# 41
   .  .  .   and beyond

Oct 5th

This day had started well and having already docked at 7, it was soon time to gather in the theater area to prepare for our shore excursion.  Once again the weather was a bit "iffy" and staff were handing out plastic ponchos.  I still hadn't opened the other set from a few days ago, so I declined the offer.  We filed into the bus and were soon on our way.  The tour guide for this city was so much more entertaining and knowledgeable than the previous outing.  He spoke English very well, although with an accent, and began giving descriptions as soon as we pulled out of the pier area.  He gave details about the city and the outskirts as we traveled to our destination.

This was one of the places that I really wanted to see, and it didn't disappoint.  We were on site for at least three hours, but I could have spent double that amount of time exploring and taking in all the details.  Amazing how the life and times were captured so poignantly in such a short time frame.

# 40
   .  .  .   and beyond  

Oct 4th

Once again we were docking by 8 a.m.  This time it was the second last stop of our trip.  This island sits west of the toe on the boot and is part of Italy. Mike and I walked a few blocks and inquired about a taxi or small bus to take us on a tour.  In the midst of  negotiations, we met a young couple from Holland who offered to share a car or van with us.  The driver still wouldn't agree to our terms, so the four of us walked away and bought tickets for the local tour train.  Good decision. It returned to the square every hour so we had some time to wait.














Rosemary and Armand spent the day with us, sipping cappuccino, riding the tour train, and shopping for little people clothes.  We were shopping for our grand children, but I think Rosemary was expecting a child as she looked at a lot of little girl outfits.





.

The view from the top of the hill was incredible.
When the tour train stopped we all got out to take pictures.  Wow




The ticket for the tour included hop on / hop off for the day so we took advantage and went in the other direction as well.  All this riding and picture taking made the men thirsty so we stopped for a sip at the end of the ride.   I opted for yet another cappuccino. Secret is out, now you know where we were.                                                              

# 39
   .  .  .     and beyond  

Oct 3rd

It was Saturday and by noon we had docked at this island that was our easternmost port.  The original plan was to stop at Tunisia, but after a bus load of tourists was attached when they stopped to visit a church, Tunis was taken off the agenda.  There were plenty of places to shop, have lunch or a nice cappuccino.  We were only stopping here for 6 hours, so we wanted to see as much as we could and attempted to sample the flavours and sights here.






With having such a small taste of this country, it might be a good idea to plan another trip to see the rest of the islands and spend a bit more time exploring.


The beaches were beautiful and the weather left nothing to be desired.  Our one night of wind and waves was long forgotten and once again, cruising was the way to go.

# 38
  .  .  .   and beyond  

Oct 2nd

The cruise ship was docked by 8 a.m. We were at a small island south west of the toe of Italy's boot.  For some reason I didn't order a cappuccino here, but there was a lot to see and do.  We opted for the local tourist bus trip around the island and hurried to get a seat on the upper deck.  (You get better pics when you don't have a roof.)










We stopped to visit a glass blowing factory on our way to the ancient walled city at the top of the mountain.  Once there, the bus driver had us all get off the bus, saying there would be another to take us back to the port in 20 minutes.  An hour and a half later, we flagged down a bus about three blocks away.  It took us back to the main city and then we literally ran back to the pier so we'd be on board by the specified time.

             Can you imagine what would happen if we didn't get back before the ship left?


Because we had some time to kill on the top of the mountain, we did a bit of shopping.  We got straw hats.  Yee haw!   Here's a double selfie while we sat on the end of our bed.  The whole wall was a mirror, so this was easy.

# 37
   .  .  .   and beyond    

Wed or Thurs?

I can't remember which night it was, but one night on the ship was a bit rough.  Well, maybe more than a bit.  It was rather difficult to walk anywhere and when we went to bed, we were being tossed about in our bed quite a bit.   At some point during the night, the suitcases came crashing out of the closet door, and banged into the bathroom.  Yup, it was a rough night.  That doesn't usually bother us much, I have always had pretty steady sea legs, but Mike actually had to go to the duty free shop and get some sea sickness gum.  There was a lot of wind that night and being on the back of the ship, we felt all of the movement.  So the big balcony was the pro making up for that con.  It wasn't that big a deal.  It made for an interesting evening though.

