The Cabot Trail

On our schedule today was to drive the Cabot Trail around the Cape Breton peninsula. After a wonderful breakfast at the B&B, we headed out on the Trans Canada to catch the Cabot Trail. We had planned to start on the East side, however when we got to Englishtown there was a small ferry that cost CASH $7.00 and neither of us had a cent in our pockets so we drove back the few kms to find and ATM which was not to be found so we decided to continue on the highway and start with the west coast side of the trip. It was cloudy and cool but dry. 

The terrain and vegetation is very different than what we are used to on the East Coast. 

Excited about seeing the first sign indicating that the Cabot Trail is just up ahead.

"Just turn at the Red Barn, you can't miss it" they said. And 'they' were right!

At times the road narrowed to a one lane bridge. There were a number of bridges being replaced so the temporary Bailey bridges were in place.

The coast line with the colourful rock formations. The harbour was full of small fishing vessels that we figured out, from the signs, were tending lobster traps.

Typical of the terrain we saw along the west side.

Along the whole trail we discovered these large churches that are in the middle of nowhere. Still used and very old.

The Cabot Trail takes you through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Not a building to be seen but such a colourful array of plant life and trees including many larch trees.

 Sometimes the highway followed the coastline close to the ocean and at other times it swung inland and climbed and went through some very high mountain passes.

It's early spring here in Cape Breton so the grasses are just greening and the trees are just beginning to leaf resulting in a hillside of variegated green.

The rock formations are very colourful. We drove on roads the colour of that pink in this boulder. Yes the one that Marley is sitting on.

A number of times we drove from high in the clouds all the way back down to the water. The thermometer went from 11C to 2C and back to 10C.

On the east side the shoreline is often a beach of small pebbles. Very colourful rocks of all shapes.

This beach was listed as a swimming beach but I didn't see anyone on the beach or in the water. It was 5C so I think it will be a while before that happens.

A short walk took us to this outcropping of boulders of strange colours and designs.

Now I know where the coloured sand comes from to make that 'pink' asphalt that we were driving on.

A very calm ocean. We were about 2/3rds of the way along the trail when it started to rain.

 The shoreline went on with this same pattern for miles and miles.

Even Marley was perplexed by the designs and patterns in the boulders. 

Snakes and Ladders or whatever. So unique.

I would have to speak to an archaeologist to find out what the composition of these boulders is. 

Another church way out in nowhere.

Because of the rain we decided to make the best of it and so we stopped at the various artisan shops along the way. This shop, call Sew Inclined, was run by an eccentric Milner who made unique hats. Lucy left empty handed. She does some unique work for sure. 

We also stopped at a glass blowing place. The shop had so many delicate pieces of art that I thought it would be best if my visit was short. The front yard had these pieces of art that spun in the wind. Enough to drive any neighbour away. :)

This was the small ferry that we took which was like crossing a freeway. Crossing time was 2.5 minutes. :)

This journey took us back to the Trans Canada. We had completed the Cabot Trail. With the extra day light time left we decided to take another destination off of our bucket list. To give some history behind this let me explain that a number of months ago one of our church members sang a song called Ode to the Mira. (look it up on youtube and listen to it) Anyway, we found an excellent performance of the song by the Vancouver group Chor Leoni, and have played it many times. The song is about the river Mira and the village of Marion Bridge. So we decided that one day we would visit it. Today was that day.

It was dinner time when we arrived so we sought out a place to eat and found this out of the way restaurant on the Mira. The Mira River Cottages and Restaurant. It was run by a Swiss family who had moved here 20 years ago. Great food and service.

This was the inside of the main dining room. Yes that's Lucy in the far corner.

This is a wharf on the Mira owned by the Mira Cottages people.

Same wharf

Very pleased with the day. We saw so much and experienced more then we expected. 

Tomorrow it is on to St. Peter's, Truro and Dartmouth (Halifax).

Road Trip Day Three Sea Day

Our day to leave Newfoundland and head to Nova Scotia. Thank you Barton, Carman, Riley & Liam, Bridger, Nikolai and Mattea for a wonderful visit. (Also Kyle and Sonia and my little buddy's Tyler and Barrett).

The last day ended with a beautiful sunset and our view of the inner harbour was amazing. As it got darker, the reflector lights on the rocks in the harbour came on and lit the way for a safe journey into the harbour and to the dock.

We woke to a bright, sunny day. Especially pleased that it was totally calm. At 6am we heard a ships horn and, looking out, we saw our ship coming in. The Atlantic Vision.

Marley ready for the trip across to Nova Scotia. The ship leaves at 11:45am and we are required to be there at least two hours before. So a 9am we headed to the ferry terminal.

We went through security and then had a light breakfast at the terminal building followed by a stroll around the dock yard. The 3 of us.

This is a large ship but one of the smaller ones that make the crossing. This ship is usually on the longer Argentia crossing that starts mid June for the summer.

One last view of Port aux Basques

Oh my, will we all fit on this ship?

Time to board. One last scan of our boarding passes and we are directed to drive up the ramp and load on deck five. The last scan gives them the names of all of those who will be on board. 

Up on deck 5 and crossing the loading platform as we are being waved through.












Driving on and all the way down to the end. By my count, there were at least 35 tractor trailer units on board plus well over 100 vehicles parked on 5 levels. Two levels were this large by height and the other three were not as high and that's were the smaller sedans were loaded. There was an elevator to every level if you needed it.

This was our own private stateroom for the day. Beds, bathroom complete with shower, closet space, a small desk and a couple of chairs. PLUS a window.

A view of the other end of the room. Certainly was a good choice to have this room. A place to put your things while you were out and about on the ship.

One of the bright lounges for reading, relaxing, visiting, working on your computer or just watching water.

A nice promenade deck on the 10th floor. 

We are just about to set sail. 

Last photo with a Newfoundland backdrop

 Looking through the wheel house to the lighthouse island. A rather narrow passageway for this large ship.

Up on the promenade deck to watch departure.

On the promenade deck enjoying the sun and pondering the voyage ahead.

Lucy doing the same.

Departure time right on schedule. The last we will see of Newfoundland for a while. It will fade in the distance as Nova Scotia appears into the horizon.

We navigated the narrow channel with ease and head out into the open sea. It remained calm.

We have been blessed with an amazing day weather wise. A relatively calm sea and clear skies. The ship rocked and rolled ever so slowly. My sea sickness was held at bay. I felt fine the whole trip without Gravol.

Somewhere out there is Nova Scotia

Somewhere back there in the distance is Newfoundland.

Marley hangin' around the promenade deck.

And on the life preserver.

 The ship has 10 decks plus the 11th for the crew.

 Spending time in the lounge area.

Making friends with the ships Steward, Barry.

First sighting of land. Probably the east side of Cape Breton.

Slowly docking at the pier. We were the 4th vehicle off of the ferry so we had no wait and no traffic when we got off in Sydney.

This is the Bed & Breakfast that we will stay at for two nights.

 The owner of the B & B suggested we try dinner at the Black Spoon just a short walk away. The meal was amazing. So glad we tried this place.

Thought this was a good name for a hair salon.

Just a block away from our B&B is this old Anglican church that was built in 1905. Survived the great fire and is still used today. 





That was about it for today. Tomorrow we hope to drive the Cabot Trail.