Monday, September 12, 2011

Maiden Voyage X 2 !!!

We left home early Friday morning heading to a lake to spend the weekend with friends at their lake house. Any of you who truly know me, knows that I'm a 'go big or stay home" sorta gal...I drove ossumer for the trip ...and did quite well as per my co-pilot. Upon arrival the co-pilot suggested I pass the controls back to him, before turning down the long gravel winding road to the house. I stated I came this far, and that this was no time to steal my thunder, ensure your tray table is in the upright position-we will be landing within 10 minutes - I  arrived in their yard safe and sound!!! Now that first is behind me. ( I did let the co-pilot do all the jigging and jogging to get the rig into place for setup).
These friends have a beautiful boat. Its a motorhome on water..very nice bay-liner. Kitchen, bathroom sleeping area for 4. As most of you know I'm petrified of boats...and for the last two years I have visited either in the rain, or colder weather to avoid a boat trip. 


Friday was a gorgeous hot sunny day, and I sure didn't want to ruin anyones day, because it definitely was a boating day. After a couple of glasses of wine partaking, I realized the boat was loaded with lunch and supper. Panic did set in, so another glass of wine took the edge off of that. So YES I spent all day Friday on the boat. I think the worst thing was going from shore to the boat on the mooring in the little motorized dingy. That was somewhat hairy for me. Sure hoped the wine was out there with the lunch and supper.
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Sitting here pretending I'm all relaxed !!!!



I'm so proud of myself !!! I truly wasn't sure I could handle boating for the day but I knew how much Rick wanted to go out also. Great music great company, great friends and must have been great drinks too.
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yup I even drove the boat- eventually...they all thought this would help me get over my fear of boating...Drive into our wake Elaine I was told..keep this up and you'll all be coming to my 'wake'...they were told!!!








Thats right - feed some 'nuts' to the 'nut'...there were also some healthy fruity drinks called Singapore Slings!!! They should have been called "do not pour" Slings!! Of course they fed me those drinks before putting the boat up on something called 'plane'...smart move on their part, I should have known something scary was coming !!!
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Yup she was pretty much standing up on end!!!!

I couldn't let the day pass without some nice scenic pictures:

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There are some gorgeous cottages hidden on this lake !!!

All in all it was a wonderful weekend. We didn't spend the night on the boat..for that I would have required alot more of those "do not pour slings". And not being a regular drinker-there is no doubt in my mind I would have definitely been "seasick" !! I was the one who was somewhat disappointed on Saturday when the weather was gorgeous but the wind was up and we couldn't go boating.
But we had a great Saturday sitting around visiting together, and there did seem to be company in and out most of the day. Needless to say it was a late night but a great one :)...we arrived back home content and tired yesterday afternoon. We both dove for a sofa (this time I did manage to throw dog cookies toward the kitchen and beat Tucker to the sofa), and we remained there most of the day!
So I am very please to have two major Maiden Voyages behind me..now what to do next!!


Take care all~be safe


Home is where you park it !!









Thursday, September 8, 2011

Grass Anyone?

It was a busy 'find me something to do' day for me yesterday. So Rick loaded up the ride on mower with gas and I hit the back lawns for a few hours. Maybe thats just what this chick needed. I'm still vibrating - Just wanted to pop on and say hello to everyone. Am happy to hear that the fire out Contessa's ( 5 Cs) way is now under control and that everyone there is safe and sound. Praying that all our texan friends are also safe and sound. Dee and Jim are with family, Pheebee is still putting a smile on everyones face..Rick and Paulette have the tile finished..great job folks, and Alex is on the road to recovery after his surgery..looks like all is well with the blogging friends..have a super weekend all..tomorrow morning we are heading to our friend's cottage for some fun, boating, good food and great company. Not sure how I'll make out as I'm not a boating person.


Last night as I hauled my weary bones to the sofa for a plunked down comfy rest - Tucker beat me to it..thought I'd share this with you..

Get me the remote will you Mom? 

Have a super day all...

Home is where you park it




Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Another Wonderful Labor Day Weekend 2011

Hoping every one of you enjoyed a fun filled labor day weekend! We left the stix and bricks on Thursday to head down to the Hopewell Rocks area to a camp ground that is a favourite of ours and is only 20 minutes away. But..its like entering a different world. You don't always have to travel far to find peace and tranquillity. The cg was filled for the long weekend..and it was nice to see the owner finally filling up with some locals. We have been going there for many years and there were times we were the only locals present. They were definitely packed in for this labor day weekend.
Thursday we settled in set up and puttered around the rig. Friday we housecleaned the coach...motored around a bit visited a friend who used to work for us, and enjoyed catching up with her. It was a nice sunny day. We walked the furkids a few times, then had scallops for supper. We mostly sat back and watched all the rvs arrive and set up for the weekend.
Saturday was a tour day for us..it had been awhile since we had toured the area..first stop was  "Crooked Creek"..The falls are awesome -locals have made this into a free camping spot which unfortunately means some of them don't know how to pick up their own garbage :(...There are hiking trails, ATV trails and walking trails.
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From there we headed onto Cape Enrage-

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Its great place to witness the awesome forces of the Bay of Fundy. Always a cool breeze sometimes to the point of being chilly. The lighthouse is the oldest remaining lighthouse on Mainland New Brunswick.
We then motored onto Alma area:
The Parish of Alma was created surrounding the Village in 1856.The village became an incorporated municipality in 1966. It was 18 years prior that the federal government expropriated land in the village and parish west of the Upper Salmon River for the creation of Fundy National Park.

A very pretty village at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy. Fundy Park entrance is in Alma.
After our return to the Rv a friend arrived to spend the evening with us. We fired up the bbq and feasted on steak, mushrooms, onions, salads and veggies. Then Smores for desert at  the campfire.
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Ponderosa Pines Campground-Hopewell Cape NB
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On each side of the park there are lakes. Stocked with trout for all you fishermen out there. I saw poles, boots, and nets all weekend but didn’t see many carrying back much fish. I think the fish are fed so well they don’t bite often.
The Bay of Fundy borders the back of the campground and you can walk the dam road to Hopewell Rocks and enter the back way to see the tides.

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You can rent canoes kayaks and paddle boats for a reasonable price and paddle your way around the lakes.

Or you can sit in one of the many lawn chairs and watch other paddle around.



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The Bay of Fundy all along the back of the campground!
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The fur kids enjoyed their many walks within the campground. For those of you who love treed areas there is parking amongst the pines, for those who like open area there is a massive open area for parking with full service in both areas. The rates are good (stay 7 and get one free)..wifi is excellent the only downfall is cell service is not the best. It tends to be sporadic. Texting does work well so in an emergency the kids can get a hold of you. It was nice not to hear the cell ringing all weekend. So it was once again another weekend of good food, good company and lots of relaxation. Although I am not sure I am as good at this ‘practising retirement’ as Rick is. I find I’m misplaced, and sort of lost. Its very hard after many many years of structured work to flip the switch…I’m trying my best and giving it a good shot..not sure yet tho…
Take care all and be safe out there,
Home is where you park it!!
Elaine, Rick, Tucker and Lilly