“Once a year,  go someplace you have never been before.”

        ~Dalai Lama

So here I am, travelling on my own again.  My first day without Karen, I decided I would drive to Hopewell Rocks.  I left early in the morning to catch low tide to see the red shores and the huge sea stacks.  I am glad I went early because throngs of people showed up as I was leaving.  

 I drove south for a little further and then decided to visit farm stands and a farmer’s market.  I came back to the trailer with a bundle of fresh vegetables and sourdough bread.  

 The next day I planned to drive to Shediac on the coast.  I did but it was a downpour and the roads were flooding.  I decided to find a coffee shop and do a bit of writing and catch up on emails.  By the time I finished my coffee it was still pouring so back to the campsite I went.  It was not raining here so I took the opportunity to go to Costco, get fuel, and do some laundry.  

 August 15 - I drove to Grand Falls, NB.  I had heard about covered bridges in New Brunswick and it was suggested that I must see Hartland covered bridge.  I looked it up and to my delight it was on the way to Grand Falls.  

I set the GPS for Hartland Covered Bridge.  It took me to the bridge alright.  It took me to the end where there was no parking and nowhere to turn around with a travel trailer.  

  It’s a one lane bridge.  The last car coming the opposite direction had come through.  I gulped, looked up and said to Morgan, we can do this.  I was sure I had enough clearance if I stuck to the middle of the bridge.  

The bridge is 391 metres long.  It was the longest 391 metres in my life.  Construction started in 1898 and ended in 1901.  The piers are concrete and the bridge trusses are wooden.  

When I reached the other side there was a lady in her car, window down, and waiting to cross.  She said to me, “You are one brave lady.”

I proceeded to the parking lot (where I expected to be led to in the first place).  Then Morgan and I walked the bridge.  

 I made my way to Grand Falls where I stayed at Chez Walmart Campground.  It was me and eight other RVers spending the night.  I was happy that the traffic noise was fairly quiet by 2200 hrs.  That meant I would sleep well.  

August 16 - Grand Falls to Quebec City (Levis).  Today is also my wedding anniversary.  Ron and I would have been married 25 years.  I still miss my husband so very, very much.  ❤️

 I decided to take the Trans Canada most of the way and when I got to Rivière du Loup I diverted to Highway 132.  Oh my goodness, what a beautiful drive along the St. Lawrence River.  Farm stands, little villages, and wheat swaying in the fields. There were also a lot of cyclists so that told me it was a popular route.  

I made it to Chez Walmart Campground in Levis by 1500 hrs.  

  Now here is a story.  I belong to a group on FB called Road Widows, Road Warriors.  The women, as they name implies are widows and they are RVers.   I recently discovered a lady in the group who lives in Nanaimo.  We touched base by messenger but never had time to meet before I left.  As it was, she too was planning a trip across Canada.  Well, we managed to meet in Quebec City at Walmart.  And speaking of this Walmart, there were signs all over the place NO CAMPING.  After Diane and I met, I moved the trailer to Canadian Tire :).  She is car camping.  She is much braver than me, that I know for sure.  I invited her for dinner and a sleepover in a bed which she jumped at the chance to accept.  We have a lovely evening.  The next morning we parted ways.  She is heading east and I am officially heading west.  

August 17 - Quebec City to North Lancaster to a Harvest Host

 Because I had such a beautiful drive on Highway 132 east of Quebec City I thought I would drive the same highway heading west out of Quebec City.  While it was beautiful I was challenged by an abundance of road construction and detours.  It was taking forever to get to Montreal so I diverted to a main highway.  I ended up going through the city of Montreal but I was a pro considering Karen and I passed through Montreal on our way east.  I arrived at my host location about 1600 hrs.  

 I am not going to go into a lot of detail here bus suffice it to say that I had a very bizarre experience with this particular host and I was very happy to leave the next morning.  It you are a part of Harvest Host, please avoid The Old Flax Mill in North Lancaster.  

August 18 - North Lancaster to Almonte

 While on Fogo Island, Karen and I met a lovely couple named Steve and Joan.  We met because Karen and I rescued their tent as it was being blown across the field towards the water.  They were very thankful and after that we became know as the tent rescuers.  We kept in touch by email and I was invited to their farm on my way through Ontario.  I took them up on their offer.  I really enjoyed to get to know them better.  I had a lovely and quiet stay.  Steve and I played guitar together, Joan made fabulous meals, and Morgan fell in love with their Golden Retriever, Clara.  Clara could have cared less about Morgan.  