Almost every night after dinner, Mike and I would spend some time at the piano lounge in the middle of the ship. The casino was way too smokey so this was a nice alternative, (and cheaper than losing to the one armed bandits). A South American trio played soft lounge tunes.  The female vocalist had a decent voice, the drummer knew how to play gently, and the piano player could play.  It just so happened that we knew almost every song they played, and it made for a pleasant night.  Free drinks didn't hurt either.  They did a great version of  "No More Lonely Nights", and each night when they noticed us coming into the lounge, they would play it for me.  That's a great way to show customer appreciation.  I wish the pictures had turned out, but sometimes I just get fuzzy photos.

# 36
   ,  ,  ,   and beyond  

Oct 1st    At Sea




We didn't do a lot on board while at sea, but I managed to try three different cocktails in the afternoon and evening.  The price of the trip included a package of 12 free drinks . . . each, so we decided it was time to start sampling. That afternoon the four of us sat around a table and played a game of cards.  Yup, we're that weird.  
The ship actually made a really nice cappuccino, at least they did at the bar just outside the buffet.  This made for a relatively quiet and serene place to enjoy my coffee.  Not only that, the constant top side wind was almost non existent. 

Our first day at sea was our second formal dinner on this cruise. Because we like to travel light, Mike took one suit with two different shirts and ties, and I took two outfits with the same shoes and shawl.  There were some couples with tuxedos and evening gowns, but that's not for us on a cruise. This is about as formal as we got!

# 35
   .  .  .   and beyond  

Sep 30

Before 9 the next morning we had docked and were waiting in the lounge area for our shore excursion. We were taking the city tour because neither of us had been here before.  The day wasn't co-operating very well.  It was cloudy and cool and there was rain off and on with much the same in the forecast for the rest of the day.  Our staff was handing out plastic ponchos for those of us that wanted them.  I took one for each of us, but if it stayed a drizzle all day, I could live with it.  Besides, I had my travel umbrella.  No wonder my shoulder bag was so heavy.  I carried far too much with me everywhere.


This city is the capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain.  Our tour guide always sounded like she had a lisp when she said the city name. She didn't have a lisp and it still makes me laugh when I think about it.

While on the chartered bus, we passed by this store. Can you tell that I'm a big Paul McCartney fan? Even taking pictures of his daughter's store?  Too much?

While there we toured the ancient city at the top of the hill and spent an hour or so visiting the shops in this major tourist attraction.

This time my cappuccino was in a paper cup and it really wasn't all that bad, but not the best.

# 34  
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Sep 29  
There was a grand theater at the bow of our ship that could hold over 1500 guests.  The cruise line didn't have any headliners, but the on board compliment of singers and dancers did a pretty good job of entertaining us each night.  We usually sat somewhere near the back on the lower level just because it was easier to leave right after the performance.

Our balcony was double the depth you see in this picture.  Too bad the photos from the first day on board are missing.  I took a few of our cabin and balcony because I couldn't believe how much room we had.
In the background you can see the island, just south of Barcelona, Spain, that was our next port of call.  It was 2 p.m. before we actually docked and the schedule said we'd be leaving just after midnight. That wasn't a lot of time, but we did manage to find a cafe and a super fancy cappuccino.

 

# 33
  .  .  .   and beyond

Sep 28th     France

The ship left port around midnight so the rumble of the azipods was felt and heard just a little.  Once we headed out to sea things quieted down and we slept well until morning.  A new day meant a new country.  We headed west and landed just off the coast of this French town known for it's annual festival.


Our ship was too large for the pier so we had to drop anchor in the bay and take the life boats in to the shore.  There was a great promenade that ran all along the waterfront.  We walked a lot in this city.  It was well worth the stop here.  Very beautiful with some interesting history from the world of films.

