Tree Selling Season is Over........
New York City here I come.........

Our tree selling season is over and was a huge success!! We beat our last years numbers and we are very pleased. We had a great group of employees and are just about complete with tear down and then.... Stephanie (my daughter) and I have decided to take a winter holiday together and New York City was our choice. We leave on Christmas Day and will return January 1.
Our plan is to be in Times Square for NYE.

Happy New Year
see ya in 09

Another Season Begins......

We had a very successful opening day. All of our employees we had last year came back and brought their friends this year!! This makes our job much easier. John has been very busy flocking trees. He had an order to flock 12 trees on Tuesday, it takes him about 45 min from start to finish for each tree. Below are some pictures of him with his masterpieces.

John and I Wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

See ya next Year!!!

We are back in the bay area after a 10,000 mile trip this summer. We enjoyed the Maritimes glad we did it and have no plans to do it again. While the folks we met in Canada we very nice, and the scenery was spectacular, and Tattoo was more awesome than I could imagine, and Peggys Cove was one of my favs. Canada is extremely expensive and after a while it really starts to take its toll on your pocketbook we paid about $6.50 a gal for diesel, the campgrounds are very expensive, our dollar was at par with the Canadian dollar then the taxes WOW 14 to 16%- so as an American I vow to NEVER complain about our taxes again!! To sum it all up its a once in a lifetime experience and I was happy to experience it and very glad to back in the USA!!!!

We are getting ready to do the Christmas tree lot thing we have been doing for the past several years. Next year we are doing a 2 week cruise to Hawaii then our plans are to stay west next summer. Hope your Summer was all it could be!!

In Memory of Wayne Mayfield

Stephanie, my daughters finance passed away suddenly in his sleep on Sunday, August 17, 2008. Wayne was only 37 years old and left behind two wonderful children; Cameron age 10 and Jadon age 7. I am with my daughter in Reno and John is driving the motorhome back from our trip to Canada.

Out n About in St John

For more pictures of the caves and the park

http://picasaweb.google.com/jcrobnik/StMartin

We had a nice sunny day today. Since we came into New Brunswick we had heard a lot about the Fundy Parkway we decided to take a day trip and check it out. We loved it. This park is privately owned and was officially open in 1998. The park is 11.6 kilometers and you can walk the entire park on its multi use trail- off the main trail are dozens of smaller trails leading to the beach, lookouts, a suspension bridge, and others. Our first hike was the waterfall it was short but- we have never seen or been on a cable ladder- it was kind of scary at first the ladder wiggles. I found it much easier to come back up then to go down- it was kinda steep.



These are some views we saw on the way into St Martins. The beach looks like there is nice white sand- very deceiving it is like river rock and very hard to walk on. Much prettier to view from a distance.







On our drive of about 100 miles today we passed several covered bridges mostly from the early 1920's to the mid 40's.

The sea caves was another interesting stop for us. Since neither one of us have ever been in a sea cave. It was kind of a weird feeling to be inside the cave knowing that in about 6 hours the entire cave will be under water. There were 3 caves to explore we did two of them because the water line was still pretty high and made it very difficult to get into the 3rd cave.

Part 2 Bay of Fundy- St John, New Brunswick
Rockwood Lake Campground 8/8-11

We had a nice pleasant drive from Hopewell Cape into St John easy two lane highway for the most of the trip- then we found ourselves on a four lane highway with cars buzzing by us a record speeds- it has been quite a while since we have been on a multi lane road.
We headed out to the visitors center to see what there was to do in the area. We found a public market in town. It was considerably smaller than we thought, but the fruits and veggies all looked very good and expensive. Lots of crafts most of the businesses were gearing up for the cruise ship crowd which is due in on Monday 3 ships this was all the buzz around town.






Reversing Falls- another product of the tides- notice the picture on the left a lot of white water and 6 hours later same spot notice how calm the water is. This is where the Bay of Fundy and the St John river meet when the tide is out it creates white water and when the tide is in the white water disappears.