Their farmhouse is almost 200 years old.  Steve has done all the renovations himself and it is a work of art with the old farmhouse charm.  

 

I left on the morning of the 20th heading to Niagara Falls.  How can you be so close and not visit the Falls.  I also wanted to meet up with a zoom friend so that meant I could accomplish two things.  My stays in Niagara were through Harvest Hosts.  Both were at wineries with the first at Lundy Manor Wine Cellars and the second was at Creekside Estate.  Both have great tasting wine.  The bonus is that Creekside was near Christine and we got to go on a short hike together.  Zoom is great but meeting people in person is greater.  

 While in the Niagara area, Morgan and I visited the falls and of course they were a sight to behold.  The amount of water that flows is incredible.  I also could not help but think about the people who have attempted going over the falls in barrels and, and, and Nik Wallenda who walked the tightrope over the falls.  Crazzzzzzy! The weather, the mist, the energy!!! He did it at night too.  Watch it on YouTube.

 I had planned on staying a third night but my gut was telling me to head toward the Bruce Peninsula.  So, I changed plans and headed to Craigleith Provincial Park, the very park where I met up with Karen in May.  We met up again.  I gave her the things she left in the trailer, we visited a winery, and had dinner at her place.  I had come full circle. 

We also did a short hike and somehow along the way Morgan became lame but I didn’t notice until we got back to camp.  I decided to give it a day to see if she got better. I knew it was not her shoulder, her knee or her wrist - if dogs have those joints.  It was all about her toes.  I did not know if it was fractured, spanned or bruised.  

 August 24 -  Morgan is still limping.  She will have a day off her paw.  I am sure it will help.   We left for Tobermoray on the Bruce Peninsula.  It was a beautiful drive.  I have reservations for the 17:45 ferry to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island.  

 I got very concerned about Morgan’s paw so while in the ferry lineup I started calling veterinary clinics.  I started with Manitoulin Island.  Their response was that they are booked up and try phoning around.  Between Manitoulin Island and Sault Ste Marie I called at least 25.  I was also getting the response that I would be charged an emergency fee.  With that in mind, I decided to bite the bullet and suck up the fee.  I called the Island Animal Hospital, on Manitoulin Island, and said that if I have to pay an emergency fee I will do it there because I would be there this evening.  

 Now that got them thinking.  I was put on hold and when they came back to the phone I was asked if I could bring her in first thing in the morning.  I said yes.  I feel better that I can have her looked at.  It may be nothing but it may be something.  

Dogs are allowed upstairs on the ferry, both inside and out.  Because of all the people I carried Morgan upstairs and we found a sheltered place to sit outside and enjoy the view. The weather was great.  

 I believe this is my first ‘Lake’ ferry.  It was a bit odd not seeing kelp or watching for whales.  In addition, there was no ocean breeze with that salty aroma I love.  

I didn’t have a plan of where to stay but I found out that across from the vet is the recreation centre with a huge parking lot.  That is where we called home for the night.  Morgan is still not bearing any weight on her little paw.  She is eating, peeing, and pooping.  I will not give her any food until after the vet.  

 August 25 - Morgan is still not bearing weight on her paw.  I had her at the vet at 08:45 where I had to leave her until they found time to check her out.  Two hours later the vet called to ask which paw because she was jumping round in excitement - probably to get out of the crate.  Hahahaha.  I confirmed the right front paw.  Another few minutes and I got another call that nothing is broken and she will be fine.  Keep her quiet for a few more days they suggested.  

I decided to stay on Manitoulin another night just to be sure.  We stayed at Little Current near the marina.  It was quiet and beautiful.  Morgan was doing great.  Hindsight tells me that I could have waited an extra day but …

 August 26 - We are heading West!  This is the day that I make my way to Ontario Highway 17.  This is the highway I used to travel east so it feels somewhat familiar.  I decided to drive until I didn’t want to drive anymore.  Pancake Bay Provincial Park is how far I got today.  From the highway it looked small.  I doubted I would get a spot BUT when they had room for me I found out there were over 300 campsites, plus it took me 15 minutes do drive to my site.  It was a great place to walk Morgan and there was a nice sandy beach for her to swim.  

 August 27 was just a travel day and we stayed at Penn Lake Park in Marathon, Ontario.  I washed the truck and camper.  It was filthy from the mud roads on Manitoulin Island.  

