Sun Jul 13th
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| Quebec City KOA Overnight |
We left Montreal and stopped in Quebec City at the KOA overnight. It was a reasonably nice park, but we decided that, with the long journey ahead, we would not even unhook, just overnight and leave in the morning. We are coming back this way and will be spending 5 nights near Quebec City in early August, so no worries about missing the city. It was nice to just chill for the afternoon and do bit of research as the internet was passable. It is actually a great place for a few days. The pool and play area are great, but a bit noisy as they are very close to the highway. The sites are a good size and mostly pull-thoughs which makes things easy for parking up.
Mon 14th Jul
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| Our Site at Stonehurst |
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| Stonehurst Golf Course/Campground Nr Moncton |
We left Quebec City KOA Camground with the intention of stopping overnight on our way to Moncton. However we were enjoying the drive and we switched drivers every 2 hours. By the time we got to half way (about 375km) we were still energized and decided to motor on. Janice was getting a bit of the sniffles... not a good thing. We finally accepted the fact that we were psychologically set on the idea of going all the way to Moncton in one day... and we did. (750km). A problem arose in the last 100km stretch whe we got a noticeble vibration coming from the wheels. At first we thought it road surface, but it became obvious that we had a problem. A check of the computer systens showed that tire pressures were fine etc, so we did a quick visual check as well and decided to take it easy for the rest of the way. We arrived at the the campsite (Stonehurst golf club and Campground) at about 6:30pm. It was pretty busy and we were grateful to get a nice spot.. no privacy, but a big level grassy site. By now Janice was feeling a bit rough and we were both a little concerned about the vibration in the truck which was quite noticeable.
Tues and Wed Jul 15-16
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| Going backwards UPHILL! |
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| Magnetic Hill NB |
Well not much to report. We never did get to explore Moncton. Janice became engulfed in the cold ... sore throat, sneezing and generally feeling very sorry for herself, and did not venture away from the campsite. Our plan to golf and explore the area did not happen. Derek spent the time taking the truck in to get it checked (turns out a belt on the tire had come apart). The spare went on, but it is a slightly different tire than the rest. So Derek spent an inordinate amount of time trying to find a replacement tire (they are not available in this area)... so the spare will have to suffice until we get a new tire delivered from Quebec to New Glasgow Canadian Tire in Nova Scotia and we can get it installed when we pass through there.
On our last evening (Wed 16th) we both felt the need to see SOMETHING of the area, so clutching a box of Kleenex for Janice, we headed out to the famous Magnetic Hill. We had been there in the early 70's and it was just a hill signposted on the road ... now there is a theme park and water-park etc etc and they even charge $5 just to go on the hill. But we went and happily traveled the magnetic hill a few times. It really is quite a phenomenon. I assume it is an optical illusion but you could swear you were drifting UP the hill backwards in neutral. It was only a few km from the campsite so it didn't take long, but we felt we had at least seen something. We packed and had an early night ready for the drive to Halifax tomorrow. As a note. Stonehurst Golf Club and Campground is a good spot to base yourself to visit Moncton. Maybe not for weeks, but a good spot for a few days. The golf course is walking distance from the campground and is a short 18 hole par 3 executive course. We didn't play it, so don't know how 'pretty' it is. There is a pool, play areas and basic but clean showers available.
