Nova Scotia - Annapolis Royal to Brier Island

Nova Scotia September 11, 2010

Three more TCs rolled into St. Andrews, New Brunswick after a trek up from MA. I think they were a bit surprised at Route 9 known as the Airline out of Bangor. That is the beginning of the Great North Woods and an immense space of trees, lakes, wildlife and loggers.

We timed the drive up to Digby so that we were in plenty of time for the ferry. Here's the rather impressive line up of TCs waiting to get on the ferry. At the end of the line is a pop-up from Ohio who was rather amazed to see that many rigs in one place. Lots of fun to see the stares and interest in the campers and we gave tours and handed out business cards of places to buy campers.

The ferry was much larger than I had anticipated and actually still had room for vehicles. Our group has many retired Navy and Coast Guardsmen but they didn't need their sea legs as the crossing was smooth as glass. We spent much time up on the decks watching the approach of Nova Scotia.

We were greeted at the landing by truck camper friends Farctic Ox (Ted and Cheryl) who were taking those arrival photos cruise passengers usually cringe about. After the obligatory grocery and fuel stop we caravan over to Dunromin Campground next to Annapolis Royal, NS.

Tomorrow we'll all split and head to craft fairs, a tidal power station exhibit, to roam through historic gardens and view restored town buildings. Our hosts, Jerry and Paula, have arranged a dinner of local Nova Scotia foods for a welcome gathering.

September 12 -13

Quite a few of us walked into Annapolis Royal from the campground - about a 3 mile round trip. Along the way is a tidal power plant with very interesting exhibits and a Nova Scotian who explained how the tide is used for power and what is in the future for such use.

The town is a historic settlement that goes back into the 1600s. Joe and Chuck must have done something wrong as they ended up here:

You can see from the buildings in the background that this is an old town! From Annapolis Royal we travelled to Bear River to feast on fresh baked pasteries and to stock up on Nova Scotia's version of lasagna and shepard's pie. Since we had a long day ahead, figured just warming up something would be all we could handle.

On to travel by ferries to both Long Island and Brier Island, two remote and beautiful islands that jut out into the Atlantic. At the tip of Long Island we parked on a wharf to await the ferry. Of course since truck campers travel well, we feasted on fresh Digby scallops, fish and chowders while waiting.

It took a while to ferry all of us over but the ride was only about a half mile. Small boat so we didn't all fit on at one time. The current runs 10-12 knots which for you landlubbers is FAST. The ferry gets pushed with the tide and only the experience of the captain gets it to dock without a bump.

Joe and I wended our way on Brier Island out to the southeast tip and walked a long time through the grasses, headlands and by the lighthouse. Some of our TCs went to the northern tip to watch the seals and enjoy the warm sun. Others walked the beach and relaxed by the jetty watching the fishing boats go by.

Tonight we are back across both ferries in a small campground called Whale Cove. We've seen many fire rings made out of washing maching tubs but have you ever seen a portable one?? These are all over the campground - tubs on the chassis of an old lawn mower.

Tomorrow we head to Rissers Beach Provincial Park to camp right on the sands of the North Atlantic Ocean. A-Boondocking we go!

Truck Camper caravan to Nova Scotia

We've started out on our long awaited Truck Camper rolling Jamboree/Caravan through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We've headed up early with fellow truck camper friends Toni/Ron and Fran/Chuck. First time ever crossing the border into Canada, we were asked to go into the customs building to have our passports "verified". Usually we get a few questions and are passed right through. There is never anything in the camper that shouldn't be so we don't mind the thoughts of an inspection - which hasn't occured yet. Pleasant man took the passports, asked questions and we must have answered okay because we were sent on our way with an "Eh, Enjoy Canada".


Camped for the night on the Bay of Fundy in St. Andrews, NB. Tide was full in when we arrived followed quickly by a pretty heavy rainstorm. By the time we got set up and remembered the camera, the tide was racing out.

Feels so good to have this crisp, cool air after our hot summer in Maine. here's a view out the camper door after the rain.

To start our journey off well, we even got a gorgeous rainbow over the Bay with the tide full out.

Tomorrow we six will walk into St. Andrews and play tourist before heading off to the ferry from St. John to Digby, Nova Scotia.

TC Caravan through PA

Mid July we went to Truck Camper Warehouse in NH to get the Heki hatch latch replaced and a couple of 12 volt receptacles installed. Also picked up a great camp chair for Joe for his birthday. Bill's helper replaced the latch in about 5 minutes. It would have taken us a couple of hours at least. Now the hatch latches securely again and Bill gave us a couple of tricks on closing it which should prevent another break. Pull down hard on the U bar before attempting to close the latch!!

