went to sleep - and left them to their own devices! Glad this day is done!
Woke up the next morning feeling much more 'together' and it was time to don the yellow shirts and get to work. Hunter chose a 'stay at home' day and when we got back from doing the walk-about, she had straightened the trailer from top to bottom! What a nice surprise! Wish it could stay this way.
One of our boss' will be joining us for 5 days, and I was in the middle of typing the report when the phone rang. Her flight out of Billings had been canceled and instead of arriving in Quebec City on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., she won't be in till today (Thursday) at 1:00 p.m. We'll go ahead and do our exit review here and then she'll join us for supper with the owners tonight. . . we hope.
With no real agenda for the day, we decided to just park and wait. When Roger was there the other day getting the oil changed, he found the Wrangler black jeans he loves. We have looked in every WalMart from Oklahoma to Maine and could not find them anymore. So he thought he had found 'gold'! His intentions were good (he bought the wrong size) - so while he went to return them and find the right size, Hunter and I 'wandered' to the girls department.
Grandpa waited patiently while she tried on a few things and ended up choosing a cute little black knit top and shorts. Of course, then it was Hunter's lunch time, and luck was with her (or so we thought) for there was a McDonald's in the WalMart this time. Get in line to order the famous "Quarter Pounder" - only to discover this 'mini' McDonald's didn't sell them! So she had to settle for a Big Mac - ketchup only, eh? Needless to say, Hunter was NOT impressed with her first Canadian McDonald's!
On the road again, headed to Casey's in New Brunswick and the much awaited and anticipated strawberry shortcake. We were in luck this time and after a lite supper we all three indulged. Hunter wasn't too impressed with their 'shortcake', for it's a biscuit in Canada. BUT, she loved her berries. Her and Grandpa went back the next morning to buy 'just a bowl of strawberries' which was Hunter's breakfast that day.
A new road for us the next day, traveling up TransCanada Highway #2 to Grand Falls. Tried to break up the days of traveling a bit and had read up on the area, which was touted as Canada's "Niagara Falls". Arrived about 1:30 in the afternoon, got set up in a campground (not a KOA) and headed into town to see these falls. Roger wasn't impressed when they charged him $3 to park at the reception center, and was even less impressed to find that the 'falls' could be controlled by a dam.
But determined to see this 'wonder', we paid up and went in, only to find that they are best seen from the 'other side' of the gorge. So we drive over there. (Thankfully they didn't charge us another $3!) So while we are waiting on Hunter to make a bathroom run, I'm 'observing' and figure out they want to charge us $15 just to walk the path. After a bit of indecision, with Hunter less than enthusiastic, we decided they were into us for $3 and that was enough. So we piled back in the truck and headed back to the campground.We'll see some REAL falls when we get to Niagara (and they can't be 'turned off' by a dam!) With the whole afternoon ahead of us, Roger & Hunter decided to go on a 'nature walk' which was actually a glofified "inspection" tour of this non-KOA park. They did see a beaver swimming across the pond, but were thoroughly unimpressed with the rest of it.
Meanwhile I had made a batch of chocolate chip cookies for Roger and was ready to turn the kitchen over to Hunter.
She had been 'itching' to try her hand at making some peanut butter cookies - all by herself. So with Grandma watching from one side of the counter, she proceeded to do just that. And just like her dad in his younger days, as soon as she was finished 'creating', she was through!
Although I complained loudly about being left with a mess, I didn't really mind. The kitchen is definitely only big enough for one. It was time to cook up a bit of supper before Hunter and Grandpa filled up on cookies, anyway. Cajoled Grandpa into watching the movie "Nanny McPhee" and we all enjoyed a quiet, rainy evening 'at home'.
Up early the next morning, for we wanted to make Quebec City before noon (for a scheduled conference call with the Home Office). Would have made it fine, except we hit major road construction (of course!). Pulled in about 20 till, and thought we would get parked in plenty of time, when the owner appeared and wanted to 'chat'. A bit late getting connected (but not much) and by the time the call was over (80 minutes later!) my arm (and ear) was numb, Roger had the trailer set up, and Hunter had fixed - and eaten - her lunch. So Roger and I had a bite (while I related all the Home Office info) and then it was off to the pool for Hunter and I. She gave this park (Quebec City) an A+ for their heated pool and 'neat' playground equipment immediately upon arrival.
Got back to the trailer to find Roger 'cleaning' - which means he was dismantling the A/C vent and I had to clean it. I wasn't exactly ecstatic about his timing, but it had to be done. Hunter chose 'popcorn shrimp' for supper, which was an easy fix, and I thought, one of her favorites. Only that night the breading didn't suit her and she proceeded to 'peel' her popcorn shrimp, with Grandpa proceeding to give her a hard time about it! By the time supper was over and this day was done, this Grandma was about ready to wring both their necks!
So I did what every self-respecting Grandma does! Put my nightgown on, claimed my recliner, and went to sleep - and left them to their own devices! Glad this day is done!
Woke up the next morning feeling much more 'together' and it was time to don the yellow shirts and get to work. Hunter chose a 'stay at home' day and when we got back from doing the walk-about, she had straightened the trailer from top to bottom! What a nice surprise! Wish it could stay this way.
