We left Lamèque to head towards Kouchibouguac National Park. Google kept trying to put us on the fast track while I was definitely thinking more on the slow track. We stayed off of the main highways following the Acadian trail more or less near the ocean. The trail is marked with Starfish signs, so we thought it would be a good indicator. This area of New Brunswick is covered in low mixed forests of white pine and deciduous trees; some of them are already starting to change colour signaling the end of summer. The pines used to be taller; the settlers cut most of the big ones down to use for ship masts back in the 1700's or so.
We took a detour off off the Starfish trail and found ourselves on a secluded section of beach; even though we had only been driving for about an hour and a half we parked up and stayed the night.
![dji_fly_20250827_171320_412_1756325609533_photo_optimized[1]](https://alongfortheride.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/dji_fly_20250827_171320_412_1756325609533_photo_optimized1.jpg "dji_fly_20250827_171320_412_1756325609533_photo_optimized[1]")
The location near Gardiner Point was perfect. It was quiet, we had the sound of waves (though a bit calm), and we had an amazing sunset. We strolled down the rocky beach and wore Pete down (you never really wear him out) then came back to the van and called it a night. The next morning we sat out and watched the ocean with our coffee and toast then reluctantly packed up and headed to our campground at Kouchibouguac.
![PXL_20250827_192515653.RAW-01.MP.COVER[1]](https://alongfortheride.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PXL_20250827_192515653.RAW-01.MP_.COVER1_.jpg "PXL_20250827_192515653.RAW-01.MP.COVER[1]")
![PXL_20250828_222537526.RAW-01.COVER[1]](https://alongfortheride.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/PXL_20250828_222537526.RAW-01.COVER1_.jpg "PXL_20250828_222537526.RAW-01.COVER[1]")
We are at that stage of the trip where we have some chores to do, can never truly escape those I guess. Today (Friday) is laundry day, we need to clean out the sand in the van from Pete, dump grey water, and so on. We will head down to the sand dunes this afternoon when the jobs are done and go for another bike ride on the forest trails. This campground is really peaceful, large campsites and decent showers. We leave here tomorrow heading in the direction of Moncton and Bay of Fundy. We are still tossing up options about going to Newfoundland; waiting to see what the forest fires are up to before we make that call.
The military home-on-wheels was amazing. I bet the owner and you have a good chat about the retrofit. The marshes, ocean and salt marshes so very East coast. Lucky you. Enjoy it all.
Dawn
Looks like a lovely rest spot. Those chores do not take care of themselves unfortunately.
Nice photos! I haven’t had time to read through your journey as I’m late to find out about your blog! Safe travels!!