Our Last Night in LOAF - The Sounds of Silence

After driving almost 700 km today (with at least half through violent gusty cross-winds and head winds) we decided to stop in a beautiful village (which will remain nameless) in Quebec. It had a campground, with a lovely sounding name, still open, so we pulled off the TransCanada Highway. Our concern was that it would be too close to the highway and the sounds of the many tractor trailers would keep us awake.

Nothing like a gurgling fountain to make you relax.

                    

As we drove into the campground, we were pleased with the lovely gardens and fields of corn surrounding it. We were greeted by the owner who told us the main campground was closed for the season, but there was an 'overflow' area we could stay at. Full service, but washrooms and showers were closed. Since we are self sufficient - no problem. For a quick cash payment we were informed to pick our spot. Several rigs were parked, but not a soul around. Best spot in the whole campground (at least 300 sites) is right next to the corn field.  There is a bit of highway noise but nothing that we can't handle.

Crusty prepares a wonderful platter of cheese & crackers and other exotic horses d'ovaries and pours us a recently acquired Nova Scotia wine ... we begin to relax.  What's that sound?

A large dump truck rolls by behind us, heading into the 'closed' campground area. Obviously, work is going on. A minute later a large boom truck carrying foundation supports heads in, quickly followed by another dump truck. Dump trucks leave, shortly to return with full loads of dirt. Lots of work going on. No problem, they'll stop by 5 p.m. Sure enough, they do. We relax, sip our wine and are jolted by a very loud noise.

OMG it's a train whistle B L O W I N G! Crusty: "Did you see a train track?" Me: "Nope, but surely there can't be many trains along this route". Relax again, five minutes later another train whistle. OK - no problem. Ten minutes later another one! We are beginning to think that we made a mistake with our choice of campsite.

                                   

The train whistles eventually stop! Next comes a cacophony (don't get to use that word too often) of Canada Geese flying overhead. Whoops - no they are not flying overhead, they are landing in the corn field right behind our camper! No problem, what's a few Canada geese?  Minutes later another flock, we peer out the window and gasp - they are landing! Still not too bad, after all how much noise can 100 or so Canada geese make.  After a gulp of wine, more noise. As we look up there are two large flocks of geese approaching, fingers crossed we pray "fly by, fly by". Alas, no such luck. We now have around 500 or so geese munching and honking away behind us. Does anyone know if geese sleep at night?

Fast forward - 7 p.m. another dump truck roars in, oh no, they must be on a deadline. Another boom truck bring more supplies. Sigh, perhaps the darkness will send them home.

So, as of now, I savour the sound of the tractor trailers and their Jake brakes. Better them, than  the trains, the geese and dumptrucks. I pray the trains will stop before bedtime, the dump truck drivers go for supper at dusk and that geese sleep.

                                                                                             ... WRY Reporting