DIGGING AWAY AT THE FAMILY ROOTS

One of the most peaceful and meaningful places ever is the little churchyard at Oxford, Nova Scotia where many of my ancestors are buried.  A pristine sky blue church with crisp white trim sits high on a hill overlooking the beautiful, meandering River Philip.  The front step is a large slab of rock polished by the footsteps of those who worshiped there and covered with green and grey mosses. 

Laying there in neat rows are my great great grandmother and grandfather, my great grandfather and grandmother and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins of varying greatness.  The poignant ones are the children, Mary, Hance and the others.

It was a beautiful day with the lupins and forget me nots growing wild and the humid air was heavy with clover.  Truly felt like a homecoming.

Another bucket list item was crossed off today.  We had lunch - seafood chowder and strawberry short cake in the dining car at the Tatamagouche train station.  The car was the one longest in service on the Trans Canadian and had been beautifully restored.

The Friendly Giant used to say "Look up, Look way up".  Today I should have remembered that before barging headlong down this tiny dirt road in the Wentworth Cemetery.  Actually it wasn't as bad as it looked and short of desecrating a few long gone souls we managed to extract ourselves relatively easily.

A kindred spirit is someone who will bounce through graveyards, deal with the kitty litter box AND the plumbing, laugh at your silly jokes and love your cats.  Ann is my kindred spirit.

To be continued......

ROOTS AND BRANCHES

Since the September day in 1783 when my Loyalist ancestors landed in Nova Scotia, the family have grown and prospered.  Today we drove from Amherst to Pugwash, passing through Oxford on our way.  As we tooled along the rolling, windy roads towards the bay, I wondered which of my ancestors lived here, farmed here, built a home here, raised a family here.  At every turn there was a sign with a related family name on it - Peers, Teed, Swallow, Thompson, and many more. 

Ate lunch at the Chatterbox Restaurant right near the Bay in Pugwash and noticed the street signs here are all bilingual - English and Gaelic.  Neat!

We stopped at our first cemetery - Wallace Community Cemetery.  Thoughtful folks that they are, they have a table of contents posted at the front gate.  It was easy to find the graves we were looking for, although many of the markers are almost worn flat by the sea breezes.  Some of these people have been here since 1800.  Next visit, we will take some paper and charcoal and see if we can't get decent rubbings from them.  One of the graves was that of Caleb and Mary Peers.  In November and December of 1860, they lost 6 of their children to diphtheria. 

We stopped at the North Cumberland Historical Society, based in the old train station in Pugwash.  While I could have spent hours there, I did purchase the local history books I wanted and am going back Friday to get a bunch of papers copies.  One is the will of my great grandmother's first husband.  He died at the age of 24 and left her with a small infant.  The attached papers from her father attest that he will be responsible for them in the future.  Shortly after, however, she married Charles Bragg and joined the clan.

We are in a lovely campground just off the TransCanada Highway in Amherst.  It's close to shopping and all the places I want to go to do my research, so we're booked in here for the week.  We are sitting on a very pretty little lake and surrounded by a quaint daisy garden.

Dani,  you'll be sorry to hear that as we passed through Oxford, I saw that the Blueberry and Maple Centre is closed and the big blueberry is gone.  Such a shame.

To be continued.........

A MAGNETIC EXPERIENCE!

I always think of New Brunswick as the daisy province.  Everywhere you go the fields and ditches are a mass of white and yellow.  As Meg Ryan said in "You've Got Mail" - "Don't you think daisies are the friendliest flower?"  They are, and it's great seeing so many of them.

Today we experienced two of the province's wonders, the Reversing Falls and Magnetic Hill.

The phenomenon of the Reversing Falls is caused by the tremendous rise and fall of the tides of the Bay of Fundy, which are the highest in the world. The natural southward-facing opening of the Bay of Fundy receives the on rushing ocean tides directly like a funnel. The tidewater is normal when it enters the bay at its widest point. But the farther up the bay it travels the more it changes. It is, in effect, squeezed by the ever-narrowing sides and the constant shallowing of the bottom forcing the water higher up the shores. The low tide running out of the bay collides with the new, incoming high tide, combining forces to make a higher wave coming in. The combination of wave forces is called resonance.

