youth group trip to nova scotia and prince edward island
May 7th, 2015, 12:26 PM
#41
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Hi,
I thought you'd like to know that I now have churches to stay at in Halifax and on Prince Edward Island and Hillsborough, New Brunswick and camping reservations at Cabot Trail Campground in Baddeck for two nights. The only place I still need a church to stay at is in St John, New Brunswick on the way home and I'm waiting to hear back from a church there. I met with the youth this afternoon and we all agreed on what kinds of cereal we could agree to eat for breakfasts and what kinds of sandwiches we could agree to eat for lunch.
They were all happy with the itinerary so far and are all excited to go travelling. They are creating a CD tonight with a combination of songs we all like (mine is Bridge over Troubled Waters) so we'll have good music to listen to our our travels. SO pretty much all the crucial decisions like that have been made.
I thought you'd like to know that I now have churches to stay at in Halifax and on Prince Edward Island and Hillsborough, New Brunswick and camping reservations at Cabot Trail Campground in Baddeck for two nights. The only place I still need a church to stay at is in St John, New Brunswick on the way home and I'm waiting to hear back from a church there. I met with the youth this afternoon and we all agreed on what kinds of cereal we could agree to eat for breakfasts and what kinds of sandwiches we could agree to eat for lunch.
They were all happy with the itinerary so far and are all excited to go travelling. They are creating a CD tonight with a combination of songs we all like (mine is Bridge over Troubled Waters) so we'll have good music to listen to our our travels. SO pretty much all the crucial decisions like that have been made.
May 8th, 2015, 05:35 AM
#42
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(imagines) Bridge over the Bay of Fundy.
I'm glad that everything seems to be in-order.
Now hopefully you will have gone-over all documentation you'll need at the border (both for humans and for large quantities of breakfast cereals???).
Glad that the itinerary suits the kids as well.
At least the St. John, NB need is a <I>variable</i> in terms of the next church along the path being similarly suitable, IF you are unable to secure one IN St. John.
Hope everything goes according to plan.
I'm glad that everything seems to be in-order.
Now hopefully you will have gone-over all documentation you'll need at the border (both for humans and for large quantities of breakfast cereals???).
Glad that the itinerary suits the kids as well.
At least the St. John, NB need is a <I>variable</i> in terms of the next church along the path being similarly suitable, IF you are unable to secure one IN St. John.
Hope everything goes according to plan.
May 11th, 2015, 08:10 AM
#43
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HAHA on the Bridge over Bay of Fundy and the documentation for large quantities of breakfast cereals, northwestmale.
I did give out information about documentation and permission to travel forms last week so I think we're good with that.
And agreed on the St John, NB stop - I'll try a couple of other churches in that area, but it doesn't matter at all where we stop that night on the way home. And the rest of the stops all look good.
I did give out information about documentation and permission to travel forms last week so I think we're good with that.
And agreed on the St John, NB stop - I'll try a couple of other churches in that area, but it doesn't matter at all where we stop that night on the way home. And the rest of the stops all look good.
May 11th, 2015, 08:35 PM
#44
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(pauses too long to think about St. John)
I went to the <I>reversing waterfall</i> there at about 1:00am... and found it... <b>not</b> up to prior billing.
Of course, more <U>light</u> may have helped somewhat...
Then, after that, I <b>drove off into the thickest fog I've ever seen</b>.
Sometimes the instinct is to align the hood ornament with the yellow/white line, and drive slowly, but in this case <u>I couldn't even SEE the yellow/white line over the hood of the car</u>... so instead I drove even slower and kept the car parallel to the yellow line as <b>viewed out the side window!!</b>
It was a riot!!
I went to the <I>reversing waterfall</i> there at about 1:00am... and found it... <b>not</b> up to prior billing.
Of course, more <U>light</u> may have helped somewhat...
Then, after that, I <b>drove off into the thickest fog I've ever seen</b>.
