Covered Bridges and Cable Ferries

It has been a few weeks since getting back from my trip to the home and native land. These weeks have given me a chance to reflect on being a tourist in one's own home town.

Often returning back to one's place of birth can be an exhausting experience. Family obligations, making time with old friends and just getting caught up can drain you. This did happen some years ago on my first visit back. I was so spent, that getting back to work was welcomed, just so I could get some rest.

This time was different. Through hook or by crook, I found a balance. That balance involved spending sometime by myself experiencing the beauty of my home province.

It wasn't unusual for me to get up at first light, and jump into my rented wheels and head off to who knows where to bang off a few frames on my trusty Nikon. Before I knew it I had fired some 1500 frames on this trip and I wanted to share some of them with you, my loyal reader.

So please bare with me as I give to you the dreaded vacation photo album. After this I promise to get back to writing about all things news gathering.

Early morning Ferry Line up at Gondola Point. There are several cable ferries up and down the Saint John and Kennibecasis Rivers in New Brunswick. They are all free and they are a great way to see the province. This particular one takes vehicles from Gondola Point to the Kingston Peninsula.

On this particular morning, my sister and I took a ferry over to Kingston so I could capture some of the fall colors. The trip also provided us with some quality brother sister time.

Fall colors and the Anglican Church at Kingston in the background. The weather for my trip was magnificent as we pressed on toward Hampton and the Yankee Shore.

Driving along the back roads of Hampton NB. Just ahead is a view of one of my favorite places on this earth, the Kennebicasis Marsh.

The Marsh where I learned to duck hunt with my Grandfather, Father and Uncle. I spent a good deal of time on that day just drinking it all in and remembering how breath taking the sun rises were on those October "Opening Day" of the hunting seasons, from our blinds on a grassy island in the center of that marsh. I had been tagging along with my Dad since I was 8. My first trip up to the marsh; when I was 4. I remember cutting my finger on the long marsh grass and as a child I called the place "The Sharp Grass".

But no trip back would have been complete without some time on the coast. The Bay of Fundy rarely disappoints and on this trip her salty air and slight breeze enabled me to enjoy her many coves and harbours.

Fundy's mighty tide is on it's way out, leaving St. Martin's harbour empty. You can see a covered bridge crossing the channel. Local fishermen were getting ready for the up coming lobster season.

With the tide going out boat are left grounded. Its a good time for hull inspection.

Driving through one of the many covered bridges I encountered during my travels. at one time New Brunswick boasted the most covered bridges in the world. Many of them are gone, but the ones remaining all date back to the early part of the last century. This one is located at St. Martins New Brunswick, as I head back to Saint John to check out the City Market.

Inside the Saint John City Market. It's one of the oldest markets in Canada.

A friendly fish monger at Lord's Lobsters inside the Saint John City Market, shows the camera the catch of the day.

Yes it was a great trip. One that allowed me to appreciate the place that I have come from, to appreciate the culture and heritage of being a Maritimer.