BACKYARD 11.24.17 ... " A Re-purposed Distillery "

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Part 4 in the Series, Exploring Our Backyard

... a new brewpub opens ...

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Getting There

Open the map as [Full Screen], from the left-sided list choose a Numbered Location and click, zoom in/out.

Upgrading LOAF's Rear Suspension

' Technical posts, like this one, usually only get published on our other website / blog MEET LOAF. However,  this time I felt it was appropriate to also publish it here. There is a constant process of repair, modification and upgrade required to keep rigs, like our truck camper, safely conditioned for extensive adventure travel. 

We have travelled over 70,000 kms in 4 years, with this current set-up. 

This is our most recent upgrade ... it's just one example, but it places the continuous maintenance that is required, in perspective. '

Post follows ...

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Supersprings model ss13, were installed in June 2014, in an attempt to strengthen LOAF's rear suspension. After driving an additional 50,000 kms, we noticed they 'appeared to have lost their effectiveness' and we weren't sure why?

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Contributing technical author for this post, Shane Hanthorn, has been LOAF's passionate, lead mechanic since June of 2015.

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TRAVEL SNAPSHOT: 183 Days in 2016 / 2017

The travel statistics for this period begin in mid-December 2016 with an ' Around the World Trip. ' We visited 3 new continents and 6 new countries in almost 15 weeks. All that tired us out somewhat ... we returned home, took care of some adult-type responsibilities and then found time to embark on a few day trips exploring our own backyard. Once we were rested up even more, we tackled a couple of shorter adventures.

The maps below are interactive. To view our routes in detail you will need to begin by clicking on [  ] (top right corner) for full screen. Use the 'hand' to pan and +/- to zoom and reduce, as needed. The first map displays our Around the World trip, the second tracks a couple of adventures around Ontario, New Brunswick and PEI, for the remainder of 2017. 

If you've been following our most recent BASECAMP posts you'll understand why we've launched a new Series, Exploring Our Backyard. You'll also know why we were only able to road trip around our home province until early August, before escaping to Eastern Canada for a few weeks.

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FIRST CTCO Rally: Ontario Chapter

First Rally of  the Canadian Truck Camper Owners Facebook Group

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A suggestion by Gilles prompted the get-together, Helen advertised and organized the event, Marie & Steve gathered us all for a session of t-shirt tie-dying, Cecile organized use of the Legion's horseshoe pits, Nancy & Jim brought in a tailgate of firewood and Everyone provided good fellowship and entertaining conversation. 

We camped at the Lions Club CG located downtown; along the banks of the historic Rideau Canal. Merrickville is a pretty tourist town and is known for its' cafes, art scene and music concerts. There are several nearby historic sites within easy walking distance from the campground.

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Attendees

Christa & Stefan Garber, Kelly & Bob Paquette, Nancy Shepheard & Jim Bell, Cecile Cousineau-Forget & Luc Forget, Andra & Brian Wintonic, Cathie & Jeff Loos, Lydia & Gilles R Cote, Marie Misiura-Holm & Steve Holm, Martine Chagnon-Buda & Colin Buda, Peggy Belanger & Tom O'Kane, Gordon Baker & Lianne, Helen & Dann O'Kane. 

Missing
Unfortunately Peter Ovesny broke his foot. He and Lisa Stanton Ovesny were booked in but cancelled and stayed home; she played nurse.

Most members live nearby; Marie and Steve were already on the road travelling but they were the furthest away in Niagara Falls. Christa and Stefan are from Alberta (and Germany) but the timing worked for a scheduled visit with their Toronto-based children. 

The Tally
23 members, 1 guest, 3 dogs, 7 truck campers, 1 travel trailer, 1 class c, 3 cars

Kouchibouguac National Park

We drove from Linkletter PP in PEI, along as much of the remaining North Cape Route that we could, until road construction encouraged us to detour inland. 

A mild tailwind wind, nudged us back over the Confederation Bridge. 

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Along the Way to There ...

... I was able to continue my search for the ' World's Best Seafood Chowder '. This latest, tasty offering was from the Bayou Pub and Eatery in Shediac.

PEI North Cape Coastal Drive

Strong winds, horizontal rain and areas of fog moved onto the island for several days. 

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Probably the remnants of the several hurricanes moving  north from the Caribbean. We decided to change our plans to drive the complete North Cape Coastal Route. We turned south a few kilometres north of Jaques Cartier PP and followed the Trans Canada through the middle of the island to Summerside. From there, it's only a short drive to Confederation Bridge.

 But we did have some decent weather ...

Photos ... one of the many working oyster farms we have/and continue to drive by ... and, just one more of the countless, freshly painted churches we stopped to admire, then more pretty homes and more pretty properties ... next, one of several Lucy Maud Montgomery residences: (this ONE features - a glass canopy zoo containing a number of dead birds displayed on a branch, the homes kitchen pantry, the homes back-shed room, a typical bedroom)

Chignecto to Cavendish

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FUNDY NATIONAL PARK

Following the Bay of Fundy, east from River Beach PP to Fundy NP; is a short drive. Once there, we connected with our friend Charlie and his 'humans' for an easy hiking day. There are nearly 2 dozen hiking trails and 3 backpacking trails to choose from ranging from easy to difficult. This time of year the trails are much busier than they were a couple of years ago in September when we were here .