Sometimes the instinct is to align the hood ornament with the yellow/white line, and drive slowly, but in this case <u>I couldn't even SEE the yellow/white line over the hood of the car</u>... so instead I drove even slower and kept the car parallel to the yellow line as <b>viewed out the side window!!</b>
It was a riot!!
May 19th, 2015, 09:11 AM
#45
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northwestmale - we also went to the reversing waterfall many years ago and were also under-impressed. Ick on the fog description! Just thought I'd tell you that I finally just got a positive response from a church in St. John so all of our lodging is taken care of! More details to work out when we get closer to leaving but I'm feeling good that things have fallen into place. Thank you for all of your help and suggestions.
May 19th, 2015, 09:54 AM
#46
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Hi,
I am glad to know of things going along swimmingly.
I hope that you are able to keep expenses and things manageable and low while at some point(s) being able to at least know a couple of relative luxuries/privileges along the way.
At least take comfort in the fact that the <I>natural wonders</i> you'll see along the path <b>are</b> by themselves considerably entertaining.
I can't remember if you looked-into <b>(/confirmed)</b> the chance that to see <b>Hopewell Cape</b> after business hours is do-able for your group.
(that would be a heap of savings... and not too much is lost if ONLY seeing it when the tide is out)
I am glad to know of things going along swimmingly.
I hope that you are able to keep expenses and things manageable and low while at some point(s) being able to at least know a couple of relative luxuries/privileges along the way.
At least take comfort in the fact that the <I>natural wonders</i> you'll see along the path <b>are</b> by themselves considerably entertaining.
I can't remember if you looked-into <b>(/confirmed)</b> the chance that to see <b>Hopewell Cape</b> after business hours is do-able for your group.
(that would be a heap of savings... and not too much is lost if ONLY seeing it when the tide is out)
May 19th, 2015, 01:25 PM
#47
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oh right I forgot about that because my contact in Hillsborough, NB was on vacation for two weeks and was going to contact me when she got back. Thanks for the reminder.
Yes I'm hoping for a few luxuries along the way. I'll need them.
Yes I'm hoping for a few luxuries along the way. I'll need them.
May 19th, 2015, 05:19 PM
#48
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Oh - and another thing just happened tonight. I got an email from the senior minister at the ST John church who was writing to tell me that the church he served before this one was in Hillsborough, NB. So double thanks for the Hillsborough connection - we are truly getting all kinds of mileage out of the connection.
May 22nd, 2015, 05:10 AM
#49
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northwestmale - I just talked to the church secretary at Hillsborough, NB and she said indeed you can go to Hopewell cape outside of their open hours. So I'm thinking we can go right after 8 PM SAturday night June 20 to hang out on the beach at low tide for an hour or so and then go back before breakfast on Sunday (like 6 AM) to see a mostly high tide and then have breakfast and be on our way to Cape Breton early, avoiding the fees both times. What do you think?
May 22nd, 2015, 08:20 AM
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Well, I'm a realist... and while the evening visit is a must, you MIGHT wanna make the 6:00am outing 'optional'.
Two bold morning souls can take photos for the rest.
WHICH reminds me:
You neeeeeeed to have photos of the troops in front of the 'flower pots' at low tide for PERSPECTIVE which just isn't apparent enough when the eye can't tell from photos just HOW BIG they are...
Two bold morning souls can take photos for the rest.
WHICH reminds me:
You neeeeeeed to have photos of the troops in front of the 'flower pots' at low tide for PERSPECTIVE which just isn't apparent enough when the eye can't tell from photos just HOW BIG they are...
May 24th, 2015, 12:44 PM
#52
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The big... <I>things</i> at <b>Hopewell Cape</b> are called <U>Flower Pots</u> given their resemblance to same, when viewed at <b>low tide</b>.
(if you Google <I>"Flower Pot Rocks"</i>, you get about the same thing...)
(if you Google <I>"Flower Pot Rocks"</i>, you get about the same thing...)
