Not an early start, but since I really needed to wait for Atlantic Motorsport to open, I wasn’t in much of a rush.   Packed things up, had a coffee with some neighbours across the way and relaxed.  Unfortunately, while I was dwaddling, the fog moved in and cast a grey pall over everything.

I also took this time to give Service Canada a call.  I was supposed to inform them when I got back into the country.  As usually, calling their phone number even after 8:30 resulted in them ‘not being open yet’.  Although, I suppose it’s possible that Atlantic time is messing me up…  In any case, I brought my online EI reports up to date and planned to call them another day.

Also had a chance to speak to Atlantic Motorsport, gave them my VISA number so they could order my part.   I tried using Dell Voice/Fongo again, but the call quality is apparently terrible.  They always sound fine, but they can never hear me.  Will keep trying, but it might be something to do with their VOIP configuration or Bell’s data plan…

On the road, it was brisk.  18C or so, with some fog.   Moisture and wind cools you down quick!  But it didn’t last long before the skies cleared up.   I stuck to some back roads and went out to Miramichi on 108.  It’s like the side roads in Maine, and yet different.  Definitely damaged and bumpy – going past the posted speed limit wasn’t difficult, but took enough attention that you couldn’t look around.  Hard to relax.

Another thing different is the difference in highway signage.  The stuff in Canada doesn’t seem as clear – if you don’t know which way to go, just following the signs can get you lost.  The 108 just seemed to end and I took the wrong way down 8.   Exits are far, far apart – fortunately, there’s little enough traffic that I could use the shoulders to turn around and get into the city.

Lunch at Timmy’s – Lasagna casserole and a donut.   I’m not convinced it’s actually better than Chef Boy r Dee pasta…

Got to Kouchi and bought a Discovery Pass for the National Parks.  And apparently the Canadian park system has passport(s) and stamps now!  No dates on the stamps, so I’m not really sure it’s as useful as the US system.  But gives me something to do at the Visitor Centers.

Set up camp to let things sit in the sun and air out a little bit to dry out the damp from packing up in the morning.   Lobed the chain as well before heading out to the beach.

Got myself rather stuck out on the sandbars.  I guess there’s a good reason why they have a boardwalk out to the barrier sandbars.   Ended up having to double back to get to shore.  Not sure whether I was out at high or low tide – Could have gotten even uglier.

Grabbed a snack at the shop – Our national dish!

Picked up some firewood before heading out to one of the evening events at the park.  Presentation about the Salt Marsh – at this point, there’s another difference from the US system.  Better budget and production values.  the Salt Marsh boardwalk has apparently been closed since a storm in 2010.  Still not repaired and it’s mid-2012.  And since you couldn’t go out to the Salt Marsh yourself anymore the interpreter had made her own video.   Lots of wind noise and plenty of AV issues.  Definite change of pace.

Finally got another chance for a camp fire! Tent was dry, free hot showers.  Aside from getting bitten again by mosquitos – a very satisfactory Canadian park experience.