August 28 - Today was especially exciting because I went to an amethyst mine where I got to mine (or pick) my own amethyst pieces.  I learned that the geodes with amethyst come from Brazil.  Canada’s amethysts develop in veins.  It was difficult to stop myself from collecting more that I would ever need, but I did.  

 Morgan and I carried onwards.  I refuelled in Upsala.  Little did I know when I said fill ‘er up that I would drain the last of the fuel from their tank.  I was close to being topped up so I was happy to carry on.  There were a few people waiting for gas and I didn’t wait to witness their reaction  when they were told the station was out.  

 We spent the night at a rest stop just east of Ignace.  It was a nice place to walk Morgan.  Although there was a lake, it was not a good swimming lake with all the murkiness and lily pads.  I talked to a fellow photographer.  He lives in his van.  You can find his work at AmericanNomadPhotographer.com    I also met another lady from Vancouver also on her way west.  It was a busy little spot.  

 August 29 - On the way east I stayed at a Harvest Host/Boondockers location near Kenora.  I enjoyed it by the lake so I made arrangements to stay two nights on my way west.  I also took an opportunity to clip Morgan to help keep her cool in the hot weather expected as I cross the prairie provinces.  It was a relaxing stay and I also needed the break from travelling.  

August 31 - A few days ago I contacted a photographer in a FB group called Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba Grain Elevators.  I was enjoying the pictures that were appearing on the page and asked him if there were many elevators near the Trans Canada Highway.  He was kind enough to give me a list of eight.  I was delighted because it made it so much easier for me to photograph them as I am travelling.  My first grain elevator was in Dufrense, Manitoba.  

 I am learning that some of the elevators have been demolished, some have been modified and upgraded, some have been repurposed, and some have been restored for historic purposes.  I have found through the FB group that they are scattered throughout the Prairies and there is an incredible following.  

Tonight I got to meet Karen’s mom and step-dad in Winnipeg.  I am staying at the Walmart closest to their apartment.  Bernie was kind enough to come and pick Morgan and me up.  We had a lovely chat, solved all the world’s problems, and ate a delicious home-cooked dinner.  It is always wonderful when someone else does the cooking.  Thank you Bernie and Gerry.  I am grateful for the opportunity to meet you two delightful people.  

 September 1 - Not on the list of elevators but some I heard about in Inglis, MB.  It was a bit of a detour from the TC but well worth it.  I also enjoyed the side roads where I am seeing a lot of activity in the fields with the farmers getting their grains harvested before the weather changes.  Next stop for the day was Elkhorn, MB for another few photographs before settling into a rest stop a few kilometres from the Saskatchewan border.  It was another great place with lots of grass for Morgan and I to play for her exercise.  

This stop was full of truckers and five RVers.  

September 2 - Swift Current is my goal for the end of my driving day but of course I didn’t get far before stopping in Moosomin for photos, followed by Grenfell, and finally Sintaluta.  

 I was fortunate to get two nights at the Ponderosa campground in Swift Current.  I was thankful for the power so that I could use the AC in the scorching heat and for the laundromat to catch up on some washing.  It always feels great to get the laundry done.  

With the extra time after laundry I drove back to Herbert to get some shots of the grain elevator there.  In all honesty, I was too tired and hot to stop on the way, so going back was much more enjoyable.  

The campground was nest to Swift Current Creek so Morgan had a few very refreshing swims.  

 September 4 - Westward HO! With a detour through Lethbridge to Taber for the evening.  Now here is the interesting thing.  I may have settled for a rest stop but the police alerts about the two brothers at large for stabbing 28 people, in Saskatchewan, led me to believe I would be safer in a campground.  By the time I got to the campground the alert was for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.  They were both still at large and the police seemed no closer to making any arrests.  

On the way I stopped for another grain elevator at Gull Lake.  Also this morning the air quality was very poor due to wild fires in BC and Washington State.  I could see it, smell it, and taste it.  

Fortunately the Taber Municipal campground was in a bit of a hollow and the air was a bit better down there.  Being another hot day, I took Morgan to the river for a much needed swim and cooldown.  The campground was a gem of a spot on a hot day.  There were huge broad-leaf trees everywhere.  

