In the whirlwind of 2023, my cousin made a bold move by relocating his entire clan a billion miles away to New Brunswick. Naturally, I couldn't resist the magnetic pull of curiosity and camaraderie, so off I went on a grand adventure.
The journey from Mississauga to the Moncton area, it's no ordinary trek. I've tackled long drives in my time, but a gruelling fourteen and a half hours on the road is a test of even the most seasoned travellers. Initially, I had planned to embark on a Saturday, but Mother Nature, in the form of Hurricane Lee, had other plans. The forecast predicted the storm would hit right along my route, so I decided to postpone my departure by a day. With immense determination and the help of an alarm clock that felt downright cruel at 2:30 am on a Sunday, I hit the road at 4:00. The journey was a marathon, a symphony of asphalt and rest stops, as I crisscrossed the map, navigating both my personal fuel reserves and my trusty truck's.
Once I reached my cousin's sprawling hundred-acre domain, the real excitement kicked in. Instead of squeezing myself into their cozy guest room, I opted for a more peaceful approach – camping out in my prospector tent for the entire two weeks of my stay. Most nights, this decision was pure genius, immersing me in the embrace of nature. But on a few chilly nights, I questioned my choice of a summer sleeping bag, yearning for something better suited to the shoulder seasons.
The first week was a delightful blend of family bonding and exploration as we ventured into the forests on my cousin's property. The second week saw me venturing further afield, often waking up before dawn to explore nearby photography havens.
One such expedition led me to the Nature Conservancy of Canada Shorebird Sanctuary. To my terror, I discovered that visitors were not allowed on the beach, shattering my dreams of capturing shorebirds in action. Nevertheless, September wasn't exactly prime time for shorebird sightings, so I adapted. I stumbled upon the Sackville Waterfowl Park – an unexpected gem. This picturesque boardwalk meandered through a vibrant marsh, teeming with wildlife.
The next stop was the Shepody Wildlife Area. There, at the crack of dawn, I found myself on a pristine beach, capturing the dance of shorebirds in their morning hunt. But it was an unplanned encounter with a majestic golden eagle that left me breathless – I nearly stumbled upon this regal bird while rounding a bend, a fleeting moment etched in my memory forever. One, that unfortunately was over before I could raise my camera.
Of course, no visit to New Brunswick would be complete without a visit to the Bay of Fundy, which I undertook not once, but twice. While I may have played the part of a tourist on these occasions, I reveled in the awe-inspiring beauty that unfolded before me.
As all good things must come to an end, the real world beckoned, and it was time for me to reluctantly bid adieu to this corner of Canada. Once more, I roused myself from slumber at an ungodly hour, bracing for the return journey to Ontario. The first six hours unfurled through dense, eerie fog in the heart of moose country – an adventure I wouldn't necessarily recommend, but at least I had solid traction underfoot, unlike some hair-raising snow-covered mountain passes I've conquered.
New Brunswick, you're more than beautiful; you're a tapestry of unforgettable experiences. Mark my words – I'll be back for more adventures, more memories, and more of your enchanting charm.
