MAKING A MOVE

Today we are moving to Prince Edward Island, about a 187 mile trip having to cross the Ferry. Have a good day......................Mike

THINGS TO DO AROUND THE MOTOR HOME

Today Darlene and Bettye went on a sail boat on the BrasD'or lake they had a good time, and took lots of pictures. Earl and I stayed back at the
Motor Home washing it and getting ready to move. Today I gave Gumbo
a good dog haircut. Earl came by , seeing how good of a job that I was
doing on Gumbo, he asked me if I would cut his hair, I do have to say for
the first time I did a pretty good job, but then again there was not much
there to cut. Hang in there EARL....................................Mike

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

After leaving the Halifax region we traveled 240 miles to Baddeck on Cape Breton Island. Our center of operations for four days would be Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground near one entrance to the Cabot Trail. From here we would travel to tour the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in Baddeck, travel parts of the world famous Cabot Trail, perhaps take in a music concert and maybe eat some lobster.

The Alexander Graham Bell Museum exhibits show how Bell and his associates achieved Canada’s first powered flight with the Silver Dart, produced the fastest boat in the world, made improvements to the phonograph, designed giant kites and, of course, invented the telephone. Hands-on activities, original artifacts, films and photographs all help to make for a delightful and informative tour. Bell’s contributions to improving communication methods for the deaf are noteworthy.

Silver Dart  Replica                                                                      

We enjoyed a picnic lunch at the museum with a superb view of Bras d’Or Lake.

Lunch with Dr. Bell

Bras d'Or Lake

The evening was spent enjoying a concert at Baddeck Ceilidh Gathering featuring Cape Breton fiddle and piano music along with square dancing and step dancing – very talented, entertaining musicians and dancers performing traditional Scottish songs.

Foot stomping only, no hand clapping

Volunteer dancers from the audience

While the recommended time to spend on the Cabot Trail is 3 – 5 days, we traveled it in one day. Over 20 pull-off viewpoints along the trail provided ample opportunities for spectacular views of the mountains, plateaus, St. Lawrence Gulf and Atlantic Ocean – especially look-offs at French, North and MacKenzie mountains.

Margaree Fish Hatchery tour was unplanned, but we are glad we stopped.

Our favorite section of Cabot Trail is Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

St. Lawrence Gulf

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Fisherman's Cove

Delightful dining at Bell Buoy featuring lobster, fresh oysters and seafood – grilled salmon and French soup for Michael, pan fried halibut for Darlene and Earl (smoked salmon appetizer) and for Bettye, you guessed it, shrimp cocktail, lobster with seafood chowder.

Bell Buoy Restaurant in Baddeck

Happy Trails!

“Which way Da’lene?”

Grande Pre’ Nova Scotia is the region settled in the late 17^th century by immigrants who named the region Acadia. The Acadians were farmers who applied technology to recover land from the sea. Thus their farms were prosperous, so they wanted to remain neutral during wars being fought between the Brits and the French over who should control the Acadians’ money. Just milk their cows and feed their chickens. Since they would not join the Brits in battle, the Brits expelled the Acadians from Nova Scotia, burning their homes and barns after eating all their bacon and eggs.

Expulsion beginning in 1755

As they were driven from their farms, they declared “Which way Da’lene?” “Go south, Beb, toward Carolina.” After many floundering days on the Atlantic, the Acadians arrived at the Carolina coast and declared “Which way Da’lene?” This was not the correct password, so the Acadians were denied access and returned to the seas. After many days they arrived at the coast of New Orleans. Upon arriving they declared “Who Dat?” Bam – the password was correct so they were permitted access into the system and raged into New Orleans and thrived on shrimp and crawfish for years. However, now that the Acadians were in the south, they became known as the Cajuns – Ragin’ Cajuns, that is. One day the Cajuns decided to move. “Which way Da’lene?” “Go to Tennessee, Beb.” So the Ragin’ Cajuns settled in Tennessee and prospered after learning key language phrases such as “shoot fire” “aw, hell” “maters” and “taters.”

"O Evangeline, why can't you be true? You done started back doin' the things you used to do."

After many years in Tennessee the Ragin’ Cajuns decided to leave the Volunteer state. “Which way Da’lene?” “Let’s go to Canada, Beb.” So off to Canada went the Ragin’ Cajuns. Where did they land? That’s right – Acadia. But now they were back in the north, so they became known as the Acadians – Ragian Acadians that is. Thus the history of North America’s most infamous Acadians.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Without question, the very best city to visit in all of Canada's Atlantic provinces is Halifax, Nova Scotia. Two days are insufficient for exploring this vibrant capital city by the sea, but we gave it the ol’ college try. You don’t have to be a buff – history, food, shopping, art, music, et. al. to immerse yourself in this city. It’s all here from attractions to unique escapes, to family fun, to the beaches, to the parks and much more. Our favorite attraction is the Halifax Harbor Walk.

For food buffs

For rich and famous

For lobster lovers

For Justin Bieber? fans

For family fun

For shoppers

Other gems included:

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada - One of Canada's most visited national historic sites, it features living history, period exhibits, audio-video presentations, guided tours, and one of the worlds oldest cannons fired every day at noon.

This is how my rifle is loaded

This is how my cannon is fired

Who fired that shot?

What? a Scottish Cajun?

Lunch at The Works – just one of many shops along the Halifax burger trail.

Halluvaburgers for us

Halluvacrew

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic – Earl immersed himself in Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage. Highlights here included the Halifax Explosion, Titanic and CSS Acadia exhibits.

Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery – toured the original operations of Nova Scotia’s very first brewmaster. A unique, stage production-like presentation along the tour route of story-telling, singing, dancing and narration helped to make the tour interesting and enjoyable – not to mention the free beer, of course.

Built on Lower Water St.

Taking the time to do it right

Belly up to the bar, folks!

Roll out the barrels....

After leaving Halifax, it was back to Peggy’s Cove for enjoying a beautiful sunset in paradise!

 Happy trails!

Sunset at Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Cove was so enjoyable that we went back at sunset - twice as a matter of fact. Darlene was so enthralled, she demanded us to return the second and third times.

Words cannot adequately describe the beauty!

Ocean Spray Atlantic Style

Another day is ending in paradise.

The beacon awakens as the sun sets.

Without a doubt, Peggy's Cove is the favorite place for all of us thus far in our trip.

Happy Trails

Happy Anniversary Bettye and Earl

August 8, 2013 – Happy Anniversary Bettye and Earl – no. 43. Plus, Bettye got her nails done today! After picking up Bettye, the Coonheels are off to Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg to continue touring St. Margaret’s Bay Region.

Gems for the day included:

               Dinghy sailboat races in Chester

Lunch at The Biscuit Eater in Mahone Bay:

Earl

Bettye 

Darlene 

Michael

Fisheries Museum and water front in Lunenburg

Non-gem for the day:

Bettye missed last step exiting the RV and wrenched her back. Not good. At least tomorrow is a planned downtime day so she will get to rest and medicate all day.

Happy trails!