Saint Andrews

Heading out of Bar Harbour early-ish (unfortunately we didn't have more time here to hike more trails, etc - we made our way for Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, 3 hours from Bar Harbour.

Breezing through Customs (and picking up a box of Corona for $20), we landed in Saint Andrews, ready for our whale tour!

Heading out with Captain Chris and the crew (and 30 other people) on a two levelled boat, we ventured into the Bay of Fundy, ready to spot a variety of ocean life, as well a number of species of bird life throughout the 3 hour cruise.

Turns out we didn't have to wait long, with the Harbour porpoises exciting the tourists very early on. Soon after the playful Harbour seals came into play, swimming in the wake and playing in the waters surrounding the vessel.

After getting a tip there was a mink whale in the nearby area, the boat made a detour, finding it with relative ease! The whale hung around for some time, yet this is not a "tourist friendly" whale, as it is difficult to take photos, due to it not spouting water (like the hump back and fin back whales!)

Continuing on the journey around the Bay, we found another whale, this time the 2nd largest whale in the world - the Fin back whale - which is massive!!!! The spray could be seen in the distance, so we hung around an area near the coast, with the whale regularly appearing - a fantastic experience!!!

The tour concluded with the passing of some seals on rocks, as well as seeing the closest relative to a puffin and also seeing the Bald Eagle - which was a highlight!

After the tour we headed off to Deer Island via ferry, to experience the 2nd largest whirlpool in the world - (largest in North America), which was rather fascinating - the Old Sow. A very picturesque island, Kate and I enjoyed touring it, except for the deer that ran out in front of the car (we missed it, but it did give us quite a fright!!!).

Heading to Saint John - where we would be staying for a few nights - we found an interesting item for entertainment - Saint John Idol. Thinking we could head down, have dinner on the patio and watch some free live entertainment, we were surprised to find 400-500 people already waiting (an hour before), taking up the patio seating, plus standing room for the local event (every Wednesday). 24 singers participated......we stayed for 6 (4 really good, 2....well....not good), but a great way to engage the community (and a good laugh for most people). The city looks great and has many great attractions, but we'll post after we've done them!

Bar Harbour

A sad farewell (we had to leave Boston :( but will try to get back there after summer - not sure how that's going to go though!!!!) and another early start, we departed the hotel, with a lot of traffic around!!!

We made our way up into Maine, travelling along the coast, taking in the small townships and the wonderful greenery that surrounded them, with Bar Harbour well and truly in our sights. After a 4 and a half hour drive, we arrived around lunchtime, ready to tour the wonderful coastal city.

Dumping our things (literally) in the hotel, we headed for Mount Desert Island, where we took in Seal cove, Bar Harbour itself, North Beach and a few of the local shops etc.

Many great views and scenic trails were taken in, by foot and by car - the photos just don't do it justice!

A nice swim in the late afternoon, then a few beers watching the home run derby took us late into the night - before readying ourselves for another days drive!

Boston #2

Another earlyish start to the day - heading in via subway to the home of the NBA World Champions- the GARDEN - home to the Boston Celtics!!!

A lovely young lass by the name of Melody welcomed us to the Garden (Museum only-not doing tours on weekend - but wait for it!!!) and decided that since we were such a "sports crazed lot", took us down to the court, to take in all the stadium. Unfortunately it wasn't well lit, but it was still surreal to stand mid-court, where the Celtics had won their championship less than a month ago!!!!

Taking in a walk, we made our way down to the market area (Quincy market etc), which was buzzing with activity. Shops were filled with people from all walks, buying up Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots gear left, right and centre.

Touring around the city via foot, we made our way to the harbour area again, taking in the beautiful weather that Boston had turned on for us (again!)

Spending most of the afternoon wandering around, we made our way to Harvard, touring the campus and taking in the sights, stores and luxuries that some people can afford!!!

A beautiful city done, now on to another - we're off to Bar Harbour tomorrow morning (around 5 hours driving), where we will spend a night, before crossing back into Canada - to Saint John. Exciting!

