A nice leisurely trip across the Atlantic on a ship sure makes those FIVE time zones easier to take;-) It is kind of nice, though, to finally set foot on dry land – even if it is Fenway Park for a Yankee fan! If one is a base ball fan, Fenway Park is the granddaddy of them all as the oldest park and possessing that ‘green monster’. Be sure to take a tour of the stadium so you can see the mound that the Babe pitched from and sit in the seats above the green monster for nothing instead of the minimum $500 per game!

Finally back to where it all began – New York, New York. Coming in early morning gives NY a different, clean, magical look.

NY was the end of a segment and the beginning of another – NY to Montreal. Friends Linda May and Bill joined for this part of the journey and a night on the town was enjoyed before embarking on the last 11 days – –

The last trip out provided one more look at that beautiful lady in the river. The scene never gets old –

The next 11 days would explore everything Canada including many of her NP’s. First up was Gros Morne NP in Newfoundland with another dramatic example of the continental drift – so much so declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unfortunately, the day visited included such bad weather the true drama of the landscape could not be seen;-( So – on to Lobster Cove Head and a cute little lighthouse that has been a landmark since 1898 – –

From one lighthouse to another. Just outside of Halifax is perhaps one of the most famous and most photographed lighthouses in Canada at Peggy’s Cove. This quaint little village is now overrun by tourists wanting a picture of this icon and the surrounds. Even with the crowds this is a must see. The many little shops with local merchandise are delightful to visit. AND – the gingerbread at the cafe located in the gift shop is pretty good as are the good old hot dogs at the kiosk by the cove!!

One more stop in Sydney – this time with friends;-)

Next stop is Gaspe in eastern Quebec province and another NP – Forillon. Take an invigorating walk along the coast to the lighthouse at lands end and observe the mountains inland, which are the northern beginnings of the Appalachians. Like so many of the small villages in this eastern edge of Canada, Gaspe began as a fishing village attracting those from as far away as Ireland, Scotland and France to fish for cod until the seas were fished out. Today – it is just beautiful.

On to interesting Baie-Comeau and its Parc Nature Pointe-Aux-Outardes, as well as the first Hudson Bay Company small department store in Quebec. The Nature Park is a protected coastal nature reserve featuring 9 distinct environments, including sandy beaches, dunes, boreal forest, salt marshes and peat bogs. With one two mile boardwalk (constructed to preserve the dunes) you can walk through all of these environments! Absolutely amazing. If you are on a guided walk with a ranger, you might even get a taste of tea made from leaves within the Park;-) Enjoy these amazing sights.

One more – Saguenay NP and this writers personal favorite. The village of Saguenay sits on a majestic fjord – one-of-a-kind in North America and one of the longest in the world. Thus, the sail in was magnificent! The Saguenay NP protects over 60 miles of this dramatic, glacier carved fjord and its stunning beauty. This area is definitely on our road trip itinerary for next summer.

This park was hard to leave, but the ship doesn’t wait. So on to Quebec City, sitting right on the banks of the St. Lawrence River. The Old city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the only fortified city remaining in North America. The old Upper Town is dominated by the majestic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac hotel, which is a wonderful place to have lunch or tea;-)

Being French, the catholic churches are in abundance here. Stop and peek in.

Last, but not least, was Montreal and a stroll through its ‘old section’ – DQ and all – and one more church.

After almost three months on the ship, many of the people who took care of us day in and day out had become like family and it was hard to say goodbye. Here’s hoping they will be part of our lives again on a future cruise.

A fantastic trip on Oceania all around the northern hemisphere. It was definitely cooler than Phoenix for the summer. It was also enlightening, educational and often eye opening. Can’t wait for the next one!!

E & G – delighted to be able to travel and enjoy the world around us. Wishing you the same;-)