*heavy, heavy sigh*

Well, this vacation did not go at all as I had hoped.

Michele got the car back on Friday which was a full week after when we had planned to take off. As indicated in my last post, it really was the skidillion-billion dollar repair to the steering column.

So sad.

And as much as I love everybody on our list of visits, I am heart-broken that I didn’t get out to see Bev (Power) Martin, Karen (Sweet) Cantwell and Patti Jones. It’s been y.e.a.r.s since I’ve seen them.

So sad.

Michele retreated to Jim and Colleen’s and recuperated in resplendent luxury.

(Photographic evidence →)

But! here are all the things that turned out great!

• We get to do the trip next year…. consider yourselves alerted
• Wade figured out that there is an impending class action suit on BMW steering columns, so Michele might get the repair costs back!
• We were home with Danielle when the medical system finally figured things out and we could all do the happy dance
• I was home when we found out that Wade is pre-diabetic and I was able to drive him insane with massive lifestyle changes
• We were not driving when the steering column failed  and as a result were not stuck in Thunder Bay for a week waiting for a part, or alternatively, and more importantly, did not go over a cliff because the steering failed.  (Sandy Graves says this is proof that the Christopher medals and beads worked)
• Michele gets to spend a week in Toronto helping Nicole get ready for her wedding in September and helping Miss Danielle get ready to return to school at Queens.  Yay!

So, all in all, life is good.

You will all be subjected to another round of posts a year from now.

With love from the Chicks  ♥

Car goes over cliff, Thelma and Louise jump to safety

So, the car thing….

It turns out that the steering column is gone in the convertible.

This is a serious issue, and the road to getting it fixed is a bit circuitous. That’s a nice word for “*&%$ show”

Michele noticed something wrong as soon as she picked the car up. She dropped it at the dealer who announced it was a serious steering column issue which would cost multiple thousands of dollars to fix.

Cue all men in the vicinity expressing concern that Michele was being ripped off (granted, this does happen). The car was removed from the dealer and sent for a second opinion. Second opinion person announces it is not serious and can be fixed for less than $500.  Joyous celebration ensues and Michele and I work over a revised itinerary.

Just as I am about to post a new schedule, the bad news comes. It is in fact the steering column. Booo!!! And! it has to go back to the dealer who now has the only available part in Canada. Hiss!!!

And, we have lost our spot in the Fixit Queue. Insert appropriate swears – you all know me – use your imagination and historical knowledge.

At this point we do not know when we are getting the car back.

The trip will be abbreviated.

I am verklempt.

More to follow.

*Weeps*

The best laid plans…….

 

So, there’s been a slight change of plans.

When Michele arrived in Halifax last Thursday it turned out the car may have steering issues. Undeterred, she popped it in the shop and we borrowed Yvonne’s 14 year old Jetta to make the trip to Cape Breton. There was no air-conditioning, CDs weren’t invented when the car was minted and my hair was not fashionably blowing in the breeze…… but it got our butt’s there and I was GRATEFUL!!  And hey, it was very peppy and it’s still a stick.

We expected to sneak back into town today, pick up the car and whisk off on our cross-country tour. It turns out, not so much.

The car won’t be ready until Wednesday, possibly Thursday. And the Chicks Tour will resume.

It means the itinerary is getting bumped around. Michele is working on the deets now. Will post as soon as I have them.

Well we had a time!

What a time we had!

August 24, 2013

So, first things first.  We arrived en masse at the Point of View Cottage in Louisbourg.  Amazing view of water and sky and overlooking the Fortress of Louisbourg.  Can’t say enough about the accommodations!

Then off to the Fortress, with just a few minor mix-ups. We had to go one mile………  We did not arrive together.   Suffice to say the whole lot of us would be very poor caravan participants.

Pause for shameless promotion : For those who may not know, we are  celebrating Louisbourg300, a grand fête marking the 300th anniversary of the founding of Île Royale — known today as Cape Breton Island —  and its capital, Louisbourg. There has never been a better time to experience history coming to life at North America’s largest historical reconstruction

We gathered at a Wigwam to participate in a ceremony and story-telling.  A Mi’maq Elder spoke about the long history between the First Nations and the English and French.  It was an inspiring tale of the generosity of the First People.  He also told the Legend of the Eel and then invited us into the Chapel for a feast of baked eel and beef stew. We were treated to period music and costume.  The whole event was awesome.

Hosting the event was Chip Bird, Superintendent of Louisbourg.   We were also joined by the CEO of Parks Canada, Alan Latourelle, and several members of the audit committee including Dave Steuwe.

At the dinner, I had the opportunity to rekindle my friendship with Catharine Arsenault.  You never know who you might meet 🙂

Next up, a quick tour of the grounds.

We then hustled over to the concert grounds to prepare for the evenings entertainment.  First  up was JP Cormier.  Holy smokes can that man play a  guitar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twenty feet from the stage!

Of course we were on our feet for Matt Anderson!  Jim Gourlay remained un-phased while the Pow Wow’s inappropriately fan-girled Matt.