One of our boss' will be joining us for 5 days, and I was in the middle of typing the report when the phone rang. Her flight out of Billings had been canceled and instead of arriving in Quebec City on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., she won't be in till today (Thursday) at 1:00 p.m. We'll go ahead and do our exit review here and then she'll join us for supper with the owners tonight. . . we hope.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
A Day Off
A full day off - no review, no traveling, no nothing - and a much needed one. I determined I was going to be lazy and was stretched out in the recliner when Hunter woke up at 8:54. She stretched and said, "Oh, it's 7:54." I reminded her the clock was still on Eastern Standard Time and that it was 8:54 - and she was up like a flash to get dressed and down to the Petting Farm for her date with the kittens. (This was the same child that was 'sore' from her bicycle crash the night before. Oh, to be young again!)
Forty-five minutes later the trailer door opens (wakes me up again) and she has brought Madelyn & Kalen to 'breakfast' - and she didn't want cereal. I quickly squelched that idea and told her they could have breakfast at the picnic table, for Grandpa was still in bed and I was still in my nightgown! So she settled for a bacon, egg & cheese sandwich at the picnic table. Roger & I finally got up and around - very slowly - and ended up having our breakfast sandwich about 11:00. (When we are 'off' - we are OFF!)
About 1:00 here they came again, asking if Hunter could go with them to the mall in Charlottestown. Ran the request by Grandpa and he didn't have a problem with it. So I sent her to the store to get change for a $20, so she would have some 'mad money' - and off they went. I told the mom & dad that we would hold their trailer for ransom, but were confident that they would bring her back, cause even if they decided to 'keep' her, they wouldn't keep her long! :>) I also told the dad that he was a very brave man for heading to the mall with 4 girls. His comment: "Well, when you've already got three, you might as well have ten!" Really nice folks.
Woke up from my nap about 5:00 (pure bliss) - to find they were back, but Hunter had just waved at Grandpa and disappeared into their trailer. Not long after, here she & Madelyn came - all decked out in black fake fingernails, complete with stars! But what was really funny, was that they hadn't much more got them on than decided they weren't all that 'neat' - or comfortable - and now they couldn't get them off!
Their answer was to go swimming & 'soak' them off. Madelyn's mom had laundry to do and dad needed some 'guy' time, so they were 'begging' for one of us to take them. I had just put pizza in the oven, so told them to get their suits on and as soon as the pizza came out , I would take a 'picnic' to the pool and watch them.
Popped some hotdogs in the microwave, grabbed the buns & ketchup, along with 3 ginger ales, and off we went.
Once again, I sat there shivering (and swatting bugs) while they swam for over 2 hours. They swam a while, took a break and ate two hotdogs each. After that I made them stay in the 'kiddie' pool (2 foot deep) for a while. Hunter put up a fuss, but when I told her the alternative was to 'sit out' for 30 minutes, she decided the kiddie pool was a 'great' idea. (Besides it was warmer).
Back home about 8:30 - and I warmed up my pizza, while the girls rounded up the s'mores ingredients. Finally, at 10:00 p.m. Roger went over to 'reel in' our girl. We both pull out this morning - headed in different directions, but it's been a good two days.
Forty-five minutes later the trailer door opens (wakes me up again) and she has brought Madelyn & Kalen to 'breakfast' - and she didn't want cereal. I quickly squelched that idea and told her they could have breakfast at the picnic table, for Grandpa was still in bed and I was still in my nightgown! So she settled for a bacon, egg & cheese sandwich at the picnic table. Roger & I finally got up and around - very slowly - and ended up having our breakfast sandwich about 11:00. (When we are 'off' - we are OFF!)
About 1:00 here they came again, asking if Hunter could go with them to the mall in Charlottestown. Ran the request by Grandpa and he didn't have a problem with it. So I sent her to the store to get change for a $20, so she would have some 'mad money' - and off they went. I told the mom & dad that we would hold their trailer for ransom, but were confident that they would bring her back, cause even if they decided to 'keep' her, they wouldn't keep her long! :>) I also told the dad that he was a very brave man for heading to the mall with 4 girls. His comment: "Well, when you've already got three, you might as well have ten!" Really nice folks.
Woke up from my nap about 5:00 (pure bliss) - to find they were back, but Hunter had just waved at Grandpa and disappeared into their trailer. Not long after, here she & Madelyn came - all decked out in black fake fingernails, complete with stars! But what was really funny, was that they hadn't much more got them on than decided they weren't all that 'neat' - or comfortable - and now they couldn't get them off!
Their answer was to go swimming & 'soak' them off. Madelyn's mom had laundry to do and dad needed some 'guy' time, so they were 'begging' for one of us to take them. I had just put pizza in the oven, so told them to get their suits on and as soon as the pizza came out , I would take a 'picnic' to the pool and watch them.
Popped some hotdogs in the microwave, grabbed the buns & ketchup, along with 3 ginger ales, and off we went.
Once again, I sat there shivering (and swatting bugs) while they swam for over 2 hours. They swam a while, took a break and ate two hotdogs each. After that I made them stay in the 'kiddie' pool (2 foot deep) for a while. Hunter put up a fuss, but when I told her the alternative was to 'sit out' for 30 minutes, she decided the kiddie pool was a 'great' idea. (Besides it was warmer).
Back home about 8:30 - and I warmed up my pizza, while the girls rounded up the s'mores ingredients. Finally, at 10:00 p.m. Roger went over to 'reel in' our girl. We both pull out this morning - headed in different directions, but it's been a good two days.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
A New "Level" of Tired
Received a note from a franchisee who has been following our 'adventure' and she asked if we were tired yet. My answer was "we've discovered a whole new level of tired!". But it's a good tired.
