Cabot Trail

Owen had not taken the Cabot Trail in 1993. He wanted to make sure he was able to see it this time. That was part of the reason for this short trip out and back. We got up prepared to drive the whole trail. By the time we left Baddeck it was eleven am. Looking at the map of the Cape Breton Highlands I realized that it would take some time to drive the whole trail and then another 3-4 hours to get back to Halifax. We decided head around the trail to Igonish for lunch and then make a decision as to whether or not to continue around or head back for Halifax.

On Monday morning I had read in the local Halifax paper about the revival of Gaelic culture on Cape Breton Island. The number of Gaelic speakers has grown over the last number of years. Part of the reason for this is the Colaisde na Gaidhlig (the Gaelic College). This college was our first stop. Here there was a store, which sold the various Gaelic crafts created by the students at the college. There were other souvenirs as well.

The views from the road were definitely worth the 1200 km trip out and back.

The road at times was very steep and windy.

But as I stated the views were definitely worth it.

And we think winter has lasted long at home ...

We ate lunch at a restaurant recommended by Connie and Gary. It was great food and our server was very friendly and full of information on what it was like to life in such a beautiful but very isolated place. He told us about the snow storm of May 5, which is why there is so much snow still lying around. He also told us that taking the very at St. Ann's would cut 20-25 minutes off our return trip.

We drove a little further but decided to turn around and head back to Halifax. As we drove back we went past the marina at Ingonish and actually noticed it this time.

One last picture. There were little cemeteries dotting the hillsides all through our trip.

Love and Prayers,
Amie