 September 5 - On y way to Langdon, AB to stay with Wayne and Wendy Mikkelsen at their farm for a few days.  Of course, I stopped for more grain elevators.  This time in Stavely and Nanton.  Nanton had a bonus old car near it that I could fit into one of the pictures.  I loved it.  

I also a tried to go to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site but after driving 20 kms off the highway to go there and to walk up to the building I find that dogs are not welcome.  No, I didn’t google it because I spontaneously decided to go when I saw the sign on the highway.  Grrrrrr.  And of course it was far too hot to leave Morgan in the truck or the trailer for any length of time.  Off we continued to Langdon.  

 It’s great to be back.  And I am still here.  What have I been doing for the past five days?  Cutting corn of the cob to ready for freezing, digging and cleaning carrots, slicing beets for pickling, walking Morgan in the fields, riding in a combine, learning about farming, sharing stories, laughing a lot, and just having a great time before hitting the road again soon.  

 I wish travel therapy was covered 

by my health insurance. 

~ Unknown

 Our next leg of the journey was back to the Cabot Trail but this time the east side of the Cabot Trail.  Here is the story.  I worked with a gal 10 years ago in the Provincial Government.  I thought that she had moved back to Cape Breton so I emailed another friend to find out.  Turns out she is still in Victoria but was going to visit her Dad on Cape Breton.  I emailed Sadie to see when she would be there.  Turns out that we would be able to connect.  

 She was kind enough to offer her Dad’s property for us to stay.  Since he lives there (Skir Dhu is what they call the property) I thought it would be polite to phone him and introduce myself and to check that it would be actually be OK.  We got the OK from Roddie (Sadie’s Dad).  

We had a wonderful stay on beautiful property overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  Sadie and I reconnected, had some beer, shared some stories, and laughed a lot.  

 

Karen and I explored the last bit of the Cabot Trail that we had not seen.  Ate some of Neil Harbour’s world-famous chowder.  We also ventured into Englishtown via the ferry and into Baddeck for some groceries.  

To top off our visit and escorted by Sadie, we met numerous relatives in Englishtown and enjoyed a fundraiser (with great music) for the local Giant MacAskill Museum.  Karen won a hat and shirt.  The local beer rep felt sorry for me and gave me a hoodies.  Please support Cape Breton BrewRey for being so kind.  We were also gifted a few cans of beer for our journey ahead.  

 Now a story about Morgan.  For quite some time she has been licking her paws.  I would say about a year.  Working with the vet it was suggested that maybe it was an allergy.  We went from chicken to lamb, to salmon, and then duck.  I also added probiotics to her diet.  I had switched her to hydrolized protein food.  It had only been a couple weeks that she was on her new food but the licking got out of control.  Morgan had become unsettled at night.  She was agitated more than usual.  I knew I needed to get her to a vet.  It was Saturday of a long weekend.  Thank the Universe, the Baddeck Veterinary Clinic agreed to meet us.  

 Morgan was a trooper.  He took a culture from between her toes.  It came back that she was suffering from fungus and bacteria.  That resulted in three medications to help her find some relief.  I taped socks to her feet or put a cone on her so that her feet could heal without her biting and licking them.  This went on for a week.  There was a marked improvement.  As I write, she is at the end of her medications and is a much more relaxed puppy.  I am so relieved.  Now we see what happens in the next few weeks.  

Monday, August 1

 Our next leg of the journey was heading toward Halifax to visit my sister, Dana.  First we stopped in Antigonish to visit a Comox Valley friend, Pat McKenna, who recently moved back home.  We also took the opportunity to do laundry.  W hidden RV Park is a great little park next to town.  It was remarkably quiet and comfortable.  There was a little creek behind us which was great for Morgan to wade in and cool off.  

 

Pat and I had a great two-hour catch up.  It is always interesting to talk to people who have moved home to Nova Scotia or Newfoundland.  Their roots are deep.  Thanks for the coffee, Pat!  Sorry I forgot to grab a selfie of the three of us.  I wish you all the best with your music career and will continue to follow you on FB.  

 On August 3 we were once again on our way with no plans of where to stay. We have learned that you can usually count on a brewery to let you stay in their parking lot.  The brewery we called was happy for us to visit but explained that he didn’t have much of a parking lot and we could stay in the abandoned church next door.  We did.  The Harbour Brewing Company was the most unique brewery I have ever visited.  It is tiny and cluttered but they have a great deck and dogs are welcome.  Food is not served but we were allowed to order take out from the restaurant down the road.  We were happy to sit in the shade, sip our flight of beers, and eat some tasty food.  

