Cape Breton Island to Dartmouth

Today we drove from Sydney to Dartmouth. The roads were better for the most part and the trees are already a lot greener and more flowers blooming. I would say that this drive was more rolling with gentle hills.

Close to 1/2 of Cape Breton Island is a lake. Bras d'Or is shaped like a large hand with many "fingers" so you come across sections of it all along the way.

Marley always finds a favorite tree to hang around in.

Without pre-planning, we came across Rita MacNeil's tea house. Unfortunately we were a day early for season opening but the place was really pretty.

Part of the Garden at the Tea House

Went through a small town called St. Peter's and came across a Christmas store. :)

At the causeway and canal that separates Cape Breton Island from the rest of Nova Scotia there is a swinging bridge. We just happened to arrive as the bridge was opening.

Nowhere to go until the 5 boats sailed through the canal.

The first of 5 boats to travel through the canal.

This is the welcome sign for the traffic arriving on Cape Breton from the southern part of Nova Scotia.

This large Catholic church, which is still being used, was situated on a small knoll overlooking the water.  It is very old but in pristine condition.

A four lane highway with only ourselves and 1 or 2 others to use it. Also, another view of the landscape.

Not sure if this picture should be in here but that road on the far right is the colour of terracotta like many sections of the highway. It's the colour of the local soil.

Arrived at our destination. It's the home of friends who used to live in Abbotsford, Lou and Marilyn Sawchenco.

Marley is glad to be out of the car.

Before dinner we went for a walk around the lake that is a few blocks from the house. It certainly was good to stretch the legs a bit after the drive.

Everything here is very green and fresh.

The lake is also home to many water craft competitions, regattas and races. This is the viewing house for judges and officials for these events.

It's kind of nice to have spring twice this year.

The fountain in the lake is a donation from a local resident and adds to the beauty of the setting.

There are so many large, old homes in this area.

Had a great salmon BBQ dinner with Lou and Marilyn before calling it a day.

Tomorrow we plan to take the water taxi across the bay to Halifax and do some walking along the shoreline.