That was when we came up with the idea for this year. We asked ourselves why couldn't we homeschool the kids, work remotely, rent out our house, and travel to the East Coast? This would enable us to celebrate both occasions instead of having to choose one over the other and it would give the kids an opportunity to experience our country. Little did we know that later both events would be rescheduled to occur the same week! Still, I'm so thankful we chose to do what we've done and wouldn't trade a single second of all the amazing experiences we've had (well, maybe a few seconds when the kids were arguing...but I digress). And so, we are in the throws of packing up to leave this Friday for Virginia to celebrate one sisters graduation and one sisters wedding with family and friends.
This month has already started out in a whirlwind. Last week we left to visit the Easternmost point of the continental United States and explore the Canadian Maritimes. It was everything I had always dreamed of and more. Even though we were there before the official tourist season and many places were still closed, the beauty of the places we saw were awe inspiring! Get ready, because you're about to get an eyeful!
The first day we headed straight for West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubec, Maine which is the easternmost point in the continental United States. Almost no one was there because it's still pretty cool here in the Northeast (also known as "Downeast" for maritime reasons). I know it sounds confusing at first- Northeast is downeast? WEST Quoddy is the furthest point EAST? What can I say? I didn't make up the names! Regardless, we had a great time walking the grounds and it was a beautiful lighthouse. According to Wikipedia, West Quoddy Head Light uses a third order Fresnel lens (pronounced fruh-nell) and it's the only third order and one of only eight Fresnel lenses still in use on the Maine Coast. Interesting! Plus, there were no lines to take a picture, so you can't beat that!
We drove to Machias, Maine for lunch at the Rivers Edge Drive In. I don't think a menu could get more "Maine-y" than lobster rolls, haddock burgers, Moxie soda, and Muddy Boots ice cream (although I'm still not sure what it's made of)... Machias claims to be the "Blueberry Capitol of the World". Much of Maine is covered in wild blueberry bushes, so I believe them. We've noticed that the blueberries we've tried here are smaller and more flavorful than the farm raised ones you can buy at the store.
While we waited for our food, we walked by the river and saw chunks of ice floating down it. It was interesting to see evidence of the spring break-up.
After that we crossed over into New Brunswick, Canada and spent our first night in Saint John.
Can I just tell you how much fun Canadians are? For example, take a look at the bathroom signs they use! I think we need more of these. Life is better when you have a sense of humor, eh?
And then inside the doors before you leave, you'll see this on the door.... Haha! My thoughts exactly.
We also ran across some interesting chip flavors that are pretty popular in Canada but are non-existent here. I don't like ketchup on anything except meatloaf but these were actually pretty decent. They tasted like ketchup but "zestier". I know, I usually promote eating locally and organically when possible but I'm also pretty adventurous and like trying new things....
The Fries'n Gravy tastes like Poutine, a popular Canadian recipe that consists of fries, cheese curds and gravy. Think mashed potatoes as a finger food.
Also, many gas stations have a tea area, which is a switch from the coffee-centric American places (Don't get me wrong, I like both!). They offered a wide variety of teas to choose from which was fun- except when I didn't secure the lid tightly and scalded my hand. Ouch!
We also noticed that most everything in New Brunswick is in both French and English. At dinner we were able to listen to the table next to us speak Canadian French, or Quebecoise (pronounced kay-bec-kwoz), which sounds different from classic French. It's almost English sounding with a different R sound produced near the throat.
We had dinner at the Saint John Ale House, which was phenomenal! If you ever visit, I highly recommend it.
One of the things we tried that you don't see every day were the periwinkles, which are small snails. They were delicious and delicately seasoned with herbs and lemon zest, so they had a fresh, clean taste. I ordered the Stinging Nettle Gnocchi (pronounced nee-yoki), which were mixed with a poached egg, tomatoes and a sauce. They were delicious and light and not "gluey" at all...
Here are a few more pictures we took in Saint John to give you an idea. It's a seaport town on the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides on Earth. I'd love to go back and spend more time there one day.
Nova Scotia reminded me a lot of the Pacific Northwest.
Our mission once we were in Nova Scotia was to visit Mahone Bay and Oak Island, the setting of much speculation, mystery, and possible treasure. Sadly, we were there before tourist season and the island is private property so we only got as close as the road leading up to it. We were able to see the Lagina brothers "War Room" from the road, though. The surrounding area and towns are lovely! I'd like to experience their music festivals!
The War Room is the building at the end of this road.
And this is a taste of Mahone Bay.
Here are some other pictures from Halifax. We weren't there long. I hope one day we'll return!
See what I mean about Canadians being fun? That rock in the middle of nowhere is painted like a Rubik's Cube.
Now the next day was my absolute favorite day of all. I was giddy the whole time and just wanted to soak everything in. I'm talking about, of course, Prince Edward Island, home of L.M. Montgomery and the setting for Anne of Green Gables!!! I don't even care that it rained the whole time and almost everything was still closed for the season. It was magical and I'm still in disbelief that we were able to visit. Seeing PEI with my own eyes has been a dream since childhood and I'm happy to report that it is every bit as gorgeous as described in the books and shown in the movies. Even in the off-season. And yes, the roads and fields ARE red!!
Square lights!
We drove through farm land and small villages to get to the north shore. There we found Cavendish and Green Gables Heritage Site, which was free with our Discovery Pass!
It was pouring buckets and the boys opted to stay in the car, so my daughter and I went into the house. It's the actual house that inspired the books. L.M. Montgomery's cousins lived in it and she would travel through the "Haunted Woods" from her grandparents house to visit and play on the farm. She never lived in this house but to this day "Anne" does! She even has a room all laid out for her upstairs!
The Haunted Woods
Anne's Room
Can't you just see Matthew bringing Anne home from the train station in this?
Of course, I had to visit the café and try some Raspberry Cordial! It was like a raspberry cream soda.
We stayed the night at the Dundee Arms Inn in Charlottetown, which is like a bed and breakfast. Our room was at the top of three flights of stairs and it was spacious and comfortable. We walked around old Charlottetown and then ate in the restaurant in the hotel. There we watched the Stanley Cup Playoffs and drank tea with everyone else. It was fantastic!
The Eckhart in the City Scavenger Hunt around the old part of town is fun. You have to find these little statues to learn about the geography and history of Charlottetown.
See! I love their signs! They have personality.
The next day we drove home and the wind and rain were as persistent as ever. I loved every second!
I'll try to post next week but we may be caught up in a frenzy of family and fun. Also, we've rented a place in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, for part of the week which is the setting for a lot of Civil War history. We can't wait to check it out!!
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
- Jen
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