How Do You Like Them Apples?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3Jazhm7mNI

(some background tunes for your hearing pleasure)

Alas dear readers; both of you.  It has been some time since my last post (three weeks to be exact) and with that comes the deepest and most sincere of apologies.  With the new semester underway at college "crazy busy" is the only term that comes to mind, and not to make excuses, but having the responsibility and tuition of thirty-eight souls riding on my conscience, let's just say my priorities have been mildly readjusted.  However with things in full swing, life is returning to normal and along with that normality comes my Wednesday blog post. 

What!?  Not this exciting... oh, okay.

I haven't forgotten about you dear readers, and as I was reminded every other day by one random person or another that I hadn't posted anything on my travel blog lately, it's clear you hadn't forgotten about me either.  This can only mean one of two things: either you're all illiterate and are just humouring me, or each and everyone of you is as bored as I am busy... could go either way.  Even so, I was shocked to see that my blog had upwards of 700 views since the last time I had checked (a few weeks ago granted) and I was very flattered!  I know I know, if Jenna Marbles woke up tomorrow and only had 700 views, she'd probably off herself, but for a humble rookie blogger from New Brunswick, I'll gladly take 700... unless those are all my parents... which is every bit as likely...

This girl doesn't get out of bed for 700 views... but seriously, HUGE fan!  She's my future wife, she just doesn't know it yet.

Anyhow, despite the busyness of my life in these days of late, do not think for a second that my weekend adventures have been neglected; a guy's got to have his priorities, am I right?!  There have been several mini-getaways this past month, but to keep as current as possible, I'm going to talk about my mini Sunday getaway this past weekend to none other than.... Memramcook, New Brunswick!  Google it, I swear it's a real place (also see Balzac, Alberta... it's a real place too... seriously, who names a town Balzac?!). 



See, it exists! Very middle of the map! It's near Haute-Aboujagane, obviously... Or "The Ha" as locals call it

Now if you've never been to this little joyous village on Canada's east coast, well, frankly I wouldn't blame you.  Cute and quaint absolutely, but if it's a crazy time you're looking for, you're better off to keep on looking... that is of course unless you're looking for a sunny afternoon of Sunday apple picking at Belliveau Orchard!

At the entrance to Belliveau Orchard.  Guess what they make out of their apples???
Memramcook, NB, September 2013

I know what you're thinking... "A travel blog, and you're going to talk about picking friggin' apples???" and the answer is yes, yes I am.  Every autumn Atlantic Canada and New England are flooded (primarily) with rich old American's who pay gratuitous amounts of money in the name of seeing "fall colours."  I mean it, all over the place people are saving up to take either a road trip, bus tour, or I crap you not, a cruise, to see the leaves change colour in all their September/October splendor.  What does this mean?  It means unlike many other parts of the continent where this season lasts about a week, out here on the east coast fall is a legitimate season, lasting weeks, if not months... That's a pretty foreign concept for someone who grew up in rural Manitoba; where if you blink you might miss autumn in it's entirety. 

Park Street, near Oulton College.
Moncton, NB, October 2013

So yes, autumn equals bright multi-coloured trees, and on those bright multi-coloured trees you will find equally bright and multi coloured apples; true story.  This counts as tourism, and in the grander scheme tourism, it means I'm still dealing with "travel", so how do you like them apples... see what I did there... never mind...

Oooooooooo, apples!  A mere example of the countless trees at Belliveau Orchard.
Memramcook, NB, September 2013 

The day started much like any other weekend where I rolled out of bed a some unholy hour, just because that's how my mind works, as I thought "Man, I could sure pick the hell out of some apples today!"  Okay that's not entirely true.  The plan had been decided several days prior when one of my co-workers mentioned she was planning to take her family apple picking at some point over the weekend.  Now... bear with me, I have to tell this story to tell another story... I've picked apples in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, and many a prairie apple tree as succumb to my mad picking skills, but never in my entire life have I been apple picking on the east coast. This dear reader(s) is something I have wanted to do ever since watching the episode of The Thirsty Traveller (best show!), where Kevin Bauch (my other brother, and idol) goes to New England to pick apples and make hard cider.  I think the episode was called "Cider House Rules", and I'm pretty sure I was in the ball park of nineteen when I watched it, so for me this has been on the bucket list for some time. 

Picking nuts at a fruit farm (primarily orchard) in the Okanagan Valley.
Near Kelowna, BC, July 2008.

