First Week in Nova Scotia

8-28 to 9-4

8/28- Our first day back to Nova Scotia was a day to relax and sort out what Lynne and Reubin will be taking back to Prince Edward Island when they leave tomorrow. Lalia and I are here for a week so we'll be able to see some of the Cape Breton area.

8/29- Lynne and Reubin left today. We spent 5 weeks at their place in PEI and then 5 ½ weeks with them in Newfoundland and we had a wonderful time. Seems a little strange to be here now without them. Today we visited the town of Baddeck which is a busy little town mainly because the Cabot Trail starts and ends in Baddeck.

8/30 - Drove to Louisbourg today and on the way we had to take a 5 minute ferry ride across the Little Narrows of Bras d'Or Lake.

Louisbourg is a wonderful old French town and fortress where the Canadian government has restored almost 70% of the town and fort to its condition in the 1700’s. Lots to see and learn about this wonderful place.

As we approach Louisbourg on the bus

The Fortress-town and fort

Fort Louisbourg

More reenactors on the parade grounds than in the town because it's September

The streets are wide

Food raised in gardens is used in the meals at the Inn

The baker and his apprentices sell bread from the French Oven

We bought a loaf and sampled the bread when it was served with our lunch, Ray Fish stew, Lalia Pea soup.

8/31- Today we drove the Cabot Trail which includes the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This entire ride was about 6 hours and had some very nice scenery but both Lalia and I felt the Cabot Trail, although nice, is over hyped a little. Maybe we're spoiled by spending so much time in Newfoundland where it seemed there was a photo opportunity around every corner. We still had a very nice day and we're glad we drove this trail.

At the beginning the view was of Bras d'Or Lake

But soon the Atlantic came into view

Classic view of the road ahead

A rare sandy beach

 

A remote coast

Rocky coast with classic forests

At this spot we saw seals just off shore

This fishing boat was racing along the coast

Reminded us of Newfoundland - Classic lighthouse

You can't see the wind, but it was fierce! 

9/1- It rained most of the day and we spent our time planning the rest of our trip, washing clothes, and just relaxing. Nice day!!

9/2- Our final day in Baddeck was spent mainly at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, a truly interesting place where we learned a lot about this man and his wife, how much they contributed to flight in Canada, and their years spent at their summer home of Beinn Bhreagh. Bell formed the Aerial Experiment Association and developed the Silver Dart. Ray was particularly intrigued to learn that a single engine plane (Hubbard Monoplane) built by the Canadian Aeronautical Company formed in 1910 and funded by Bell, flew on Lake Baddeck in 1910.

Silver Dart part of the Aerial Experiment Association
flown in 1909

Hubbard Monoplane part of Canadian Aerodrome Company
flown in 1910

9/3- This day was spent driving to our next stop which is Sherbrooke.