 I found the spot where Paul McCartney left the imprint of his hands and signed his name in the wet cement. The place was covered in signatures. The history of visits by famous people goes back to 1946, the year of the first festival.  Impressive.  Have you figured it out?

# 32
  .  .  .   and beyond  

Sep 27  Still in Italy

Most of the pictures I had taken in the first few days of our trip have gone astray.  I don't know whether I've deleted them from my phone, or if I didn't save them properly, but they are gone.  I had planned to do something special with the photos, but since they can't be found, as yet, I'll make do with what I was able to glean from Mike's camera and what was still available on my phone.

We had sailed up the western coast of Italy overnight and were docked by 8 a.m. right near the top of the boot.  After a quick breakfast upstairs we made our way to the gangway on the 4th deck.


On shore Mr. and Mrs. B had arranged to meet with his sister and her family and spend the day with them, while Mike and I did the regular touristy things.  We went for a ride on a tour train and stopped off near a fountain in a huge public square. We found a little cafe/bar with free wifi and stopped for a cappuccino.  It was really good.  I didn't know they could be that rich and frothy and yum!  I was hooked.

This area on Italy's north west coast is famous for five small towns nestled in the hills.  They are so close that you can walk from one to another.  Did you find the place?

# 31  
  .  .  .   and beyond  

Cruising

Our room was great, but our balcony was WOW!  Being in the corner cabin at the stern, we had unobstructed views in three directions.  One drawback though, was the vibration and noise from the azipods as they maneuvered the ship out of the harbour and into the Mediterranean. Once we were in open sea and cruising, you didn't feel or hear anything, it was just as we came into and left port.

There were 16 decks on this vessel and it was only three decks directly above us to the buffet restaurant, and one more to the pool and outdoor bar then one more to the private hot tub area.  Being at the back of the ship had some really nice positives to it.  One down side was that it was a long walk to the dining area, the theater or the enclosed solarium.  As it turned out, that long walk was really good for me and it wasn't as if I was on crutches or in a wheel chair.  It was just walking.



The first night we had a gorgeous moonlit view from our balcony.  I wish this picture could do it justice, but it just can't.


There had been no sleeping since 6 a.m. the day before and with almost 30 hours of travel and excitement, we decided to get to bed early the first night.  Tomorrow was our first stop at La Spezia and Cinque Terre in northern Italy.  We were cruising the Mediterranean and life was good!

# 30
  .  .  .   and beyond  

Rome

Going from London to Fiumicino airport near Rome was short and sweet. That place was absolutely hopping with activity and there must have been about 1500 people waiting to get through to their luggage.  The four of us did the wait-in-line shuffle down the stairs and along the huge corridor until finally it was our turn at the kiosk that was our entry into the luggage turnstiles hall.  Once we had collected our suitcases we took our turn at the customs booth, then headed off to find the driver of the shuttle that would take us to Civitavecchia port, and our ship.

There he was, holding the name card up in the air.  Standing with him were the three others that were joining us on the cruise.  They had landed about an hour earlier and when they found our driver they decided to waited with him so we'd all be ready to go. The third couple had their 8 year old grand daughter with them.  What a lucky girl to get a chance to travel the world at such a young age.  I'm sure she'll be writing down a ton of info and taking pictures of everywhere that we visit.

Our driver loaded our suitcases into the van and off we headed to the MSC Divina.  It took about an hour to get to the port.  Weather was beautiful and the drive was uneventful.  We were driven directly to the ship and it was HUGE.   It was even bigger than the one we were on in April.  

