A smooth drive from Smiths Cove. We went via Hwy 14, which meant we avoided the schmozzle where two highways meet in Halifax. It was a fine introduction to the travel ahead – generally main roads, but also some slightly off=the-main-route roads. We arrived at Fundy National Park at 18:00.
Check-in was quick and easy, as it always seems to be at Canada’s National Parks. Firewood was readily available at the entrance – no charge, but we had to return the burlap sack for another camper to use.
It was fairly easy to back into the campsite. A couple of vehicles came along the road and politely paused while Nigel manoeuvred the trailer and vehicle into place. That is part and parcel of most patrons of the national parks. Our experience has always been positive with courteous neighbours, helpful staff, and a neat and clean environment.
We were a bit rusty with our setting-up routine, but it began to click into place quickly enough. Unfortunately, a heavy rain shower slowed us down, so we had to finish it all the next day. That’s okay, because there are always minor glitches when camping.
Nigel is the camp chef. We have a small, portable BBQ, which is just big enough for a meal for two. We are feasting in camp. We have enough lamb and pork from the freezer at home to get us through a couple of weeks of camping. A bit of luxury in our semi-rustic settings.
We used the campfire wood in the evenings. Somehow, a campfire, in the very efficient Parks Canada grills, is de rigeur. There is nothing more mesmerisingly relaxing that propping ourselves in front of a campfire. No, we do not roast marshmallows. We don’t like them, so we don’t make them.
Wolfe Lake is a delightful lake at the western entrance to Fundy National Park. We went to Sussex on an errand for a couple of hours, and paused here for a refreshing cool drink and paddle in the water on the return trip. This delightful statue,Riding the Wind, by Gary Crosby,was on display outside the Park office. It is part of 13 pieces of art in an exhibit titled “Beneath the Surface”, an art installation put together by Craft NB. The art is scattered all over the Park.
Fundy National Park has a golf course. Nigel played a game; I went along for the ride. We rented a cart just for the ease of moving around the course.
What a gorgeous course – well manicured, beautiful views, just challenging enough to play a good game, but not so challenging that it defeated the player. Several of the tee-boxes were very high, so the player hits down towards the green; a bit unusual but not uncommon.
Fundy has 31 hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. We, of course, chose the easy trails because we are out of the hiking habit. With the dog and cat in tow, we did not walk far along any trail. Accepting of the leash, both of them are accustomed to walking off leash with us. The Park rule is that they must be leashed, and that’s fair enough. Many people do not like dogs, so it can be distressing to have a dog running along a trail. We did let Granville run off leash at Laverty Lake.
There was no-one around; it was evening, so it was unlikely anyone would be walking the Tracey Lake Trail. She had a bit of fun running along the trail, circling back to us, and chasing squirrels up trees. Most amusing for us was watching her splashing in the lake. This lake had a very muddy shoreline, littered with some large pieces of wood. Granville loves playing with chunks of wood, so she was in seventh heaven.
We booked a short time at Fundy because of the time constraints for getting to BC. Too short to do much, but long enough to enjoy the main features of Fundy National Park – the lakes, the trails, the well-appointed campsites, the golf course. Although it is a comfortable Park for camping newbies, it has enough classic wilderness-style activities to attract the experienced outdoors person. Something for everyone.
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