For those of you who may have never heard Matt before, here he is singing So Gone Now.  Last year he won an international blues competition in  Memphis.  He’s the real thing.  Yes he is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1nz5tZckSA

We were then treated to an amazing fireworks display.

Stragglers were rounded up and we headed back to the Point of View, where we imbibed and discussed deep important things.  At least they seemed so at the time.

August 25, 2013

The next day we headed out to Seal Island for breakfast.  The Cedar House Restaurant and Bakery is a must stop.  There was literally a line-up to get in.  Very worth the wait.  After an awesome breakfast we proceeded down to the St. Anne’s Look-off on Kelly’s Mountain to have a group photo.

In order, The Pow Wow’s : Ella, Michele, me, Mary, Linda, Yvonne and Katharine and then Devon, Jim, Evan, Danielle and Dorianna.   Magnificent!

From there, half of the crowd headed off to the Right Some Good Festivities, and Michele and I accompanied our offspring and their friends around the Cabot Trail.  Every time I see it I find it wonderous.  Go again and glory in the views.

Michele and I parted ways with the kids at Cheticamp and headed off to Inverness to stay at the incredible Cabot Links.   Ben Cowan-Dewar and his wife, Allie, have created the only golf course ever to have been featured on both the front page of the Travel Section and the Sports Section of the New York Times.  It has the distinction of being Canada’s only true links course.  So, worth the visit.

This morning Michele and I walked down to Inverness beach, such and amazing piece of heaven here in Nova Scotia.

The Chicks tour has kicked off with a bang.   Many, many thanks to Mary Tulle for the incredible week-end!

More news to follow. ♥

(Most of the photos in this post are courtesy of Evan Furey)

We’re off!!

Day One – off to a celebration at Louisbourg organized by Miss Mary Tulle, famed CEO of Destination Cape Breton and affectionately known to us as “Tulle Travel” when she whips up itineraries like she has for us tonight!  We start off at a Mi’kmaq Celebration and wrap up an awesome concert.  Details below.

Saturday, August 24^th THE LEGEND OF THE EEL

 5:00 pm:        

• Please arrive at McLennan Centre (via Gate 2 and back road)
• You will be directed from the McLennan Centre to Place D’Armes by Parks Canada employee

5:30 pm:        

• Gather at Wigwam (Place D’Armes) with M. Guillaume Delort, Superior Council
• The Eel Legend by Elders Albert Marshall and Charlie Dennis

5:50 pm:        

• Gather in the chapel

6:00 pm:

• Mi’kmaq representative to offer a prayer for the Meal.

Baked Eel or beef stew

Kings Bakery Bread/Louskinigan (Bannock)

Dessert, Louisbourg1713 Coffee, Tea and Water

7:10 pm:

• Leave Chapel and walk down to waterfront for LouisRocks Concert

7:30 pm:

• LouisRocks concert featuring J.P.Cormier and Matt Anderson

9:30 pm: 

• Fireworks

10:00 pm:

• Return to hotel/ Inn

Notes:  Chairs will be provided to guests who wish

Guests can rendezvous at the Frederick Gate for guidance in returning to cars – if

desired.

Weather conditions can change quickly.  It is suggested to dress in layers and have comfortable footwear.

We are being joined by Danielle (Michele’s daughter), Devon (Danielle’s boyfriend) and Evan (my son) on this first leg of the trip.  Can’t wait to get started !

 

We leave in the morning!

So, a big thank you to Linda Gourlay and Sue Nowell for the luggage solutions.

I really had to share!

Linda provided the perfect size suitcase, just squishy enough to jam into an impossibly small trunk

Chick Luggage from Linda Gourlay

Then Sue Nowell showed up with an ultra small!  Fortunately she didn’t expect it to handle my luggage.

It’s jam packed with goodies for the trip  🙂

Including a personalized luggage tag.

Air fresheners………… I actually didn’t know they made these anymore!

Compact laundry detergent and clothesline that can fly behind the car… you don’t see that everyday!

Chick Entertainment, a whole book of   CD’s!

Michele knows every word of every song ever written ………and Sue has recorded them all.

Sue even included a book for me to do some research on a new adventure.  Sue and I plan on hiking the Camino when we retire.  Michele says she’s up for it too.  Anyone else up for coming along for the 800 km trek in 2017, should sign up now.

 

So, packing tonight.  And, off tomorrow!

 

 

 

The Junior Years

We have our first ziplock bag!

Thanks Sandy Graves

We are now ready to rumble! Click on picture for close-up.

♥

Road Trip Essentials with Canadian Content Holy Water – Lightning Beware

Contents

Close up of Glowing Rosary

Invincible!

Seeking advice when packing a trunk roughly the size of a kleenex box…..

So! it has come to my attention, that although Michele’s car is lovely to look at.

 

 

Trunk space is at a premium.

 

 

This is an issue.

I tend to be a bit of a pack rat.  All those years spent driving to hockey tournaments, Irish dancing competitions and annual visits to Tottenham have taught me many ingenious solutions to stuffing all of life’s necessities into whatever type of vehicle I happened to own at the time.