Jun 16th, 2015, 06:21 AM
#55
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Hi,
I haven't been on this site in ages and just went on to tell you that I just talked to Hopewell Cape and although we are just 9 people and their group rate of $4.75 for each youth starts at 12 people, the supervisor Debbie decided she could call us a family and get the $24 total rate! So that makes that affordable without a lot of crazy timing. Now my plan is back to getting there as close to 3:40 PM high tide on 6/20 as we can (which means leaving really early which is fine but especially since I remembered the time change works against us in that direction) and then we can see the low tide that night and can even start before the gates close at 8 PM so we should have a good long time to wander around there. And get settled and eat supper back at our HILLSBOROUGH church in between those tides.
I'm working on all the details and directions right now and yes, it is coming very quickly!!
I haven't been on this site in ages and just went on to tell you that I just talked to Hopewell Cape and although we are just 9 people and their group rate of $4.75 for each youth starts at 12 people, the supervisor Debbie decided she could call us a family and get the $24 total rate! So that makes that affordable without a lot of crazy timing. Now my plan is back to getting there as close to 3:40 PM high tide on 6/20 as we can (which means leaving really early which is fine but especially since I remembered the time change works against us in that direction) and then we can see the low tide that night and can even start before the gates close at 8 PM so we should have a good long time to wander around there. And get settled and eat supper back at our HILLSBOROUGH church in between those tides.
I'm working on all the details and directions right now and yes, it is coming very quickly!!
Jun 17th, 2015, 02:04 PM
#56
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It IS indeed a pain to kill time between tidal extremes - that's why it helps to have the tide schedule for one's entire time in the Maritimes - especially given all of the criss-crossing one might do (via Truro, for example) when going to and fro.
IF by chance you EMAILED with that supervisor, I hope that you will print and BRING the copy of Debbie's authorization to call you a family, so that it will go smoothly when you're merely there, by the admission gates.
And don't lose sight of the fact that, because they're tides, there IS margin for error (except with the specifics for the tidal bore, <b>and of course</b> for the <u>precise moment when you <i>must</i> be off of the beach to avoid being trapped by the incoming tide</u>.
But there is TIME... to see the high tide... well after 3:40pm... and it won't even HIT you, what you saw, unTIL you are all down on the beach looking like 'ants' in the camera viewfinder to someone who moved back far enough to see the whole "flower pot" in the frame.
6/20 is a good day, as it is on or near to the <b>longest day of the year</b>, which should afford ample daylight for late-evening beach exploring.
Hey, the Moncton people finally got the current schedule for the Tidal Bore:
http://tourism.moncton.ca/Assets/Mon...+Bilingual.pdf
... but they still seem entirely kittywampus to your schedule.
It is at least worth checking for your return pass-through - if we didn't do THAT already.
IF by chance you EMAILED with that supervisor, I hope that you will print and BRING the copy of Debbie's authorization to call you a family, so that it will go smoothly when you're merely there, by the admission gates.
And don't lose sight of the fact that, because they're tides, there IS margin for error (except with the specifics for the tidal bore, <b>and of course</b> for the <u>precise moment when you <i>must</i> be off of the beach to avoid being trapped by the incoming tide</u>.
But there is TIME... to see the high tide... well after 3:40pm... and it won't even HIT you, what you saw, unTIL you are all down on the beach looking like 'ants' in the camera viewfinder to someone who moved back far enough to see the whole "flower pot" in the frame.
6/20 is a good day, as it is on or near to the <b>longest day of the year</b>, which should afford ample daylight for late-evening beach exploring.
Hey, the Moncton people finally got the current schedule for the Tidal Bore:
http://tourism.moncton.ca/Assets/Mon...+Bilingual.pdf
... but they still seem entirely kittywampus to your schedule.
It is at least worth checking for your return pass-through - if we didn't do THAT already.
