September 22 to 24 - Halifax, NS; Fredericton, NB and Ottawa, ON

Odometer - 62750

The time has dome that we must start our journey back west, so together again we departed Halifax on Thursday morning, leaving fond memories and a great reunion behind. We had replaced the muffler on arrival in Halifax- so were departing with far less noise than when we arrived ( a 2" by 4" hole does not a quiet vehicle make). Of course since the van had sat for a week, she needed a little incentive (a push) to get going. Margie was laughing hysterically as she rushed to get her camera. We are hoping she didn't catch us in the act. We headed west on the Trans-Canada, until a sign from Pugwash about pewter caught her eye, and after crossing to New Brunswick, we went to Hopewell Rocks, in the Bay of Fundy. The rock formations are along the shore in New Brunswick. We backtracked to Moncton and drove across to Fredericton arriving at Duane's (brother/uncle) house. He had dinner ready and waiting for our arrival.

Friday we went and visited Aunt Lottie, who is in a nursing home in MacAdam and is 103, we stopping at the Don Messer fiddle in Harvey Station and at a knitting/ yarn mill and on the way. The sun shone on us all day. We ended the day with a dinner in one of Fredericton's newest hamburger joints, Relish.

Saturday it was raining, but we headed to the Farmer's Market anyway. And, so apparently did everyone else from Fredericton. A beautiful choice of fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies and handicrafts. Got in the van with the objective of making it most of the way to Ottawa. As we he proceeded across NB, the rain came and went. We could not have order a better trip for seeing the fall leaves. Unbelievably, we passed through Quebec quickly and being in Ontario we called Garnet, who said- keep driving, you're almost here. the leaves on the Quebec side have not reached their fall color as yet.

Again we enjoyed a soak in the hot tub at my brother Garnet's in Ottawa. Today we enjoyed a quiet day chatting, and visit from family members. We also had a look at the map and discussed the westward route back. We start tomorrow by heading to Niagara Falls.