We arrived at Belliveau Farms sometime shortly before 11am, and let me tell you, when it's twenty-five degrees in New Brunswick during the last weekend of September, it turns out that everyone has the same idea, which is "I should spend the day outside"; picking apples evidently.  What on a given day is just a simple country road, had no less and two hundred or so vehicles randomly parked on the shoulder, in the ditch, nearby fields, and just about anywhere else a vehicle might fit.  I now have a brief idea as to what sardines feel like.  Whatever, we had come this far (nearly a twenty minute drive from Moncton!!!) so there was no turning back.
 

We opted for the field... it seemed like the best idea at the time.
Memramcook, NB, September 2013

As you may have guessed, with a two hundred vehicle pile up, you have all the people that arrived in the those said cars ahead of us, which merited no less than a one hour wait just to get in, but hey, what can you do?  If enjoying a hot sunny day on September 29th is torture, then chain me to the wall.

About half the line up, and by the time we left it was easily twice as long as when we arrived... Those must be some really great apples.
Memramcook, NB, September 2013

Patiently waiting with my apple cider, and picking partner in crime.  We weren't doing anything else while we waited, so selfies were a must!
Memramcook, NB, September 2013

By the time we got to the gate, I could see people in droves leaving with bags and bags and bags of apples, which made me wonder "are there going to be enough?" but let me tell you, regardless how many people showed up that day, picking apples at Belliveau Orchard was a little bit like attacking Hell with a water pistol.  Let's just say in event of the apocalypse, I at least know where I can eat ALL the apples.  However, before we got to apple picking there was one other thing we had to do, because it turns out that apples aren't the only thing they're known for, but also one epic corn maze... yeah, that happened.

The beginning of the corn maze; aka shenanigan central.
Memramcook, NB, September 2013

Now, in corn mazes I've done in the past I've always been one to abide by the rules of the maze, which basically means wander around aimlessly until you're complete and utterly lost, then scream out in frustration and curl up in the fetal position until someone comes to find you.  That's how it works, right?  That was of course until I went "corn mazing" with my friend Mattie, which hence forth will be known as "Corn Maze Extreme".  Now, when you're playing/doing Corn Maze Extreme, you abide by the one and only rule which is that "there are no rules".  If you wish to go in a straight line, then by God you go in a straight line.  Should a small and unsuspecting child be wandering by, and two adults come tearing out of the corn maze wall, and that child then screams out in frustration, curls up in the fetal position and cries until their parents come find them, then well, that's just how it goes... Sorry for any permanent damage child.  Other things to do while doing Corn Maze Extreme are as follows:

- Randomly rip off cobs of old corn and throw them into the maze.
- Randomly rip off cobs of old corn and throw them at one another.
- Pretend you're in the NFL and punt cobs of old corn between the "goal posts" (aka, the tallest corn stalks).
- Re-enact your favourite scenes from the movie Signs.
- Play hide and seek. 

Where's Waldo; corn maze extreme edition.
Memramcook, NB, September 2013

If you're particularly hardcore, you might even find yourself outside of the maze on the far side of the corn field (where there is no actual exit) inside what turned out to be an “off-limits” apple field; possibly filled with contraband apples… I now know what Billy Idol was feeling when he wrote Rebel Yell.

Sssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!  It's my sneaky contraband apple.  Keep that on the down-low.
Memramcook, NB, September 2013

Thus concluded the maze portion of our day, so we made our way back to the entrance and lined up (once more) to head out to the picking orchard.  It’s a funny thing really, watching countless people line up in more or less single file, to get on board a flat bed trailer being pulled by a tractor.  As I watched people come via flat-bed’s, my mind went to a place which made me think “slavery."  Thankfully, it's not something I have first hand experience in... but I got a subtle preview.  However not only were we not getting paid to be taken out to a field and pick apples in the hot autumn sun, but we in turn are paying them?!  Oh the times they are a changin’.

The picking orchard... it wasn't small.  This was two of about fourteen rows.
Memramcook, NB, September 2013
 

Upon stepping off the trailer I soon realized why the oh so long drive, parking catastrophe, and epic line ups had been worth it; for this simple and much needed date with mother nature.  The sheer peace of mind I found that hour or so picking apples (or rather wandering around and eating apples, while occasionally picking some) was exactly what I had been longing for these past weeks.  Despite my three jobs, lesson planning, busy schedules, teaching, and more lesson planning, none of it had any power over the apple field.  When we had our fill we wandered a little through the market they had set up, and with some apple cider donuts up in our grill, it's needless to say we were two happy campers.  En route back to Moncton it was, with a back seat full of apples, and a plethora of knowledge on how corn mazes actually work. 
 