I spent years driving back and forth to Ontario while entertaining my kids with a full size television set crammed and bungee-corded between the two front seats of the van.  Entertaining my kids while I was fried by the over-heated t.v. tube which extended almost to the dashboard.  Volume on full and windows rolled up tight so Evan could hear way in the back.  Driving down the 401 with a string of cars behind me, trying to figure out how I was  playing Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone on a 20 inch screen.

Needless to say, cars I pack, look like this.

 

 

 

 

So, what is a girl to do?

We turn to the internet, that’s what we do. 

Here’s a sample of the advice I have uncovered.

“Fold up the soft top accordion-style and stow it behind the seats. Leave the boot for your soft luggage. You’d be surprised what you can get in there.”

OK, it had never dawned on me the roof might have to go in the trunk.  Who invented these cars!!??

 

“Pack like you’re packing to fly somewhere for a few days, but not going to check luggage.”

Hmmmmmm…… pack enough clothes for one day.  Travel for ten………  Check.

 

“Soft luggage is the best way to go as it conforms to various shapes and can be somewhat mashed into tight places.   3 of these STUFFED full will fit in the trunk.”

Ok, this is useful.  Jettison the suitcase.  Hello duffle bag!  Michele, apparently we can only take three.  My clothes are larger than yours.  Please pack accordingly.

 

“To keep your clothes tightly packed and well organized, zip them up in packing cubes, airless baggies, or a clothes compressor.”

Now there’s an idea. Skip the duffel bags and go straight for Ziplocs with the air sucked out of them. Every night we can re-inflate our outfits for the next day. Toting the vacuum cleaner to deflate the bags may be a tad unwieldy!

 

“I’ve lived for over a week out of a backpack smaller than a Lotus’ boot, including a sleeping bag, tent, and booze. Be creative, add lightness. Put the booze in lightweight ceramic lined thin metal vessels.”

Now this is useful advice.  Although I am afraid to find out what a “Lotus’ boot is” , great suggestions on packing booze.

 

“Spread out everything you  think you might need on the living-room floor. Pick up each item one at a time  and scrutinize it. Ask yourself, “Will I really use this snorkel and these fins  enough to justify carrying them around all summer?”

Check. Ditched the snorkel and fins.

So there you have it.  Michele and I will be travelling with airless, oddly-shaped, glad bags of clothes mashed into all available spaces.  Toiletries optional.  Bags of wine slipped in the glove box.

We can do this.  There must be a Patron Saint of  Less Luggage around here somewhere.

Mary on the Dashboard…….

This is not a religious post, despite the lead-in….

When I stop to reflect, I realize that religious icons have been with me at every important juncture of my life.

Although I know I was baptized, and there were religious icons most certainly present, the earliest personal recollection that I have is the array of medals and scapulars attached to my undershirt when I was around five. My relatives, thinking that we needed extra special intervention, never hesitated to attach additional hardware. I was outfitted like a five star general! I clanked everywhere I went! If I had fallen in a puddle I would surely have drowned!

It also made me feel invincible.

When I moved out of the House shortly after turning 18 my father provided two house-warming gifts. A pint of whiskey and a St. Christopher medal that said “in case of emergency call a Priest”. 
Apparently this was the pre-911 option. I drank the whiskey and wore the medal.

At twenty-four I headed off to Egypt with St. Christopher medals in my luggage and a necklace that looked suspiciously like rosary beads around my neck. It was around this time that we found out that St Chris had been de-sainted. It actually happened in ’69, but apparently this kind of news travels very slowly. I decided to keep him anyway. I felt an affinity for his situation.

At twenty-nine I hung rosary beads on the clothes-line as a vague homage to Catholic/voodoo/Newfoundland witchcraft, and to get good weather for my wedding day. It worked.

At thirty two I hung rosary beads from my kids curtain rods, based on a vague memory I had of my grand-mother warding off lightning bolts and evil spirits. She also used liberal sprinkles of holy water but I had to draw the line somewhere.

In my early forties I traipsed the kids across Canada in a 10-year old van with rosary beads draped around the mirror. They stayed there for years, until one day I noticed them gone. It might have been when Evan started to drive. I hid another set under the seat.

In 2005, my house wouldn’t sell and we were in danger of losing the little cottage we had our eye on. After 13 weeks, I caved to my sister and buried St Joseph in my garden. The house sold three days later. I dug him up and he made the rounds at my office, assisting other home-sellers and ensuring garden aeration. (there’s even instructions and kits you can buy! ) http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/stj01002.htm

Now Michele and I are heading out on our cross-Canada adventure. We will be travelling with Mary on the dashboard, the de rigueur accessory in all Catholic cars when I was growing up. Ours was glow in the dark.  I hope I can find another one like it.

We will also likely be traveling with St. Chris. I still like him.
And, old habits die hard.

So despite, being a non-practicing Catholic. I still love the icons. They can’t hurt and they just might help. And, they still make me feel invincible.

That, and seat-belts.

xo