 The next morning we went for a walk.  Karen walked longer than me.  I was getting eaten alive by mozzies.  Back at the trailer I readied for heading to Halifax.  On the way, I asked Karen what was on the shopping list.  She went to pull out her phone but it was nowhere to be found.  We turned around and luckily found it lying in the parking lot with a shattered screen.  Clearly I had run over it.  

 In Halifax we settled in to the city Harvest Host for two nights.  It was great.  We were under trees for some shade.  That evening we caught up with my sister and her husband.  Karen and I ate way too much ice cream that day.  Ice cream from Costco and ice cream for dessert.  

Happily we met again the next night for dinner after Karen and I explored some of the area.  

August 6 we headed to another Harvest Host that situated us between Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg.  It was perfect and again, lovely people who shared their bathroom for showers and swimming pool to cool off.  Morgan was allowed in too.  

 Our first night we headed to Peggy’s Cove to catch the sunset.  Guess what?  The fog rolled in.  We spent time waiting for the fog to roll out by chatting with another photographer.  

The next day was a Lunenburg day.  Weirdly I woke up with a limp.  Happily, it went away within 48 hours.  I have no idea what triggered it but it’s gone.  

 August 8 was a journey to the Annapolis Valley to yet again, another Harvest Host - Hennigar’s Farm.  I thought we would be in the parking lot but no, we were in the orchard with a view over the valley.  It rained but we didn’t care.  It was still beautiful.  

I also caught up with a friend of a friend.  She is a Rotarian and our mutual friend in a Rotarian in Africa and Washington State.  We had great conversations.  After that we headed of to Blomidon Provincial Park.

 OMG, it is beautiful and spacious.  The views from the park office are stunning.  We settled, took Morgan for a walk and later went to the beach.  It was a red mud beach but fun nonetheless.  It was so different from anything I had seen before.  

August 10 we had a visitor to our campsite, a friend of Karen’s.  Her name is Sarah McInnis of The Legacy Song Project.  Check her out at sarahmcinnis.com.  I was so honoured to play guitar with her.  She is an amazing person with an amazing goal.  

 That night, Karen and I had a campfire with wood we hauled all the way from Ontario.  Hahahaha.  Only took a couple months but it was a great fire with a sip of Scotch.  

I cannot speak for Karen but I was feeling our vacation coming to an end.  You see, she booked her ticket home for August 12 from Moncton.  Neither of us really talked about it much.  

 August 11 we headed to Amhurst to an RV site that had laundry.  For some reason, Karen wanted to go home with clean laundry in her bag rather than a bag of dirty laundry.  Hahahaha.  We had planned on going out for our ‘last supper’ but there was nothing nearby except for fast food.  I cooked her a cheese omelette- how is that for a classy last dinner?  

Karen’s monumental task was to pack her couple of bags  to take all her treasures home.  It was interesting to see what was excluded.  😂😂

 August 12 we headed to Moncton where I planned to stay three nights for a couple of reasons.  One to see Hopewell Rocks and two, to adjust to being solo again.  Karen needed to be at the VIA Rail station by 4 ish so after we got to the campground we unhooked the trailer and went exploring.  

 The first thing we did was go up and down Magnetic Hill.  I didn’t master the illusion the first time so, like children, we went around for a second turn.  This time it worked if I looked in my side mirror as we coasted backwards.  Hahahahah.

We parked and grabbed a latte then walked the riverfront on Moncton.  It is also home to some great mural art in the downtown area so we did a walking tour.  

 The sad moment came for me to drop Karen at VIA Rail.  We didn’t say much, just hugged and mumbled a “See ya soon.”  It was true.  Karen was going to try to hook up with my as I travelled to Tobermoray to take the ferry to Manotoulin Island.  

I got in the truck and it was oddly quiet.  

It’s your road and yours alone.  Others may walk it with you but no one can walk it for you. 

~ Rumi

 WOW, WOW, Wow, I cannot believe how the time has flown.  Needless to say, we have been busy.  Plus, the internet connection (cellular or wifi) has been very poor and is too weak to upload my blog and pictures.  So, here I am today catching you up. 

Sit back, relax, grab a cold beverage, and enjoy.  

