Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, and revisiting New Brunswick.

A small confession here, we did spend the better part of  three days in Cape Breton before our journey to Newfoundland, and continued our travels through Cape Breton and the Cabot trail upon our return, but I thought I would do the whole of this part of Nova Scotia in one uninterrupted blog.

 So! We managed to get a fair amount done in those first three days before our break to Newfoundland. Spending our first evening at Battery provincial park, overlooking the Atlantic coastline and Bras d'Or lake, was a good way to relax before our business needs the next day.

Business needs , you say? In a manner of speaking, yes. We have, up to this point, traveled some rather rough roads, and in anticipation of Newfoundlands roads, ( they did not disappoint! )we decided to head off into Sydney for a much needed tire alignment, rotation, and oil change...

During this time while we awaited the completion of Sir Vanagons spa treatment, we took advantage of the loaner car the company gave  us and set off in search  of lunch and used book stores, both of which were aquired in short and satisfying order!

 Sir Vanagons spa day completed, we were off to do a trip through  Glace bay, and then off to Mira park for a few nights of camping and stray cat friend making, ( Rob had to restrain himself from smuggling him in the van with him, it made such an impression! ) before we were off on our 16 hour ferry ride to Newfoundland!

Returning from Newfoundland to Cape Breton was a much shorter affair, only a 6 hour ride, and at our 4am departure time, allowed us leave for a short nap and some dolphin watching  along the trip. Arriving once again in Sydney, we made our way to the nearest picnic park for a much needed 2 hour nap before starting our tour of the Cabot Trail.

We began our tour with a trip into the town of Ingonish, for groceries and various supplies before heading to Broad Cove for an evenings worth of camping, and continued on through the next morning, stopping in at Neils harbour, Pleasant bay, Cheticamp, and lastly Mabou, ( home of the Red Shoe pub, owned by the famous Rankin family. ) all along the way admiring the views and calm weather.

 Back out of the park, we camped out for an evening at Caribou - Munroes provincial park, before heading into Amherst for more supplies, and making our way back into New Brunswick and Kouchibouguac national park.Here, we found a most excellent, ( and cheap! ) campspot, nestled in the trees and right on the ocean, and being that we arrived on the first day of lobster season here... found myself wishing desperately for a big enough pot!!! Two glorious nights, two most excellent thunderstorms, ( there is something to be said for washing your hair in the rain... ) and we're off again. .. back to the Fundy coast to explore the Hopewell rocks. A beautiful hike, a sunshiney day, and a walk on the ocean floor... where once there was 46 meters of water, when the tide goes out, the island bases are exposed, and you are free to wander amongst them until the tide comes back to claim them 6 hours later. ( A very cool experience! )

Fredericton was our last big town stop in New Brunswick, a quaint university town full of culture, good  breakfast, scenic views, and good bookstores... and as I type this we are very near the Quebec border, at Sugarloaf provincial park. ( Mountain bikers take note... you should come to this park!!!!! Its defiinately catering to you... lifts up the mountain, killer trails and jumps... you know you wanna.... )

 And so, until the  next blog...

                     Carla, Rob, and Sir V.