MSC Divina holds 4,350 passengers with a crew and staff of 1,325.  The staff to guest ratio was considerably lower than on Royal Caribbean. Our cabin was on the 11th floor, right at the back of the ship.  That gave us a balcony that was 10 ft by 10 ft, whereas regular balconies were about 10 ft by 4 ft, Bring on the lounge chair and sun glasses.             
                                                                                 

# 29
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London

By the time we touched down in London the wine had evaporated and I no longer smelled of alcohol.  Good thing too!  It proved to be a very trying morning.  We had to go up and down three or four escalators, take a train ride to the other side of the terminal then take another few sets of escalators and yet another train ride back toward where we started from, but not quite the same spot.  It was confusing to say the least.  It's a good thing we had a couple of hours before our connecting flight left for Rome.  We had to go through British security even though we had just come off a plane that didn't stop anywhere on it's flight from Toronto.  We never left the terminal in England, but had to go through the ques and roped lines yet again.

Bit of background is needed here.  A couple of years ago I had some major dental work done.  Ever since then I've suffered with dry mouth.  This is nothing harmful, just uncomfortable.  Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night with my tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth.  Getting it unstuck is actually painful and it feels as though little bits of tongue tissue are left behind when I do pry it loose.  To help with this problem I use a mouth moisture spray.  It comes in bottles that are 120 ml. Because that amount of liquid is TOO MUCH for flights, I made sure the bottle was only about three quarters full before I packed for our trip.

Well . . .  British security flagged me, took swabs of my hands and shoes,  asked me to step aside and wait, which I did.  They took away the not full bottle of mouth spray and threw it in the garbage.  I told them it wasn't full, but she didn't care.  It was too big and I wasn't going to take it into her country.  I said we were not going to England, but just transferring to a flight to Rome.  She said it didn't matter, it wasn't allowed.  I said I needed it for my mouth, and didn't know if I could find it where we were headed.   Her response was, "That's not my problem."   Wow,  I've been to England twice before and I've never been treated with such a bad attitude.  Now I never want to go there again.

# 28
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We fly

On Sep 25th we loaded up the Murano, picked up our friends and headed down the 401 toward Toronto.  We went straight to the airport and Mrs. G and I went in with all the luggage while the men headed back to Park and Fly to stow our car for the 3 week trip. Within an hour they were back, via the shuttle provided, and since we were early, we got some lunch and then waited in line to check in for our flight.  We were flying with British Airways leaving Toronto at 6:30 p.m. our time and arriving at Heath Row at 6:30 a.m. London time. I hoped they have good in flight movies!

Over night flights are never easy, I rarely get any sleep, but I have to admit that this airline was pretty good.  Everything was complimentary . . . wine, beer, headphones, what ever they had to offer was part of the flight.  The meal was reasonable for airline food, but my dinner wine ended up in my lap when the lady in front of me decided to lay back her chair.  It didn't go easily so she sort of slammed it back and I wore my glass of white wine. Yikes! I was going to smell like an old booze hound by the time we landed, not to mention the fact that my clothes were soggy all the way down my pant leg and right into my sock.   Oh well, things will dry, but it looked like it was gonna be a long night.

# 27
  .  .  .  and beyond  

Plans

Back in January Mike and I, and Mr. and Mrs. G, friends that went cruising with us in April, booked a Mediterranean cruise for the end of September.  August was going by so quickly and it was almost time to start the suitcase dance.  What will fit where?  How many outfits? Am I taking too many pairs of shoes?  Which swimsuit looks better wet?  This was going to be a much longer cruise and we planned to stay an extra week and visit family in Italy, so packing for a 3 week stay was a bit tricky. October in Italy can be cool or really hot.  Mixed weather makes for a lot of clothes.

Two of our suitcases had been ruined on our way home from the Caribbean cruise in April, so we went out and looked for a couple of decent (not huge) pieces for our 11 day cruise.  We actually got a really good deal on two pieces of Swiss Gear soft sided luggage at Winners.  I wouldn't have thought of going there except that Mrs. G had just bought a new travel piece there herself. Thanks girlfriend.

Our flight was leaving Toronto at 6:30 so we needed to be at the airport before 3.  That meant leaving home before 11 so we could get to Park and Fly and take the shuttle to the airport. It was coming up fast.  We were actually "Getting Excited" to start the trip!

# 26

   .  .  .  and beyond  

Heading out, again!