Magnetic Hill is a wild and wacky place that appears to defy gravity. For years now, people have been entertained by driving their car to the bottom of the hill, putting the car in neutral and watching as their car rolls backwards, with them in it, UP the hill! In the 1800s, farmers were puzzled when it seemed that their horses had to strain to pull wagons that were seemingly going downhill; then on the way home, the wagons seemed to get tangled up with the horses' feet while going uphill. How was any of this possible? People thought perhaps there was a powerful magnet buried at the top of the hill which pulled objects to it. Actually, it's a common illusion where the level horizon is hidden in some way. Trees, walls and things that normally act as a visual clue may be leaning slightly. We expect such things to be straight and so we are fooled. An optical illusion makes a downhill appear to be an uphill. But seeing is believing, so even when you know the cause, you still can't help but think that when you're rolling uphill, you're actually rolling downhill. Freaky!


Our Ukelele lessons are coming along but I'm disappointed not to have many of you queueing up for a grand performance when I get home. 

Our pet lobster, Norton, took over the driving today for a little while.  It rained - a good heavy, steady rain all the way from St. John through to Amherst so he volunteered to take a shift at the wheel.  It was much appreciated.  As you can see, he needs a pillow to reach the wheel but he does pretty well, otherwise.

Finally, this afternoon, we arrived in Nova Scotia and I was really excited!  It felt like coming home and I am so looking forward to the new couple of weeks.  Scads of genealogy work to be done - but what fun!  Can hardly wait to get out in those graveyards and do some digging!

Finally, I want to say a word about Doug.  He's the fourth one from the front, right behind me.  Growing up, all us cousins spent a lot of time together on visits and vacations.  When we returned to Calgary during high school, Doug and I were in the same class and hung out with most of the same people.  He dated my best friend and he was always there when I needed a shoulder or an understanding ear.  Tomorrow, Doug will be laid to rest beside his mother, in Calgary.  The rest of the family and his friends will gather to celebrate his life.

I will always remember the handsome guy with that great big grin and quick smile.  Douglas, I hope you are at peace. 


To be continued.....

WE'RE HOME, EH?

Back in Canada and straight to Tim's for an ice cap. Hit the spot! Tonight we're at Hardings Point, an island just outside of St John NB. We got here by ferry. Since leaving home, I've gone over so many high bridges and crazy places – I now spit with distain at ferries. Hear me roar!!!




We crossed the border at Calais, Maine (pronounced callous) into St. Stephen and then followed the Fundy Shore drive to get here. Again, as last year, I marvel at the beauty of New Brunswick and am glad to be back among people who worry about their moose.



I'm coming to you tonight via Ann's wireless turbo stick. We are really off the beaten path and this allows us to use the internet from anywhere. First chance I've had to play with it – I like it.



This morning we sadly left Maine. Breakfast consisted of a Lobster Roll and coffee. What a treat.

If they haven't already done so, I think Maine should have the motto “Land of Superlatives”on their license plates. Most beautiful scenery, greatest beaches, awesome hiking trails, best shopping, ultimate dining and really nice people. Loved it.

Heading on into Nova Scotia tomorrow and can't wait to see what that will bring. We laughed so hard today, I'm sore – and it was mostly about the very unlady-like language I was using on Miss Hathaway (GPS). She had particular problems with New Brunswick and half the time it looks like I'm driving through the forest. Recalculating and MAKE A U TURN were the phrases of the day.

Did You Know?


Acadia National Park contains more than 120 miles of historic hiking trails. This bridge was 10'8"at the centre and I was glad not to have encountered a car coming the other way.  Today many of the historic features, such as stonework, are still visible. Near this location is the home of John D. Rockerfeller, who donated the park to the US Government.  Most of the trails were originally built by him as carriageways and have been maintained in remarkable shape.  This is definitely a hiker/biker heaven.  There are a group of Quebecers here who come twice a year and spend 4 days each time biking and hiking the trails and kayaking on the Bay.  We've also seen more - many more grand and unique homes.  We visited an old house that has been transformed into a restaurant and serves daily tea with home made popovers and Maine wild blueberry jam.  - mmmmmmmmmm! 

For lunch we went to the Shipyard Tavern and watched the FIFA match between the US and Ghana.  First TV we've seen in weeks.

Bar Harbor Town is a delightful, quaint place with thousands of marvellous little shops catering to the touring trade and I could have spent a fortune there, but I didn't.  Yay, me!  Oh, and there is even another LL Bean Outlet store here.

