Stars in the Lake – Ingonish National Park
Ingonish National Park and Cape Breton were so marvellous I did not have time to mourn leaving Newfoundland. The highlight was the empowering night walk, “Seeing in the Dark”, where we sharpened hidden survival capacities. There is also a wonderful double beach – lake plus ocean right by the campground.
The Remarkable Place – Middle Head Peninsula
“The End of Land”, “The Remarkable Place”, as its original indigenous name means, was, indeed, remarkable in its beauty. Middle Head Peninsula was bought for $600 by Henry Corson to nurse his ailing wife to health. Cormorants, Indian Pipe, ducks, whales and sturdy tough vegetation confront the harsh weather. An easy rewarding loop walk.
Up Cape Breton’s Eastern Coast
Choosing not to challenge the coyotes on the coastal road, I drove up Cape Breton’s East Coast – watched the seagulls fly against the picturesque lighthouse at Neil’s Harbor, saw the stunning rocks at Green Point (keeping in mind the rouge waves!!!), and closed the day over drink and music at the Atlantic Restaurant by the Keltic Lodge.
Going for the Vertical – Mount Franey
Climbing Mount Franey. Dragging behing all the younger folk, but nonetheless getting there. Exhilirating views. Worth every minute.
End of the World – Meat Cove
Meat Cove, Cape Breton – The End of the World. Winds, waves, rocks jutting into an unconstrained ocean, a group of wonderful tenters perched up on cliffs… Walking by the beach and up a mountain;, sharing about “life” with a mysterious fellow traveller; enjoying a dinner by the fire with friendly expats.
Lookouts on the Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic routes in the world. It is impossible to drive around without stopping again and again, taking pictures and breathing it all in. Even if you just come for a day, the Cabot Trail lookouts make your trip worthy.
Buddhas Everywhere
Gampo Abbey, Cape Breton. An inspirational visit to a Buddhist monastery and stupa located in Pleasant Bay, off the Cabot Trail., Grounds are beautifully maintained, creating a sense of the sacred. A nice climb leads to a mountain shrine. Stone panels in the stupa yard are inscribed with spiritual messages.
Western Cabot Trail – Cheticamp, Le Buttereau, Skyline
Western Cabot Trail is rich with history, geology and beauty. You can’t go wrong, but I was the only one walking the historical La Buttreau, visiting the ruins of Acadian fishemen’s houses. On the popular Skyline Trail we fought the winds and the rain . A cozy social evening at Le Gabriele closed the day.