15-Sept-24 Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
Need to get to Yarmouth today. Southern tip of Nova Scotia. For ferry tomorrow. Had booked a shuttle bus. But they are not terribly forthcoming about getting in touch and confirming by email. Had to ring from Corner Brook to confirm he had actually received my booking by email. Having had to write all credit card details down in email to confirm the booking you will understand my nervousness. Had reduced credit card limit to a paltry sum just in case. He confirms in email that all OK.
But.
I’m hesitant. Very low scoring reviews online. Took the money but never turned up sort of thing. Cancelled at the last minute sort of thing.
Fairly critical that I reach Yarmouth today. If I miss the ferry to Bar Harbour in Maine, the next one is Thursday. And do not want to be stuck in Yarmouth for a few days. If you’ve been, dear reader, you’ll understand why.
A text confirming the pick up was sent yesterday. So fingers crossed there’s no last minute cancellation. It’s CAD110 for the 4hr journey. Suspect it only works if they have a full shuttle bus of seven people.
Old folk from Georgia at my hotel also waiting for the same shuttle. So that’s three at least.
Thankfully. It arrives just before 1300hrs. Knackered old thing it is. The sort of minibus you see on a construction project ferrying workers about. Dirty inside. Uncomfortable. 400,000km on the clock.
Already three in. Little old lady. All nice and comfy in the front passenger seat. Two women on rear seat. Four seats remain. On one back seat next to women. Three on middle row.
Georgia folk sit next to each other on middle row. I sit on back row next to women. Clearly not wanting the Great White to sit next to them they are insistent there is more room in the middle row.
There isn’t because the vacant middle row seat is behind the front passenger seat. The back row that side at least has room to put right leg straight in gap between middle row seat and sliding door.
It’s the left leg that is the problem, dear reader. Not enough room. Knee digs into seat in front.
Can assure you, dear reader, it’s not a comfortable position to be in.
Journey should take about 3hrs-ish from Halifax. For the 200 miles.
But.
We have to go to the airport first to pick up final passenger.
The airport 45 minutes north of Halifax.
And a further 45 minutes back to Halifax.
After 30 minutes enroute to the airport realise I am not going to cope with nearly five hours sitting like this.
But. Brainwave.
Mr Georgia is sitting in the middle of the middle row. His legs are in the gap between the driver’s and front passenger’s seats.
Tap on shoulder.
Kind few words. Posh English voice. Oh yes, dear reader, can do posh when needs be.
Nicely does it.
Of course. Not a problem. He says. Fully understanding my predicament. His boss was 6’8”.
Swap over at the airport.
Ah. Yes. That’s moderately more comfortable.
But now sit there trying to be as thin as possible so as not to encroach on him and his wife now either side of me.
Don’t do thin very well, dear reader.
And then the long. Very long. Journey south. For five hours. All sitting in silence. Looking out the window.
For five long hours.
Seats are the most uncomfortable. The sort where the springs have gone and you can feel the metal frame.
A brief pause for a leg stretch and pit stop in Liverpool.
All along the main highway pass signs to small villages by the sea a few kilometres away. Each one seemingly having a historic waterfront.
Long straight roads. Trees with splashes of autumnal reds and yellows intersperse the otherwise green forest we drive through.
For five long hours.
Can’t even play music in my headphones in case it can be heard by my neighbours.
Mrs Georgia chews gum. But not in that quiet way. No. That squelching way.
For five long hours.
Finally. Just before 1800hrs. After. Five long hours. Arrive Yarmouth.
Oh. My. God. Do. I. Ache.
In need of a decent night’s sleep as an early start. Somewhat perturbed by the very noisy ventilation system. Corridor is literally vibrating with the noise and air flow.
Bathroom extract is like a vacuum cleaner.
Jeez.
Painful day that!
Very long and cold beer needed!