I was early to rise Friday morning and grabbed a welcome shower and scoped out the neighborhood. Absolutely quiet in the morning, without even a dog walker or visitor to the washrooms. Picked up a nice sunrise picture at Ryan’s and saw rabbits, terns and porcupines. After Janie appeared from the bunk, we struck out for the pier at Ryan’s and dipped our feet in the cool Northumberland. Love mornings in national parks.
When Porter stuck his head out the door, we were readying the coffee, fruits and veggies for Breakfast Burritos! Lovely mug up that even felt somewhat healthy. Then it was clean-up, loading and check-out. That Otentik was the most decked out we’ve come across to date… Nicely done Parks Canada.
Janie had designs on Fat Biking, so we headed back for Ryan’s to look in on rentals. We were on the trail in jig time (fat bike rentals – $10 an hour). We used the most immediate trail, a well groomed crusher dust roadway that rambled along the coastline with little change in elevation. All hands did great (no accidents) and we completed a return trip of 8-10 kms. At 11:00, when were dropping off our bikes, we could feel the weather changing. It was pouring by the time we were enroute to Moncton.
Getting excellent directions from MacKay, the Porter / Lumsden caravan came to rest at the Dieppe – Sobeys / NBLC to replenish the larder and wander what must be the grandest NBLC in the province. Soon we were met by a festive Ramsey and Mackay that caused a raucous in Aisle 7! Lots of fun shopping, and we tried to stay focused realizing that this may be the last big chain opportunity for the weekend (we were right). After rallying with plenty of food and refreshment, we followed our local guide through Moncton, Riverview, and on to Alma. Thanks Chris!
Next up, weekend destination Fundy National Park. It was a site Janie and I had driven through, and we’re looking forward to visiting with intent. Our “circus” arrived at check in time and we each validated our reservations and made off to our sites. Adjacent to the cooling updraft from the harbour, the refreshing winds of Headquarters Campground were so welcome. We were anxious to set up and settle for an evening of relaxation.
Later in the afternoon, Conal notified the group that Taylor and family were onsite! Awesome… All in! We connected with Tom, Sharon, Anna and Aidan and were happy to have everyone there safe and sound. With refreshments flowing all hands settled in for a supper of sausages and vegetables. It was a super mug-up and everyone caught up on yesterday, today and tomorrow. As the G&T, whiskey and beers flowed freely we settled in for an early evening and an excellent first day.