Concluding the Maritimes

-->

The Maritimes / The Atlantic Provinces of Canada Experiences: Part IV

Northumberland area of Nova Scotia, and Highway 2 across New Brunswick.

May 16, 2013 – Today we made our escape from Cape Breton, sadly leaving behind one of our favorite camp sights ever, but looking forward to moving west and seeing what more there is to see. Our morning was justly rewarded by a drive of less than 100 miles to the Glenora Single Malt Whisky Distillery in Glenville just outside of Mabou, N.S. This distillery is the only single malt distillery in North America. We had an informative tour of the distillery; they only make the “nectar” during the winter months when the water from their river is very cold and pure, but we got to see the kettles, tubs and stills used in the processes. The tasting was delightful, who knew Karen would now like scotch too – “oh no, not another vice! “ According to our guide, the Gaels invented the “Usige Betha” – the water of life; Glenora Distillery continues with that tradition. An interesting note is that the distillery uses American White Oak Barrels from Jack Daniels, just a hint of our American Whiskey in the mix. We treated ourselves to a bottle of the Glen Breton Canadian Single Malt Whisky (a bit $$, but oh so tasty).  

Glenora Single Malt Scotch Distillery

Onward and upward, we worked our way to the town of Pictou, on the Northumberland Strait. We had a nice campground with a lot of other RVers – this is the beginning of a 3 day weekend for Canada, Monday is Victoria Day, so besides all of the “seasonals” who keep their rigs on-sight year round, there were a good number of us “transients” in the house. Unfortunately the weather was not really worthy of celebrating, but everyone seem ok with just being there despite the SOGGY conditions.

This B&B was the American Consulate over 100 years ago

Friday May 17, 2013 Day # 57 – Chilly and damp but bundling up we took off to explore the nearby region. We made our way to the towns of Trenton, New Glasgow and Pictou. All had some coastal exposures, but were not especially appealing or touristy; a lot of old buildings and some blocks with sort of run-down appearances.  Karen did manage to buy herself a very bright new purse – phew she finally replaced the one with tape holding on one of the handles J. New Glasgow is definitely a working community with a steel plant and paper mill nearby. We enjoyed a nice lunch of lobster rolls and beverages at Carvers Grill and Pub, looked like it might be even more fun at night with the “open mike” hosting Celtic music groups. We returned to camp and savored just a “wee bit” of our Glenora Scotch, YUM, and sooooo smooth.

very good single malt 14 year Glen Breton

May 18-19, 2013 Saturday and Sunday were mainly “travel days”, kept on heading west out of Nova Scotia, and through New Brunswick. We made good time and covered quite a few miles despite the wet windy conditions on part of the route. The roadsides were colorful with their Spring Shades of green, many miles of pine and hardwood forests to enjoy. We were rewarded to finally see our 1^st moose (no Karen did not get his picture L), he was behind the safety fences that parallel much of the highway. We are next looking forward to seeing some of the province of Quebec.