If you don’t expect challenges, you’re not on an adventure. Since we dipped our toes in the Atlantic, near the tip of Newfoundland’s Western Peninsula, we’ve faced all kinds of challenges. It took us an extra week to get from Port aux Basques Newfoundland to North Sydney Nova Scotia, first because the ferries were fully booked, then after our departure date was cancelled due to bad weather.
Having rounded the Cabot Trail and made our way to Prince Edward Island, we learned that Hurricane Fiona was barrelling up the coast and we’d best get out of its way. A quick visit to Charlottetown was all we had time for, then we crossed the Confederation Bridge, heading inland.
News of the devastation visited upon the Maritimes – and especially Port aux Basques, which we had become quite familiar with – saddened and depressed us.
The weather has turned. First we were caught in more rainstorms, then yesterday we actually encountered the first sleet and snow… not enough to stick, but enough to remind us winter’s coming on.
Finally, Di and I are both sick. We don’t believe it’s COVID, but are avoiding public places as much as possible, and may have to cancel some planned visits. For a while we could barely speak, our vocal cords were so stressed from hacking and coughing, and we are both exhausted. The worst is over, I believe, but it’s been an ordeal.
Our objective now is to make for home. We’ve checked the weather forecasts along our route, and it looks like we’ll be able to get through the Rockies before the snow flies.
Despite the recent challenges, I wouldn’t change anything about our travels. It’s been a wonderful journey, and resulted in an expanded vision of Canada for Di and I.