Dalvay-By-The-Sea

A rainy day, so we explored a nearby Canadian National Historic Site and enjoyed a very nice lunch in their dining room.
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Spotting a Rare Bird on Grand Manan Island

We sailed for 1.5 hours on the Grand Manan V ferry from Blacks Harbour on the mainland to North Head on Grand Manan Island, 

... We spent a week here,

... We met two more Journeymakers!

... We saw an extremely rare bird.

The fish chowder in the ferry cafeteria was more of a potato chowder, but still tasty. If you want to eat here, best arrive early; although staff are very friendly and helpful they really are over-burdened serving meals and wait times can be long. We were treated to a clear sailing, saw harbour porpoises, someone saw a whale. 

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Island Hopping

Mostly just photography, from a short leg of this trip; some sailing and some driving ... 

In New Brunswick; L' Etete to Deer Island to Campobello Island and return. That's Lubec, Maine USA (bottom left).

No More Delays ...' From Here to There '

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' To Canada's Maritime Provinces ... We're Heading East ! '

We've been prepared to leave for nearly a month now, but unresolved issues with our new homes' construction schedule delayed us somewhat.

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LOAF's feeling quite prepared too ... he's been subjected to a few planned DIY modifications, a major upgrade and some expected repairs.  

I've fabricated an air foil (to keep bug splatter and (possibly) fuel consumption down), extra body protection at a few camper locations (primarily to protect sensitive electrical and plumbing fittings), new and improved storage inside and outside (providing easier access to amenities, supplies, gear and tools). We've upgraded the tires to Load Range 129E; each is now capable of a maximum 4080 pound load (up from 3594 lbs, it's all about safety and drive-ability). The trucks backup alarms and rear camera have been relocated to the campers bumper. New exhaust manifolds complete the service; the OEM parts from FORD lasted a little more than 121,000 kms before cracking. Many Thanks to Shane (LOAF's lead mechanic) at Cannifton Garage in Belleville for much of this service.

So, we're away again ... this time our focus is on Canada's Maritime Provinces ... don't know how far east we'll get, don't know how many provinces we'll see ... but, we'll probably be gone for a couple of months.

A Journeymakers Garage

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It's been difficult for us ... to find a shop that will work on LOAF. 

LOAF is 13 feet tall and weighs more than 6 tons ... he's hard to get through a door and even tougher still to lift!

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BACKYARD 07.10.17 ... " Tall Ships and Vineyards "

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Part 3 in the Series, Exploring Our Backyard

... we set sail, drank fermented grape juice and were joined by The Raisins ...

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Getting There

Open the map as [Full Screen], from the left-sided list choose a Numbered Location and click, zoom in/out.

BACKYARD 07.01.17 ... " Flags & Rabbits "

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Part 2 in the Series, Exploring Our Backyard

... we celebrate Canada Day and have lunch in " the land of the running rabbit " ...

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Getting There

Open the map as [Full Screen], from the left-sided list choose a Numbered Location and click, zoom in/out.

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The FIRST Provincial Park in CANADA

Our Family's' camping history in Algonquin Park dates back to the late 1960's

Back Then ... Dann's parents would pack the family car with food, some beers and homemade wine for them and ginger beer for the kids, all the necessary camping gear and a few tents; later the family outfit evolved to include a couple of different tent trailer models. We survived black bears at our campsite and fish hooks in our thumbs, we poked rainwater through the sides of canvas tents and joyously paddled the family canoes ... the brilliantly shiny, excruciatingly noisy, searingly hot and tremendously sticky aluminium Grumman and we learned to appreciate the stable, camo-wrapped, sportsman friendly Coleman. Favourite spots were the Kearney Lake or Pog Lake campgrounds. Dad recognized, early on, the passion his kids had for the outdoors. He ' knew somebody who knew somebody ' and was instrumental in getting both Dann and Tom hired on as interior canoe rangers; each for several seasons. Lianne worked at the Canoe Lake Portage Store and later, Tom went on to work as a conservation officer in the park. 

So far we have tallied 31 different trips made, over an almost 50 year period; as day, extended weekend or multi-day back-country adventures. We have skied and snowshoed during the winter months; canoed, fished, backpacked, hiked and cycled from spring throughout autumn. This, will mark our 32nd time here.

A Historical Photo ... my oldest (not many survived; after editing, this old analogue barely did)

A typical early 1970's interior canoe ranger camp. Back-country gear then ... tea in a billy can, canvas pup tent with a tarp over to keep the rain off, rubber rain ponchos, blue jeans, braided nylon rope for clothesline.

Our Rig

It's time that we published a post featuring a very important member of Our Team, meet ...

LOAF

We purchased our Lance 855s truck camper in September 2013. We’ve camped with it, at some pretty spectacular locations with the intention of driving ' The Roads Less Travelled ' ... those places that most folks wouldn’t typically take other types of recreational vehicles to. You can read about all our road trips and overland travel (beginning in 1988) by clicking on LOAFin Around. As of June 2017, we’ve travelled over 66,000 kilometres with this current set-up. We purchased this truck camper because we were looking for a modest hard-side that we could take on rough roads that still had the features, capacities, and storage that we considered essential for an overland expedition rig.