Tomorrow, we finally head north to New Brunswick and the on into Nova Scotia where we are planning to meet up with my cousin Charlotte, visit Cape Breton and then back to the graveyard prowling that made last summer so fun!  We will be staying in Pugwash for some of the time because that is where the historical archives for Cumberland County reside.  I can hardly wait!

The weather here was perfect for outdoor pursuits - hazy and comfortably cool.

To be continued......

HOW TO EAT A LOBSTER...

This is your intrepid reporter coming to you from deep in the wooded coastline of Northern Maine.  Our sources have described scenes of great desperation, including a drowning in drawn butter and a skewering by a long handled seafood fork.  It is our purpose to educate the public on the safe and proper way to consume a Lobster.

1. Fast for 3 days
2. Gather together a plastic rain poncho and the garden hose; heavy duty dish detergent, a pair of pliers, a hammer, a vice and a very large multi-tool, a pair of vinyl gloves, a pair of bathroom tweezers and several large bath towels.
3. Allow a 3 foot diameter space for each diner.
4. Cover the table with a carefully arranged assortment of plastic garbage bags.
5. Don't bother with cutlery, because you won't use it.
6. You can try to use a plate, but chances are, the little sucker will just squirt right off it and onto your carefully prepared table.
7. Open the vice.
8. Insert Lobster.
9. Using whichever of your multitude of tools that seems appropriate, smash the little guy until all his shell falls off.
10. Use the bathroom tweezers to pick up, dip and then eat the one tiny piece of flesh that comes out of all that mess.
11. But enjoy!

This is your intrepid reporter, deep in research mode from Bar Harbor Maine,

To be continued......

BAH HABAH

Another fabulous day of touring the countryside and coastline of Maine.  We are at Mount Desert Island - which is really mis-named since it is green, treed and lovely.  We are about an hour from St. Stephen, New Brunswick and the island is home to several quaint fishing towns.  We're camped virtually on the beach of Frenchman Bay, just a few miles from Bar Harbor and it is the best campground we've found yet.  Not only do they have every service you could want but there is a free shuttle bus that tours the entire island every half hour.  The green area on the map is Acadia National Park - which we will be exploring tomorrow.

Once again, lobster is available at every turn.  There are Lobster Shacks, Lobster Pounds, Lobster Cafes, Fresh caught Lobster, - as well as clams, mussels, oysters.  Even our campground has a Lobster Bar in the office.

We saw some very unique signs along the way, today.  One was the Baits Motel.  The other was in the midst of a neat row of mail boxes.  It stood about 10 feet tall and the mail box was labelled "Bills".

Had a new and unusual treat with afternoon coffee.  Deep fried blueberry pancakes with maple syrup dip.  Fortunately we decided to split an order - very good and quite unusual.

Every day, we have made an effort to do something each of us has never done before.  Today we bought ourselves each a Ukelele.  We went to the internet for our first lesson and before you knew it, we were playing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star".  Can hardly wait to entertain you all when I get home.

Tomorrow we will be doing something oceany.

To be continued......

THE RAIN IN MAINE GOES MAINELY DOWN THE DRAIN!

People we meet along the way, when noticing the Saskatchewan license plates and asking about the trip, often remark "Well, GOOD for YOU (pronounced Yew oo)!"   Little do they know what fun we're having and that the only difference between travelling now and 20 years ago is that, now it's more important to shave your chin than it is to shave your legs.

We're off to Bar Harbor today to experience more of the Maine coastline and then on to New Brunswick the following day.  It's raining this morning and it was such a treat to wake up to the sound on the roof.  It reminded me a lot of Bragg Creek days.  Mighty glad I got the leak in the roof sealed.  It will be a good day to travel since the sun visors on the motorhome are remarkably small considering the size of the window.

There must be a motorcycle convention somewhere in the area because we keep running across great herds of bikes on the road.  Riders here are not required to wear helmets, which looks a little strange.  It is also the law here that you only have to wear a seatbelt if you are under 18.  Good arguments for public healthcare, eh?

To be continued.....

COASTING IN MAINE...

Last night the folks camped beside us were having an authentic 50's road trip.  Their tiny trailer was attached to a 1956 red Cadillac convertable that was in pristine condition.  They were even dressing the part - she in her peddle pushers and he in his fedora.  While the photo doesn't do is justice, it was a great sight to see.

