Another Trip Down East - October 01 - 16, 2025

Normally this time of year we would either be heading to the USA for the Bearded Collie National Specialty this year in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida. Since we have been told that the USA needs nothing from Canada we have decided to honour the instructions.

The other option is usually to head to Celtic Colours International Festival but with all the wildfires earlier this year we did not book any tickets.

As October approached, the wildfires were getting under control and we had already made a tour into Ontario so we were looking for something else for the end of the camping season. Our friends, Jane & Michel, from St. Andrews, NB mentioned they were heading to a dog show in Bible Hill, NB on Canadian Thanksgiving weekend and would be staying at the Truro / Tidal Bore KOA Holiday near the Masstown Market. Jane suggested doing another camping Thanksgiving as we had in the past.

We were also looking for some spots to celebrate our 50th anniversary (October 4) and Lillian's Birthday (October 6). So we set out October 1st for a typical serendipitous trip to the maritimes.

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Contents

Day 1 - Wednesday, October 01, 2025 - Eastward Bound Again

Pretty much a standard day 1 working our way to Camping St-Basile just past Edmundston, NB. Being a Wednesday, their restaurant was not open so we dined in the camper.

It was a chilly night and we woke frost in the morning.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	595 KM
Average Speed:	79 KM/Hr
Time On Road:	7:28
📸Click for pictures from Day 1

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Day 2 - Thursday, October 02, 2025 - On To Truro

One of our early plans was to be in Alma, NB for the 4th but we heard that there was space in my brother's yard near Lunenburg. We decided that we would rather celebrate at one of the spots in Lunenburg so we decide to head to Nova Scotia directly.

We set out about 9 AM from St. Basile and had a smooth ride across New Brunswick arriving at Masstown Market about 3 PM. We did a bit of shopping there before heading over to Truro / Tidal Bore KOA Holiday about 4 PM. We checked in to our favourite site (#38) and took the dogs for a well deserved run.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	588.30 KM
Average Speed:	98 KM/Hr
Time On Road:	5:59
📸Click for pictures from Day 2

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Day 3 - Friday, October 03, 2025 - A Jaunt Up To The North Shore

Since we were handy to the Northumberland Shore, we decided to take a run up to Jost Vineyards on the Malagash peninsula.

First, we needed some additional supplies so we stopped at Sobeys Truro Prince Street on our way to pick up route 311.

We then made our way to Jost Vineyards by way of Tatamagoushe arriving about 12:40 PM. After taking the dogs for a walk, we popped into the Seagrape Café for a bite of lunch. We split one of their Kobe pizzas (Pepperoni, Bacon, Red Onion, Chili Flakes and BBQ Sauce) which was delicious as usual.

We then picked up a bit of "product" for camp consumption before wandering back by Wallace for variety getting back about 3:30 PM.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	159.7 KM
Average Speed:	60 KM/Hr
Time On Road:	2:37
📸Click for pictures from Day 3

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Day 4 - Saturday, October 04, 2025 - Anniversary Trip to Lunenburg

WOW! Hard to believe we have been married for 50 years!

Today we are off to our favourite camp site in Lunenburg County - Brudder's Yard!

We got rolling about 9:40 AM and got to Lunenburg about noon. Lillian wanted to do some shopping so we parked on Montague Street and Lillian headed off shopping while Rod took the beardies for a nice walk around the area casing the joint for a good dinner stop. It was a beautiful, warm Saturday afternoon so there were a mix of locals and tourists (several tour busses in town) so the dogs got lots of attention. There were even a couple of folks who recognized them as Bearded Collies.

The Bluenose II was in town docked in it's summer spot and many folks were touring it. There was another tall ship docked but I did not find out too much about it.

We found our way over to Grimm Road by about 2 PM, got the Roadtrek set up and let the dogs have a run out back of the house. We chatted with Daniel and we concluded that an early dinner at Half Shell Oyster Bar would be nice. Back in June we shared our friends Tom & Lucy's anniversary there and since it was such a nice afternoon, outdoor dining seemed in order. We made our way back to Montague Street a little after 4 PM and were able to get a table with a minimal wait.

A good feed was had by all. The only disappointment was that Lillian could not get her Oyster Rockefeller which Lucy got her addicted to in June. Their 2 desserts (Lemon Pot and Chocolate Pot) are both awesome.