We just got back from the east coast late on August 7th and the very next day, we leave for Waterloo. We're staying home just long enough to do some laundry, cut the lawn, and repack our suitcases. There had been a plan to help our son and his wife with a bathroom renovation in June, but the day we were leaving, bags in the car, we got a call that Mike's mom had fallen and she wasn't doing very well. The doctors didn't think she would be with us for very long.  So, our plans were changed and a week later we were at her bedside at the seniors' home saying our last goodbyes. In another three days we were attending her funeral. That's why we were heading to Waterloo the day after we got home from our trip.
Funny how one phone call can change so many things.

In Waterloo there really wasn't that much for me to do. That's a good thing.  It gave me time to hang out with our two grandsons.  At age four and one, they are certainly entertaining. I think the older one has a crush on Elsa, from "Frozen" and he can sing all the words to every song in the movie.  Too cute. The younger one is a master climber and he keeps us scrambling, and nervous.

The guys were busy with floor tiles, wall board, toilets, pipes and such.  When they were done it was my turn to do my thing.  Painting. Yes, it seems that I  am responsible for most, if not all, of the painting that needs doing in our family.  Don't get me wrong, I'm don't mean to complain, but with four households there's a LOT of paining. There's always someone moving, or doing a reno or needing to freshen things up.  Good thing I like to paint!

# 25
  .  .  .  and beyond  
 
Homeward

A driving vacation is at such a different pace!  No schedules, unless they're self inflicted, no deadlines, or timetables, just heading out and enjoying the sights along the way.  It was pretty much what happened on the way east, and that was what we expected on the way back.

One hope was to stop overnight in Quebec City, a place neither of us had visited before. The day had started out fine, but by the time we got to our planned night time destination, the weather had taken a turn for the worse.  Rain, spitting for a bit, then harder, then lighter again.  It didn't show signs of stopping.  We tried a few hotels along the route, but all were full.  Okay, mother nature, you win.

We're driving straight through.

We're going home tonight.

# 24

   .  .  .  and beyond  

 Visiting

We were treated like royals while we spent time with P and R in Fredericton.  They slept in bunk beds and put us in their king.  OMGoodness, with another family with 2 kids already staying with them, I felt so guilty, but it was a really comfortable bed.

Their three boys, and the young boy visiting, made a fort on, under, and around the pool table downstairs,  I think they used up every couch cushion and pillow in the basement for their beds, and all the luggage was hauled out of storage and became dividing walls, so each kid had their own "room" in their fort .  Rather clever. There were the parents and the teenage daughter to accommodate as well, so sleeping arrangements were . . . interesting to say the least.

We had a lobster feast, I mean, they brought home a cooler full of cooked lobster, and we had a feast.  I've never seen anyone crack through one of those things as fast as R could. He could be a pro lobster cracker.  Let it be known that I was the worst at the table, and there were youngsters cracking shells.

We spent the next afternoon at the local swimming hole, watching the boys enjoy the day.  I could get used to this lounging at the beach stuff.

# 23
   .  .  .   and beyond  

Fredericton

P and R own a few properties that they rent out both short and long term.  We were fortunate that tonight, they had a vacant one bedroom, and we were going to stay there.  Man, that was a really nice place.  They had everything . . .  full sized fridge and stove, big screen t.v.,  comfy sofa and chair, full kitchen set up with coffee maker and toaster, dish washer, even a washer and dryer.  It was really incredible.  Thanks, guys, for allowing us to stay there.  We were going to stay a second night, but R called to advise that the place was rented, so we stripped the bed, did the laundry, swept the floor and cleaned up the kitchen.  If anyone is heading to Fredericton for a vacation or school or work, ask me for their contact info.  You won't be disappointed.

Fredericton is a pretty place. We spent some time at a light house that was both a museum and a great place to buy an ice cream cone.  The views from the top were striking.  See ! ! !