Seems like it's been forever since I've written. Our last day in Newfoundland was bittersweet. I woke up a bit under the weather, (just feeling 'off center' a bit. I got a couple of loads of laundry going while we visited with Shawn & Charlene, doing what we call an 'exit review'.
Hunter & Natalie were making the most of their day. Earlier Hunter had hit Grandpa up for 'a few quarters' since it was the 'last day'. He opened his wallet and handed her a five - and told her to share it with Natalie & Joshua. We later heard she had gone in the store and asked Shawn how she could divide a five dollar bill in three ways. He told her to just tear it in three pieces! :>) So after some discussion, they decided that she & Natalie would each get $2 and Joshua only wanted $1 (really!). Then Natalie found a 'twonie' (that's a Canadian $2 coin) in her back pack - and they made those quarters last all day by 'budgeting' them wisely.
Natalie has become quite good at the 'claw' game and managed to 'win' her 5th stuffed animal - a giraffe, which she gave to Hunter. (Of course, one has to wonder just how much each of those animals really cost by the time she's 'won' them!) Hunter has 'named' it "Nat Newfie" - and it has become her 'buddy' for her long travel days.
Charlene had sent word early that day that she was fixing lunch, and it was a true Newfoundland treat - fresh fried halibut! I have never tasted halibut before, but I have to tell you, it went right to the top of my list of favorites! Especially the way she prepared it. Hunter even asked for seconds. I've learned my lesson about me trying to fry fish, but I don't seem to have trouble eating it if someone else does the cooking! They were 'steaks' that she had dipped in egg and rolled in crushed corn flakes and then pan fried. Superb!
After lunch and I'm still not feeling 'right', and developing a whopper of a headache, I headed back to the trailer to get a bit of quiet before we had to head south to catch the midnight ferry. Four o'clock came way too soon for all of us, and it was time to break camp. Ready to go, I headed up to find Hunter. Charlene waylaided me and said the girls were 'hiding out', for they had seen Roger & I hooking up the trailer and knew their time together was coming to an end.
Don't know if I was feeling the girls 'pain' or just having 'one of those moments' that sentimental old grandmas sometimes have, but standing there talking to Charlene, I had a bit of a melt-down and got a bit teary-eyed myself. Whatever, I managed to embarrass myself quite good.
Roger pulled the truck up, loaded up Hunter's bike - rounded everyone up for pictures. Charlene had 'tricked' Hunter and got her to try on a fleece Newfie vest (saying it was for Natalie's cousin) - and then presented it to her as a parting gift. Some bake apple syrup and partridgeberry jam for Roger and I, and we were on our way. We have never left Newfoundland without her sending some of Newfoundland's unique bounty with us - whether it's 'bottled moose' or a bag of frozen fish or berries. These folks have become very special to us over the years - and they run a GREAT park, which makes it more fun than work to make our annual visit here.
Natalie couldn't hold back the tears. Hunter held it together until she was in the truck. Knew it got awfully quiet, and looked back to find her wrapped in the Newfie vest with her face buried in her pillow. It didn't take her long to cry herself into a much-needed sleep which lasted about 3 hours - almost the entire way to Port au Basque.
Pulled in to our yearly stop at the Port au Basque Hotel for dinner in their restaurant. Their location right off the highway - and large parking lot - make them a natural supper stop for us before we check in for the ferry. Hunter discovered that chicken nuggets are pretty tasty dipped in brown gravy - right along with her fries.
The ship was just coming in as we got in line and Hunter & I walked over to watch. Our wait got lengthy - and Grandma got nervous - as it seemed everyone else was waved on, but us! Sure enough, we were the last on. Roger and I were so ready for bed. Thankfully, we were on the 'crown jewel' of the Marine Atlantic line this time . . . no elevators for us! A very nice lady met us at the truck and led us to the escalator which took us right to the pursuer's desk to pick up our cabin key. I lost no time hitting the sack and after a quick trip to the outside deck, Hunter & Grandpa were right behind me.
A lot smoother trip this time; not sure if it was the larger ship - or a quieter ocean, but whatever the reason, I was thankful. Arrived in North Sydney about 6:00 a.m. and headed 15 minutes down the road to the KOA. Hunter fell back asleep in the truck and we just left her sleeping, while we got the trailer set up and let the water heat for showers, etc.
Not much to do here - for kids - but it has a view that is second to none! While we did our walk-about, Hunter watched a movie - "The Sound of Music" - one of her favorites. Later she went out to see if she could 'hook up' with a new friend, but only found a group of three - who spoke nothing but French.
She came back to the trailer quite 'crushed' - and then realized it was July 4th - and promptly sunk into a blue funk. With the report to do, and a long travel day ahead of us tomorrow, we did our best to cajole her into a better mood, trying to convince her that July 4th was 'just another day' and her 'celebration' had been a week in Newfoundland. (It didn't work.)
Headed out about 11:30 the next morning, after our meeting with the folks there. No way around a day of driving, but my time estimate was a bit off, especially with a lunch stop at a Subway at the causeway and then a short WalMart stop. Pulled into Caribou to catch the ferry to Prince Edward Island and lucked out, for it pulled in about 15 minutes later. About a 75 minute ride - and we passed the time playing Scrabble on the computer till the battery gave out - and got in a game of "Go Fish" - with even Grandpa joining in.