We got back to Grimm Road about 6 PM. Daniel had to drop in at a neighbour's birthday celebration so we just relaxed.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	222.1 KM
Average Speed:	78 KM/Hr
Time On Road:	2:49

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Day 5 - Sunday, October 05, 2025 - Wanders Across The River

We took a leisurely start to the day taking time for a good breakfast feed. The highlight of the day was a visit to Charlene's Mom, Joyce Morton. We had a lovely chat and caught up on the news since we were at her 93rd birthday party last year.

About 2 PM we headed down the west side of the LaHave river to pay a visit to LaHave Bakery and LaHave River Bookstore which are housed in the same building along with some gift and art shops.

We then headed to Petite Riviere Vineyards which was supposed to be open but was closed - perhaps permanently. We moved on to Petite Riviere General Store (ice cream stop) after which we headed back to Grimm Road by the LaHave Ferry.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	Roadtrek Parked Daniel Driving
Average Speed:
Time On Road:
📸Click for pictures from Day 5

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Day 6 - Monday, October 06, 2025 - Birthday Lunch in Digby

Today is Lillian's Birthday!

We set out from Grimm Road a little after 9 AM and set course for Digby. We arrived at Carla's Take Out & Seafood Market about 11:20. We picked up some frozen seafood for later use and a couple of nice haddock filets for supper.

We then made our way to the Digby Pier Lighthouse where we parked and took the dogs out. It is a good thing that the weather was dry since they had top-dressed the lawn along the waterfront. We made our way down to the deck of the Dockside Restaurant & Bar where we knew dogs were welcome. Unfortunately, it's Monday so no sushi (Thursday - Saturday only). Fortunately there are many other tasty options. We enjoyed an nice birthday lunch with a glass of wine.

Back on the road we made our way to Just Us! Grand Pré Café & Roastery where Lillian popped in for a couple of coffees and other goodies. Next we stopped at Gaspereau Valley Fibres only to find it closed.

We finally made our way to Halifax West KOA where we dined on the haddock we bought earlier pan-fried in the NS style.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	370.7 KM
Average Speed:	67 KM/Hr
Time On Road:	5:29
📸Click for pictures from Day 6

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Day 7 - Tuesday, October 07, 2025 - Dog Grooming Day

Today we are taking a touring break and spend some time grooming the dogs who have not been done since before we left and generally relax. The picnic tables at this camp are large and solid so perfect for grooming dogs.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	Roadtrek Parked
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📸Click for pictures from Day 7

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Day 8 - Wednesday, October 08, 2025 - Poking in the Upper Valley

We need to do some shopping. We decided to start begin at the Sobeys in Windsor. We set off from Upper Sackville about 10:30 after a good breakfast and got to Windsor about 11:10. We picked up some groceries in Sobeys then visited the Home Hardware next to it for a bit more minor shopping.

Since we missed out on it Monday, we went back to Gaspereau Valley Fibres where Lillian bought some product and Rod bought some farm eggs. Our next stop was the NSLC in Wolfville for some wine.

It was almost 2 PM so we wanted a snack. We decided to try Soon Han's Sushi in New Minas. We had a couple of maki rolls and a cup of tea. Very good! Hit the spot.

We got back to camp about 3:30 PM. Dinner was hamburger steak with mushroom gravy.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	148.4 KM
Average Speed:	53 KM/Hr
Time On Road:	2:47
📸Click for pictures from Day 8

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Day 9 - Thursday, October 09, 2025 - Back to Masstown

Our friends, Jane and Michel, are on their way from St. Andrews, NB today. They will be staying at Truro / Tidal Bore KOA Holiday while they attend a dog show in Bible Hill, NS. We have decided to use this as an opportunity to get together for a few days including Canadian Thanksgiving.

We set out about 10:30 and found our way across to Truro following the Glooscap Trail up through Walton rather than looping down around Lower Sackville for a change.

We arrived at the Masstown Market about 12:40. We checked in to the KOA about 1:30, got set up and waited for J&M to catch up.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	170.5 KM
Average Speed:	71 KM/Hr
Time On Road:	2:24
😞No pictures for Day 9

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Day 10 - Friday, October 10, 2025 - A Quick Trip to the Market

Not much action today. J&M went to Bible Hill to set up for the dog show.

Michel drove us over to Masstown Market and everyone had a good shop. We bought a couple of ribeye steaks from the butcher for dinner.

