Nova Scotia - Cape Breton, Canada

Driving up through Cape Breton from Halifax brought some unexpected treats. First was the town of Antagonish. It  was a surprise to see the town signs in English AND Gaelic. Hadn't seen that since being in Ireland. It started with the  welcome "cead mile failte" sign at the town entrance and it was evident that the further east we travelled, the more Celtic the influence. Antagonish is another University town.... that always brings life to a place and, here in Canada and USA, we are finding some of the university towns abound in history. As we crossed the causeway into Cape Breton, the Gaelic increased. It's a gorgeous coast with lobster, puffin and lighthouse statues dotted everywhere. We were not here to explore the Cabot Trail [next time.. we were on a mission to get to Labrador], so travelled up the Bras D'Or Lake scenic drive with a few side diversions on the way.   

     

 


The Gaelic College at St. Anne's was a great diversion. A beautiful part of the coast with bagpipes and ceilihs thrown in to the mix. It's amazing that even here, where they SHOULD be more used to Irish, Welsh, Scots and English accents, they still don't pick us as Aussies. They think we are Irish and Scottish first, then Welsh, then English... everything but Aussies. Either Australians don't visit here much [hard to believe] or we speak funny :-) :-)                      
   

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One of the funny things we have noticed that the further east we go, the more pedestrians rule. If you look the slightest like crossing the road, all the traffic just come to a stop.  In North Sydney, we were contemplating where to eat for tea. I was checking out the cafe across the road, Adam dilly dallying in the car. Next minute the traffic on the OTHER side had stopped. Then our side. Shite... I HAD to cross the road. It's weird. Canada are very gracious and polite drivers we have found, and the east coast drivers are just amazing.
   
After watching sunset on Indian Beach, we watched our ferry prepare for the morning crossing to Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland. We paid to have reserved seats - nice recliners with a good view for the 6 hour journey. We spent a lot of time on deck as there were whales and close up dolphins to watch on the way. And new friends to chat to from all around the globe. The Blue Putees was the name of the boat and I reckon it was ancient. The elevators didn't work, no wifi and the rust... well. It was decorated in lovely shades of browns reminiscent of the 70s. However, we did hear it was about to be replaced, so we sat back and enjoyed the ride.
          
CAPE BRETON - TAKE 2.
Back on mainland after a tranquil sleeper cabin on the Atlantic Vision ferry. Our cabin was spacious - bigger than the Trans Siberian cabin and smaller than the Greek Islands cruise ferry to put it into perspective. We had a lovely port hole - moonport - as the full moon glistened on the water and sent lovely reflections into the cabin. Cabin prices were way more expensive, however for 16 hours it was WELL worth it. Driving back through Cape Breton and we called in again at St. Anne's for some more bagpipes and briefly travelled this segment of the Cabot Trail. Another diversion to Biddeck for yet more souvenir shopping and to admire the scenery. Whilst Cape Breton is beautiful [we met someone from Victoria who said it was like a big Great Ocean Road] if we were to return, it wouldn't be in the height of summer. There are just sooooo many people all wanting to share the same space. Whilst MOST things are open from June to September, the May and October months would offer enough for those who want the delights without the crowds.