Rain had joined us - but didn't slow us down - until we got to Charlottetown - THE major city on PEI. Trying to navigate through - we missed a turn somewhere - and finally had to pull over and enlist 'Sylvia's' help (the GPS). She got us headed in the right direction - and we were doing fine until we hit a long stretch of road construction. The road was down to the red clay - and it was raining - use your imagination! Arrived at the KOA, worn out, wet - and with a slightly red trailer!
But all was not lost! This is a park that is definitely kid-friendly! A jumping pillow, hay ride, petting farm, playground, and best of all - a heated swimming pool! So, at 8:30 p.m., one very tired Grandma and one very excited - and rested - granddaughter headed to the pool for 30 minutes of swimming before it closed at 9:00! And the really crazy thing - I was in my jacket with my umbrella, sitting their chilled to the bone - while Miss Hunter was frolicking in the heated pool.
Then it was back to the trailer to cook a bite of supper. I was beginning to feel like we owned a campground again - eating at 10:00 o'clock at night!
Turns out that the cleaning lady here is getting married this weekend - so I (when will I ever learn!) offered to pitch in and help out. So about 10:30 yesterday morning, Kathleen arrives on her golf cart and picks me up for bathroom cleaning duty! I chose toilet duty - over shower cleaning - and working together we got the first one done, although we both had worked up a 'hot' before we were finished. (That's one way to get a good review, for if I clean the bathrooms, I sure can't write them up!) We then took a break and headed to Tim Horton's (on the golf cart, for it sits right next door) where I was introduced to my first 'Ice Capp' - which is an iced cappachino. Now I don't drink coffee, but it was love at first sip. I think I'm hooked.
Back to do the second bathhouse, and thankfully, all it needed was 'a lick & a promise'. While I was 'traveling back in time to campground ownership days' - Roger headed to Summerside to get the oil changed in the truck.
Hunter was 'out and about' with her new found friends: Brianna, Madelyn & Kalen - who she had met that morning at the Petting Farn, along with the cow, pig, bunnies, goats, and kittens.
(And guess what, Mom & Dad! The kittens are adoptable!) Don't worry - we nixed that right in the bud - but she had to ask. After spending just one hour in the kitten room, she knows them all by name. Her favorites seems to be "Oreo & Buttercup".
Due to the wedding - Victor & Kathleen wanted us to get the review out of the way on Friday, to free up their Saturday - so we obliged. This is a great park - but even then it takes time to write the review. Finished it up just in time to join them for their pie & ice cream social. Kathleen even does a special 'doggy treat' - which is a scoop of vanilla ice cream with two chocolate scented doggie bones stuck in the top. I sampled the strawberry rhubarb pie while Roger stuck with his usual apple.
Their 3-year-old son, Andrew, decided to just enjoy the 'blue sprinkles' and skip the ice cream. That will be our Hayden in a couple of years!
Then it was off to the pool with Hunter for a bit. Roger had left the truck for me to drive back - and Hunter and friends headed down a different road on the way back to the trailer. In their hurry (they were cold) - Madeline and Hunter got tangled up on their bikes, which resulted in a crash. Think Madeline ended up on bottom, getting the worst of it, but Hunter had a good bit of 'road rash' to show for it too. She's tough though, she got up and limped home. Got her in the shower to get the sand off - doctored her up with Neosporin and "Off" - and out she went again to join them for some time around the campfire. We limited her to 30 minutes and then insisted she call it a day. Dosed her up with a bit of Motrin for her aches & pains and put her to bed, with Grandma right behind her.
Seems like it's been forever since I've written. Our last day in Newfoundland was bittersweet. I woke up a bit under the weather, (just feeling 'off center' a bit. I got a couple of loads of laundry going while we visited with Shawn & Charlene, doing what we call an 'exit review'.
Hunter & Natalie were making the most of their day. Earlier Hunter had hit Grandpa up for 'a few quarters' since it was the 'last day'. He opened his wallet and handed her a five - and told her to share it with Natalie & Joshua. We later heard she had gone in the store and asked Shawn how she could divide a five dollar bill in three ways. He told her to just tear it in three pieces! :>) So after some discussion, they decided that she & Natalie would each get $2 and Joshua only wanted $1 (really!). Then Natalie found a 'twonie' (that's a Canadian $2 coin) in her back pack - and they made those quarters last all day by 'budgeting' them wisely.
Natalie has become quite good at the 'claw' game and managed to 'win' her 5th stuffed animal - a giraffe, which she gave to Hunter. (Of course, one has to wonder just how much each of those animals really cost by the time she's 'won' them!) Hunter has 'named' it "Nat Newfie" - and it has become her 'buddy' for her long travel days.
Charlene had sent word early that day that she was fixing lunch, and it was a true Newfoundland treat - fresh fried halibut! I have never tasted halibut before, but I have to tell you, it went right to the top of my list of favorites! Especially the way she prepared it. Hunter even asked for seconds. I've learned my lesson about me trying to fry fish, but I don't seem to have trouble eating it if someone else does the cooking! They were 'steaks' that she had dipped in egg and rolled in crushed corn flakes and then pan fried. Superb!
After lunch and I'm still not feeling 'right', and developing a whopper of a headache, I headed back to the trailer to get a bit of quiet before we had to head south to catch the midnight ferry. Four o'clock came way too soon for all of us, and it was time to break camp. Ready to go, I headed up to find Hunter. Charlene waylaided me and said the girls were 'hiding out', for they had seen Roger & I hooking up the trailer and knew their time together was coming to an end.