We're still in Freeport, having decided to take a day to pick up some groceries, do some laundry and get ourselves sorted out.  It's a soft, warm summer day - the kind just made for hanging out around the pool so we may just do that too.

Our drive to the Walmart Super Center took us through picturesque countryside and through avenues overhung with oak trees and lined with the most amazingly lovely Victorian homes.  The paint stores here must do a good business in heritage colours since most houses look fresh and crisp in their pinks, purples, greens and blues of Victorian architecture.  Out came the Ooos and Aaaas again.  Each house has such character, with its funny little turrets and porches.

We've been decorating!  Last Christmas Bill and Margaret gave me this sign and we finally found just the right piece of velcro to attach it above the motorhome door.  As we got creative, a J. Crew shopping bag became a lovely piece of 3D art for the kitchen wall.  We had a rubber lobster, but he is to heavy to stick up with the said Velcro.

And finally, we went back to Morse's Lobster Shack and had that much anticipated lobster dinner.  I have no words..........

To be continued.......

THE MAINE THING IS.......

When I think of Maine I will think of excess.  For a tiny state, everything here is bigger and more beautiful than you can imagine.  The area around Freeport is crisscrossed with little country roads, each one with a view that would take your breath away.  Horse farms with freshly painted white fences dot the landscape.  Every barn is pristine red or green with white trim.  There are sheep scattered over the hills and fat, happy cattle grazing among them.

The food is better than I've ever tasted.  Last night we had shrimp and oysters for supper (being Father's day, we were too late to nab the lobster) and today we had the most amazing crab cakes for lunch.

The shopping is out of this world.  Every outlet store you can imagine - and prices to die for.

Lunch was at Joe's Boathouse at the Marina and we had a great time watching the boats coming and going into the bay at Portland. 

We've spent the day talking "firework language".  You know Öoh!, Ahh!, Wow! 

To be continued.....

WHEN I GO...PLANT ME HERE!

This is the Crawford Notch - one of the most breathtaking places I've ever seen.  We drove through the White Mountains where each peak is named after a different president.  Who knew there were such lovely vistas in New Hampshire.  Although we haven't travelled very far today, it has been one feast after the other for the eyes.

Today we arrived in Maine.  Crossing New Hampshire only takes an hour and a half.  Quite by accident we selected the town of Freeport as our destination.  We just wanted to get to the ocean and what did we find?  Not only a town that is one outlet store after another (Nike, Ralph Lauren, Nine West and about 100 others, but it is the home of LL Bean.  Who could want for more?

So tonight we're off for a big lobster supper and tomorrow we SHOP!!!!!

To be continued

HELP - WE'VE BEEN BRAGGED AGAIN!

Our departure from Lake Placid was something of an adventure. The GPS (Miss Hathaway) put us on this scenic winding road which went through every little village in eastern New York. The road was narrow and twisty and it took us pretty much all morning to get through the mountains and headed for Vermont. Along the was we passed an amazing number of athletes from the Olympic training centre – out for their morning training bike through the mountains. Most of them had legs like tree stumps and what at first looked like a grin, I think turned out to be their teeth stuck to their upper teeth. More power to them, for sure.

This morning, we met a ferry named Cumberland on the east side of New York State. As much as I love bridges, the thought of loading my humongeous (in my mind) motorhome onto a flat deck ferry had me convinced that I would certainly drive right off the other end – and as luck would have it, I was first in line, so the only thing keeping me from the big dive was a rope the size of a halter shank. However, as in such things, we just plucked up our courage and did it anyway – and ended up high and dry in Vermont.

Tonight we are in New Hampshire, Littleton to be exact. Vermont is one of those little but beautiful states with such a wide variety of scenery – from rugged mountains to rolling farmlands. The roads are great and the highway rest stops serve free coffee. And although we missed the turn off to Stowe, we did stop at the Bragg Farm in Montpelier and had a great visit with Doug Bragg, the owner. They sell all things maple – and lots of crafts and souveniers. He sees Braggs from all over the world but I'm not sure there is a tie from his to our Braggs. They have the BEST maple flavoured soft ice cream!



We had lunch at a little cafe and bakery in Marshfield and the owner made the whole meal an entertainment event. This man, William Tecosky, has the gift of the gab and by the time we were finished hearing his tales we were $35 lighter in the wallet. The food was great but the entertainment was superb!