Killarney Provincial Park

We spent last night at an RV campground near Sudbury and waited out the rain. We'll take advantage of the area to resupply some items and then head into Killarney Provincial Park for a couple of days; if the rain holds off we'll stay longer.

Circumnavigating Georgian Bay

We're fortunate to be located within a few hundred kilometres of the southern end of Lake Huron's, Georgian Bay. We've looked at the maps and decided on a short road trip that circumnavigates the bay. Once there, we'll have camping access to a couple of national parks, several provincial ones and a few conservation areas and historical sites. Any one of those spots feature a combination of cultural, paddling, hiking and cycling opportunities ... and if the weather co-operates, all the activities we enjoy!

" Georgian Bay is a large bay of Lake Huron about 190 kilometres long by 80 kilometres wide and located entirely within Ontario, Canada. The main body of the bay lies east of the Bruce Peninsula and Manitoulin Island. To its northwest is the North Channel. The Main Channel separates the Bruce Peninsula from Manitoulin Island and connects Georgian Bay to the rest of Lake Huron. It covers approximately 15,000 square kilometres has more than 30,000 islands and 2,000 kilometres of shoreline ... windswept pines, majestic towering cliffs, endless beaches and clear blue water ... "

BACKYARD 05.10.17 ... " Parrotts, Beers & A Jail "

IT'S certainly not necessary to travel to remote or exotic locations or even, great distances from home for an adventure ... walking, hiking, paddling, vineyard & craft brewery tours, restaurants, music, museums, historical sites, drives.

This 'Travelogue Styled' series will feature some of the places we've found ... but, you can find them too, all right around the corner from where you live !

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Part 1 in the Series, Exploring Our Backyard

... in which, we do some hiking, drink some beers and go to jail ...

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Getting There

Open the map as [Full Screen], from the left-sided list choose a Numbered Location and click, zoom in/out 

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Waterfalls & Boulders - To Waihola Lk, Oamaru and Rakaia R

' The EARTH Has Music For Those Who Listen '

William Shakespeare

We're running out of travel time now. 

We only had 4 more nights camping after Curio Bay and then just 1 additional day moving northerly towards Christchurch; which pretty much marks the end of our stay in NZ. Once the coastal highway diverts away from the Southern Alps along the South Islands' west coast (and all the National Parks there), the opportunities for many activities, including longer day-hiking are limited. 

Oamaru, appears to have a few things that interest us and there just happens to be, a 3-day Harbour Street Jazz & Blues Festival on right now. We're also a bit road weary and may use these last few days to relax and sleep in, readjust and begin to repack before our flight(s) home, maybe just do touristy sight-seeing trips and short hikes along our way. 


From Oamura we just drove, a night in Rakaia River and then the final night in Christchurch.

SO ... here you go, the map to your right, tracks our route from the south end of the South Island and then along the east coast, there's some text and photos too.

An Old Indian, Ancient Trees & A Sea Cave - To Curio Bay

' We Saw An Old Indian  & Some Really, Really, REALLY Old Trees '

We've come as far south as you can on mainland New Zealands' South Island ...

... and, Invercargill was just a town we had to drive through to get here. 

A brochure told us about this place, we needed groceries and supply and had the time to stop in. The World's Fastest Indian is on display at E Hayes Hardware Store . Remember the movie, starring Anthony Hopkins

For my riding friends ... Tom, Gerry, Gord, Bob, Rick, Mark, Don & Doug.
 

A Million Sheep & A Dozen Lions - To Cromwell and Te Anau

' The Road Must Eventually Lead to the Whole World ' Jack Kerouac

 Soon making a mad dash for Christchurch and the start of our 

' On The Way Home ' leg.  

 

We are beginning to run out of time on this trip and there are still several additional stops we would like to make. Our priorities are wildlife viewing and hikes to see several rare penguins, albatross and dolphins. So, given the very rainy start to this day, we've decided to just drive and move further south and inland as far as we can get. To get to some of those difficult-to-reach, remote places, we may need a boat cruise.

That's US - white camper, orange circle, map below.

Our first stop CROMWELL, is located at a major highway junction that connects either the west or east coasts near the southern end of the South Island. The weather forecast for the next 3-4 days will determine which way we head.

Little & Big Birds - To Fox Glacier

' Our First Time Heli-Hiking! '

We're planning on using the village of Fox Glacier as a base for a couple of days. It's located near the centre of this National Park and gives us good access to all the facilities. We hiked at the villages of Okarito and Franz Josef on our drive through.

WESTLAND / TAI POUTINI NATIONAL PARK

WALKS: Pakihi Walk & Douglas Walk/Peters Pool

In NEW ZEALAND, trails or routes are called tracks, hikes are called walks and multi-day backpacks or treks are called tramps. (Just figured that out, but I'm not about to edit already-published posts to reflect the distinctions).

So, based on that new information ... today, we walked to kiwi territory and a river.