nova scotia

The new expedition rig seems to be working out well for Ruby Jean, but there’s really only one way to know for sure. Time for a quick trip up to the northernmost tip of Nova Scotia.

After a wonderful week in Nova Scotia, it was time to sail for Newfoundland! Fletcher and Ruby Jean got to try out their sea legs with a short water crossing early in the day.

Then it was time to get in line for the real thing.

We may have looked a bit out of place next to all the fancy $100k+ rigs.

The cabin was lovely and even had a hot shower. Fletcher got to ride in his own bed (in the Jeep) and we all got several hours of much needed rest.

Fun fact: about half of all goods shipped to Newfoundland arrive on this passenger ferry.

The weather was wonderful so our crossing was smooth. Alison wants to take up sailing.

Today was an errand and light work day. Not a bad thing when your office looks like this!

Meat Cove. So named because it was a plentiful source of meat (moose, deer, etc.) for passing ships. I’m thinking they should’ve called it Wicked Awesome Sunrise Cove.

Fletcher got into the sunrise as well.

Once the coffee was made, we headed down to the beach.

Meat Cove campground is truly magnificent.

Then it was time to strip Ruby Jean down to basic essentials and explore the northern tip of Nova Scotia.

And what a coastline it is!

We found our own private beach and stopped for lunch. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!

Crab season starts tomorrow, so there was lots of activity in every fishing town we passed through.

Next, we hiked Jack Pines Trail which (unsurprisingly) had many awe-inspiring views to offer.

After a quick stop for ice cream we headed back to camp to grill some chicken over an open fire.

Apparently, the Gods were pleased.

Today, we arrived at the very top of Nova Scotia. An incredibly beautiful place with an odd name — Meat Cove.

After a night of hard rain, we were thankful to find a warm bakery with hot coffee for breakfast.

And then it was several hours drive to the very top of Nova Scotia. The little teardrop is finally looking initiated.

We knew we were headed in the right direction when we stopped at a rest area that looked like this.

Our destination campsite did not disappoint. Here’s the view of the Atlantic ocean from our teardrop.

When we arrived, Fletcher napped to the sounds of the ocean waves.

We’re looking forward to a few warm and sunny days here.

Today was a driving day. Time to head north to Cape Breton. As soon as we arrived, we decided to scout for a boondocking site on Crown Land.

A little bit of fancy map reading backed up by satellite photos, led us to the perfect site. And it’s only a few feet from this…

Plus it’s REALLY remote. The problem was that it wasn’t quite on Crown Land, so we were forced to pass it up.

Ruby Jean got a little dirty in the scouting process.

But all was not lost! It’s a big peninsula featuring cozy restaurants that serve fresh lobster to weary travelers.

Also, fun local music with small, enthusiastic dancing girls.

Waking up dry makes Alison a happy camper.

On our way to Kejimkujik National Park Seaside, we crossed the halfway point between the north pole and the equator. Crazy to think how much more north there is…

Kejimkujik was incredible. We got to watch seals hang out in the ocean.

We love the Nova Scotia south shore.

Today started with the drying of our mattress and sheets. Turns out, our little teardrop wasn’t quite ready for 8 straight hours of oceanside rain!

Not a problem, though. We came prepared with bungee cords and fans!

Only a short delay and we were on to exploring several provincial beaches and the “world famous” Peggy’s Cove.

Also, Fletcher is the perfect adventuring companion.

Along the way, Alison spotted an unmarked trail and we spent the bulk of the afternoon exploring the landscape.

Halifax didn’t disappoint either. Camping is even better with fine dining.

The sun sets late up here, so there was plenty of time left for a little leak repair before bed.

This evening we arrived safe and sound (although a bit wet) on the south shore of Nova Scotia. Graves Island Provincial Park to be exact.

It was a bit stormy, but here’s the view of the ocean from our little campsite.

Earlier today we stopped for lunch. It was really crowded.

Also, we had to stop at a local mall to use the ATM. Instead of cash, it transported us back in time. To the 1980s.

Looking forward to listening to ocean while we fall asleep…