It’s Tradition
These fun-filled ‘Bestie Blasts’ are an annual event
Our “Bestie Blasts“all started when five of us girlfriends decided to get fit for a wedding we were attending. The three months of daily walking evolved into more adventures.
The first was a trip to Shubenacadie, N.S., to ride the tidal bore on a rubber raft. None of us had done this before so we chose to go in July, when the water was calm enough for gals aged 50-plus! The river guide was a 25-year-old named Mark, who knew we were there for an adventure. When we hit the top of a wave, he’d gun the motor of the raft to make sure we got the thrill of a lifetime! A couple of us couldn’t get up off the bottom of the raft we were laughing so hard.
Another great time was when we attended the International Tattoo in Halifax. We took daily strolls on the boardwalk along the waterfront, and through Victoria Park in Truro, which is where we set our home base for the trip.
The following year, we took a bus trip to Sainte-anne-deBeaupré in Quebec, where we attended mass, shopped, tastetested wines and visited Old Quebec. The fireworks competition at Montmorency Falls was spectacular!
In year three, we took a road trip to the little island of Campobello, N.B., which lies in Canadian waters near the U.S. We took a ferry there from the Canadian side, but later went
over the border via the Roosevelt Bridge to shop. We stayed in a cabin and made our own meals, walked the beaches and boardwalk, visited lighthouses and museums, ate dulse, bought homemade soaps and even stopped to help a local mason build a real stone wall.
In year four, we took a fivehour ferry ride—an adventure in itself— from P.E.I. to the Magdalen Islands in Quebec. The ferry’s captain even came down from his helm to meet us and have lunch. The Magdalen Islands are connected by sand dunes, where we watched many windsurfers. Our outings included stops at a cheese factory, a winery and a salt mine. We also visited the second largest wooden church in North America, which is built mainly with wood from shipwrecks. We also learned about the most important mammal to local residents—seals. It was a joy to be on a bus tour and not have to worry about planning an itinerary. The Mi’kmaq name for the Magdalen Islands is Menagoesenog, meaning “Islands brushed by waves.” A dance was organized for our group with local fiddle music. Our tour guide was from Quebec, but wore a kilt. The hospitality was great!
For our Bestie Blasts all we need is a fun activity, friendship and laughter. It’s a great way to reconnect with our youth as well. These are cherished times together and we look forward to a new Bestie Blast adventure every year. n