On August 11th we left Maine to join up with five other couples and their truck campers. The purpose of the trip was to find a campground suitable for the fall 2011 rally - and to meet up and have some social time. Being retired we can add some days to a trip and so set off. Our first overnight was at Thompson Lake State Park in NY. Big, clean park with large sites, a pretty lake and very few people. Nothing beats that first night's sleep back in the TC again.

Wandered on through NY and into PA and ended up at a Corps of Engineers park near Tioga PA. We seek out COE campsites as they are always clean, beautiful surroundings and very inexpensive when you use the Golden Age national pass. Hard to beat $11 for this site with water and power.

We met up with Mikeeee/Cathie, Ron/Toni, Chimmy/Cathie, Spot/Kim and the good Michelle and started our tour of campgrounds. The first was a Yogi Bear park near Milton, PA. We had our usual group breakfast and then started off over hill and dale to a big KOA. We drew a few stares when we caravaned in. We were all asked to show our TC insides and how they worked. They aren't that unusual are they?

It is really fun to travel in a line of truck campers. We all have CBs so easy to chat as you go.




The third campground visited was not suitable for our use but we had already committed to staying over. Up go the pop up tents over tables, group supper and a few beverages shared. Joe found a few cut logs on the edge of the woods for our fire and what did Spot have???? Why a chainsaw of course !!! These guys from Michigan come prepared. Mike braced the log for cutting and we all stood by waiting for a huge "oops". Nothing happened, fire was enjoyed, morning breakfast in pouring rain and off we went to the last campground.

Fourth campgorund is perfect but we might need to talk them into having 40+ rigs show up as they are new to ownership. Campers scattered to the winds - Maine, Michigan, Massachusettes, Pennsylvania - MMM&P! Joe and I continued on to another COE camp for the evening and now are up on Lake Erie. Had no idea the miles of grapevines and wineries along the lake.

All alone are we. Finally got wi-fi and a chance to catch up. We'll continue to wander around Lake Erie and meet up with friends again in NY late week. We've seen a few other TCs on the road but they are fairly rare compared to those huge 5ths and As. Love the nimbleness of our camper.

July - Fourth, Cobscook and New Brunswick

July 1-5th, 2010 - Fourth of July at Fort Pickering, Winter Island, Salem, MA

Met up with a group of fellow truck campers for a boondock over the 4th of July. Since we are retired, we were among the first to arrive and picked a space at the edge of the field. This was the first test of the solar system and it performed beautifully, giving us all the lighting we needed, as long as needed and never dropping under 12.3 on the meter. What it would not do, of course, was to run the AC which was sorely needed - 95F and humid. We did run both the roof fans plus a 12 volt fan from a plug recently installed. Just too lazy to try to run the AC on the generator since we spent most of our time socializing under the pop up tents.

This is the lighthouse and harbor where we were camped and the tents set up for picnic and gatherings.

This was an unplanned event and spread word of mouth. We ended up with a dozen rigs, mostly truck campers but also two older bus RVs that are being restored. Can we pack campers in close to the breeze or what? These are the TC roofs.

July 4th dawned hot, bright and with a busy harbor. We socialized, sat under the tents and read, played Sudoku and just chatted.







Mikeee cooked an 18 pound beef roast on the grill and lobsters in the propane pots. Kevin and Paul opted for SIX plus pound lobsters and had a great time both cooking them and breaking into them. An ax was needed on the claws. As usual, too much food and beverages but the conversation keeps up. We sat up by the light house and watched incredible fireworks from Marblehead, Beverly, and Salem. You could actually see part of Boston's on the far horizon.

Too short a visit with friends as always but we headed back to Maine to clean the camper and restock for a quick trip to Canada.

July 6-8, 2010

We try to come up to Kingsbrae Gardens in St. Andrews, New Brunswick a couple of times a year. This is a 27 acre perennial garden with walking paths, ponds, more flowers than you can imagine and a cafe serving local foods. This year we chose to take the Airline out of Bangor as far as Wesley and then cut over to Route 1. Our goal was to stay at Cobscook Bay State Park which is right on the ocean. With no reservations, we figured we could get into the park but had no idea we would get a waterfront site.

Arrived at low tide, pulled out the chairs after a pretty good hike around the park and watched the tide come in. As usual, I pulled out the knitting.