Don't know if I was feeling the girls 'pain' or just having 'one of those moments' that sentimental old grandmas sometimes have, but standing there talking to Charlene, I had a bit of a melt-down and got a bit teary-eyed myself. Whatever, I managed to embarrass myself quite good.
Roger pulled the truck up, loaded up Hunter's bike - rounded everyone up for pictures. Charlene had 'tricked' Hunter and got her to try on a fleece Newfie vest (saying it was for Natalie's cousin) - and then presented it to her as a parting gift. Some bake apple syrup and partridgeberry jam for Roger and I, and we were on our way. We have never left Newfoundland without her sending some of Newfoundland's unique bounty with us - whether it's 'bottled moose' or a bag of frozen fish or berries. These folks have become very special to us over the years - and they run a GREAT park, which makes it more fun than work to make our annual visit here.
Natalie couldn't hold back the tears. Hunter held it together until she was in the truck. Knew it got awfully quiet, and looked back to find her wrapped in the Newfie vest with her face buried in her pillow. It didn't take her long to cry herself into a much-needed sleep which lasted about 3 hours - almost the entire way to Port au Basque.
Pulled in to our yearly stop at the Port au Basque Hotel for dinner in their restaurant. Their location right off the highway - and large parking lot - make them a natural supper stop for us before we check in for the ferry. Hunter discovered that chicken nuggets are pretty tasty dipped in brown gravy - right along with her fries.
The ship was just coming in as we got in line and Hunter & I walked over to watch. Our wait got lengthy - and Grandma got nervous - as it seemed everyone else was waved on, but us! Sure enough, we were the last on. Roger and I were so ready for bed. Thankfully, we were on the 'crown jewel' of the Marine Atlantic line this time . . . no elevators for us! A very nice lady met us at the truck and led us to the escalator which took us right to the pursuer's desk to pick up our cabin key. I lost no time hitting the sack and after a quick trip to the outside deck, Hunter & Grandpa were right behind me.
A lot smoother trip this time; not sure if it was the larger ship - or a quieter ocean, but whatever the reason, I was thankful. Arrived in North Sydney about 6:00 a.m. and headed 15 minutes down the road to the KOA. Hunter fell back asleep in the truck and we just left her sleeping, while we got the trailer set up and let the water heat for showers, etc.
Not much to do here - for kids - but it has a view that is second to none! While we did our walk-about, Hunter watched a movie - "The Sound of Music" - one of her favorites. Later she went out to see if she could 'hook up' with a new friend, but only found a group of three - who spoke nothing but French.
She came back to the trailer quite 'crushed' - and then realized it was July 4th - and promptly sunk into a blue funk. With the report to do, and a long travel day ahead of us tomorrow, we did our best to cajole her into a better mood, trying to convince her that July 4th was 'just another day' and her 'celebration' had been a week in Newfoundland. (It didn't work.)
Headed out about 11:30 the next morning, after our meeting with the folks there. No way around a day of driving, but my time estimate was a bit off, especially with a lunch stop at a Subway at the causeway and then a short WalMart stop. Pulled into Caribou to catch the ferry to Prince Edward Island and lucked out, for it pulled in about 15 minutes later. About a 75 minute ride - and we passed the time playing Scrabble on the computer till the battery gave out - and got in a game of "Go Fish" - with even Grandpa joining in.
Rain had joined us - but didn't slow us down - until we got to Charlottetown - THE major city on PEI. Trying to navigate through - we missed a turn somewhere - and finally had to pull over and enlist 'Sylvia's' help (the GPS). She got us headed in the right direction - and we were doing fine until we hit a long stretch of road construction. The road was down to the red clay - and it was raining - use your imagination! Arrived at the KOA, worn out, wet - and with a slightly red trailer!
But all was not lost! This is a park that is definitely kid-friendly! A jumping pillow, hay ride, petting farm, playground, and best of all - a heated swimming pool! So, at 8:30 p.m., one very tired Grandma and one very excited - and rested - granddaughter headed to the pool for 30 minutes of swimming before it closed at 9:00! And the really crazy thing - I was in my jacket with my umbrella, sitting their chilled to the bone - while Miss Hunter was frolicking in the heated pool.
Then it was back to the trailer to cook a bite of supper. I was beginning to feel like we owned a campground again - eating at 10:00 o'clock at night!
Turns out that the cleaning lady here is getting married this weekend - so I (when will I ever learn!) offered to pitch in and help out. So about 10:30 yesterday morning, Kathleen arrives on her golf cart and picks me up for bathroom cleaning duty! I chose toilet duty - over shower cleaning - and working together we got the first one done, although we both had worked up a 'hot' before we were finished. (That's one way to get a good review, for if I clean the bathrooms, I sure can't write them up!) We then took a break and headed to Tim Horton's (on the golf cart, for it sits right next door) where I was introduced to my first 'Ice Capp' - which is an iced cappachino. Now I don't drink coffee, but it was love at first sip. I think I'm hooked.
Back to do the second bathhouse, and thankfully, all it needed was 'a lick & a promise'. While I was 'traveling back in time to campground ownership days' - Roger headed to Summerside to get the oil changed in the truck.
Hunter was 'out and about' with her new found friends: Brianna, Madelyn & Kalen - who she had met that morning at the Petting Farn, along with the cow, pig, bunnies, goats, and kittens.
(And guess what, Mom & Dad! The kittens are adoptable!) Don't worry - we nixed that right in the bud - but she had to ask. After spending just one hour in the kitten room, she knows them all by name. Her favorites seems to be "Oreo & Buttercup".