  

# 22  

.  .  .  and beyond  

The Beach

It was the August holiday Monday.  P and R and their 3 boys, were heading off to the beach for the day and invited us to tag along.  Oh yeah, I forgot to bring a swim suit even though our hotel had an indoor pool!  Go figure.   Shorts and a top were fine cuz the ocean was really too cold for me anyway.

We packed up a cooler for lunch, checked out of the hotel and headed off to Sandy Beach.  They weren't kidding.  The sand was red, of course, and hot under foot, and seemed to stretch out for miles.  I'm not much for sun, so I was enthroned on a lawn chair with an umbrella and really enjoyed the day at the beach. The three boys found baby crabs and made a crab nursery out of a hole in the sand.  Buckets in hand, they ran relay trying to put water into the pit, but to no avail.  It dispersed into the sand as soon as they poured it in.

Over the course of the afternoon, the tide went out.  Little sand bar islands appeared as if by magic, and by the time we left for Fredericton, our beach area had increased about 15 fold. It's the first time I can remember seeing that effect work so drastically.  Cool!

# 21

  .  .  .  and beyond  

P.E.I.

Sunday morning we headed off to the bridge to Prince Edward Island.  What a sight!  This bridge is over 13 km long.  It seemed to go on for ever.  It's a free trip on the eastbound side, then you pay when you come back to the mainland.  It was almost $50, but it was quite the trip.

Once on P.E.I. we decided on the furthest coast, heading off to see the Atlantic.  All that we had heard about the red soil was true.  It was incredible!  All I could think of was that silly song about  "Bud the Spud from the Bright Red Mud"


While we stopped at an outlook to check our GPS and see where to head next, local cyclists arrived and told us about an incredible lobster supper held in New Glasgow.  It couldn't get much fresher than on the east coast, so we thanked them and started out to find our dinner destination.

We found the location and got into the lineup.  They opened the doors at 4:30 and we started to file in.  You could choose just appetizers and desserts for $20 or add a lobster for $35.  Either way it was all you could eat clam chowder, mussels and desserts, but only one lobster. (as if you needed more, lol)




     


When we first arrived, there were about 20 people and within a half hour the place was sold out.  They were parking where ever they could find a spot, even on the lawns. The food was really good, but when they ask if you want lobster hot or cold, I suggest cold.  Much easier to eat and much tastier too.

# 20  

  .  .  .  and beyond  


Halifax

Mike's family moved to Canada when he was just 5 years old.  He can remember some of the experience, but not a lot, so we decided to visit Pier 21 in Halifax.  The drive from Moncton to Halifax was just over 2 1/2 hours and getting to the pier went well.  It was Saturday and traffic was a bit heavy at times, but not horrific, and even better, we found parking right in front. Lucky!  Mike was looking forward to seeing some of the sights that he remembered.

The building was the ocean liner terminal and clearing house for over a million immigrants coming here from 1928 to 1971.  It now houses the Canadian Museum of Immigration, part of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design as well as various retail and studio tenants.  This was a MAJOR tourist attraction with interactive areas, helpful staff, period displays and booths full of souvenirs and trinkets to buy.  Yes, we both bought fleece sweaters with Nova Scotia embroidered on the front.

We spent the better part of the day examining the displays, watching a short movie and examining the recreations that had been done.  They had set up a cabin as it would have been for a family of immigrants crossing the Atlantic.  They had period dishes all set up on a dining table for the first class passengers, and then another one for the steerage folk.  They had even set up a train car as it would have been in the early years.



Mike found a wall of photos of the ships that had made all the voyages.  He had come over on the Queen Frederica.  We also found a picture of the Montrose, the ship that had brought over my mother and her family when she was just 6 months old.




The one big disappointment was that everything had changed so much that Mike didn't really recognize much..  He had hoped to see the actual pier, but the Queen Elizabeth II was docked that day and we couldn't even get near that part of the complex.  Oh well, it was still a pretty amazing day.