Jet boat rides during the low tide and the white water is present. They charge about $37 for a 25 min ride.













Carlton Martello Tower was built by the British in St John for the war of 1812, but, the tower was not finished until 1815- In theory- because the tower is round if hit by a cannon ball because it was round should bounce off. Since the tower was never under attack this is speculation. Inside the tower was the living quarters for for the soldiers. Beds lined the wall there was a table for dining and two fireplaces for cooking and heating. During WWII it was used as a lookout tower.

For more pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/jcrobnik/StJohnSNewBrunswick

New Brunswick- Bay of Fundy Route Part 1
Ponderosa Pines Campground 8/4-8

Rain, Rain, go away- 2 days of rain - since most of the activities we want to do in the area are outside we had to find some rainy day stuff to do to keep us busy- we had heard about Magnetic Hill- thought we might check it out. The admission charge is $5 for this we drive the car to the bottom of the hill and put the car in neutral take off the break and the car goes up the hill- Yes indeedee the car did back up the hill on its own. Is this a trick an illusion or a huge magnet. I don’t really know but Magnetic Hill has been attracting tourists for 75 years.

Yay- it worked two days no rain. We took advantage of the beautiful days. We went to Cape Enrage to see the lighthouse and were very surprised to find out how the park operates. High school seniors run the park entirely they are responsible for the day-to-day operations and must generate $300,000 in revenue each year to keep the project alive. They do not charge an admission fee it is all done by donations they do offer for charge different types of adventures from Rappelling, climbing, kayaking and zip line.

Next day was Fundy National Park we did a couple of hikes and my favorite was the Dickson Waterfall trail- It was spectacular. We saw the waterfall from the bottom then worked our way up to the top so beautiful.

Another view of the Tide in Tide out both pictures same location 6 hours apart

for more pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/jcrobnik/BayOfFundy

Prince Edward Island
Harrington Campground 7/28-8/4

We arrived in PEI on a rainy Monday by the ferry it was a smooth crossing took about 75 min. For touring the island is broken up into 3 regions. Points East Coastal, North Cape Coastal, and Blue Heron Coastal (middle). We found a campground in the Blue Heron area very close to the National Park and Charlottetown pretty much in the middle of the island. We stayed a week and took the car out and toured the island. Even tho it pretty much rained the entire week we had some short sunny breaks. While on the island we were able to have “world famous lobster supper”, saw potato fields in full bloom, toured a vodka distillery that made vodka from potatoes, visited the world famous “bottle house”, ate Malpeque oysters, did a great bike ride and saw a lot of lighthouses. Still raining a week later when we left the island- we took the Confederation Bridge it took us 10 min to cross the 12 km bridge. We are now in New Brunswick going to do the Fundy Trail out of Canada and into Maine.

We really enjoyed our week on the island rain and all. For more pictures of PEI

http://picasaweb.google.com/jcrobnik/PEI

This is a 2 1/4 pound lobster

Louisbourg, Nova Scotia
Point of View RV Park 7/25-28

The Fortress of Louisbourg- is celebrating its 250th anniversary of the 2nd and final siege between the French and the British. This evening under heavy fog there was a “A Parade Through the Centuries” military from 1750’s to present day army. Each started from opposite ends of town and met in the middle and marched down to the water together and met with the British Army who fired 5 shots from the cannon. There are over 1000 costumed re-enactors they come from all over the world to participate and become the town residents. There will also be a re-enactment of a night-time siege with 18th century fireworks.

For more pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/jcrobnik/Louisbourg

We took a drive into Sydney and found this huge fiddle at the Visitors center.

