Canadian Reflections

Even though the weather was less than optimal, the trip was great. For those who don't ride, it's probably hard to understand sitting on a bike for 10 days, and I'll admit there are times when our butts get sore, our backs are aching, it's uncomfortably warm or cold or it's wet. But there is also nothing like it. Leaning a bike into a turn on a perfectly paved road, being part of the environment instead of an observer. Flowers, dyeing leaves, back yard Bar-B-Ques, farms and the sea air all permeate the senses, yes, even your sense of smell is a big part of riding.  And then there is the exhilaration of acceleration, twisting the throttle, passing a car in seconds, flying down the straightaways.  While it may be inconvenient at times, there is no better way to travel.

All of the Canadians we encountered were all very nice, and very talkative, and boy, were some of them talkative! All wanting to know where we've been and where we're going, and all with great and not so great suggestions.

One of the  things that stood out to us, was that most of the homes we saw were very modest and well kept, Very few large pretentious homes and very few with piles of junk all about. And all seemed to have perfectly manicured lawns. It got to be a joke with us checking out how many folks would be out mowing their lawns at all hours of the day.



The other very noticeable thing was the coastline, while very similar to Maine's coast, the Canadian coast was far more accessible. In Maine the coast has all been bought up by the one percent, and immediately along with their multi-million dollar homes comes the fence and the "No Trespassing" signs. So, driving along the coast in Maine, and probably elsewhere in the U.S.,only gives you glimpses of the actual coastline dotted between the mansions. To the contrary from what we saw in the Canadian Maritimes, the roads hug and coastline and make it quite accessible. The homes that are on the water are mostly the same modest homes you see anywhere, and by the looks of the lobster traps and boats in the yards belong to fishermen. We really enjoyed these rides and scenery along these coastline roads.

The food during the trip was pretty similar to rural Maine. Lots of chowder, fish and fried food. Poutine seems to be a favorite everywhere. Poutine, for those who have never had it, is French Fries and cheese curds smothered in gravy. It has evolved into lots of creative alternatives with meats, vegetables and what ever else you can imagine. We even saw Lobster Poutine!
Craft beers are starting to appear, but certainly not to the extent that they are in the states. Wine selections are somewhat limited as well. Luckily the exchange rate is 25% in our favor, because food and fuel are on the expensive side.

For you New Englanders who have never been up to visit our neighbors to the North, take the time to go. It's not very far and well worth the trip, whether by bike, car or RV. Before the Fourth of July or after Labor Day seem to be the best times, eh!