Due to the wedding - Victor & Kathleen wanted us to get the review out of the way on Friday, to free up their Saturday - so we obliged. This is a great park - but even then it takes time to write the review. Finished it up just in time to join them for their pie & ice cream social. Kathleen even does a special 'doggy treat' - which is a scoop of vanilla ice cream with two chocolate scented doggie bones stuck in the top. I sampled the strawberry rhubarb pie while Roger stuck with his usual apple.
Their 3-year-old son, Andrew, decided to just enjoy the 'blue sprinkles' and skip the ice cream. That will be our Hayden in a couple of years!Then it was off to the pool with Hunter for a bit. Roger had left the truck for me to drive back - and Hunter and friends headed down a different road on the way back to the trailer. In their hurry (they were cold) - Madeline and Hunter got tangled up on their bikes, which resulted in a crash. Think Madeline ended up on bottom, getting the worst of it, but Hunter had a good bit of 'road rash' to show for it too. She's tough though, she got up and limped home. Got her in the shower to get the sand off - doctored her up with Neosporin and "Off" - and out she went again to join them for some time around the campfire. We limited her to 30 minutes and then insisted she call it a day. Dosed her up with a bit of Motrin for her aches & pains and put her to bed, with Grandma right behind her.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Icebergs, Whales & Moose!
Our visit in Newfoundland has been phenomenal! We couldn't have asked for more - well, maybe a bit warmer weather would have been nice. It's really hard to believe that it is July and the temperatures have been in the high 60's/low 70's! Which is fine, except when you are out on the water and it's windy. Then it's down right COLD!
Sunday morning dawned sunny and we packed up the necessities for an overnight trip and headed north to St. Anthony, Newfoundland. Hunter wasn't exactly ecstatic about the 224 mile trip (one way) - just to see icebergs and hopefully whales & moose. But after we got there, she loved it!
What a thrill As we neared the Labrador ferry port at St. Barb, we began to see icebergs everywhere! So many - and so huge! Once she saw those, she couldn't wait to get to St. Anthony. We pulled in about 3:00 and checked into our hotel and headed on to the boat dock for our 4:00 p.m. reservation on the Northland Discovery Boat Tour. We were not disappointed. There were 12 icebergs within 10 miles of the port and we got to see three HUGE ones up close. They are amazing! Two of them were 'aground' in 150 - 180 feet of water, which proves the fact that only 1/8 of the iceberg is above water. Seven-eighths is below water.
One of God's miracles in that these bergs take 2 years to travel from the Artic to the northern tip of Newfoundland/Labrador. Once here, it takes only about 2 months for them to be completely melted. Check out the boat cruising close to the iceberg to get some idea of just how big they are!
The ice off of one of these bergs is some of the purist water, as it fell from the sky over a 1,000 years ago - long before pollution, acid rain, etc. And although it floats in sea water, to taste this ice is an experience in itself.
It is so tightly frozen that the salt water does not penetrate it. Just ask Hunter! I don't think sucking on a piece of ice will ever be the same for her again.
After the icebergs, we slowed down and started watching for whales. Only one decided to visit with us this trip, but he gracefully did 'his thing' and flashed his tail just before his dive to the bottom - which is about 500 feet. What magnificent animals!
For supper, Hunter & I chose the LightKeeper's Restaurant on Fisherman's Point. That was where I first tasted pan-fried cod back in 2004. It was every bit as good as I remembered it. If I have to eat fish, then pan-fried cod Newfoundland style is my choice. The first time we ate here, we were gifted with a rainbow over the lighthouse. This year, it was icebergs floating in the harbor. After supper Hunter & Grandpa headed down the shoreline to see our iceberg friend one last time, while Grandma headed to the truck to attempt to get warm.
Back at the hotel, Hunter was in hog-heaven getting a bed all to herself. She was a bit disappointed not to find a hot tub or swimming pool here, but she made do. At least she had all the hot water she could 'waste' to take her shower.
This morning we headed back to the campground and, much to our delight, we spotted, not one, but 7 moose at a watering hole. Roger turned around and went back and stopped, while Hunter and I snapped away. Three of them were bulls, and the other four were cows & calves. They tell us it is very unusual to see that many together. It was the perfect finish of our trip.
Got back to the park about 12:30 - and Roger & I donned our yellow shirts and got to work. Natalie showed up about 3:00 and Hunter has been out and about ever since. She went to dinner at Natalie's nana's house and she checked in by walkie talkie when she got back. She'll always turns up about dark thirty.
We were talking as we drove back today and I said, "If you come with us next summer, we'll have to go to different parks so you can see more of the country." Hunter quickly informed me that she would be perfectly happy to come back to the same parks again! Think she's hooked.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
50 Years & 3 Kilometers Times Two
With a few 'free' days over the Canada Day holiday, we planned some fun time with Hunter. Friday dawned a bit gray, with a chance of showers. We all had a very lazy, late morning. For Hunter, she was simply 'recharging'. For Roger & I we were still lagging from our late night/long days ferry adventure. We spring forward yet another half hour time wise here in Newfoundland, which puts us 2 1/2 hours different from Oklahoma. I don't think our bodies every really adjust until we get back to Oklahoma each fall.
We drove over to the Ocean View Motel and made our reservations for the Western Brook Pond tour on Friday, before heading up the road to the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. It sets on a bluff overlooking the town of Rocky Harbour and has hiking trails and steps leading down to the rocky beach.