Change in temperature from the weekend? You bet as it was 72F and sunny and the view is one of the reasons we live in Maine. This is what happens to the shoreline with a 25+ tide. Views are the same, one at low time, done at close to high tide.
Lots of wild life including brown rabbits, red squirrels, very loud crows and chipmunks. No moose or deer. No way to explain how relaxing sleeping in the camper is when the night temps drop into the 60s and there is utter silence.

Next AM off we head to St. Andrews, stopping at the 45th Parallel exhibit and then at a US National Monument to the settlers of St. Croix Island. Many large bronze statues here giving a real feeling of what it must have been like to try to survive a winter in the middle of such a cold river/entry to the ocean.

We crossed into Canada at the new border crossing in Calais, bypassing the old city totally and not getting into the tiny town roads. No problems crossing as there shouldn't be as we never have anything with us we shouldn't have. Kingsbrae was worth the drive and time, lunch was smoked salmon and seafood chowder. Walked through the harbor town of St. Andrews and are now camped right on the ocean at the tip of the peninsula between two huge A RVs. Friendly folks who are fascinated that we can live and travel in something as small as a TC. We look at the As and wonder how they can ever get anywhere but a major highway. To each his/her own. Here's a view out the TC door.

Home tomorrow with lots of our own garden work to do. Wonder where we will go next?

Celebrating the 4th of July

Hope most of you will be able to get out and enjoy your truck camper over the 4th of July. TCs and celebrations just seem to go together. Our holiday started June 30th with the arrival of TC friends from Maryland. They are on their way to Nova Scotia and stopped in for an overnight. We cooked up a big fish chowder and sat and shared tales of places to go.

Both Lances were squeeky clean even with being on the road for twelve hours. That Maguires wax does the trick.

Daryl, Barbara, Mary and Charlie just before heading off on the obligatory visit to LL Beans and then continuing their trek north. It's always fun to have fellow campers stop in.

We'll be headed off to camp with 6-8 other TCs on a beach. Fingers crossed it's not soft sand but the others are experienced beach goers and we've got shovels!

F350 in the driveway

Is this a gorgeous truck or what? Dream to drive, peppy, easy to handle, very very quiet engine. It's so quiet we miss the clatter sound of a diesel. This is a 2010 Ford F-350 DRW diesel with a 6.4 engine and 3.73 gears. Today we had an extra leaf spring added to help with the TC weight sitting well on the truck. Monday and Tuesday, the truck body gets a sprayed in LineX coat and the Torklifts and camper power receptacle get installed. Great trade in value on the old F350 and the incentives from Ford were just too good to pass up. Figure this will be our last camper truck before we go tottering off into the sunset.

Wonder where we'll go with this one?

Trading UP!!

Way too good a deal not to trade up on a 2010 Ford F-350 DRW long body Lariat diesel. Fingers crossed that the 6.4 with the 3.53 gear ratio will still do the job with the heavy camper.

Trade takes place tomorrow and then the scramble to get an additional leaf spring put in, Torklifts and the camper plug so we can get OTRA. We are going to miss Phil's Blueberry Hill gathering but should make the on-the-sand bookdock on Winter Island for the 4th.

Putting these two photos up so the plug installer can see what is on the truck/camper currently.

Meandering through ME, NH and VT in the TC

Fun long weekend wandering around through ME, NH and VT. It was a pretty rainy time but still so good to be on the road and seeing sights. Took off from ME and headed over the Kancamagus Pass, through the fog and clouds but always beside fast flowing streams.

After those mountains out west, the White and Green Mountain ranges are pretty tame but oh so lush and green.

It's so easy to think of these streams in the winter with the ice chunks and deep cold. Summer that water is probably as cold as January and the woods are often shrouded with fog.

These boulders dropped like pebbles are called erratics and were left behind by the glaciers eons ago. This one was split in half like with a chain saw but probably by water and ice.

We continued over to West Chesterfield, NH to Bill Penny's new truck camper facility, Truck Camper Warehouse. Bill is remarkably busy with lots of new camper deliveries. He worked us in for a 12 volt

receptacle in the camper so we could have better use of our solar and battery capacity. We were the first campers to use one of Bill's full RV sites behind the big building. Power, water and good company.

Massive thunderstorms and tornado warnings were everywhere so we decided to head a little closer to home. Ended up camped on the Saco River in North Conway right by the river. The weather alert radio went off a couple of times with storm warning but they never arrived.