My first apple of the day!  The stupid face isn't even a pose; I was the excited!!!
Memramcook, NB, September 2013

The Market back at the main building.  It just doesn't get anymore autumn than this!
Memramcook, NB, September 2013
 

I'd like to say we bought a pumpkin and some corn on the cob, just to complete the experience, but alas, that would make me a liar.  We did however make one awesome apple pie and batch of apple sauce by the days end, so I really can't say the moment was lost when we got back into the city.  If serenity comes in small doses, I definitely found it out at the farm, and got my fill for the next little while.  Besides, if an apple a day keeps the doctor away, imagine what an entire bag of them might do. 

The Lynn Files: China

Lynn Gaudet is without a doubt the most well traveled person I have ever known, and not only that, but she is conveniently my co-worker here at Oulton College!  I figured what better person to tell a tale or two than the queen of travel herself.  This is Lynn's first guest appearance on my travel blog, but certainly won't be the last, so now I'll stop yammering on so you can get to the good stuff!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGF_0AcHaGs

(a tune for the pleasure of you and your lil' ol' ears)

 

OK here goes! Jordy has asked me to talk about one of my trips, well here is a bit of background info on Moi. I always tell people I’m ‘addicted’ to travel; I’ve been a flight attendant, worked at the airport and as a travel agent and now I have the pleasure of working as an instructor with Jordy, life just doesn’t get much better. I’ve been to 52 different countries and my goal is to visit 100 before I kick the bucket! One of the most amazing trips I have done so far is my China and Tibet trip of 2010. We traveled to Beijing, Xian, and Lhasa.

I guess we never really thought of it before but a very surprising thing for us was some of the things we were allowed to do and banded from doing. For example, at the hotel we were banned from going on Facebook! How will people know what I had for lunch?? Another was Tiananmen square, we had a private guide she informed us that we probably had questions about what had happened there in 1989 but that there would be people there listening to her version of the tour and that she could get into trouble for not giving the official version!
 

Tiananmen Square, where in 1989 the military attacked a student protest.  Each guide is observed to make sure they give "the right verion" of the events.
Beijing, China, July 2010

Now don’t get me wrong we got to see lots and we had a great time it was just surprising. Like did you know that the last emperor of China was only a small child when he got the job, so someone (mostly his aunt) would sit behind him covered in a veil and give answers to questions that were asked.

Of course being in China you have to go to the Great Wall, there too it was kind of funny to see locals scooting over to get their pictures taken with us, they tried to do it without us noticing but once they saw we were OK with it, they were like paparazzi! 



He wanted his picture taken with my husband.
The Great Wall, China, July 2010

Can you spot Waldo???  Lots of people visit The Wall everyday!
The Great Wall, China, July 2010

After a few days in Beijing we travelled to Xian, the main reason for going there is the Terracotta Warriors. This was the burial site of the first emperor of China each warrior is different, they have the different uniforms and height  according to what rank they held, the knots on top of their heads represent what their job was, so an archer would have a different hairdo than a foot soldier.  They date back to 210BC.  They were discovered in 1974 by a farmer digging for a well. When I was planning this trip I questioned going there, would it really be worth it? Once you walk-in you get an idea of how monumental the whole thing is.



One of the four pits with the warriors.  The emperor wanted his army to defend him in the after-life.
Xian, China, July 2010.

Now I was curious as to why did nobody know about all this? Well there was a revolution by the farmers against the emperor, the warriors were covered with a huge wooden roof, the farmers set fire to it, it collapsed, covering the army for more than 1500 years... I guess someone forgot to blog about that bit of info!  



One of the farmers who discovered The Terracotta Warriors.  The government took his land away, but gave him a job in the gift shop!  He now makes his money by signing books for tourists.
Xian, China, July 2010.
 

After Xian it was on to Tibet, which was once its own independent country and there is a lot of controversy over China taking over Tibet. Before we even left the airport parking lot our guide told us not to take any picture of ANYTHING military EVER! Not only will you get into trouble they will take your camera away from you.

