July 5th On toward New Brunswick

I forgot to wish our United States American neighbours a Happy Fourth of July. This wish is appropriate given our entwined history. Without our persuasion during the War of 1812 we too might have been citizens of the USA. We are all Americans, including the lovely people of Central America.

We depart our nice municipal park intending to take in a view of the Montmorency Falls, a mere 10 minutes away. Over the bridge, right turn - egad! A line up to a toll booth to pay money. Ain't happening. Quick little jog left and continue on. We pull into a Dejardin Credit Union thinking Betty has business there. No so. Nonetheless we spend an hour behind a gardening enterprise that is laying sod around a picnic table. We are stuck behind their machinery. Ho hum. Once back on the road an hour or so later we follow our programmed GPS to Edmundston, NB. We wind our way over freeways, under overpasses, skirt the hills of Old Town and find ourselves meters from the ferry to Levis. Nope, quick  right and head up river for miles until we finally cross the Pierre-LaPorte Bridge and get back on our way toward NB. 

Miles and miles of miles and miles. Trees. Farms. River glimpses. Right turn at Riviere du Loup, more or less, and on to a campsite at Camping Caldwell another hour down the road. At one time this was a bit of an amusement park. Tiny swimming pool, dilapidated out-buildings scattered about the property with sad, faded red and green roofs, a condemned water slide dominating the view. And 'Mady', the resort mascot undoubtedly intended to entice wee children to play and have fun. 'Mady' seems a bit ominous to me, standing on a hill immediately in front of the glitzy Motel Office. Faded, fake palm trees are scattered hither and yon about the property. Car tires are painted bright red, yellow, blue and green and hung as swings. Plastic slides and rusted jungle gyms complete the playground. The whole place has a 'Bates Hotel' vibe. 

'Mady'

We have a relatively short hop to our next stop to visit long-time Pacific Ski Club member Mario, living near Balmoral in New Brunswick. Balmoral is due south of Dalhousie. We plan on a couple of days with Mario. We'll play some tunes.

The Bates Motel