# 19

   .  .  .  and beyond

Moncton

Because it was late when we arrived at our Moncton hotel, we decided to go next door to McDs for poutine and a burger.  I think it had been about 12 years since I've eaten there, but it made sense rather than having to wait for something to be cooked at the restaurant recommended by the hotel night staff.  It had been a very long day so we were both ready to get to bed right after dinner.

The next morning we enjoyed a hearty breakfast.  Scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, coffee, fresh fruit, the works, and it was included in our hotel fee.  We figured if we could fuel the body well, we'd be good for plenty of walking and sight seeing.  We were spending the day in Moncton and there were places to see and shopping to do and plans to make for the rest of our stay.

What a beautiful city.  The people were helpful and polite.  The architecture was interesting. The streets were clean but . . .  lumpy and bumpy.  I thought that Kingston had pretty bad roads, but it has nothing on Moncton.  Most of the roads were wavy.  Not just a little, but a LOT.  Maybe it had something to do with the type of soil under the roads, or something, but it felt like you were on a rough ocean, not on dry land.

# 18

   .  .  .   and beyond

Driving

With a tank full of gas, two packed suitcases and high hopes, we headed off eastbound on the 401 at about 7 in the morning.  There were a couple of stops for coffee (and the resultant restroom breaks) along the way.  Lunch was a quick snack and back on the road again.  We had to stop for gas as well, but it seems that the Beamer is better on gas than the Pathfinder.  Quite a bit better actually.  The Pathfinder gets about 12 litres to 100 kms on long trips whereas the Beamer was using 9 litres per 100 kms.  We must admit though, that the BMW has to have premium gas, but the ride is worth it!

Years ago I fell down a flight of stairs on my tailbone.  It has never been right since and sitting for any length of time is very painful.  I have researched and found some specialized cushions for when I have to sit for a while.  There's one on my seat on the couch and each car I drive has one.  Doing several hours in the BMW was a breeze.  There was no pain and when it was time to get out, I could do so without any struggle.  What a relief.  Love that car for being very pretty and super comfortable.

                                                  Along our route in New Brunswick.


Late afternoon and we had traveled through Ontario and Quebec and were almost at the bottom of New Brunswick.  Traffic was temperate because it was Thursday.  Good plan on our part.  Mike's cousin  and her family live in Fredericton so we planned a quick stop there to drop off some items that her mom had given us to bring.  It made for a nice break in the last leg of our journey and we finally arrived at our hotel in Moncton around 8:30.  A full day of driving and we were met with a hotel upgrade.   They put us in a whirlpool room.   NICE!

# 17

  .  .  .  and beyond

East

My brother and his wife just recently bought a small travel trailer.  They already have a HUGE fifth wheel trailer with slide out rooms etc, but this little one was for weekend jaunts. I was thinking about asking them if we could borrow it, or rent it, for our trip to the east coast.  Now keep in mind that my idea of "camping"  or "roughing it"  is a 4 star hotel with room service, so to actually stay in a tiny little trailer . . .  for a week  . . . What if ?

Mike soon talked me out of it.  Our Nissan Pathfinder would be able to tow a small light weight item like the trailer, but he wanted to take the BMW.  Okay, the comfort in the BMW is about 200 percent better than any other car we've ever owned, so yes, we would take the beamer to the coast.

This is the beamer.  It's not new, being a 2008,but when we bought it, at 4 years old, it still looked and even smelled like a new car.
This little machine is only on the road from April till October so when we take summer trips, it really should be the one we use. Otherwise, when do we get to enjoy it?





It looks and feels so much better with the roof down.  One big problem
though, if you're buzzing down the highway at 100 kph or so. *grin*
Hair whipping around your face isn't fun.  It actually hurts!  I really
should try to remember to bring a scarf or something in the future.
Highway driving is under the roof or done at 80 kph, (just kidding)

                                                                 

Surprisingly enough, even when the roof was folded into the trunk there was still enough room for two suitcases.  We were only going for a week, and it was summer after all, so shorts and tops, sandles and runners, maybe a jacket.  There was room in the back seat if we needed to use it, and a cooler of iced tea and some snacks for the road was a certainty.