Now Tibetans are the most docile, peaceful people I have ever met. They practice Buddhism and are very open to sharing their beliefs with tourist. On the second day there, we were asked if we wanted to see the highest ranking monk in all of Tibet, he was offering blessings at a temple, so sure why not! Right? Well the guide took me by the hand and dragged me pass about 300 people waiting in line to see him, up a narrow staircase, pass more people who looked like they were waiting for days, passed people who seemed to be sick, not one person said ‘Hey no cutting the line’ I thought for sure they were going to kill me for butting in front of them but nope they just smiled and let us through. Once in front of him I was offered a blessing if I wanted but I just couldn’t do that to the people who had been waiting so long to see him.

 

People getting blessed from the high monk in Tibet.
Lhasa, Tibet (China), July 2010
 

Another amazing thing we got to see in Tibet was a monastery, everyday they take all the ‘monks in training’ and quiz them in the courtyard, you can go watch of course we couldn’t understand what was being said but it was fun to watch. The teacher would yell a question at his student, if the student got the right answer the teacher would clap his hands together, if the student was wrong he would hit the back of his hand in the palm of his other hand. I can’t imagine quizzing my students like that but it could be fun!

 

This little monk was so cute!  He kept getting distracted by the tourists taking pictures and getting the wrong answers.
Lhasa, Tibet (China), July 2010
 

I'm afraid of kids, but even I have a soft side.  These Tibetan girls were so happy to get little Canadian teddy bears.
Lhasa, Tibet (China), July 2010
 

If going to Tibet you have to visit the Potala Palace, it was the former home of the Dalai Lama. Tibet sits in the Himalaya mountains because of the altitude a simple task such as climbing steps can be exhausting! To get to the palace requires visitors to climb about 13 stories, a couple of times I thought I was going to die! Making it to the top is totally worth it though. Oh yeah we were being passed by 100 year old grandmothers chain smoking and laughing at us as we sat there gasping for air, I was too weak at this point to take pictures of them but it happened, true story.

 

Potala Palace from our hotel's roof top bar.  Just below it looks like laundry drying on a clothes line, but they're actually paper flags.
Lhasa, Tibet (China), July 2010

On our way back to the airport the guide asked if we would like to see some Tibetan dogs, well of course I love puppies! The dogs are sold all over the world this one would cost about 158,000 dollars! So I guess it’s not a mutt and no it does not currently reside with the Gaudets.

Maybe when we win the lottery...
Lhasa, Tibet (China), 2010
 

So that in a nutshell is pretty much our trip! I really enjoy the whole feeling of being out of my element, as I love using a calculator to figure out if I need a new mortgage in order to get a beer, I love doing charades over lunch, and yes sometimes it’s better just not to ask.



Rearview Mirror: Banff to Basics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoMi8aWLDCs

(a tune for your listening pleasure)

As September begins, I’m reminded of past autumn months in my life and the joys they’ve held.  For many people September means getting back to school, and though I am also among those ranks, for me September often swells up feelings of nostalgia.  In the past it has often been a time of new beginnings in my life, but a new beginning cannot occur until the previous chapter has concluded.  For this plaid wearing, adventure seeking, New Brunswick based boy, that previous chapter has many a time taken place in none other than the best and beautiful Banff,Alberta; a small town paradise, in the middle of some huge rocks.    



A common shot of Banff Avenue, with Sulphur Mountain and all it's glory at the end of the street!
Banff, AB, August 2004
 

A much better shot in the winter, which I can't take credit for.
(online photo)

I know I know, for all of us good Canadian folk, Alberta often conjures images of oil sands, arid prairie landscape, and more red necks per capita than any other province… said with love.   In short it's basically Canada’s Texas.  With that in mind it may strike some as odd that this same chunk of real estate also bears some of the country’s most breath taking scenery, epic hiking trails, complete with an utter sense of quaintness, and not to mention some of the coldest damn water I have EVER experienced!

A gorgeous day in July but the water could not have been more than a few degrees.  Gotta love that mountain run off!  It was so cold I had tears in my eyes... #toughguy
Lake Louise, AB, August 2012


I first came to know the love of my life, Banff, in the summer of 1998, when my family planned a day trip out during one of our bi-annual road trips to Calgary.  It started as a simple day drive into the mountains, just to get out of Calgary for awhile... in turn that little jaunt began something which has transformed Banff into more of a journey in my life, as opposed to an actually destination.  Time after time I have found myself asking the question “when can I go back?”   Seriously, that place is like geographical cocaine. 

