And in Conclusion.....

So here we are – 13,774.9 km from the beginning. Home again and looking back on another incredible journey.  No accidents – plumbing or otherwise; no speeding tickets; no big weather events, no problems crossing the border; no vehicle malfunctions. All 21 fingers and toes accounted for(41, if you count Ann's) and all 40 little claws.  I learned a lot over the 9 weeks I was away and here are some of my thoughts:

• Canada is the most beautiful, awesome place and we should never take it for granted.
• For women, camping is an art and for men it's a science.
• Friendship that is long and enduring is a priceless treasure.
• Cats can be good travelling companions – and quite entertaining as well.
• Family living and dead are a fascinating study.
• I'm not related to everyone in Nova Scotia but almost. (hence, the extra toe).
• Camping isn't about driving, it's about stopping.
• A nap is one of the nicest things you can give yourself
• Every tombstone represents a life and a story that could fill a 300 page book
• Soft summer mornings under the trees and cool summer nights under the stars are something to remember in the long cold winter.
• Angels come in many forms and touch your life every day.

The summer was about learning more about my family and friends and the people we encountered along the way.  There were the tireless folks who manned the tiny museums and archives we visited; my cousins Charlotte, Fonda, Clay, Debbie and John who all added to the delight of the holiday; people who manned the campgrounds and provided such warm hospitality; the friendly people of Nova Scotia who seem to enjoy striking up a conversation with any old stranger and who feel like fast friends after about 5 minutes.  To the meals we enjoyed - lobster in Lunenburg, amazing fish chowder at Fox Harb'r, the fish cakes at Whirligigs in Wallace by the Sea; to the incredible maple flavoured soft ice cream at Bragg Farms in Vermont, and even our favorite Kraft dinners - You didn't get the best of me - I still lost a little weight, but I loved you all.  And - my discovery of the summer, Habitant Chow Chow - which I eat on everything, now.  My favourite camping site is still at Scotia Pines near Truro.  Happy memories of Scotty McCreery, Johnny Reid, John Denver, Josh Groban, Sugarland and 200 oldies and camp songs - that kept us humming and bopping down the road.  One day's scenery surpassing the scenery of the day before - mountains, sandy beaches, lots of forest and thousands of lovely lakes - and then, of course - the vast Atlantic shore and the Bay of Fundy with its red sands and incredible tides.  It just all makes me smile!  And, of course - Kindred Spirits!  And Clark who was our on-call coach when we needed to solve a problem.  And lastly, to all of the people who read and responded to the blog over the summer - over 1,000 all told.  Thanks for coming along for the ride.

So here's to Ann and here's to me and here's to what is next to be!

The End!!!!!