Rod took the dogs for a bit walk including some time in the big dog run.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	Roadtrek Parked Michel Driving
Average Speed:
Time On Road:
📸Click for pictures from Day 10

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Day 11 - Saturday, October 11, 2025 - Museum of Industry and Pictou

J&M were off to the dog show today so we decided to visit Nova Scotia Museum of Industry in Stellarton. It is celebrating 30 years and we had not visited for a while. We left camp about 11:00 and headed toward New Glasgow arriving at the museum around 11:51.

We spent about 1.5 hours wandering around the museum. Being off season, staffing was minimal but still interesting. They do keep improving the exhibits. We took the dogs for a good tour of the grounds as well.

Since we were in Pictou County, we took a detour to the town of Pictou. We could not resist popping in to Grohmann Knives where we picked up a couple of "seconds" at half price. We stopped for some nachos at Waterview Restaurant then leashed up the beardies for a walk around town.

On the way back to camp we stopped at Atlantic Superstore Westville Road to hunt down some President's Choice Salsa - especially the Mango and Lime Medium Salsa which we tried back at Grimm Road. We got back to camp about 5 PM.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	188.2 KM
Average Speed:	78 KM/Hr
Time On Road:	2:23
📸Click for pictures from Day 11

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Day 12 - Sunday, October 12, 2025 - Hanging Around Camp

J&M were off to the dog show again today. We decided to spend the day around camp catching up with life. Rod will be hosting the BCCC executive meeting on Tuesday evening so he needed to get his report ready.

The dogs got a good walk and a couple of visits to the dog run. We gathered with J&M for dinner in "The Palace"

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	Roadtrek Parked Michel Driving
Average Speed:
Time On Road:
📸Click for pictures from Day 12

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Day 13 - Monday, October 13, 2025 - Thanksgiving With Jane & Michel

Today is Canadian Thanksgiving! Jane has been preparing for weeks for yet another camping Thanksgiving. Our last one was in Sturgeon Falls KOA Holiday in 2021.

Jane had acquired a small turkey and partially deboned it to fit in the RV oven. While Jane was doing her magic, Rod & Michel were sent on some shopping missions. Fortunately, most of the Masstown Market was open. Unfortunately the local pharmacy was not open so we had to take a run to the https://www.shoppersdrugmart.ca/store-locator/store/152?lang=en Shoppers Drug Mart Truro to get the last items.

Rod picked some frozen NS Wild Blueberries and some vanilla ice cream. He turned about half the berries into a Blueberry Coulis so we had a nice local dessert.

Dinner was excellent as usual!

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	Roadtrek Parked Michel Driving
Average Speed:
Time On Road:
📸Click for pictures from Day 13

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Day 14 - Tuesday, October 14, 2025 - Last Day in NS

Not much excitement today. Mostly clearing up since we would all be heading homeward tomorrow morning.

We made some shopping runs to Masstown Market, Canadian Tire in Truro, NS and the Home Hardware.

We had a somewhat early dinner since Rod had to run his Zoom meeting at 7:30 PM EDT (8:30 local). The meeting lasted just over an hour.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	Roadtrek Parked Michel Driving
Average Speed:
Time On Road:
😞No pictures for Day 14

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Day 15 - Wednesday, October 15, 2025 - Back to St. Basile

Since we had a long drive ahead, we were up early and on our way by 8:30 AM. We picked up a McDonalds breakfast and kept a steady pace across New Brunswick arriving back at Camping St-Basile before 3 PM.

Since Rod was feeling lazy, we decided to grab dinner in town. We tried Écluse Halte Gourmande in Edmundston. While it was a pleasant meal with good company, Rod was disappointed in the Seafood Chowder since most of the seafood within was over cooked and chewy. The desserts were great!

The weather was damp and chilly so we got an early night.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	612.9 KM
Average Speed:	86 KM/Hr
Time On Road:	7:03
📸Click for pictures from Day 15

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Day 16 - Thursday, October 16, 2025 - Homeward Bound

The basic drive home. We were on the road by 8:30 AM ADT and made steady progress home with only a few gas and bio breaks.

We arrived home around 1:30 PM EDT. Rod did a quick shopping tour and made some tacos for dinner.

The Numbers For Today			Click Map For Larger Version
Distance:	585.6 KM
Average Speed:	94 KM/Hr
Time On Road:	6:10
😞No pictures for Day 16

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The Numbers For The Trip