At the park down by the Bow River in downtown Banff.
Banff, AB, August 2010



And the Bow River itself, on the edge of town.  The water is ALWAYS that blue.
Banff, AB, August 2008  

So why Banff?  If the whole point of these tales are to intrigue and inspire your lust for travel, then what good does it do to keep on repeating how much I love somewhere while not actually talking the details?!  Fair enough!  Both my brother Josh and one of my best friend’s also named Josh, remind me that I have the gift to gab, so you’ll have to forgive me for getting lost in the memories.  I’ll get back on track because currently instead of feeling like one who inspires that said lust for travel, I just feel like Sergeant Lincoln Osiris (played by Kirk Lazarus, played by Robert Downey Jr.) saying “I get excited about my foods man.”

The dude, playing the dude, disguised as another dude.

Yes, Banff!  For those unfortunate souls who have been unable to see it themselves, Banff is a mountain haven nestled in the Rocky Mountains, just off the Trans-Canada Highway.  It could be described as one of those oh-so-holy places on earth that really has something for everyone!  The more obvious appeal may initially be to those left winged granola crunching mother truckers, kinda like myself, who enjoy nature and hiking more than the night they lost their virginity.  However they’re only a portion of the equation.  Here you can experience anything from elegant romance at one of the many hotels, lodges, and resorts (most famous of all, the Banff Springs Hotel) to all the R&R one boarder-line comatose body might handle, or even a night out at one of it’s many pubs, bars, or clubs, where you’re sure to make nothing less than the most moral of choices… God knows I’ve never been down that road a time or twelve... *cough*.  Good thing they also have an assortment of epic breakfast joints and cafés to help with any coincidental sickness the next day.  Oh Banff, how you love and nurture us!   

Banff Springs Hotel.  You can get lost in that place... seriously, I did.
(online photo)

My brother and I doing a photo shoot down one of the hall ways at Banff Springs.  We thought we were so cool... turns out we weren't.
Banff, AB, August 2009

Be it the Bow River winding it’s way through town, the classic cottage look that many of the local businesses replicate (or are in fact the real historical deal), hiking trails both short and long, or the fact there is literally a mountain at every turn, the enchanted marriage of Banff’s small town mountain glory mixed with big city appeal has managed to captivate people for over a century, and keeps on bringing them back.  Perhaps I have some odd sense of pride in being one of those many, and perhaps it is a sense of longing I feel as I realize this will have been the first year in a decade where I didn’t make the trip out, and perhaps as summer fades away the annual tradition has officially come to a stand-still… but far from a close.

Ryan and I above some random piece of mountain... or we could have just been standing on a big rock in the park, I really don't remember... a lot happened that week.
Banff, AB, March 2007

There I go again, off on my tangents about all the things in my mind (FOCUS JORDAN!) so let’s sum it up!  The top five reasons I love this town! 

“Hi I am Banff, and I am awesome because:”

* The Scenery!  This is God's country people, and even the biggest of city slickers have to at least say “woah” when they stand on the awe inspiring Bow River Bridge.  In my opinion it’s the best place to really capture Banff and all it’s greatness, in a single spot. 



The Bow River Bridge!  I don't know what it is about this spot, it just gets me!
(online photo)

* Character!  Sure there are cafes, pubs, bars, hotels, stores, and such in every town!  Heck, I’d go as far to say that a lot of those same tourism traps can be found in just about any town of this caliber, but look past all that crap and appreciate it for what it is!  Many of the businesses are built in the coolest of fashion, keeping with it Banff’s style and history.  Not to mention that The Fox has a freaking grotto!  Hugh Hefner eat your heart out… oh wait, he has a grotto. 
 

The Fox!  My favourite hotel in Banff.  The whole place feels like a giant cottage!

 

The grotto at The Fox Hotel.  It'd be in the top three trips I ever did to Banff, but The Fox itself is by far the coolest resort I've ever stayed at there!  More details on that trip later.

* LakeLouise!  Less than half an hour down the road (okay, about a half hour) and worth every mile.  Sure adolescent Jordy may not have thought so, but let me tell you that adult Jordy would punch him in the face, because Lake Louise is amazing!  I’ve been there in every season and have yet to be disappointed.  In addition, Chateau Lake Louise is rated one of the top hotels in Canada, and regardless of stature they treat everyone like a rock star; guest or not.  I’ve arrived in the lounge from a day of spring hiking, looking a little more than haggard, yet am always treated with the same level of service and respect as the Armani wearing millionaire three seats down. 

