I normally wouldn’t blog about our campsites, since there have been so many. But our first stop after leaving Shediak was definitely worth a mention. We drove 238 miles to Sugarloaf Provincial Parc in Atholville, New Brunswick. Sugarloaf is the name of the extinct volcanic mountain, which lies within the park property. It was highly visible as we approached on Canada Highway 11. Parc Sugarloaf is a small winter ski resort and multi-activity summer destination that includes an RV park. There were many hiking trails and a significanty number of mountain biking trails and courses for riders of all ages. The facilities included a restaurant and Bar; however, neither were open because it was late in the season or there was some COVID impacts. The leaves were just starting to change colors, so this added to the beauty.
We scoped out the trails on a parc map and agreed to hike to the base of Sugarloaf. I thought I’d climb to the top while MFI waited for me. Again, I need to remind readers that MFI, AT Trail name of NBNA (Never Before, Never Again), is a hiking hater. Imagine my surprise when by the time we arrived she was game for joining me at the top. The climb up Sugarloaf was just under 1,000 feet in elevation, but it was steep over a short distance and turned out not to be an easy walk in the parc.
There was a fenced in viewing area on the summit with a Canadian Flag waving high atop a pole and a stone monument. The monument honored all the fallen heroes who had served abroad and at home to keep Canadian’s safe. The monument was also dedicated to three Royal Canadian Mounted Police constables: Douglas James Larche, Dave Joseph ross, and Fabrice Georges Gavaudan who lost their lives on June 4, 2014. Justin Bourque, a 24-year old Moncton, NB resident, had a history of anti-government and anti- authority behaviors. Having recently been fired from a seocnd job, he went on a shooting spree that killed the three constables and wounded two others, before he was captured alive after a 28-hour manhunt. With the shootings, he hoped to initiate a rebellion against the Canadian goverbnmnent. Three months later, he pleaded guily and was sentenced to two life sentences and three consecutive 25-year sentences with no possibility for parole for 75-years. Canada had abolished the death penalty in 1967.
The hike was grueling for both of us. So, we returned to Arthur, sat outside, and enjoyed a bowl of chili with wine. Life is tough, but someone has to endure it.
We struggled to find a satisfactory coffee house or breakfast joint in Atholville or nearby Campbellton. Tim Horton’s coffee and breakfast dishes are good, and this became our alternate plan. We departed after 2 days, crossed the bridge into Québec Province, and headed for Montreal via a stop at St-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska, Québec. The season was already starting to change, and I took some pictures which captured it.
We needed to do our laundry and found a tiny place in the town of Rivière-du-Loup. Needing lunch we took a short walk up the street to a nice looking restaurant called Symposium Resto Boutique. MFI ordered a creamy pasta, I requested Fish & Chips, and we both added wine to our shared meals. We were the only ones dining since we came early. Delightful!
Next stop: Montreal.
