Day 19: Annapolis Royal , Nova Scotia, Canada

Day 19: Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

July 1 2016

Miles: 70 by Car
 
St. John, NB to Annapolis Royal, NS



We were so excited to see the kids today.  They couldn't get here fast enough for Steve.  Their journey to Canada was long, but anxiously we waited.

The kids arrived in St. John at about 4:30a (3:30 EST).  It was a long drive for them; it was 8.5 hours.  When they arrived in St. John all they could think about was crashing as soon as possible. We had checked them in already so all they had to do was to get their room key at the front desk. Unfortunately, murphy's law struck.  The room key didn't work when they got upstairs.  Luckily we had a key to their room, and Jen knew this, so she knocked softly on our door, which was right next door.  Within seconds, Steve was up to happily greet Jen and quickly the key situation was taken care of.  All was in order, and moments later we were all sleeping peacefully.  When Steve and I woke in the morning, a note had been slid under our door from the kids that said we would take the 2:30p Ferry to Nova Scotia, and not the 8:00a.  We had expected this so we didn't set an alarm and woke naturally at 9:00a.  Shortly after we woke, Jen was up and ready for breakfast; we left the guys in bed to sleep.

Steve, Jen and I went to the Cask and Kettle for breakfast. After being there a short time, Ben joined us.  Jen had an egg sandwich, me two eggs and homefries and Steve pancakes. Ben was still waiting for his waffle at the time this picture was taken.  It was a good start to the day.  Breakfast was yummy!

Immediatley following breakfast we went to Java Moose, what else, a coffee shop.  We picked up a coffee and a donut for Andy because we were pressed for time now to get to the ferry 1 hour early as instructed. 

Of course, we were late, but it didn't seem to matter.  We waited another 15 minutes before rolling onto the ferry.

One car and four bikes, three students an two adults.

Andy drives us onto the ferry.  You can see him in the rear view mirrow.  Jen took this picture from the back middle seat.

Going into the abyss

Andy taking care of us - no really!

The ferry was beautiful.  Pretty delux;  it had a movie theater, multiple lounges and game room for the little kids.  Many cafes and an upper deck.  It was more like a cruise ship than a ferry.   It was a very comfortable ride for two hours over to Nova Scotia.

 Jen striking a pose.

Now with Andy.

Steve and Ben in deep concentration.  These two love playing chess against one another, if not playing ping pong.

It was suck a beautiful weather day, not to mention Canada Day - July 1 (Independence day for Canada).  Here we are enjoying the ferry ride and great weather on the top deck as we cross the Bay of Fundy.

 

Jen and Andy now in competition playing checkers.

 

 

 As we were getting close to the island, Steve snapped this shot.

We floated into Digby port where we were to disembark.  This shot here is in Digby, an old fisherman villiage.  Jen wanted to feel the water, so Ben joined her.

 Also in Digby.

So we had some planning to do and some decisions to make. Where to stay in terms of lodging and what town to stay in. Originally, we planned to be in Wolfville by Sunday.  Wolfville is rated one of the nicest places to visit in Nova Scotia. It is about 100 miles from Digby to Wolfville (about a two day ride), but after much discussion, we decided to also visit Halifax before the kids leave on Monday.  So this is what we came up with  - tonight we stay is Annapolis Royal, another small, but quaint villiage town, about 500 population.  It was closer to Wolfville, so tomorrow's ride will be about 70 miles now.  Still a long day, and perhaps hilly, but doable in one day; besides Andy said he will come get us in the car if we get into trouble with too many hills; also Andy will be transporting our luggage, so we will be traveling light tomorrow too. That means we will spend tomorrow night and the following morning in Wolfville, then tomorrow afternoon drive to Halifax and stay there for the night. We will spend additional time in Halifax exploring on Monday and sometime later that day the kids will begin their journey home.  It will be over 11 hours for the kids to drive home.  A long drive so they will plan to leave in the afternoon sometime.

Here we are at dinner in Annapolis Royal

A beautiful spot having dinner by the sea. We all ordered either a lobster or scallops dish.   Dinner was amazing!

 The five of us after we had finished dinner and while the sun was setting.

While headed back to the Inn, we stopped off in a book shop that sold hats and leather products.  Steve bought a new hat to replace his other hat.   This hat is a Tilley Endurable; apparently quite a popular brand out here.  This is the father of the woman who owns the shop.  He was quite the salesman.  What a treat to have met him.

The final shot for the day. Fort Anne National Historic Site of Canada below with Andy in the far distance.

We had a amazing day taking in the island of Nova Scotia, even more beautiful then we could have imagined, and having Andy, Jen and Ben with us to enjoy it made this day perfect.  We are off to Wolfville tomorrow about 70 miles.  Breakfast will be served between 8:00a-9:30a, so we plan to be on the road early, or at least by 9:30a.