Thirsty to see

Another submission to 1001 nights cast

Derek had seen the videotape fragment three times now, first on the Tuesday evening news. Police had released it in hope of identifying suspects connected to a terrorist movement claiming responsibility for eight recent suicide bombings that had left the regional transit system in ruins and chaos. Even though several people from his village had died in one of the blasts, Derek had not given it much thought until now. The report caught his attention because the city police chief's statement mentioned one of the group's cells was thought located in the Village or nearby Wemberley, where one of the ill-fated commuter trains originated and many followers of the Zander Code were believed to reside. The local connection fascinated him. Everyone who lived in the Village followed the rules. Derek had heard of the Code, but never considered that moral citizens like the neighbours could get involved in such a bizarre offshoot of the state religion. Of course, he only had to think for a moment about some kids he knew to realize not every Village family was so nice.

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Planning a camping trip to the Maritimes

Ideally, this is what I would like to do:

• August 9, drive from Guelph to Voyageur Provincial Park, on the Ottawa River and the border of Ontario and Quebec (MapQuest), estimated travel time (ETT) 6:34. An early start should allow us to arrive, set up camp and possibly drive to Montreal for the evening, 59 minutes (MapQuest). Book site for August 9 and 10.
  
  
• August 10. We'll spend Wednesday visiting the Biodome and Old Montreal (Plan du Metro).



• August 11. Long driving day. Break camp and drive to Caraquet NB (MapQuest), ETT 11:19. There are two campgrounds in Caraquet: Camping Caraquet has its own website. Alternate: Camping Ile Lamèque. Book campsite for August 11 and 12.
  
  
• August 12. Friday visit Acadian Historic Village and explore the Acadian Peninsula, perhaps Lamèque Eco-Parc.



• August 13, break camp and drive to Whycocomagh NS (MapQuest), ETT 7:09. Confirm with Gary B. whether we can stay at his farm. Alternates: MacLeod's Beach and Campsite or Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Book for August 13 to 15.
  
  
• August 14, 15. This will give us two full days to explore the Cabot Trail, possibly go whale watching and/or visit Fortress of Louisbourg (MapQuest for Whycocomagh to Louisbourg, ETT 1:53). There's also a chance to look for a Bicknell's thrush on Benjies Lake Trail and Bog Trail in the park.
  
  
• August 16, get an early start leaving Cape Breton and head to Peggys Cove (MapQuest) ETT 3:43. After exploring the village we'll camp at Kejimkujik National Park (MapQuest) ETT 2:07. Book for August 16 and 17. Depending on time and energy we could also explore more of the Lighthouse Route on the South Shore.
  
  
• August 17. Wednesday morning follow Digby Neck and Islands Scenic Tour off the Evangeline Trail, catching the ferries to Long Island and Brier Island. (MapQuest ETT 2:34). Looking for seabirds.
  
  
• August 18, break camp and head to Wolfville (Mapquest) ETT 2:04 to explore Minas Basin. Then drive to Prince Edward Island National Park (MapQuest) ETT 4:18. Book site at North Rustico for August 18, 19 and 20.
  
  
• August 19, 20. Things to do on the island: build sand castles, dig for clams, explore sand dunes, visit Green Gables and Charlottetown. Old Home Week is underway and The Gold Cup parade takes place downtown on August 19 at 10 a.m.
  
  
• August 21, break camp and drive to Grand Manan Island NB (MapQuest) ETT 6:19. Ferry crossing required: p.m. departures from Blacks Harbour include 13:30, 15:30, 17:30 and 21:00. At Hole-in-the-Wall Park and Campground request a "cliff edge" site for August 21 and 22. Cathy and Colleen said expect our sleep to be disturbed by whales breaching.
  
  
• August 22. Things to do and see on Grand Manan Island.
  
  
• August 23. Break camp and drive to Quebec City, then on to Mont-Sainte-Anne (Mapquest) ETT 10:13. Book for August 23 and 24.
  
  
• August 24. Wednesday free to explore Quebec City.
  
  
• August 25, break camp and return to Guelph (MapQuest) ETT 9:50.

But the amount of driving is daunting, at least 6,100 km (3,800 miles), and an average in-car time of 4.5 hours per day, combined with the hassle of pitching tents and taking them down at least seven times in 17 days. I have never planned anything like this before. I'm remembering trips with my parents, who packed in a lot of sightseeing, but we usually combined camping with hotels, a luxury I can't afford. I'm also worried about the cost of gas, which someone told me is more expensive in the Maritimes. The legs of the journey I feel most inclined to cut are the Acadian Peninsula and Quebec City, but they are intended partly to cut down the longest driving times. I'm going to mull this all over for a day before I start reserving campsites. Any suggestions, especially from road trip veterans, would be welcome.