Time to leave my beloved Nova Scotia and head for New Brunswick. My goal was to reach Fredericton as I'd never been there. When we lived in the Maritines, our trips to New Brunswick included Moncton, Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park and several covered bridges but somehow we never made it to Fredericton. The drive was only a little over four hours leaving me lots of time for some side trips.
The first stop was breakfast with a friend in Enfield. I took photographs of Susan's son when he graduated from Cadets, and then again when her mom visited from Newfoundland. We got shots of the three generations. She's a delight and I looked forward to catching up. The best part of being a photographer, is meeting incredible people, and if you're really lucky, forming lasting relationships with some of them.
After breakfast, I was so close, I drove through Elmsdale to Lantz for a glimpse of my old apartment right next to the Shubenacadie River. I wondered if the gaspereau fishermen would be set up for the season. I have so many fond memories of living there. Sure enough, when I peered over the bridge, right below in its usual place was the weir. Containers of gaspereau were filling up nicely.
With a somewhat heavy heart, I climbed back into the Mini and took the back roads to Milford before returning to the main highway. Soon, I arrived at Amherst where I noticed a sign for the "Amherst Point Migratory Bird Sanctuary." That sounded interesting. Detour!
I trundled along the narrow country road, passing homes with interesting architectural features, until I reached the parking lot where the trails began. The sun was shining, it was quiet and peaceful, time to explore! Everything was lush and green. Squirrels and chipmunks scurried across the path in front of me and it did me the world of good to stretch my legs in this secluded reserve.
Time to say farewell to Nova Scotia.
I'd been trying to find the perfect name for my Mini Cooper. As I headed into New Brunswick, one suddenly came to me. At times on this trip I had felt somewhat vulnerable. I'm so used to traveling with my husband, doing this solo trip had me spooked occasionally. Well enough of that! So I decided on a male identity for the vehicle, I took the Bru from New Brunswick, and as there was only me on this trip, I took the Spanish and Italian word for One - Uno, and ta-da! - BRUNO was christened!
I have to tell you, if I'd known how quaint, pretty, and historic Fredericton was, I would have planned a longer stay. My time there was remarkable. The St John River flows through the centre of town and there are gorgeous brick buildings, lots of boutique style shops, bistros, restaurants, and historic sites. My main concern was finding my accommodation followed closely by eating dinner. My stomach was feeling abandoned as I hadn't eaten since breakfast!
With assistance from my maps app, I found my Airbnb a little way out of town. It was an oasis of tranquility, surrounded by trees, located at the end of a rural road (so no through traffic). I had a private bathroom, and my choice of two bedrooms. All I could see from my window were trees. After unpacking, my host suggested a restaurant where I could get a "good" meal. She warned me to watch for deer on the road, especially on my way back at dusk.
My dinner companion at The Palate Restaurant was my back pack full of photography gear. After losing $10,000 worth of equipment on a trip the previous year, I wasn't taking any chances this time around. I chose Thai Chicken followed by Key Lime pie. It was heavenly.
As I walked out of the restaurant, I heard bagpipes! Following the sound I finally found a group practicing in the courtyard of the Guard House & Soldiers' Barracks historic site. What a treat. In this area of town, the streets were lined with big old trees, and the path along the river's edge was serene. Fredericton is well worth visiting.
I slept like a baby that night and in the morning was greeted by the smell of fresh baked cinnamon buns. My lovely host invited me onto the balcony to enjoy coffee and her home-backed goodies. I sat there, looking into the forest, bathed in sunlight, listening to the sounds of nature. Everything was so perfect, I did not want to leave. How fortunate I had been since this whole adventure began. My friends in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia showered me with such generous hospitality and now this.
I indulged in this quiet haven at the end of Carlisle Road for as long as I could, but I had a seven hour drive ahead of me to Montmagny, Quebec, so I begrudgingly packed up Bruno and set out. The country roads were lined with apple blossoms and ancient rock walls. New Brunswick, you captured my heart more than I ever imagined you could.
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