As we all three headed down one trail, it came to a Y. Hunter announced that Grandpa should take the left and she & I would take the right. Our way led to some stairs and we found ourselves on the very rocky beach. I made it to a huge piece of drift wood and made myself comfortable while Hunter proceeded to climb all over the rocks, while Grandpa snapped pictures from up on the ledge. He eventually made his way down too, and we spent a good part of the afternoon wandering the beach (me) and climbing rocks (Hunter & Grandpa).
As we were hiking up the trail back to the truck, we came, once again, to the fork in the trail. Hunter stopped and announced, "That's Grandpa's way and this is our way!" Out of the mouth of babes. . .
Back at the top, I decided to take a rest at the picnic table by the lighthouse. Grandpa and Hunter headed down the other side of the bluff. In a bit, Roger called for me to come to were he was at. From there you could see Hunter perched on a huge rock that sits next to the lighthouse. She had her arms flung out like wings. She was 'on top of the world". About that time an older couple strolled up and said, "How come you aren't up there with her?" Without missing a beat, I replied, "About 50 years!" He laughed and said, "That's the best answer I've heard in a long time!" (Actually it's more like 45 years.)
We headed back to the campground with our pockets loaded with treasures - from pieces of driftwood to lots of pretty shells and rocks. One of our missions was to find Hunter a Newfoundland sweatshirt. Stopped by a little shop and not only found one, but it was on sale. Fit her to a tee - and she hasn't had it off since, except when she sleeps!
On one of the web pages for Newfoundland/Labrador it said (LOST: my watch FOUND: time) and that is truly what ones does here.
As we pulled in to the campground about 3:00 p.m., Hunter spied Natalie & Joshua. She was hanging out the truck window yelling, "I'll be right there!" She took only long enough to let me spray her down with repellent and doctor the bites that were itching, before she was gone. Saw her once when she came in long enough to devour two helpings of chicken & dumplings and she was gone again until bedtime. Nothing wrong with that girls appetite since she's been with us!
Saturday dawned sunny and bright. Since Hunter and Natalie have hit it off so well, we 'borrowed' Natalie for our trip to Western Brook Pond. From the campground, you drive north about 20 miles, then it's an 'easy' 3 km hike to the boat dock for a 2 hour tour. Someone 'lied' and told me that 3 km is just a bit over a mile. This last spring when I had been walking with Shelly, we did 2 miles one day, so I thought 'no problem!'.
Well, 2 miles on relative smooth pavement in a neighborhood is NOT anything like 3 km in Newfoundland! We started our hike about 11:30 to make it to the 1:00 p.m. boat tour. Of course, both the girls had backpacks full of snacks and water to sustain them. Had hardly made it out of the truck before they both had to have a snack. It was a bit windy and we made several stops while they either shed - or added - a shirt or jacket.
We made it to the dock in plenty of time and saw moose tracks (and droppings) in several places along the way, along with many different plants & flowers. Large parts of the path were wooden walkways over the bog, which has been building up for the past 8,000 years! Our native Newfie, Natalie, was a wealth of information and she was content to walk with us 'turtles' (Roger & I) and chase an occasional butterfly. However, our 'rabbit' Hunter was always running ahead and out of sight. When we reached the dock, we found Hunter perched on a step having 'lunch' and thinking we would NEVER get there!
We did spot one moose across the lake before we got on the boat. The boat tour was packed full - but the girls were hardly ever still as they went from the front to the back, top to the bottom as the boat wound it's way around the 'pond' - which is a very large lake nestled between the majestic peaks of mountains that towered over 2,000 feet above us. Very picturesque, with several pretty waterfalls. The water is some of the purist in the world here.
Would have been the perfect day if my yellow truck had been waiting for me at the dock. But no, we had that 3 km hike back. Roger & I wanted to take a bit of a snack break before starting back, but found that the girls had eaten all the snacks, and our only 'choices' were the jar of peanut butter and a package of crackers. Didn't take Roger long to get enough of that!
The hike back was a bit quicker, without so many 'stops' - but I personally didn't think we would ever get there! As I climbed into the truck, aching all over, I said to Roger "Don't tell me you aren't hurting, too!" His reply was, "Ok, I'm hurting - but I'm really not." About that time both of the girls piped up and confessed their feet were hurting! It made me feel a bit better, but not much! All I could think of was my comfy recliner back at the park.
We were supposed to go to an open-air concert on the Norris Point dock from 4:00 - 6:00, but by the time we got back to the truck it was 4:30 and we all decided we just really wanted to go home. The girls were anxious to get to the game room and spend their quarters - and Roger and I were ready for something besides peanut butter & crackers to eat.
Popped chicken patties & nuggets in the oven - quick and easy. Natalie's folks came over for a visit and then the girls decided they had recovered enough that they wanted to go for a swim. So Charlene took them to the community indoor, heated pool for the evening. Roger and I relaxed and he indulged me a bit by letting me watch one of my favorites "Fiddler on the Roof".
Hunter finally made it back about 10:00, and it didn't take her - or Grandma - long to hit the sack.
So, awake this morning, I decided to go on-line and see just how far 3 km is. Went on the world-wide metric conversion site - and no wonder I hurt in places I didn't even know I had! Three kilometers is 1.86411 miles. Times two - that means we hiked almost 4 miles yesterday!
I'm going back to bed!
