Entries by Chuck

Camping at Fundy National Park ........By Steve Dunlop…. Aug 2008

This past weekend my friend Chuck and I went to Fundy National Park for a camping weekend. Fundy National Park is one of Canada’s treasures located on the shore of the Bay of Fundy in the province of New Brunswick. It is known for its breathtaking scenery, along with hiking and cycling trails, areas for swimming, canoeing, kayaking and golfing.

We arrived at Point Wolfe campsite, which is one of the sites located in the park. The park actually covers over 200 square kilometers, which features a few campsites and chalets. There are Bread and Breakfast’s located in the scenic village of Alma located just outside the park. There are also over 100 km (60 miles) of hiking trails. If I had a week at the park I would hike them all.

Upon setting up the tents in the early afternoon, we got the BBQ going and got into the cold beer in the cooler. We sat there and ate, and drank Alpine until after midnight. So much for hiking that day! I slept good that night despite Chuck waking up cursing at a raccoon getting into our food left on the picnic table through the night. Chuck on the other hand didn’t sleep well primarily because he did not bring an air mattress. I cannot stress enough the importance of an air mattress for getting a good night’s sleep in a tent.

Although we planned to do some serious hiking the next day, we did not get a chance to. We did visit Dickson Falls. I urge anyone visiting the park to take the time to view, not only the spectacular view of the Bay of Fundy, but the spectacular waterfalls there. You can walk around the area on a boardwalk path. Fundy Park actually has 20 waterfalls in total. We did plan to stop at other points of interest, but the higher terrain was shrouded in fog. The area along the bay was clear the time we were there despite being overcast. We could look across the Bay over to Nova Scotia. Often fog tends to develop on the Bay of Fundy, so we were quite fortunate to camp “fog free”. I see enough fog in my hometown of Saint John, which is further down the bay.

Our largest regret was not being able to spend more time at the park. There are so many outdoor activities that you can do. The scenery is breathtaking. I am going back to Fundy National soon and spend the time hiking the trails and enjoying nature the way it is supposed to be. Do you have any experiences at Fundy? If so feel free to leave your comments with us.

With the recent warm temperatures, now is the perfect time to get away and do some camping. There is nothing like spending a few days at a campsite with a BBQ and a bonfire going while sucking back a few of your favorite beverages. There are a few things to consider before you head out to your favorite campground.

To really enjoy your camping adventure you have to make sure you bring the right things. Let’s assume that you are like me this summer and sleep in a tent and drive to your destination in a car. You will need to clear lots of room in your trunk to fit all the camping essentials in. The first thing to remember is the tent. Consider a camping tent built for one or two more than the actual number of occupants that will be sleeping in the tent. I recommend getting a 3-man tent or larger for 2 people so there is room for moving around inside. Also make sure it is weatherproof and has fly windows. Also depending on your frequency of camping you may want a tent that is simple to set up. As well as a tent, insulated sleeping bags and a sturdy air mattress are recommended. Don’t forget the air mattress pump and an extra blanket in case it gets chilly as it does here in Canada at times during the late spring and early fall. Even a few pillows come in handy for a good night’s sleep.

The next thing to think about is cooking supplies. You should have a stove and/or a BBQ with fuel/propane as well as cooking and eating utensils. You need a cooler which should be fairly large so you don’t have to jam pack everything in. You may want an extra cooler if there is a larger group or you are planning to drink lots of ice cold beverages. You need ice packs or bags of ice as well. Don’t forget to fill the cooler with the food you will need to take as well as condiments and beverages. If you are anything like me you will need coffee first thing in the morning, so be sure to bring coffee and cups. Don’t forget the obvious things like napkins, towels, and soap.

Fold up chairs are a must for comfort while sitting by the evening campfire. You can buy them for less than 10 dollars each and they are great to keep in the trunk at all times. Also you will need to have a lighter and things to light a campfire with. Most campgrounds supply firewood at an additional cost. Mosquito coils and candles are great if you have a problem with too many bugs at the campsite.

You will need to pack personal items like shampoo, toothbrush, and other toiletries.
Don’t forget personal medications as well as insect repellent and sunscreen. Bring your swimwear and shorts as well. You can also bring books, magazines and newspapers if you get bored or if it rains while you are there.

Another idea is to bring your bike if there is a bike rack to carry it. Many campgrounds have biking and hiking trails close by to keep you occupied during the day. Other optional items are canoes and kayaks along with life jackets. You can bring ball gloves and softball, a football or a Frisbee to play around as well.

Before you leave make sure you leave a number where someone can reach you in case of an emergency. Also make sure you have money, bankcards and a credit card or traveler’s cheques. A lot of campsites require a credit card to book a site and you should always be prepared financially for unexpected things that may come up during your trip. Last but not least, if you have pets, make sure they are taken care of while you are gone. It seems like a lot of work to prepare, however, camping is one of life’s most enjoyable experiences if you have packed and prepared properly. Have fun camping.

It was the middle of October when we left and the leaves were almost all turning color and starting to fall off to the ground. I left Saint John, New Brunswick to make my way to Truro, Nova Scotia where I met up with my friend. We stayed in Truro for the first night and got everything ready for the early morning trip. We packed up the truck camper, and BBQ (which is very important on a camping trip), and ventured off early the next morning. However, me being a devout tea drinker, we had to stop at Tim Horton’s on the way, in fact we stopped there a number of times. It was about a 4-hour trip to the Cabot Trail. As we entered Cape Breton we stopped at the main tourism center, then headed out through highway 105 up to Victoria. The landscape on the Cabot Trail is out of this world breathtaking. It is also called “Cape Breton Highlands National Park”. We had a wonderful time. The rolling hills, cliffs and wildlife were immense. I remember seeing a large bald eagle flying over above me and circling around as if I was lunch. The majestic feel of the lookout points and the landscape take you right out of this world. This place is a must see for everyone. You will want to have more then one day to enjoy its beauty. The Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia is the place to visit.

Please share your stories of the Cabot Trail

Camping in Maine (by Steve Dunlop)

Some of my favorite camping trips have been in the State of Maine. It is not only cheap liquor that attracts me to Maine, (beer and other liquors are 3 times more expensive in Canada) but the beauty of Maine makes it one of the best spots for camping during the summer. When I was younger I went to Mount Katahdin in Northern Maine with some friends. We hiked to the top of mountain and back down which took a good part of the day. We camped next to a lake on the side of the mile high mountain. It was something I will never forget and I have the urge to go back there soon.

Last summer I camped in Eastport, Maine. Eastport claims to be the most eastern point city in the United States. Eastport is not a big city, but if you like a scenic fishing town and great hospitality you have to visit the Downeast Maine region. Lisa and I drove down to Machias and passed through many scenic villages during our trip. We camped for two nights in Eastport. Being a Canadian and wanting to take home cheap beer and liquor (I don’t drink a lot) you need stay two nights. If you are wondering why.. just ask Canada Customs. Staying two nights in Coastal Maine was not enough time to really enjoy the beauty of the area. Camping out; with a bon-fire, barbecue and beer is something that is one of my favorite things in life. Our campsite overlooked the edge of the Bay of Fundy. We would sit there in the evening and watch the ferry go across the water over to Deer Island in our home province in New Brunswick. I am looking forward to going back this summer.