Jun 17th, 2015, 04:14 PM
#57
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I spoke on the phone with the supervisor so don't have anything written but she did say to tell the admissions person that Debbie said we would count as a family. I agree - it would be much better to have it in writing, but I'm going to hope it will work.
I'm now working on trying to get a reduced rate at a lobster place in Peggy's Cove. I found a lobster special there for $14.99 - a one pound lobster, chowder or salad and bread or rolls. It would be our big treat for the week but still hoping they will make the price a little cheaper for a church group.
Agreed on everything about the tides. When I talked to Debbie she asked if I'd like her to change the tides so that they would be at a better time for us.
Oh - and what do you think the chances of this would be? We ended up with 7 youth going on this trip - and 2 of them have their 14th birthdays during the week we are gone. Worked out for us though - because both moms are sending me with money to treat the group to ice creams on their birthdays.
I'm now working on trying to get a reduced rate at a lobster place in Peggy's Cove. I found a lobster special there for $14.99 - a one pound lobster, chowder or salad and bread or rolls. It would be our big treat for the week but still hoping they will make the price a little cheaper for a church group.
Agreed on everything about the tides. When I talked to Debbie she asked if I'd like her to change the tides so that they would be at a better time for us.
Oh - and what do you think the chances of this would be? We ended up with 7 youth going on this trip - and 2 of them have their 14th birthdays during the week we are gone. Worked out for us though - because both moms are sending me with money to treat the group to ice creams on their birthdays.
Jun 21st, 2015, 01:11 AM
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Hi,
I have wifi here at the Hillsborough Church. Funny - one boy has been talking about hos he ALWAYS has lobster on his birthday so McLobster definitely be a possiblity.
We left Hillsboro NH at 3:15 yesterday morning and got here in time to see the high tide at Hopewell Cape, came backto the church and had our supper and then went back for low tide and walked on the ocean floor for quite awhile. Everyone loved it - the church secretary who was our contact here joined us in the evening with 5 of her 7 children(!) and we got to interact with all of them. Lights out at 10:30 PM and I'm the first one up this morning and feeling fine.
Going out for cinnamon buns this morning at the cinnamon soul cafe, church here at 10 AM, and then on to camp at Cape Breton.
I don't know what the wifi (or time) picture might be after this morning, but I'll definitely give you the whole report when we get back.
I have wifi here at the Hillsborough Church. Funny - one boy has been talking about hos he ALWAYS has lobster on his birthday so McLobster definitely be a possiblity.
We left Hillsboro NH at 3:15 yesterday morning and got here in time to see the high tide at Hopewell Cape, came backto the church and had our supper and then went back for low tide and walked on the ocean floor for quite awhile. Everyone loved it - the church secretary who was our contact here joined us in the evening with 5 of her 7 children(!) and we got to interact with all of them. Lights out at 10:30 PM and I'm the first one up this morning and feeling fine.
Going out for cinnamon buns this morning at the cinnamon soul cafe
, church here at 10 AM, and then on to camp at Cape Breton.I don't know what the wifi (or time) picture might be after this morning, but I'll definitely give you the whole report when we get back.
Jun 21st, 2015, 09:47 PM
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Oh, geez, I'm so glad I popped in here now, as I'd forgotten exactly when the departure date was.
So glad to know that the first leg of the journey went off without a serious (mentioned) hitch.
Now that you have <b>that one</b> under foot, the game board becomes somehow <I>smaller</i> and the potential pitfalls seem to be less significant. (everyone made it into Canada, etc....)
Glad that the tides were cooperative, and it was perhaps fun to be out on an adventure on the longest day of the year.
Carry on!
So glad to know that the first leg of the journey went off without a serious (mentioned) hitch.
Now that you have <b>that one</b> under foot, the game board becomes somehow <I>smaller</i> and the potential pitfalls seem to be less significant. (everyone made it into Canada, etc....)
Glad that the tides were cooperative, and it was perhaps fun to be out on an adventure on the longest day of the year.
Carry on!
