Moncton, NB & the Tidal Bore

Moncton is one of the very best places to view the famous tidal bore known in the Maritime Provinces. We score a parking place at the local casino, and stay overnight so we can take in the interesting sight.

Sitting right behind the Visitor Center is a great spot for viewing the in-going & out-going tide coming up (or down) the Petitcodiak River. Prior to a causeway being built, the tide was quite high and could be heard coming due to the roar of water. It is at it's highest during a full moon, but alas, we are a long way from a full moon. With the tide perhaps 6" - 7" high at most, it's still an interesting sight!

and finally, we see it coming!

Coming next: Fundy National Park, NB

Halifax & the Citidel, NS Canada

Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia is a bright and modern city which preserves its history with pride.

On the highest hill, the Citidel overlooks the city and bay and has the best views.

We make the mistake of allowing only one day for sightseeing when we could have used several. As you might expect, Halifax has seen its share of battles and shipwrecks, but is today considered one of the best places to live in Canada. Second only to Vancouver in having the largest coastal population, 40% of Nova Scotia's population call this home.

After visiting the Citidel we walk downtown and have a bay-side lunch while enjoying watching sailing ships, ferries, and awesome city views. Life is Good!

With too much to see and do, we bid a fond farewell (after taking a ferry ride across the bay of course) and look forward to visiting points south!

The Fortress at Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, Canada

Located on Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia, it is a partial reconstruction of the 18th century village originally settled in 1713 and is now a National Historic Sight in Canada.

The detail and extraordinary work required to achieve this cannot be duplicated today - the cost is just too great.

We love the fact the Canadians made it a living museum, complete with costumed docents who relay the work and history of the people who lived there. They do an outstanding job.

Both people and animals bring this museum to life. The hardships are overwhelming and we realize it's great to be alive in the 21st century.

It's truly hard to leave such a special place. We look back at the Fortress and Lighthouse hoping we can visit soon again.

The walls were construction mostly between 1720 and 1740. In that time it was both an extensive and expensive European fortification in North America. It suffered many battles in its day. Using the original stonework, it was reconstructed during the 1960s and 1970s using unemployed coal miners. If you find yourself on Cape Breton Island, this is a must see!

Our Journey to Alaska Begins!

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

Finally, after weeks of hand wringing (Bob was certain we were going to get completely torn apart by the border guards and would need to spend hours repacking), I drove into the gate. The handsome young guard asked how long we planned to spend in Canada, and wished us a safe and pleasant stay. Our border crossing was accomplished in under 1 minute! So much for Bob's analyzing and agonizing.

Heading north on Canada 1, our first stop was at the Hell's Gate Air tram over the Fraser River. It's been many years since we last visited, and this year we chose to hike down to the suspension bridge - quite a hike!

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

Bob found a great big chair and I couldn't resist this picture.

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

Although they have rafting trips down this portion of the river, it will be several weeks before it is safe to begin. It might even be sometime in August. Driving through the mountains, water was streaming down everywhere. There were so many waterfalls we didn't even get a count.

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

Arriving at a rest stop about 17 miles south of Quesnel, we found a tulip garden in front of the restrooms and decided it was a good place to call it a day.

From Journey to Alaska Begins!

From Journey to Alaska Begins!