Hello Cape Breton
St Anns Campark 7/20-25

We had a nice leisurely drive from Pictou about three hours we arrived the weather was perfect- the folks here at the park are very friendly we were invited over to a campfire this evening- good thing because we have no satellite we are in a valley with mountains and lots of trees in the middle of nowhere and the dish can’t get out, its not because John didn’t try. I guess he was out there so long trying that half the campground guys came out to give their expert advice- its not going to happen, luckily we get two very snowy Canadian channels. Gosh we are so spoiled with all our amenities - I think we will survive tho- Woke up the next morning to fog and rain according to the weather reports it should remain windy, foggy and rain- since we are on the Cabot trail most of our touring is driving the trail and seeing the spectacular views- this isn’t good driving conditions- we are hoping Wednesday and Thursday the weather is suppose to improve. Since we needed something to keep us busy while we wait for the weather to clear-

Monday we drove over to Baddeck to see the lighthouse above and visit the Alexander Graham Bell’s Museum it was very interesting- he invented so much more than the telephone. He was born in Scotland, and taught at a school for the deaf in Boston, while on Vacation in Nova Scotia he love the Cape Breton area because it reminded him of his home in Scotland - he built a home and continued with his inventions which are to numerous to mention. He did a lot of work with the deaf and that is what he was most proud of. Then we took a drive over to North Sidney to stock up on some groceries came home and made fish chowder.

Tuesday we drove over to Glenville to the Glenora Distillery- while the distillery and the grounds were beautiful- the tour was not very good it lasted about 10 min and ended with a tablespoon size taste of their 10 year old single malt whiskey for this we paid $15 just a tad bit overpriced. Oh Well, would have been worth the stop if passing by, but not driving over an hour to get there. We have our fingers crossed the weather will improve and we can do the Cabot Trail soon.

Steph this moose picture is for you!!


YIPEE- Thursday- the weather was great finally the sun came out and by early afternoon the fog had lifted. Cape Breton National Park from one end to the other is 105 kilometers of winding narrow and very steep road with some of the most breathtaking scenery we have ever seen. We were able to do some pretty nice hikes one in particular took us thru a grove of 350-year-old sugar maple trees, we hiked to some waterfalls, and we saw the biggest moose I have ever seen and a black bear.



On the way to the park we passed Joe’s Scarecrows- Very interesting a big field of about 100 scarecrows all imitating different lifestyles and political figures. A couple that caught my attention was the tour bus driver and a wagon master for an RV caravan it was a delightful stop.

Next stop Fortress of Louisborg for a reenactment of a nighttime siege with 18th century fireworks!

For more pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/jcrobnik/CapeBretonCabotTrail

Hello Pictou & Antigonish
Harbor Lights Campground July 17-20

We left Digby this morning, but, not without getting a couple of pounds of their fabulous scallops for our freezer. We had great weather for traveling we traveled 465 kilometers very easy drive mostly two lane- as we left the Bay of Fundy we noticed the hills were getting a little steeper and more often and more trees and very green in fact several shades of green- very beautiful. We arrived in Pictou at the Harbor Lights Campground it’s a very nice campground and a passport America park- perfect- after we checked in we were taken to our site and given info about the area and ice cream bars – what great hospitality!

We are making Pictou our base for few days to do some touring and attend the Scottish Highland Games that are being played in Antigonish this weekend. The Highland Games are the oldest and continuous games outside of Scotland since 1863 this is their 145th. We will leave Pictou on Sunday and our next stop will be St Anns where we will make our base for a week or so and travel the Cabot Trail and other areas. Then it will be back to Pictou and take the ferry over to PEI stay in PEI about a week or so then do the Bay of Fundy from the New Brunswick side then into Maine and start heading west to California

We went on a very scenic drive on Friday we took route 337 which is nicknamed the mini Cabot trail and the scenery was spectacular. We found a nice overlook for a picnic lunch, the weather was pretty good a little warm but the sun was shining and that is we cared about.