The things you don't see!  We saw a two humped camel grazing in a corral with some cattle today.  Kind of wakes you up a bit during a long drive.


As part of our eventful day, we also had a bit of a low tire. Miss Hathaway, directed us to the nearest Michelin tire store where Larry, Darryl and his other brother Darryl discovered a screw in the inside back tire. Using the biggest jack they had, they removed the tires, fixed the puncture and then replaced everything. Good job – and feeling much safer on the road.

A GOLD MEDAL DAY!

Lake Placid is nothing if it isn't Olympics crazy.  We spent some time today watching figure skaters practice at the Olympic skating rink and then we toured the Olympic Centre.  It was fun to see all the really old Olympic posters and memorabilia.  These Americans have the mistaken notion that the Miracle on Ice was the 1980 Russian/US hockey game - yeah right!

We saw an interesting film on Billy Fiske who was a gold medal bobsledder in the 1932 Olympics and later went to Britain to join the RAF at the beginning of WWII.  He was killed during a German bombing of Tangmere air base shortly after the Battle of Britain - the first American to die in that war. 

We also went for a bobsled, luge, skeleton and skijump simulator ride which was just a little scary.  It starts with the 1980 Bobsled and ends with a run down the Vancouver track.  Things have certainly become a lot faster and more technical.

On the menu tonight - BBQ Steak, baked potatoes and asparagus - Oh, the things you have to put up with when you're roughing it!

Tomorrow we're off to visit the Von Trapps - Yodeladyhoo!!!

To be continued.....

THE POOR OLD MOOSE!

Pity the poor American Moose.  Since I left Saskatchewan, I have yet to see a Moose Crossing Sign on the highway.  I guess our American cousins don't have the same love and affection for these noble creatures.  Yet, on thinking about it - Sign or no sign, I would probably either hit a moose or I wouldn't.

Since we left Ann's home in Sharon Tuesday morning we have been travelling the highways and biways of upstate New York - where campgrounds and tourist information is sparse to be generous.  We have overnighted in State Parks which are pretty basic - no cell, no power, no water, no sewer but plenty of incredible little lakes, wonderful highways and just enough gas stations to set my mind at rest.

Yesterday we went to Somewhere.  It is right between Rochester and Tupper Lake and it is actually a town.

Today we reached Lake Placid and plan to spend a couple of days exploring the Olympic venues and taking a look at the cute little gift shops and attractions.  Just for fun we plan to do the Bobsled ride tomorrow.  This is breathtaking country  - the photo above is a gorge close to our campground.  Saturday, we're heading to Stowe Vermont so we can sign on the mountain and then, by Monday we should be pigging out on lobster in Maine.  However, that could change in a flash.  We seem to have an inate ability to discover adventures by accident and those can take us off in a totally new direction.

To be continued.......

OH, THE HUMILIATION!

I've never been one to just toodle along the highway.  My pace is just under "That will be a $270.00 fine, ma'am" level.  So you can imagine my chagrin when I was passed today by a little red and black Smart Car that looked very much like a Lady Bug.  What next?

This afternoon I finally got a glimpse of the sun so I donned my shades, cranked up the Beach Boys on the stereo and began my summer vacation.  The only thing missing was an ice cold bubbly - which I am enjoying right now!

I crossed back into Canada today and again I needed to pluck up my courage to cross the international bridge.  It is twice as long and twice as high and as an added bonus, you get to pay for the priviledge.  I think the government should issue a medal of bravery for  those who fear heights but go anyway.  At this rate the Confederation Bridge to PEI will be a snap. 


Yesterday I saw an election sign in a field.  Guess who's running for Sheriff?  Don Scherf.  So if he wins, he'd be Sheriff Scherf.  Kind of like Constable Constable on the Beachcombers.

Tonight I'm overnighting at a beautiful little resort called Waterfalls Lodge, just east of Blind River.  It is amazingly beautiful, with a little lake, lots of trees and, yes - a pretty little waterfall.

After all the rain, the air this morning was heavy with the honey perfume of acre upon acre of clover.  Who needs breakfast?

Tomorrow afternoon, I will be in Sharon to pick up Ann. 

To be continued.....

LIFE IS A HIGHWAY.... "Tom Cochrane"

I've heard that song every day since I left Saskatoon - is it a message?