We drove over to the Ocean View Motel and made our reservations for the Western Brook Pond tour on Friday, before heading up the road to the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. It sets on a bluff overlooking the town of Rocky Harbour and has hiking trails and steps leading down to the rocky beach.
As we all three headed down one trail, it came to a Y. Hunter announced that Grandpa should take the left and she & I would take the right. Our way led to some stairs and we found ourselves on the very rocky beach. I made it to a huge piece of drift wood and made myself comfortable while Hunter proceeded to climb all over the rocks, while Grandpa snapped pictures from up on the ledge. He eventually made his way down too, and we spent a good part of the afternoon wandering the beach (me) and climbing rocks (Hunter & Grandpa).
As we were hiking up the trail back to the truck, we came, once again, to the fork in the trail. Hunter stopped and announced, "That's Grandpa's way and this is our way!" Out of the mouth of babes. . .
Back at the top, I decided to take a rest at the picnic table by the lighthouse. Grandpa and Hunter headed down the other side of the bluff. In a bit, Roger called for me to come to were he was at. From there you could see Hunter perched on a huge rock that sits next to the lighthouse. She had her arms flung out like wings. She was 'on top of the world". About that time an older couple strolled up and said, "How come you aren't up there with her?" Without missing a beat, I replied, "About 50 years!" He laughed and said, "That's the best answer I've heard in a long time!" (Actually it's more like 45 years.)
We headed back to the campground with our pockets loaded with treasures - from pieces of driftwood to lots of pretty shells and rocks. One of our missions was to find Hunter a Newfoundland sweatshirt. Stopped by a little shop and not only found one, but it was on sale. Fit her to a tee - and she hasn't had it off since, except when she sleeps!
On one of the web pages for Newfoundland/Labrador it said (LOST: my watch FOUND: time) and that is truly what ones does here.
As we pulled in to the campground about 3:00 p.m., Hunter spied Natalie & Joshua. She was hanging out the truck window yelling, "I'll be right there!" She took only long enough to let me spray her down with repellent and doctor the bites that were itching, before she was gone. Saw her once when she came in long enough to devour two helpings of chicken & dumplings and she was gone again until bedtime. Nothing wrong with that girls appetite since she's been with us!
Saturday dawned sunny and bright. Since Hunter and Natalie have hit it off so well, we 'borrowed' Natalie for our trip to Western Brook Pond. From the campground, you drive north about 20 miles, then it's an 'easy' 3 km hike to the boat dock for a 2 hour tour. Someone 'lied' and told me that 3 km is just a bit over a mile. This last spring when I had been walking with Shelly, we did 2 miles one day, so I thought 'no problem!'.
Well, 2 miles on relative smooth pavement in a neighborhood is NOT anything like 3 km in Newfoundland! We started our hike about 11:30 to make it to the 1:00 p.m. boat tour. Of course, both the girls had backpacks full of snacks and water to sustain them. Had hardly made it out of the truck before they both had to have a snack. It was a bit windy and we made several stops while they either shed - or added - a shirt or jacket.
We made it to the dock in plenty of time and saw moose tracks (and droppings) in several places along the way, along with many different plants & flowers. Large parts of the path were wooden walkways over the bog, which has been building up for the past 8,000 years! Our native Newfie, Natalie, was a wealth of information and she was content to walk with us 'turtles' (Roger & I) and chase an occasional butterfly. However, our 'rabbit' Hunter was always running ahead and out of sight. When we reached the dock, we found Hunter perched on a step having 'lunch' and thinking we would NEVER get there!
We did spot one moose across the lake before we got on the boat. The boat tour was packed full - but the girls were hardly ever still as they went from the front to the back, top to the bottom as the boat wound it's way around the 'pond' - which is a very large lake nestled between the majestic peaks of mountains that towered over 2,000 feet above us. Very picturesque, with several pretty waterfalls. The water is some of the purist in the world here.
Would have been the perfect day if my yellow truck had been waiting for me at the dock. But no, we had that 3 km hike back. Roger & I wanted to take a bit of a snack break before starting back, but found that the girls had eaten all the snacks, and our only 'choices' were the jar of peanut butter and a package of crackers. Didn't take Roger long to get enough of that!
The hike back was a bit quicker, without so many 'stops' - but I personally didn't think we would ever get there! As I climbed into the truck, aching all over, I said to Roger "Don't tell me you aren't hurting, too!" His reply was, "Ok, I'm hurting - but I'm really not." About that time both of the girls piped up and confessed their feet were hurting! It made me feel a bit better, but not much! All I could think of was my comfy recliner back at the park.
We were supposed to go to an open-air concert on the Norris Point dock from 4:00 - 6:00, but by the time we got back to the truck it was 4:30 and we all decided we just really wanted to go home. The girls were anxious to get to the game room and spend their quarters - and Roger and I were ready for something besides peanut butter & crackers to eat.
Popped chicken patties & nuggets in the oven - quick and easy. Natalie's folks came over for a visit and then the girls decided they had recovered enough that they wanted to go for a swim. So Charlene took them to the community indoor, heated pool for the evening. Roger and I relaxed and he indulged me a bit by letting me watch one of my favorites "Fiddler on the Roof".
Hunter finally made it back about 10:00, and it didn't take her - or Grandma - long to hit the sack.
So, awake this morning, I decided to go on-line and see just how far 3 km is. Went on the world-wide metric conversion site - and no wonder I hurt in places I didn't even know I had! Three kilometers is 1.86411 miles. Times two - that means we hiked almost 4 miles yesterday!
I'm going back to bed!
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