Monday July 24, 2017

We went to bed pretty early last night as we were tired from our long day. That led to us waking up at 0700 so we went to the office for breakfast. The owners of the hotel came to Canada from Korea and they are very nice. Sarah made us homemade waffles with fresh blueberries. They were very good and filling. After breakfast, we packed up and then headed slightly backwards to the town of Sussex. We did this because we needed to buy some food for the next few days. When we went to the store yesterday on our way to Penobsquis, it had closed at 5 o’clock because it was Sunday. We buy some eggs, tortillas, chicken breast, cheese, and a few other items. Our next place has a small kitchenette so we plan on cooking our own breakfast.

Fundy National Park

Our shopping done we make the short drive to Fundy National Park. We had planned on doing a loop that went to a waterfall and then along a nice creek. Unfortunately, the road to the trail head was closed. There was a man standing by the barricade so I asked him if the road would be open tomorrow. He said not until Wednesday but then he showed me on a map another road which had a trail that connected to this one. We decided to go there and hike from that trail head. After six miles on a dirt road, we find the Dobson Link Trail. When we get out of the car, we are swarmed by flies and bees. I think maybe I parked near a nest, so we retreat into the car and move it. We are still hesitant to go out but after spraying some bug repellant on ourselves, we brave the bugs.

Laverty Falls

Once on the trail, we are not bothered by any pests. We go 1.6 miles to where this trail connects with the original loop and a short while later come to Laverty Falls. We find a nice rock to eat some snacks on at the bottom of the falls. Now we need to decide on whether to return the way we came or hike the original loop and then back to our vehicle. Carol wants to do the loop so off we go. It is all uphill as we hike to the trailhead that was closed. I just think that Carol is trying to kill me.

Navigating the ROOT

The trail so far has not been easy and that trend continues. The trail is covered in rocks and roots and we need to pay attention to every step. It would be very easy to twist an ankle here. From this point we start a downhill section. The trail is not too bad, but the pests are back so we put on our mosquito nets. They work splendidly as we make it to the creek and take another break. It is a beautiful spot and we linger for a bit. We have already done 5 miles which is not good as the original loop I had planned was 4.4 miles. As we start out the trail is really difficult, with more rocks, steep but short climbs and more of those dreaded roots. I go back into my “you are trying to kill me” routine followed by the Canadian Hiking ROOTS suck. Eventually things flatten out and we get back to the Link trail. That is good. The bad is that we are both dragging. The roots, rocks, ups, and downs have taken their toll and it is a slog to finish. We make it and the total miles for the hike is 8 miles and we hiked for 4 and a half hours.

Love Me Some Lobster

Back in the RAV we drive out of the park and into the small town of Alma. We decide to have some lobster and go the Alma Lobster Pound. We get two steamed lobsters, one is two pounds and the other is 2.7 pounds. They crack them for us and melt some butter and we sit on their patio enjoying our lobster feast. A great treat and way to end our day. After dinner, it is a short drive to our new Hotel and once there, we realize how hurting we both are. Our showers do not help much with our aches and pains. Carols plan failed as I am still alive but we are both feeling the effects of our days hike. Hopefully we feel better tomorrow. Staying in recuperating.  

Expenses                                                                                                                             Groceries 30CAD                                                                                                                   Lobster Dinner  57CAD                                                                                                            Hotel  107CAD                                                                                                                              Hiked 8 Miles