 Despite the look on my face, I swear I was having an awesome day!  I walked across that frozen lake then climbed the mountain directly behind me; in Chuck Taylors.

Lake Louise, AB, March 2007

* Atmosphere!  Nobody goes to Banff because they have to, they go because they want to!  Sure it’s busy all year, but unlike other semi-crowded small towns (depending on the time of year) it’s full of diversity and people having a good time; maybe too good a time in some cases.  For those of you who have traveled to any tropical resort, you can generally vouch for the fact that more often than not, there is a sense of relaxation and ease in the air.  It’s why these places exist. Now imagine that sensation but throughout the entire town!  Yeah, that happens! 

This is my perma-pose when I'm in Banff!  What can I say, it's my happy place.
Banff, AB, August 2010

* Oh, and did I mention… MOUTAINS!!!  It’s the Rockies; Canada’s Himalayans.  Whether it's Mount Rundle, Sulpher Mountain, Fossil, or Cascade, the location alone offers more than the anyone could hope for, especially if you take a gondola ride to the top of one!  Right from the Calgary boarder to the town of Banff itself, the views both start and finish at legendary proportions.  Check it out!  You won’t be disappointed.

Going down the gondola... amazing!  An absolute must if you're in the neighbourhood.  In a distance you can see Lake Louise between the mountains.
Fossil Mountain, AB, July 2012.

Driving through the Rockies is like a non-stop Kodak moment.
Near Canmore, AB, Spring 2008 

In a certain sense I feel it’s like trying to explain colour to a person who was born blind.  Though I could go on and on about everything that makes Banff great, there are some things you just have to experience to fully understand.  And of course, with all of this said, you could ask “If you like it so much, why don’t you just move there?”  It’s a fair question, one I’ve asked myself many a time in fact, especially when Wild Flour (epic bakery/café... always a must) was looking for a new baker.  That was almost four years ago, but I still keep the business card in my wallet.

If it was legal, I would marry this place.  We're on the exact same page in regards to philosophy and style, and needless to say it hits me in all the right ways!
(online photo)

I suppose to answer your question, or perhaps how I’ve answered my own question over the years, is by asking another question; would Christmas still be special if it happened every day?  One of the great things about travel is the constant experience of both classic destinations and the unbeknown. When the things we call special merely become a part of the status quo then something is lost.  As good as it seems in theory, the lesson of having too much of a good thing is one that I learned from Troy Barnes and his giant cookie.



"How can something that's delicious make me sick?"

Even after having been there twelve or so times, the appeal is still not lost on me however.  I discover something new or amazing every time I go back, and be it your first or hundred and first time to Banff, it will find a way to deliver; again and again.  A colleague of mine recently said that “a trip can change your life”, and though she may have been specifically talking about her honeymoon to Cuba, any trip can be every bit as impacting.  At its core, that is the fundamental beauty of travel!  For some it may be sandy beaches, and others it may be rain forests, or any multitude of things our pale blue dot has to offer, but for me it’ll always be mountains, and in particular one sparkling gem in the middle of them.  So bring on September, and the September after that, and the one after that, because the seasons will keep on coming and going, but as long as Banff exists there will be one satisfied wanderer who always finds his way back. It’s my rock. 

Mmm, This Cake Tastes Like New Brunswick

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5H8DwJI0uA 

(some background music while you read)

Being a baker's son, I've always loved cake; black forest, angel food, sponge, you name it!  Yet just because I love cake, doesn't mean I don't need a reminder every now and then.  In fact because I love it, more often than not I want to eat all the cake, which is why last week when my parents came to Moncton, New Brunswick, for the first time, I was reminded why I love the east coast so much.

Not even sure if it was my birthday... Sometimes I just like to blow out candles.
At mom and dad's in Russell, MB, 2007... or 2008?



 

Through a series of quite fortunate events in my life, this was the first summer in, well, ever I guess, that I was unable to go on a summer trip.  Talk about a serious first world problem!  Also note that I did mean to say "fortunate events", so it's not as if I had a rough summer by any means.  In fact I don't think I've ever had a summer with so many random weekend getaways, so in a sense it was a bunch of mini vacations, but more on those later.  The point being this was the summer that I didn't go to see people, but they instead came to see me; including my brother in July then my folks in August. 

  

 

The old man and I at Cape Enrage, which ALWAYS reminds me of that scene from Inception!  You know the one!
Bay of Fundy, NB, August 2013.



