Dorchester, Moncton and up to Miramachi ... September 28th - October 1st

Monday morning, we were up at 5:30 and 6 respectively. Both of us stiff. The bed is way too firm for us and of course a queen instead of a king. Hopefully our next accomodation is more comfortable. Otherwise, our stay at the Dawson House was wonderful with our gracious host, Donna.

After another great breakfast, and saying goodbye to the other guests, we hit the road around 9:15 am, heading for the Confederation Bridge and back to New Brunswick. It's cloudy with sunny breaks when we left, so we're hoping that will hold for our day.

First Ray directed me to the Parks Canada display at the base of the bridge where the old train station is. You can see clouds, but still have some blue sky.

One bus tour is just finishing up so we're able to get some pictures before the next two buses unloaded. lol

Back in the car to drive across the bridge. You can see the skies are much darker towards New Brunswick.

Took the first exit on the NB side for this picture

We continued on to Dorchester, where the B & B is located. First though, is the Boudreau Covered Bridge.The colours are starting to brighten with the fall leaves everywhere.

I noticed this old school house next to the bridge.

Next up, the Monument-Lefebvre National Historic Site. Unfortunately it's not open today, but Ray took a few pictures anyway.

Existing plaque: Mounted on lectern style mount along with the Acadian Odyssey plaque, north east side of building. Centrale Street, Memramcook, New Brunswick

Throughout its history, this building has occupied a special place in the hearts and minds of the Acadian people, as a memorial, as an educational centre, and as a focal point for cultural events. The second-floor theatre continues to play an important role in the cultural life of the Acadian community. The building was constructed in 1896-1897 to honour the memory of Father Camille Lefebvre, CSC (1831-1895), the founder of Saint Joseph's College. Commissioned by the school's alumni, the Monument-Lefebvre celebrates his remarkable contributions to the rebirth of Acadian culture.

Look at the garden on the side of the building!

Time for lunch. We realized we're close to our B & B but there is no where to eat in the area, so back down the highway 15 to 20 minutes to Sackville. We chose a small diner called Duck's Aren't Real. What a name! Being Monday some of the places weren't open. 

Sacksville Road Colours. Fall is definitely here.

Ray ordered a Swamp Bowl (kinda like Pho) and me a burger with fries. It's a little spicy for me, but he can eat the other half for his dinner lol

It's only 2:15 and the rain began. I called the B & B and they let us come early for 2:30 pm. The only other drive on my list is half an hour down a gravel, muddy road and with the rain, the pictures would suck. Once we were all settled into our room, the real rain began. Great timing.

Maplehurst Manor, B & B. Dorchester, NB



Origins and Construction

Built in 1858: The rectangular, three-storey home was originally known as the George Wentworth Chandler House.
** Chandler Connection:** It was built by Edward Barron Chandler—an Amherst-born lawyer, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, and Father of Confederation—reportedly as a wedding present for his family/son. It is one of three similar homes in the area built by him.
Architectural Details: The home features a grand three-story walnut staircase, 10-foot ceilings, ornate plaster moldings, and original fireplaces.


PNI Atlantic News

DORCHESTER, N.B. — It sat empty for seven years, in need of some proper TLC.
Article content

Now, thanks to a couple who saw the potential in the once-majestic historic manor, the large, three-storey home that is nestled along the main street in Dorchester has been brought back to life.

Marisca Lucoe and Jeff Hovey have renovated and restored the mid-19th century home, built by one of the Fathers of Confederation, into an elegant yet homey bed and breakfast that has already started to draw visitors in from all around the world.

This place would've looked like many old places we see that are falling down. So glad they fixed this one up and kept the "old details". The doors and casings etc are all original. I do love our updated bathroom though. :) Another 14 stairs up to our room, same as the last historic B&B.

Our room was on the second floor, all 3 windows on the yellow siding.

Nice to relax after a busy few days. Marisca left fresh baked cookies and apple muffins for a treat when we arrived. We spent the evening on our computers until close to bed time. (Ray ate my leftover burger.)

Isn't this bathroom gorgeous. I thought so too and decided to have a nice bath. Ray even brought me Carolan's. 