One last spin around Lake Winnepausaukee and home again to get the camper totally cleaned out and restocked. All the accumulated stuff never used is now out and we are clean, packed and ready for the next trip.

GFI, Solar, Tall Pines and lots more

Time to catch up the blog on our Truck Camper travels. First - the mystery battery problem was dirty battery terminals. Once cleaned and sprayed with dielectric cleaner, the batteries charged again. More on this later.

Mid April is the time of year for the Mid Atlantic Truck Camper rally run by Ron and Michelle Humphries. What a great time it is to meet up with old TC friends, meet lots of new ones and learn of new places to go. We left Maine on Sunday, April 10th and overnighted at a Cracker Barrel in Fishkill, NY. Great service CB provides as they freely let RVers use their lots. We always enjoy a good meal and a safe night's sleep. Mysterious power and water leaks start and make us pretty uneasy. Stopped at Delaware RV Center and had the batteries checked. They tested good on a load test and we confirmed that the water leak was probably from a split low water hot water drain valve. Very dumb placement of the valves as hot and cold are side by side and virtually impossible to work on. Here's the valve after repair by Xtreme Campers in High Point, NC. They used PEX tubing and a knife handle valve.



On to Assateague National Seashore to camp on Bayside Loop C with TC friends Fran and Chuck from CT. As always it's amazing to see the wild ponies wander by, all the shore birds and enjoy the warmth of a southern spring sun. The pine pollen was so thick it looked like yellow rain and both of us started wheezing from the pollen.





A lingering TC problem cropped up once again - no heat from the gas furnace. Chuck was a RV tech in a former life and kindly swapped out the Suburban furnace board for us. Yes we carried a spare one plus an igniter and gas regulator. Furnace worked once, then quit again with none of us able to figure it out. Since there was now a cold driving rain, chickened out of a cold night and drove down to Sanford, VA to Tall Pines Campground to start the rally early. Plugged into power, turned on the cube electric heater and slept well.

By Wednesday fellow TCers were arriving in droves. Here is our Host with the North East party tent beside us, Joe watching new arrivals and a line up of our group.







Mystery electrical problem showed up again with batteries not charging. Lots of TCers looked and could not find what was going on. Finally friend Fireman Dave stuck his head way into the area with the converter and found a GFI way hidden in the back. Yeap - it was tripped. One push of the popped GFI and we are golden once again. Lessons learned - but a really poor placement of the GFI.

When we grow up, we want to be like the big boy TCers that go out on the ocean sands. These are some serious fishing rigs. This is Ron Humphrie's TC with front carriers, rod holders and serious back deck plus kids, dog, and extra water tank on top.



Our chief Wagon Master Mikeee T did his usual incredible job of cooking two huge beef roasts while Cathie T prepared haddock with crumb topping. We feasted, imbibed adult beverages and told tales of where we'd been over the last year. This feast was followed by the first of many poker games.





All too soon the rally was over, TCs scattered home from Nova Scotia to California. We head down to Xtreme Campers to see Mike Olesnevich and have him take a look at the water problem and gas furnace. He graciously worked us in on Monday AM. Travis immediately found and fixed a water pump diaphram problem we didn't even know we had. He then cut the very inconviently placed low water drain line and put in a new shut off. The gas furnace problem is proving to be a real mystery to everyone who looks. Mike and Travis found oil in the regulator from overfilled gas tanks which prevents free flow of gas to the furnace. Ah-ha every one went. Purge the tanks, lines and regulator. Fixed!! Unfortunately not. A third regulator went in, furnace worked over and over correctly so we called it good. In the meantime since we were already there, we had Mike put in a Kyrocera 120 watt solar panel and a Morningstar controller. The Host is prewired so we can add another panel later if wanted. Poor Mike suffered through my concern over the solar panel lifting off the roof in the wind from travelling. He quickly fabricated an airfoil, painted it white, applied an Xtreme Campers sticker, mounted it on the front edge of the solar panel and called it good. Obviously the panel didn't move.



Off we went to a Corps of Engineers camp area at Philpott Lake in southwest VA. Beautiful place and a great way to end our trip before pushing for home. Unfortunately the gas furnace quit again - it just won't light and times out after trying three times. The controller board, igniter, regulator have all been replaced. We'll look for a Suburban RV furnace repair place close to home and give it another try. After all we're headed to another North East TC gathering in Salisbury, MA mid May and it can still be pretty cold up here at night.



Today we cleaned the camper and didn't plug it into electric power. Sure was fun to watch the solar panel working and topping off the battery. More boondocking here we come!