Chloe and I did an early morning tour of Lubec before getting ready for our ride today.  As we wandered down by the water, I realized that last night at low tide, the water was so low that you could almost have walked across the channel to Canada (or the other direction).  Interesting, huh?

Even though there isn’t a lot to do directly in Lubec, I enjoyed myself very much.  Besides the incredible scenery, everyone is so friendly.  As we walked around, almost everyone gave us a wave, especially the older gentlemen.

What I missed getting to take

As I was getting ready to leave, I realized I was glad I found Campobello as I thought it to be one of the prettiest places I have ever seen.  Incredibly clean, very well-maintained, breathtaking scenery, hiking, fishing, swimming…what is there not to like.  In addition, during my drive around the island yesterday, I got quite excited when I found out there was a car ferry from Campobello to Deer Island NB which could cut out about an hour and a half of driving time.  I drove over to the ferry terminal yesterday to check it out only to be disappointed as they are not yet running for this summer season!  I was told that there was some issue with the boats.  Whatever…I had to drive.

So, today was rather tame as we were a bit tired after all the hiking and running around the last couple of days and it didn’t help that I didn’t sleep well last night.  It seems as I’ve driven north, I am waking earlier and earlier despite going to bed at about the same time.

I drove up U.S. Route 1 north to Calais, ME where I crossed the St. Croix River into St. Stephen, New Brunswick.  So, since I was somewhat weary, I asked the border guard for his opinion and he suggested I take Canada Route 1, a four-lane divided highway, with a speed limit of 110 kph.  Also, once I crossed into Canada, I entered the Atlantic Time Zone which meant I am now an hour ahead of the Eastern Time Zone.  Maybe I’ll sleep an hour later?

Before I got to this roadway, I was driving through St. Stephen which was bustling in the late morning.  I noticed a Subway sign stating they have fresh lobster!  Then, more excitingly, I happened to see that St. Stephen is dubbed Canada’s Chocolate Town, primarily due to the Ganong Chocolate Factory and their annual Chocolate festival, so I thought this would be a good place to replenish my chocolate supply.

On my approach to Route 1, I saw a surprising sight which I have not seen in many, many years:  hitchhikers!  I’m hoping that it is safer to do this here in Canada than it is in the United States.  Anyway, I found that New Brunswick’s major highway, or at least this one, was rather beautiful as it wound through thick forests with periodic glimpses of the Bay of Fundy to the south, layered stone walls occasionally flanking the highway, and vast fields of wildflowers blending colors reminiscent of a Monet painting.  Very few billboards or signs mar the landscape and all roadway signs are in both French and English.

Luckily, my GPS converts kilometers to miles so that 110 kph converts to 68 mph.  I set my cruise to 72 and cruised along passing many but a few passing me so decided I was on the right track; then, a guy with Michigan plates blew by me so fast, I wondered if he thought 110 meant mph?

So, while I was still in Maine, on my way to Calais, I tuned in to an awesome radio station that played new and old country; I only mention this because it stayed loud and clear all the way until I got to Moncton!  No radio station in the U.S. stayed with me for anywhere close to 200 miles—I was amazed.  They are conducting a survey of their listeners about the potential that President Trump might impose a tariff on cars made in Canada and imported into the United States.  So, as I drove, I tried to think about what cars are Canadian and couldn’t think of one.  Ya got to love google because as it turns out, they don’t but some Japanese and American manufacturers do make their cars in Canada.

Checked into Crowne Plaza and what a lovely experience.  We walked in and literally, every employee came over to Chloe and scratched ears, rubbed belly, whatever.  They almost paid more attention to her than me.  They even insisted on watching her while I got our stuff from the car and said if I wanted to go out, they would dog-sit.

Now, I am here in Canada for eight days so I will have to buy gas.  I have seen that gas up here costs between C$1.243 and C$1.283 per liter so, if I have calculated this correctly, this converts to an average of about $3.63 per gallon American!