Boston - Day 2

Booking a "trolley" trip (cross between a tram and a bus), we got a first hand view of all the major attractions that Boston has to offer. The hop on, hop off trolley allowed us to check out the sights, without having to use too much of the Subway, or pounding the pavement from one side of the city to the other.

We started out at the pier, taking in all the boats and marine area (near where the Boston tea party that is held annually). Then we jumped on a 45-minute cruise around the harbour, which was narrated, informing us of all the historical / important events that have taken place here.

Then we jumped on the trolley again, making our for the USS Constitution -a famed naval vessel in Boston.

Touring through Harvard, China Town, the market area, theatre district, we took in many different sights, opting to walk for some of the trip, to take in the sights first hand (up closer!)

Kate spotted the Mapparium, which is a giant 3-storey globe that you can walk inside of that was designed to interact visually with audiences, with the major focus being the sound and light tour within (every country / plate was made of a different coloured stain glass, that was hand made) and they also had introductions welcoming from different countries - we both laughed hard when Aussies screamed out "G'day mate". There was no whispering or talking during this event, as the acoustics carry the sound throughout the room (if you are in the middle, you effectively sound like you are on loud speaker, even if whispering - where if you are at either end, facing away from each other, you can still hold a conversation whispering - amazing!) What a little find, quite eventful and funny.....worth the $5 each we paid ;)

Lastly - the architecture here is really cool - the Artificial intelligence lab at MIT was fascinating - costing over $250 million dollars, it represents "uniqueness". The number 1 donor was $30 million - from a Harvard grad, whilst the 2nd highest $25 million was from a Harvard drop out, the most famed of all - Bill Gates (file that in the useless info section if you like)

LET THE ROAD TRIP......BEGIN!!!

An earlyish start, we began on our 4 week long road trip - bound for Albany - the capital of New York State, a lazy 514 km's from Ottawa.

Sharing the driving, taking it easy, we arrived just after 2pm, taking in the sights etc, that a capital has to offer.

Rising early - destination - Boston (3 hours away)- we made our way to one of America's finest cities! Checking out the local scene, we made our way to Fenway park (home of the World Champion Team - the Red Sox). Taking in the stadium from all directions, we made our way to the "green monster", which is the huge wall that occupies left field, taking in the "lottery" seats, which are the most sought after seats in the stadium. Being one of the smallest stadiums in the league, the Red Sox often sell out their games, making it expensive and very hard to attain tickets - we struck out this time, maybe next trip - even with the Orioles in town, it was still full.

After the wonderful tour (and me spending time drooling over the fence!) we made our way into the city via subway - towards Beacon hill (local area, very beautiful!)

We wandered around for a few hours, before stopping for a breather (due to the heat) and also a drink, to quench our thirst. Where could we go? Somewhere we felt comfortable -maybe even where they know my name - that's right - the original Cheers bar. After downing a pint (and scoring a cool Cheers glass), we headed back to tour around the city. We're here for another 2 nights, so there is sure to be many interesting sights to see yet (I think the Garden will be on there for sure!)

CANADA DAY!

It was time to head down town, to celebrate Canada day. The city was painted red and white - literally. Celebrations started early, with a parade through Ottawa city!

Speeches from the Prime Minister, live music from Canadians, RCMP performances, street bikes, skateboarders and a lot of people celebrating in style, the day was rather eventful.

After spending the best part of the morning wandering the city, taking in the sights at each of the parks/areas, enjoying the festivities, music and the local ales!

A spectacular day - we were definitely glad to stay in the city, as it allowed us to celebrate with the locals and visitors, that came from far and wide!

RCMP Musical Ride

A beautiful Friday night took us out to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police famed musical ride, which travels throughout Canada. Luckily, we didn't have to head too far (having landed in Ottawa for 4 nights), the ceremony was fantastic.

It began with a number of different sectors of the armed forces, including para-troopers leaping from planes high above, special K9 units from Ottawa Police, some "comical" performances from local celebs, as well as a musical intermission provided by the symphony orchestra.

The night was excellent, concluding with the "Mounties" parading in their famous style to a number of different musical pieces. An event worth seeing if you get the opportunity, it was definitely an experience that we'll remember!