NB Travel Report

Grand Lake

We landed on a hot and humid Saturday, walked on the tarmac to the terminal in the blinding sun to meet Ivo's grandparents. Even the heat couldn't melt their enthusiasm. Tropical like weather doesn't often visit the Maritimes and we think it may have been stuck to our clothes.

We went to eat at the Irving Big Stop where you can order breakfast and lunch at the same time all day so we did. At the table next to us sat three pigs. They had ordered quite a spread. They started with hors d'oeuvres: the first pig had chicken wings with all the dipping sauces, the next one had jalapeno poppers and the third must have been really sweaty 'cause he had a tall, cool glass of Maritime water.

These farming communities sure can be colourful. We skipped hors d'oeuvres and went straight for the main courses; the servings were huge as expected. Ivo sat in a high chair for the second time, the first being at Friday's on Friday with some favorite uncles. So then, the pigs' main courses arrived. The first pig had a hot roast beef sandwich with a side of poutine smothered in gravy. The second pig had mashed potatoes, vinegared fiddleheads and big slab of fresh brook trout. The third pig had a pitcher of lemon ice water which he drank down with abandon.

The restaurant was really crowded and we couldn't believe that pigs were allowed to sit inside. We didn't say anything 'cause we didn't want to come off as rude. There were some soldiers waiting to be seated. They were wearing kilts. We didn't say anything about that either.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying their meals very much. Ivo was getting to know his Grampy and Grammie. The bottomless black coffee was coupling nicely with that initial return home buzz you get after long stays away.

Finally, it was time for dessert. Being completely stuffed and ready to get on the road for home, we all declined. The pigs seemed to be ready for more however. As the waitress hovered, the first pig ordered a whole apple pie topped with Rocky Road ice cream. The second pig had strawberry shortcake drowned in whipped cream. The third pig again had a tall glass of water. At this point, curiousity got the better of me and I leaned over and said to the third pig, "Aren't you hungry? Why aren't you eating any food?" To which he replied, "Well, someone's gotta go 'Wee, wee, wee' all the way home."

Joke courtesy 8 year old relative. Thanks. I can hear the shhh-ing from here.