The Fundy Loop - Lupins, Daisys and Buttercups - and lots of Dead Folk!

Fonda Gamble Smyth

Our little journey today began with a delightful breakfast with my new found third cousin, Fonda.  She is as interested in the Gamble family history as I am, so it was a real gab fest.  She filled me in on so many details that only someone who grew up here would know.  Her great grandfather Harvey, was my great grandfather, John William's brother.  We talked a lot about the Gamble reputation for a keen sense of humour and an ability to pick up any old instrument and play it as if they'd taken years of lessons.  Maybe that's where Uncle Ed got his musical gift.

One of my objectives on this trip was to make it up to Castlereagh, the community where the Gambles settled in 1819 after arriving from Donegal.  For the most part, it is a ghost town but many generations of our family are buried there and I would love to add photos from the cemetery to my collection.  The road up there is iffy, at best and so we've arranged to go up the mountain on Friday by Quad or Jeep.  I am so excited!!

After our breakfast, we drove up along the Fundy Shore through Great Village, Portapique, Bass River, Economy and on into Parrsboro.  It is incredibly lovely country - lush, green and prosperous looking.  We took the side roads and did lots of exploring.  At one point we were very close to the Bay and the tide was a long way out.  There in the red mud, some 100' or so from shore was what we thought was an old cemetery.  Bravely, Ann volunteered to climb down the rocks and investigate.  It turned out to be a bunch of old tree stumps - but was a pretty awesome sight anyway.

At Bass River we stopped at the Fire Hall to take a picture of the old fire engine they have for sale.  Had a visit with one of the firemen and heard all about their new water rescue program.  He directed us through upper Bass River which is quaint with cottages and homes - and, of course, another old cemetery.  We travelled around the Portipique Mountain to the foot of the Castlereagh Road.  Up at the top of the road, in addition to the old town, is Gamble Lake, named for my 4th Great Grandfather, Robert.

We had a great drive and can't wait to get back up there tomorrow.

Congratulations, Mark on your Academic Achievement and Congeniality awards.  Way to go!!


To be continued......