Our summer weather is great for
outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking,
painting, bicycling, birding, photography, and
beach combing. And rock hounding, of course!
During heat waves well into 30sC or 90sF on the
mainland, we have had clear skies, light
breezes, and temperatures in the 20s C or 70s F.
Say Ahhhh....
Stones2Gems Cottage
is closed for 2018 -- see us in
2019
A small island holiday cottage owned
and maintained by Greg and Nancy McHone of North
Head, on the island of Grand Manan, New Brunswick,
Canada. It is quiet, private, very clean, and
comfortable for 1 or 2 people, or a third person
could use the futon. The cottage was completely
renovated in 2009 with new floors, furnishings,
and beds. This is a place where anyone can relax
and enjoy a peaceful and inexpensive holiday, as
well as perfect for the amateur naturalist, rock
hound, writer, birder, photographer, or artist,
with scenery that has attracted visitors for more
than 150 years. Come to our friendly, peaceful
island, far from the cares of your busy
life.
We
rent it by the week (usually Sunday
afternoon to Sunday morning), only to mature,
non-smoking couples and individuals. If you are
looking for just a few days on the island or a
different week-long schedule, we will try to
accommodate you before mid-June or after
mid-September. Check the reservation calendar
below, then contact us for special rates.
Rental
seasons are normally June to October, but if
you wish to visit another time, feel free to ask.
The "high season" months are July and August, and
for then you should make your reservation as early
as possible -- see the calendar below.
Rates
for 2017 will again be $600 CAD for a week
with one or more days in July or August, which is
competitive with other island cottages. Our price
includes all taxes and fees. For weeks completely
in June, September, or October, the rate is $500
CAD per week. Reservations for more than one week
have a $50 discount per week (but you handle
laundry and necessary cleaning during your stay).
As costs rise we must raise the rent, but if you
come back next year we will charge you last year's
rate.
Our
location on a quiet side lane has no ocean
view because it is set well back in a large
private lot surrounded by trees. But it is only a
short walk down to Pettes Cove Beach and Net
Point, or up the hill to Swallowtail Head and
Light. Pettes Cove
is unspoiled, peaceful, and very beautiful. It is
another easy walk past the ferry landing and
through North Head village, which has an active
fishermen's wharf, post office, restaurants, inns,
small shops, and handsome old houses. Slightly
farther west are the
Saturday Farmer's Market,
Stanley's Beach, the drug store, bakery, and
island hospital.
The
cottage is small, one bedroom with two
new twin beds, a full bathroom with closet off the
bedroom, and a front room with a full kitchen and
living area, including a futon sofa and easy
chair. It is not for large families or for extra
guests to stay over. A well-mannered pet is OK,
but you must agree to pay any related costs for
cleaning or damage. A TV in the corner also plays
DVD videos, with a small library of movies and
books, and a telephone for local calls (bring your
cell phone for long distance). We hope to
have wireless internet starting in May 2015. The
deck is partially shaded during the day, with
chairs and a small table as well as a charcoal
grill. Charcoal and lighter are
provided. A clothes line is in the back yard
-- no washer/dryer at the cottage, but a
commercial laundromat is available down the
island. For folks who find stairs to be difficult,
please note there are 8 steps up to the deck and
door.
It
is always beautiful on Grand Manan, with
ever changing skies and seas. Wild flowers are
everywhere in June, including fields of colorful
lupines. The best weather usually arrives in July,
and it is commonly clear and mild through
September into October. The warmest temperatures
are in mid-July through mid-August, but evenings
are cooler, and air conditioning is not needed or
used by most island people. Breathe deeply -- our
air has the moist, fresh, invigorating quality of
the North Atlantic Ocean.
You
will find no heavy traffic, no crowds, no
tourist traps, no ugly developments -- just
friendly people, small unspoiled villages, and
outdoor nature activities. Wander with your
camera, go hiking, kayaking, whale watching, or
biking, or just relax at a beach or the cottage
with a good book. Most things you need can be
purchased or rented on the island. Life here is
secure and peaceful, with fantastic ocean scenery
everywhere you go.
The stereo
microscope on the small table can be used
to examine stones, plants, shells, sand, and other
small items. I collect and renovate microscopes,
so let me know if you are interested in one to
take home.
Payment:
At this time (May 2017) the American dollar is
higher in value to the Canadian dollar, and we
will calculate a payment in USD to match what the
bank will exchange to CAD (it constantly changes
and what we get is NOT the rate you see on the
web). Immediate payment of half ($300 CAD) is
requested to reserve the cottage, with the
remainder due upon arrival. Refunds are possible
up to 2 weeks before arrival (earlier notice is
appreciated). Reservations are first come-first
served, so contact us as early as you can for the
days you want. Payment is by personal cheque drawn
on a US or Canadian bank in USD$ or CAD$ (made out
to Stones2Gems), or by PayPal. Or cash, but only
in person. No business or bank cheques, please.
Sorry, no credit cards directly, but you can use
them in PayPal (james@earth2geologists.net
is the PayPal payment address).
Contact us via email
or postal mail for reservations
and to arrange payment. Our mailing address
is:
Greg
and Nancy McHone
Stones2Gems
9
Dexters Lane
Grand
Manan, NB E5G3A6 Canada
Please
use
email
if possible; or call us at 506-662-3327 before 9
PM Atlantic time.
Every rental cottage has a few rules.
How
to get here? See these travel
directions
Get
updates and information -- join our Stones2Gems Cottage
Facebook page (click
the Like button)
Nearby are many places of interest.
What
to do when you visit? 25 activities
recommendations.
When
is the best time to visit? times to visit recommendations.
New
to Grand Manan? Spend some time looking over the
island website.
Here
are some Questions and Answers
about visiting Grand Manan
Here
is a brief History and Geology of
Pettes Cove.
See
this new travel video on YouTube, about a visit to Grand Manan
scroll to the bottom to see a
calendar of reservations and events
