Finishing Our Time on Cape Breton

 July 23 - 24, 2024

Got up early to hit the 5 mile Skyline Trail before it got crowded. When we went by it yesterday it was close because the parking lot - which was enormous- was full, and we didn't want to deal with all that. The weather was perfect. 

We were warned because a momma bear and cubs had been seen the day before but, as has held true throughout our trip, no big wildlife was seen. 

Despite the unflattering photo and dour expression on my face, the raspberry was delicious.

The views were incredible but more stairs! 234 up and down this time

Trying to reestablish native plants while keeping the moose out by fencing the rehab area with gates for hikers to open and close

Moose print vs a deer hoof

Moose antlers are huge and heavy, and the shed and regrow them every year

Stopped here but, in our rumpled, sweaty hiking duds, we were definitely out of place. 

Spoiler - we didn't buy this

Nor did we buy these, though they have us a chuckle

Spent the night in Basters Cove, on a grassy picnic area next to a trail overlooking the harbor. Another van and a car with tent campers joined us. 

The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre didn't open until lunch time so we had a leisurely morning, showering once the others left, and watching a boat being brought to dry dock. 

The Centre was less interpretative and more "music while you eat". The food was meh but the music was lovely.

And then we were off to North Sydney,  our last stop in Nova Scotia. We parked in a lot across from the marina for the night. 

Then walked through the town

Art in front of the library

Coast Guard ship in dry dock

Lovely murals

The ferry headed for Argentia, Newfoundland

Matthew thought he was pretty funny taking a photo of me with the boat High Maintenance, so I flipped him off, not realizing the truck beside it had people in it. I apologize to them, and learned they were the owners of said boat. Had a good laugh and chat with them.

Working deck of a fishing boat

The view on our last night in Nova Scotia