Wrapped up the final reports for our 80 day Great Gaspe & Maritime rally today. The rally started in Ottawa for Canada day celebrations and ended in Freeport Maine. We were in Quebec for 20 days and for the most part the folks we met were very helpful and easy to deal with. From Quebec we rolled into Northern New Brunswick and out to Prince Edward Island for a few days before our first stop in Nova Scotia. From North Sydney, NS we moved on to Newfoundland/Labrador for 22 days before returning to Nova Scotia for 6 stops. From Nova Scotia we moved on to New Brunswick before finishing in Maine and ending the rally near Freeport. Our coach traveled 4,745 miles, on the rally and we stopped at 35 different RV parks / campgrounds. The rally included 22 meals and 72 scheduled activities. The cost per coach was $6,458.50. This rally was both the longest and most expensive rally in the club’s history and at $80.73 per day it was, for Eileen and I, a bargain.
The rally had 4 first timers attending so we were able to make some new friends and help create some memories for all who attended. To our old and new friends who attended, you are what made this trip special. If you would like a sampling of what we saw and did take a look at the pictures Connie Bradish posted for this rally.
I can only echo the following quote from Ken Sair:
“One flat tire, 5 slides became inoperable, one shock through a bedroom floor, one windshield popped out, lights that wouldn't work, generators wouldnt start, batteries went dead, pets got ill, 6 times coaches went into a shop for repair. I cannot even begin to remember all the knicks and dings on the coaches. What an adventure. It will now be known as the longest and most expensive rally in Beaver Ambassador Club history. AND, the worst roads ever experienced in a 'civilized' country
. The folks in Quebec were fabulous, a pleasant surprise. The language barriers made for some funny situations. Warning, we will be back Canada!!!!!! Thank you all for being gracious host to us Americans. Especially the people of Newfoundland. What an extraordinary group of people. Nicest, friendliest and helpful people we have ever come across. Pure class all the way.”
Cheers Keith
