We just had a fantastic family weekend!! My husband had bought a ticket for the Tatamagouche Train Station Inn (www.trainstation.ca) at the Nova Scotia Nature Trust Dinner and Auction last year. We had seen the place while travelling through Tatamagouche previously, and someone at his work had been there, so it was on our list of things to do someday. So glad we made it there. What a unique experience! We hadn't talked it up to the kids too much, but they didn't need it, they were sooo excited. When we made it there on Saturday afternoon, they could hardly contain themselves. We were in Caboose #6. We had a late lunch in the diningcar. (yummy seafood chowder for me! the kids loved their pita pizza, too). Then we headed back to the caboose so the kids could play while Al was getting a run in on the old trainbed trail that was right beside our place. The kids loved climbing up to the cupola where they could sit in the chairs and make the windshield wipers move. They also discovered the closets that they could hide in. They played hide and seek. They got along splendidly :) After awhile, I decided we needed some outside time so we strolled down the Trans Canada trail, looking out for their dad, and finding a little artsy store selling souvenirs, baked goods and ice cream. We settled on some gingerbread cookies - delish!! We decided to hang out in the Creamery Square outside (too bad we missed the Saturday morning market), until we spotted a hot & sweaty dad. I can't say much, as I haven't been doing my runs lately. I did decide it was time to get a walk in myself (that's right, all by myself!) and I walked up the trail to the Mercantile Store. They had a few nice things but not the pottery butter dish that I have been looking for. The boys met me there in the car, and we decided it was time for the kids to get some outside time at the school playground. All too soon (for the kids), it was time to go for supper. We did love the diningcar experience for lunch, but I was worried about it too formal for us for the evening and tired kids. We checked out Big Al's which is right next door. The server was awesome, the place had some interesting characters (in person and wood statues), and we met Big Al!! A little walk through downtown Tatamagouche after supper, then back to the caboose for more climbing and hiding. It did take awhile for Zach to settle down for bed, partly because he was in a train, and partly because that's just what he does some nights. There were a few ATVs for by, but not many, and none that I heard after I went to sleep (and I'm a light sleeper, even after a glass of red wine).
The next morning, we had our complimentary scones and coffee (kids had cereal and juice). You can buy a full breakfast but we planned on going to Sugar Moon Farm later so we opted for the complimentary light breakfast. I had some time to check out the gift shop (quite a variety - too bad I'm not a better shopper) while the kids and Al went back to the caboose to play again. It was really like having an indoor playground in your room. Oh, and I do have to make special mention to the water pressure in the shower - absolutely fantastic! I gathered from reading some of the guests comments that this place is a special and unique place for a variety of people, young and old. My children just loved it immensely, and I wonder when the questions will start, "when can we go back to the train station inn?"
When we left the train station inn, it was surprising quiet in the car as we headed for Sugar Moon Farm (www.sugarmoon.ca). We arrived about noon. The parking lot was full. Liam decided that he could wait to eat, and we should do our hike first. This is a 6.2k loop trail which goes over Rogart Mt., and initially we thought we would do a short section and return back to the restaurant. None the less, Al packed up our backpack with snacks, water, and extra clothes. We all donned our rain jackets as it was a little chilly and looked like it might rain soon. We did this trail last year with my dad and his girlfriend (may 9th, 2010 as we discovered in the trail book of one of geocaches we found again). As is somewhat common, Liam and I took off quickly, and Zachary and Al stayed together. We did link up as "trains" for a few sections of the trail which helped keep the motivation going. Overall, we seemed to be zooming along sections, and before long, we knew we would be doing the whole trail. I worried that we didn't have enough food and water, but the kids kept a great pace. We stopped at several geocaches, and for a few snack breaks. Liam and I ran quite a few sections of it - super great for trail running. Liam had a couple of falls but seemed to recover quickly. Zach had one that "required" a little band-aid. By the time we returned to the parking lot, and more importantly, the restaurant, things had cleared out. We had a feast of pancakes and juice, and Al enjoyed the sausage and beans, too. And lots and lots of maple syrup!!! in the lovely log cabin setting. With a new map for more hiking trails in the area, full bellies and a wonderful kids CD, we headed down the road for home.
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