My mom and I at Parlee Beach.  I must really have a thing for those shorts...
Shediac, NB, August 13 2013.



Initially I was a little bummed out at not getting my annual dose of western Canada, be it Vancouver, Banff, Calgary, Russell, Toronto, or any of my other old stomping grounds, but I have to say that even in my state of withdrawal and disarray (it really was a first world problem... I especially missed Banff) I was excited for my parents to finally experience the place I have come to love so much!  And truthfully it just goes to show that it's not the what or the where, but the who that really matters.  Your own back yard can be Disneyland if you let it be, and it took two people in their mid fifties to remind me how awesome a staycation can be!  After all I got to show them a bunch of my favourite places, trails, markets, restaurants, cafes, and hang outs, while touching base with some of the locals, and having all the comforts of home at the end of each day; golden.



SURPIRSE MOM!  I mainly added this picture because of the face she is making... But she sure did like the Moncton Market, and of course we'd be at a baker's booth... no cake, but I won't hold it against them.
Moncton, NB, August 2013. 

I'm pretty sure this was the only picture taken of all three of us from the entire week!  You can tell my dad is very happy about it too... He wasn't mad, that's just the way his face is.  On the contrary he quite enjoyed The Pumphouse Brewery.
Moncton, NB, August 2013.
 

Unless God has a real sick sense of humour, it is highly improbable that I will ever be a parent.  However with that said, I couldn't help but get excited for the things they were excited for!  How I would imagine a parent feeling on Christmas morning when little Johnny is tearing through that wrapping paper, with all the excitement and drive of a rabid hyena.



Yes, like this kid! 

Okay I'm not saying they were quite excited, but in regards to my parents, they definitely made "the face" (little camo boy up there) once or twice... hand motions included.  I'm not only referring to the big events in Moncton, but the every day things, which I sometimes take for granted.  From all the old brick buildings on Main Street, to just in general how green of a city Moncton really is.  Then of course there is the muddy wave that finds it's way up stream twice a day; that's right folks, I'm talking about Moncton's famed Tidal Bore. 

For those of you who don't know, the tidal bore is a natural phenomenon, which occurs every twelve or so hours, where the ocean tides cause a wave to come up stream, past down town Moncton.  Prior to their trip I had seen it roughly a dozen or times, so perhaps the novelty had just worn off somewhat, but for all you cynical folk who say it's not that great, let me tell you there is at least one 5'2 German woman from the prairies who would tell you otherwise; I'm talking of course about my mother.  In the seven days spent here, she must have gone to the river (which I live conveniently close to) at least five or six times, just to watch the wave come in... and her and I became quite fond of finding the biggest rocks we could carry and throwing them into the muddy banks, just to hear them go *splat*; small minds are easily amused.  Admittedly by their last morning, I was the one saying "Hey, are we going to check out the tidal bore?!"

Surf's up!  This particular wave holds the world record for the longest wave ever ridden; true story.
Moncton, NB, August 2013.




My mom with the satisfaction of having thrown a huge boulder in the Petitcodiac River bank.
Moncton, NB, August 2013. 

Their holiday was more than just muddy water and throwing rocks however.  My dad, who is typically a low-key kinda guy, was the real instigator in wanting to see/do things, as I repeatedly heard him say "who knows when we'll be back?"  True to his character, he did need some down time, but otherwise we did an abundance of exploring, the pinnacle of which occurred near the end of the trip, when we did the Fundy Coastal Drive; part of it anyway. 

Bridge Street on a sunny Saturday morning, where the coastal drive officially begins... well, close enough.
Sackville, NB, August 2013.
 

It was an early enough morning, especially considering 66% of us were running on central standard time (which is two hours earlier), but we're a "go while the going is good" kinda family, and had an objective of hitting Hopewell Rocks at absolute low tide, 8:31am... so at 8:30am we found ourselves descending the steps onto the ocean floor.  How's that for timing?  For an otherwise perfect week weather-wise, this particular morning was the only time it rained during their visit, and it lasted about ten minutes but you know what, it was the perfect ten minutes for it to rain, as it added to the whole effect.  I mean how maritime is that, standing at the iconic "flower pot rocks" in the rain; perfect!

Running to the safety of an over hanging rock... okay, the shot doesn't really capture the epic moment, but it was raining, so we were being careful.  Though my dad's camera cost more than all my worldly possessions combined, we didn't think to bring a five cent bag to keep it dry #fail
Bay of Fundy, NB, August 2013. 

