Day two: Checking out Port aux Basques and Margaree

 July 27, 2023

Grand Codroy RV and tent site 2

Doyle, NL

Today's focus was to do some preplanning for our August 16th ferry departure.  We are scheduled on the 6:30am ferry which means we need to be at the ticket booth/entrance gate in Port aux Basques between 2:30am and 4:30am.  Trying to avoid night driving, we were scouting out a nearby place to park from sundown until we enter the ferry gate.  

We were thinking we might be able to stay at the Visitor Center lot again, but that parking lot isn't level so no slides can be deployed.  The campground owner shared that some have parked at the mall.  Another camper had mentioned a service station. 

Now if you ask me, the REAL reason they were heading off to Port aux Basques was to stop in at the Canadian Tire store that was spotted when we arrived in Newfoundland.

The first route taken, was the route that would take us to the ferry gate.  Signage was excellent and it was decided, even in the dark, could be located without any mishaps or wrong turns.

Next stop was a large level parking lot at a train museum.  Seeing as we would be in the lot after the museum closed, it looked like it might be an option.  Aunt Carol went inside and had an enlightening conversation with the attendants.  Tickets can be awarded/given out to those who 'camp' in the store lots.  Well, we really aren't camping....we just need a place to 'hang out' for about 5 or 6 hours....from sunset to 2:30am.  We aren't spending the day and interfering with paying customers.

The service station might be okay for vans and truck campers, but not two rigs our size. 

And then the mall, which has two anchor stores: Foodland and a variety store with a bank, flower/gift shop, clothing boutique, restaurant, hair salon, fabric store and a couple of empty stores making up the rest of the mall.  The parking lot was large and after hours should be empty...but once again....there is that possible ticket issue....so........

Uncle Steve took us back to the ferry ticket booth to inquire if it would be possible to arrive early.  After chatting with the agent, it was decided that option 1 will be the ferry gate.  If there is room inside the loading lanes, they will let us in early.  If there is no room, we can park outside the gate, provided the space is open and not occupied by other ferry travelers.  Not an overwhelming amount of room there.   Option 2 will be to use museum lot and pay the fine if we get ticketed.  Options 3 and 4 will be the mall parking lot and the visitor center lot.   Mission accomplished!!

Of course the next stop was......Candian Tire

Taking the jeep today was a good decision as the parking lot was petite.  The store may not have had much square footage, but they had loads of inventory strategically stocked on the shelves.  And right next door....just walk right over....was the Home Hardware Store which didn't carry near the inventory of Canadian Tire but it did have an item Uncle Steve was shopping for.

Our check out gal, Tonya Harvey was a hoot.  She told the story about how she absolutely hated to shop at Canadian Tire with her husband, and now just look where she is employed!!

She said we just had to eat at Seashore Restaurant in nearby Margaree out on Route 470 before we leave the area.  "The food is the best you'll find around.  It's to die for!"   When Momma asked her what her favorite meal was, she said EVERYTHING is delicious...outstanding!!  And good sized portions.   It was quite a successful review/sales pitch.

Yep, the gang headed toward Margaree to check out Seashore Restaurant.  

 

They arrived just after the restaurant had opened for the day and there was only one gal on duty at that time, although two more arrived while they were there.  It was a very laid back, slow, casual atmosphere.  In other words, everyone was seated and left to study the menu.... for quite a while.  The waitress finally returned with a ...I did't forget about you.  

Cod for three and a burger for Dad. (There is something about fish that seems to bring back memories of hugging the porcelain bowl the night his meal disagreed with him.)

Now our review made us wonder if Tonya has a connection to this restaurant??  Maybe it is all in what you are used to.  It was average which means we have enjoyed better meals, but it wasn't over the top to us as Tonya had raved.  We enjoyed the meals, but they weren't really memorable.  

But we enjoyed touring Margaree and enjoyed driving the streets lined with houses and the views in the background.

It is a very different landscape that hasn't grown tiring yet.

As the gang headed back to me, they noticed that the Visitor Center was open.  Yesterday it was closed due to ongoing maintenance.  Not only were they open, but knowledgeable Judy was tending the counter

 and she shared loads of history as well as current info.  What a treat!!  She is definitely in the right job😉

The gang made a day of it but they did get back to me in time for a late afternoon game of ball.

Once again, Auntie Carol brought me my evening treats when she and Uncle Steve dropped in to play Swoop. 

Travel day tomorrow....

I'm Chloe