Today, life truly was a highway.  It was a day of contrasts and contradictions.  Northern Minnesota is very lakey.  Everyone with a vehicle seems to be towing a boat somewhere.  Wisconsin was a colourful surprise.  The soil there (ergo, the roads, too) is as bright red as PEI and the highway is lined with these lovely purple flowers.  They look like Lupins, but I suspect they are the more vengeful Purple Loustrife (spelling???)  Whatever they are, they are lovely.

I'm now in Michigan - Lake Michigamee, to be exact.  The campground is in a pine forest and very quiet.  I arrived just in time to be invited for a supper of Lumberjack Stew they offer their guests every Saturday night.  What a nice treat - and really good, to boot.

After Duluth, I saw a sign indicating the scenic Superior South Route - so I took it.  Turned out, the closest I got to Lake Superior was a huge plastic fish outside a local bait shop.  It was a nice drive, regardless.  I drove through forests, farmlands and then just at the end, what looked like the tip of the Canadian Shield.  And speaking of Duluth - The only thing that makes me need to be brave are really tall bridges - like this one.  So I plucked up my courage and crossed the bridge, took a wrong turn and went back over it the other way and then had to turn around and do it again the right way this time.  SCARRRRY!!!!

Tomorrow I will be back in Canada and heading for Sudbury. 

To be continued.........

Rain Songs

Today we made it to Bemidji, Minnesota - home of Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe - and just west of the lower tip of  Lake Superior. I must have been here before, because I have a picture of myself at about 5, standing right in front of them.  But then Paul and Babe may be claimed by other places, as well.

It started out drizzling in Minot and by the time we reached Rugby, ND it was a full blown monsoon.  Then we drove through a pea soup fog and now it is hailing mosquitoes.  I thought there was something wrong with Miss Hathaway (the GPS), but - no - the highway here is flat, straight and long.  On the good side, it's four lane divided highway all the way and very little traffic so it's easy to make good time.  I wonder if the highway patrol here have a surveillance bush, like the one on Corner Gas.   Regardless, I really could have gone back to make popcorn like the guy in the commercial. 

Rugby, by the way, is the geographical centre of North America.  Who knew?

Anyway - enough bellyaching about the weather.  Did you know there are more than a thousand songs about rain.  "Here comes the Rain Again", It's Raining in my Heart", It's Raining Men", "Rain, Rain, go Away", etc. etc.  I looked it up on the internet.

Today has proved a challenge.  What time zone am I in?  How many litres to the gallon?  How fast is 65 miles an hour?  My poor head was done in so I decided to treat myself to the ULTIMATE CANADIAN EXPERIENCE - a trip to Target.  I got 2 pairs of flip flops for a dollar and some really cute storage baskets - also for a dollar each.  What fun!!!

Tomorrow, we head to Sault Ste. Marie and back across the border- just as I'm getting the hang of things here - good for my character.

To be continued.........

Why not Minot?

Here we are, on the road again.  We left Saskatoon in a blistering rain storm and headed Regina way.  Along the road we (the cats & me- well not really the cats - they were hold up in their usual hiding place beneath the blankets) drove through miles of moss green fields with dug outs overflowing and generously populated with happy flapping ducks.  The optimist is me saw the beauty but the pessimist was whispering in my ear "This must be the biggest mosquitoe maternity ward in the world".

As expected, south and east of Regina things flattened out a bit.  I drove through the world's biggest gravel pit and saw little herds of pump jacks nodding as I passed.  Lots of deer to be seen, as well - grazing on the "whatever it is" that is growing in the fields.

Crossing the border was interesting.  Two young men, who looked like they should be at home in their jammies watching Toy Story, asked me about my criminal past, took a quick look around the motorhome and sent me on my way.  I guess I don't look much like a national threat.  Gas in North Dakota works out to about 61 cents a litre - wahoooooo!

Having seen the movie, Fargo, I was wondering what driving through this state might be like.  To my delight, it is incredibly lovely.  The roads are good and there is very little traffic.   From the border to Minot, it is like driving lengthwise down the Qu Appelle Valley.  Beautiful green rolling hills that are home to some of the biggest, fattest, happiest Charlois cattle I've ever seen.

I thought I would perhaps drive out of the rain today, but no such luck.  Good thing I know how the furnace works.

Tomorrow, I head for Duluth, Minnesota - another fairly long day - so - to be continued......