Now be prepared to laugh with me .... not at me. lol

After about 20 minutes it's time to get out. Ray came and pulled the plug as I couldn't reach it. Then the fun began! First, this tub is really, really slippery. Second, it is incredibly narrow, just fitting my hips (although mine are larger than some people). Because it's so narrow and me not being able to bend my knees enough, (arthritis) I couldn't get leaverage to get out! Forward, lifting my self on the high sides, I kept slipping and not able to get my knees under me, not enough arm strength. I also tried to roll over onto my knees ... nope, not enough room to turn over. After putting a towel under me and on the sides to help with the slippage, I sat there contemplating how I'm going to get out. Finally it came to me, to use the belt from the housecoat they provided and use it in conjunction with the towel to stop me slipping. At this point I yelled.... RAY!!!! HELP.  I had Ray yard on the belt wrapped around my middle and then I was able to boost myself up first try like a cork in a wine bottle! Ray here... for my part I came in to see if she needed help. "No now go away and don't watch" Sitting in the bedroom I can hear squeeking and noises, but still no Deb. So back in I go... same response as the first. More squeeking and noises and the breath getting more laboured. So I braved a head poke around the door... Now??? 

I have a clawfoot tub at home and not had a problem with it, getting onto my knees, so didn't expect this to be so difficult! I think a neighbour of mine, had this problem before when travelling .... I'm never having a bath again travelling, only a hot tub or shower. How embarrassing. I had visions of the fire departmet coming to extracate my naked butt out of the tub! So much for being relaxed.

Apparently I'm the second person to get stuck in this tub in 7 years. Yay me! I'm sure there's been more people of my "vintage", but they didn't admit it. Happy to give you all a chuckle.

We actually slept in till 6:30 am. This bed is much more comfortable with a pillow top and cotton sheets, even though it's a queen. I find microfiber sheets stick to my pillow and pjs so I get twisted up. These are pressed cotton. 

Down for a delicious breakfast for 8 am. 

Ray's Eggs Benedict

My lemon ricotta pancakes.

After breakfast and a nice chat with our host Marisca and her dog Rosie, we were on the road for 9:30.

Rosie is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Doodle and is 3 years old and very friendly.

It's just misting outside, so not too bad. Today's agenda is looking at 3 covered bridges just past Moncton. The colours of the leaves are really starting to pop in some areas.

First up is the Sandpiper statue in Downtown Dorchester, downtown being about 4 stores/businesses. lol In late summer there's thousands of birds feasting on sand shrimp before heading to breeding grounds in South America.

This is the Hasty Covered Bridge.

Built in 1931, this covered bridge is 38 m (123 ft.) in length. Driving directions: Route 1, Exit 239, Route 106 North 4.5 km (2.8 mi.), onto Powers Pit Road.

The weather still cooperating so onto the next one. The Bamford Colpitts Covered Bridge.

Built in 1943, this covered bridge is 31 m (100 ft.) in length. Driving directions: Route 2, Exit 433, Route 112 South 5 km (3 mi.), Route 895 South 5.2 km (3.2 mi.), onto Colpitts Road, near Salisbury.

The roads I take for Ray's pictures lol This does not show the downhill grade. Fortunately there's just enough room to turn around at the bridge to face the right way out. Otherwise I would've had to back up quite a bit.

The views through the windows are beautiful with the fall colours and the stream.

Next up, the Peter Jonah Covered Bridge.

Built in 1912, this covered bridge is located at the Turtle Creek Reservoir, near Moncton. No longer in commission, the bridge was moved to its current location as a display piece in 2013. It is one of the two remaining bridges in the province with a hip, or cottage, roof.

Ray only took the one picture as the skies had opened up and it started to pour!

Time for lunch, as it's still pouring outside. We'd thought to go towards Hopewell Bay and see a few more covered bridges, but the weather turned really ugly so no point. Ray found a Chinese Food Buffet in Moncton so that is where we went. It was ok but nothing special. At least our tummy's are full. Back to the B & B for 1:30.

Ray elected to go for a nap as he has been down a few hours over the past week. Rosie came and whined at our door and since he had slept an hour I let her in. Surprise!

We had a great afternoon and happy hour with Marisca before her other guests for the night showed up. More fresh baked cookies, chocolate chip this time. She suggested I use her laundry machines as I had 2 loads what a nice offer .... YES PLEASE. 

During our happy hour in the parlour, we'd told her we were not going out for dinner as it was so miserable and any restaurants were at least 15 to 20 minutes away. She showed up at our door about 6:30 pm with Italian Sausage Pasta for us to eat as she was making it for herself and just increased the batch. What a hostess with the mostess! Delicious. While I did my laundry, I sat with her for awhile in her sitting room gabbing. Such a lovely person.

Wednesday morning, we were up at 6:00, Ray had a wonderful sleep as did I. Downstairs for 8 am for Belgian Waffles with fruit and bacon. Yum.

We sat for a bit after breakfast chatting with the other couple and then headed out at 9:30 for Miramichi. The rain had quit and it was just a bit cloudy and 14C.

Onto Miramichi!