The rain let up as we continued down the coast and onto more maritime glory.  As previously stated, I've been around, particularly in Canada, but the next destination that morning is arguably one of, if not my absolute favourite places in the world.  Yes of course (to anyone who knows me), I am talking about Cape Enrage.  The first time I experienced Cape Enrage was also on my first trip to New Brunswick oh-so-many years ago, I think I was nineteen at the time.  As a westerner it fulfilled my predetermined expectations of what the Maritimes were, including ocean (bay, technically... but it's big salty water, so it counts), cliffs, rocky beaches, a cool breeze, and yes, a lighthouse.  Years later I still get little boy excited every time I go, for all those reasons, and the fact that I now realize it would make a fantastic refuge in the event of zombies, seriously, keep that in mind when you go.

I always picture the edge of the world to look something like this, despite the fact you can see Nova Scotia on the other side... use some imagination... Seriously LOVE that beach/Cape Enrage.
Bay of Fundy, NB, August 2013. 

 

And up top on the cliffs!  You can't see it here, but there is a lighthouse literally ten feet to my left.
Bay of Fundy, NB, August 2013.
 

Of course, no Fundy Coastal Drive would be complete without a trip to Fundy National Park; that is until now.  By the time we pulled into Alma later that day (we were at the cape for quite some time) we were already starting to run mildly short on time, due to the fact that we had  other plans in Moncton later that afternoon.  Even though I didn't get to show them the park itself, which is arguably the best part (said the hiking junkie), I think mom and dad found every bit of eastern satisfaction they could have hoped for, right at the park's boarder in Alma, New Brunswick.  Where Cape Enrage leaves off, Alma picks up in regards to the maritime stereotypes, which in this case includes endless beach, crazy tides, fishing boats, lobster shacks, and at least one fish and chips shop!  Guess what we had for lunch?  Subway!  I'm kidding, it was fish and chips... and lobster rolls... and seafood chowder... if we didn't feel like tourists yet, let me assure you it was mission accomplished!

Yup, the staple diet of every Maritimer!  This is what we eat out here; we're all about the health food.
Alma, NB, August 2013.

Some pirates making my dad their bitch!  I give him a hard time, but he's always a good sport.
Alma, NB, August 2013.

Why have one lobster when you can have ALL the lobster?!  That shop smelled like the ocean after coupon night... whatever that means.
Alma, NB, August 2013.
 

And alas, a local secret that only us good easterners know about (even though I'm not technically one, I've been here long enough to learn a thing or two), and that is no trip to Alma/Fundy is complete without stopping at Kelly's Bake Shop, which is famed for it's glorious cinnamon buns!  Being a retired baker, my dad's objective in any new setting is to seek out and critique the nearest bakery, and I have to say that he definitely gave his nod of approval to Kelly and her buns!  As for me... I've never killed a person... but if someone were to pay in in those particular baked rolls of sheer ecstasy, I'd consider it...




Standing outside of Kelly's Bake Shop with our bags of cinnamon buns, or as the local Acadian folk call them "Pets de Soeurs"; google it.
Alma, NB, August 2013.
 

Then just like that, seven days had come and gone, and I was once more standing in the airport, wearing a tear soaked shirt; my mother's tears, not mine... what can ya do?  Sure I would have loved for them to stay another week, heck, make it a month, because when it comes to New Brunswick (much like the rest of Canada) there is simply so much to see!  I mean it!  For all you locals out there who say it's nothing special, or it's too boring, I challenge you to walk or drive twenty minutes in any direction and you'll come across at least one thing that'll make you stop and go "Huh... that's cool."  I know this because every day on my walk to work that exact thing happens to me, and let me tell you that with a renewed faith from the fresh minds of a particular middle aged couple, I have a hunch this is going to start happening more often.

It's a gorgeous place, in a big country, on the greatest planet in the galaxy (primarily because we'd die on any of the others... which is kind of a buzz kill) and according to Professor Brian Cox, it's only going to be around for another five (or so) billion years, so get out there and see what it has to offer, because times a wastin'!  As for me, life now returns to the same level of normality as before, but the best part is that because I never left, the holiday and all it's perks just keeps on rolling.  At it's core that's what makes the east coast so incredible, it is whatever you want it to be!  The people will always be great, the tidal bore will still come in twice a day, and I'm pretty sure there will even be a few rocks down by the river just waiting to be tossed... cake or no cake.