We successfully crossed the Canadian border and headed to the Fundy National Park in Alma, NB where we visited two of our favorite spots – the Holy Whale Brewery and the Octopus’s Garden Cafe. We were lucky to reconnect with our friend, Brewmaster Charlie, as well as the Octopus’s Garden’s world class chef.

Greg hiked five miles in and five miles out on the Upper Salmon River Trail — a great hike with sections reminiscent of trekking along Loch Lomond on Scotland’s West Highland Way, accompanied by Wildcat, Dusty, and Sunshine.

Leaving Fundy National Park, our first stop was Kelly’s Bake Shop — the Home of the Sticky Bun — where we couldn’t resist comparing their famous sticky buns to Melinda’s legendary cinnamon rolls. Very tasty indeed, but as our friend Stan once said, “No one makes a cinnamon roll like Melinda!”

Our next stop was Five Islands Provincial Park, which we reached after driving ten miles on a washboard dirt road — Stargazer was really rocking and rolling! The park offers panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy, where the tides rise and fall an incredible 52 to 59 feet — taller than a four- to five-story building. We enjoyed hiking along the beach during low tide.

Before turning in for the night, we had a visit from a local — Freddy the Fox — who entertained us at the bottom of Stargazer’s side stairs. But, as Roald Dahl wrote, “Mr. Fox was too clever for them.”

By the way, before entering Nova Scotia, Greg finished reading Island by Alistair MacLeod — a collection of short stories about Cape Breton. If you enjoy short stories, don’t miss this book.