Many Junes Ago

The end of June (29th – 30th) is very special to us; Monica’s birthday and our anniversary are back to back. This year, we got away to the east coast of NB to revisit some favorite sites and relive some favorite memories of our past.

It all started with a birthday bash as Monica marked her 62nd 🎂. We enjoyed a wonderful family lunch at La Sagouine restaurant in Bouctouche. We chose this on recommendations from friends. Supposedly, people go nuts for the pecan pie but I went for the deep fried New York cheesecake! Two of Monica’s sisters (Shirl and Marlene) and brother Frank along with full spousal accompaniment, joined us for great food, much merriment and birthday hugs for both Monica and Pauline.

Then we town-hopped our way north along the coast through Rexton and Richibucto just poking along the back roads. A quick stop in to see the spectacular windows at Saint Louis de Gonzague church and then a quick visit to the Richibucto River Winery to stock up, was all just 10 minutes away from our destination at L’Ancrage B’nB in Saint Louis de Kent.

Still full from lunch, we shared a quiet drizzly Monday evening celebrating Monica’s birthday over wine and chips and enjoying the view from our room.

The morning of the 30th was cloudy and breezy. We had a monumental breakfast at the inn. Then, what better way to celebrate 36 years of marriage than returning to the place of our first “get away” as new parents 34 years ago. Ryan was only 4 months old when we left him with my parents over night and sped off to Kouchibouquac National Park for a late honeymoon camping adventure. Like before, we walked for miles on Kelly’s Beach. This time, there was no one else in sight. It was glorious!

An afernoon spin to Pointe Sapin to see the lighthouse and then to Richibucto to get lobster rolls takeout at La Riva Grille saw us back at our room before 4 o’clock. The rest of the day was spent relaxing in utter East Coast contentment. We exchanged anniversary cards, enjoyed the lobster and finished with an evening stroll along the river to find some driftwood. The best peace and quiet ever!

Final morning, July 1st. Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦 After another fantastic breakfast, we said goodbye to Liane and Kores, our Dutch hosts at L’Ancrage BnB. Their hospitality gets 5 stars and we highly recommend this inn.

The drive home was easy with two little side stops at Cap Lumiere to see the lighthouse, and at Cote de Sainte Ann’s beach to look for sea glass. A lovely calm fog ushered us along the shore. The serenity was exquisite. Alas, no glass, but we really enjoyed the stroll. An hour and a half later, we were welcomed home by the peonies and delphiniums.

Happy Birthday and Anniversary, Monica. Exploring new places with you is perhaps my favorite thing to do.