Sunday morning saw us trying to pack up quietly at an early hour so as not to wake our neighbours and we boarded the adjacent Westfield-Grand Bay cable ferry (which is pretty neat and exceptionally efficient) to head north.

Our whole intent is to steer clear of the major highways as much as possible and stay off the beaten track in search of a more intimate knowledge of the region. It’s worth noting at this early juncture that New Brunswick’s secondary roads are in pretty darn good shape so far.

We followed the 105 up the east side of the St. John River. It was a visual treat. We wondered aloud just how many lucky New Brunswickers enjoy homes and properties abutting that huge river where you can sail or motor up on plane wide open for many obstruction-free miles.

At Hartland (home of the world’s longest covered bridge) we stopped in to the Covered Bridge Potato Chip plant. “Upstart” may be the appropriate term for this new company in the heart of New Brunswick’s potato country, competing (and doing quite well) against some pretty heavy duty multinationals.

We overnighted in a delightful little private campground in St. Leonard where we once again attracted every kid in the neighbournood—except this time we got to practise our less than stellar French. The children’s’ English skills put us to shame.