On Saturday we went to the Highland Games this was a first for us and we both thoroughly enjoyed the games. The morning games were; Braemar Stone throwing, 56 lb weight for distance, there was piping and dancing competitions, tug o war that was very exciting the men’s division was 1700 lbs, my favorite was the Caber competition it was pole tossing the object was to get the pole to flip in a straight line, then the 56 lb weight throwing for height was thrilling and a little scary- I thought the athletes should be wearing a hard hat! I took a couple of videos I am going to try to get them to upload later

Next Stop Cabot Trail

For more pictures of the Highland game;

http://picasaweb.google.com/jcrobnik/AntigonishHighlandGames

Touring Digby, Yarmouth, and Annapolis Royal

These boats are scallop boats at the wharf

We have spent three nights in Digby home to the world famous Digby Scallops- they are very big and very tasty. The weather has been absolutely perfect sunny days with a slight breeze and no fog who could ask for more.
We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in this area very beautiful scenery and interesting places. On our drive to Yarmouth we passed thru small fishing villages and coves, one in particular we really enjoyed was Gilberts Cove there is a lighthouse that is over 100 years old. It is not a working lighthouse anymore there is small a museum and tea room. The best is the “light keeper” he had so many stories to tell and he was just a charming as the lighthouse itself. We had wonderful visit with him. We have decided to give the scenery a rest and will head to Antigonish for the Scottish Highland Games.

For more pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/jcrobnik/DigbyYarmouth

We are on the Move….

We woke up this morning to rain, fog, and wind such a dreary day we decided it would be a perfect day to fuel up the motorhome- :) We also changed our route no sense taking the scenic route with limited visibility so we took the most direct route into Digby. It was nice drive on a well-maintained two-lane road thru the countryside. We passed thru an experimental Christmas tree farm-not sure why its experimental- couldn’t find out because the interpretation center was closed. We also passed thru Berwick, which claims to be the apple capital of Nova Scotia. There sure seem to be a lot of self-proclaimed capitols of something or other. Nova Scotia sits between the Bay of Fundy and the Atlantic Ocean. We are now on the Bay of Fundy side. We arrived this afternoon at the campground the weather did improve enough we could walk the wharf and downtown area. Digby is the capitol of Scallops. What I find very interesting is that the scallops are $2 higher here than anywhere else in Nova Scotia!! THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE CAPITOL should be cheaper- I would think! Oh well! This is going to be our base for a few days while we take day trips to Yarmouth and Annapolis Royal.

This was our view for most of the way



This picture was taken from the same spot about 6 hrs apart. The tides in Digby are about 40 feet.


this is a view of the campground we are staying

Out n About in Halifax

Today we visited the Halifax Citadel. The citadel was built in 1828-1856 to defend the city and harbor. It was occupied by the British until 1906 then by the Canadian Military until after World War II. The parks department took it over and restored it and give tours by period costumed guides Very interesting tour and like the others we have been to this citadel has never been under attack.


this was our tour guide


After touring the Citadel we decided to walk the harbor front its a nice boardwalk with lots of shops and pubs. We went to Pier 21 Museum - this was a fascinating museum. Pier 21 is where all immigrants came thru coming into Canada. Personal stories are told thru videos of immigrants including war brides, displaced children, and military troops. Excellent 30 min multi media program history of the pier was told thru the eyes of a immigrations officer.


Thought this was a cute tug boat and a cute way to take kids on a boat tour.

Peggys Cove & Lunenburg

Web album
http://picasaweb.google.com/jcrobnik/PeggysCoveLunenburg

After a few days of fog the sun finally came out and we have had a beautiful few days and should continue thru the weekend. We have been out enjoying the sunny weather. We drove to Peggys Cove and it is "the" most beautiful place I have been- the best way I can find to describe Peggys Cove is- you feel like you have walked into a watercolor picture. Peggys cove was founded in 1811 and today there is a population of 80 and I could easily make it 82!


After we left Peggys Cove we drove to Lunenburg which was established in 1753. The town of Lunenburg is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a great walking tour of the town with historic homes from 1760 to 1905 all beautifully restored nice waterfront area. The picture below was taken from the golf course accross the harbor.


Lunenburg Academy from 1894. The school opened in 1895 and has remained a school ever since. Elementary K-6th grade

Finaly back home after a long day of touring and we had a spectacular sunset