Sleeping conditions steadily improved through the weekend, as the heat of Thursday had transformed into cool, fresh evenings that encouraged snuggling into the sleeping bag. By the time we woke Sunday it was nearing 7:00 AM! Coffee… The Lumsdens were coordinating breakfast, and once again had fruit, breakfast wraps, salsa and copious amounts of coffee. Really enjoyed the outdoor cooking this trip and between the gear the Porters had lugged and the stuff jammed in the RAV4, we had most all a camp cook required. Breaking tortillas was as close as we got to church on this Sunday!
So the idea for Sunday was to take a road trip to Hopewell Cape and see the famous Fundy tides in action. On the way is tiny Cape Enrage, a lighthouse and look off area along the coast that Chris Mackay and I had visited in the late ’80’s. I wanted to return… Partially because it was another chance to get outside and move around, but mostly to revisit and check to see if what I remembered corresponds with what’s actually there. Well… Can’t say it blew our socks off! But we got out for a look and the breeze was enough to even mess up my hair.
Then onward to a signature New Brunswick attraction, the Hopewell Cape Rocks. Upon arrival we convened for a huge lunch break at one of the picnic tables located on the grounds. Excellent outdoor dinner with everyone enjoying something. We must’ve looked like some sort of travelling commune! Then, after a stop at the world’s highest porta-potty, we made our way to admission and the trail to the stairs down to the floor.
I’ve been to the rocks several times… For some of our group it was the first visit. Regardless, the “flower pots” that surround and “chocolate River” that flows by are far from the usual. The range of tide, differences in water color and sheer extent of rock face and shape always provide something new to view. We spent an hour near low tide wandering, wondering and snapping pictures. Once up the stairs we washed off and headed for the washrooms and concessions. Thanks Tommy for the round of ice cream!
So… Opportunities to shop along this shore are few and far between (also part of the beauty). However, we were definitely short on last evening supper supplies. To the rescue, however, comes the Riverside Albert Convenience Store! We found more sausages (a trip favorite) and all the extra fixin’s required. Glad I got Mrs Lumsden out before she broke the canoeing trophy. After sourcing beer (Found some Picaroons) and charcoal at our last stop in Alma we were ready to hunker down. Supper was a collaborative cooking effort with all hands helping. The Taylors arrived and all hands sampled the fare from the BBQ.
As the drinks flowed and dishes got cleaned up we made our way once again to the fire pit. This night in the short term proved easier, as there were oodles of kids and half the corner of the campground took part in the sing song. However, true to form we were visited once again by our “no noise neighbour”. Security did arrive but we had packed up just before quiet time at 11:00 PM. Any excitement was quickly over shortly thereafter! Several were late turning in… Stretching Sunday well into Monday, but a great evening and reunion.
When the sun came up, breakfast was prepped and coffee hot! It took some time, but everyone managed to sort out and pack up all the supplies and camping equipment / utensils that had been used communally. Chris set us up for the big pic and the good byes began. There is talk of planning for Keji in July of 2019… So we’re absolutely hoping that we can pull that together so our gatherings aren’t 3 years apart. Big thank yous to everyone for making the 2017 version happen and such a success.