 From Trout River, near Gros Morne National Park we travelled toward Port Aux Basques.  On the way we stopped in Corner Brook to pickup some prescription dog food for Morgan.  I am still battling with her licking her paws and finding no relief for her.  Royal Canin Hydrolized protein food is next.  I pray to the Canine Gods that this will work for her.  

 To get this food I had to phone my vet in Cumberland - thank you Dr. Carol Champion! - to send me a prescription so I could then forward it to the vet in Corner Brook.  Thank goodness they had a couple bags of food that I could pick up and know that it will do me for quite a while.  With that out of the way we ventured onwards.

 July 15 we stayed at the Barachois Provincial Park.  From there we toured the French Ancestors Loop which led us to a spectacular beach that we knew nothing about, Blue Beach on a spit of land called Long Point.  We stayed for about an hour. Morgan had a swim, we took pictures, and we breathed in the beauty.  We ended the loop with dinner at Secret Cove Brewery (Port Au Port)  which has become one of our favourites.  

 Stephenville is a short drive from Barachois.  It was the home of Ernest Harmon Air Force Base.  It is a bit eerie driving through this decommissioned property.  Funny, though, there is still the guard building at the entrance.  Even funnier is the mannequin that mans the building.  If it weren’t for the traffic behind me I may have thrown cash for a toll.  Hahaha.  And to tell the truth, I did a double take not knowing if it was real or not.  

July 17 - Barachois to Codroy 

 Again we did some great exploring and found ourselves in the Codroy Valley at Cape Anguilla Lighthouse.  It was absolutely beautiful with the sky, the glittering ocean and of course, the lighthouse.  

Our campground spot was at the side of a beautiful river.  Sadly, I got eaten by no-see-ums.  It also happened at Barachois.  I actually went to the pharmacy in Codroy to purchase some Benedryll because I reacted so badly.  For me it was torture - the itch, the pain and the swelling lasted days.  

 Another day trip that we did was to Rose Blanche Lighthouse.  This was an old stone lighthouse that they have turned into a museum. I had to take a moment to pause here.  There were sailboats leaving the harbour.  It struck me that one of those boats in a past dream could have been Ron and me.  In silence I watched them for a long while.

 To get to Rose Blanche we drove through some interesting little towns.  One of them was Burnt Islands. The population is 521 according to Wikipedia.  As with most communities in Newfoundland, it was developed around the fishing industry.  And with the moratorium on cod fishing, it too has suffered.  But for one enterprising fella he is thriving.  He purchases old fishing rope and makes mats.  And yes, I bought one.  That will be two mats I have purchased in Newfoundland.  I just love them and they will be great at my beach house.  

 July 19 - Port Aux Basques, NL to North Sydney, NS

The ferry to Nova Scotia is six to seven hours.  On top of that they wanted us at the terminal at least two hours early.  And because I naturally like to be early we were there plenty before the deadline.  Our ferry left at 11:45 and I am glad to say it was uneventful.  We had a pet-friendly cabin so, in fact, we were all comfortable in Morgan’s air conditioned room.  

 I was lucky to secure a Harvest Host spot for when we arrived.  It was close to the ferry and easy for me to make my way to Sydney the next day.  My truck is due for another servicing.  This is service #2 since I left in April.  That means I am packing on the kilometres and that is good because that was the whole idea :)

Colburne Ford let us stay the next night while the truck got serviced.  We also took the opportunity to grocery shop and get propane.  

July 21 - Sydney to Cheticamp

Oh my goodness.  We lucked into a beautiful campground.  We could walk to the ocean and take in spectacular sunsets.  This was our home base while we explored part of the Cabot Trail.   

 Meat Cove.  Now what kind of name is that?  One that says, visit me.  We did.  As with Blue Beach in Newfoundland, we were delighted with Meat Cove.  Admittedly, the water was freezing but Morgan had a great time swimming. I wet my feet, took pictures, and enjoyed the serenity of this little bay.  

 Meat Cove is Nova Scotia’s most northerly settlement.  From Meat Cove we headed to Bay St. Lawrence, another little community.  This place had an emotional attachment that I did not realize until I stopped to walk where Ron and I walked 14 years ago.  It is the place where we watched the fog crawl over the hills as the sun dissipated it.  We were in awe.  It was like I felt his presence.  

We ended our little tour by visiting Dingwall.  I have to remind you that these little places do not have stores or coffee shops.  They are just places and each one offers its own unique character and style.  That is what makes them worth exploring.  

 The next morning, I gave Morgan a clipping to help her be cooler in the warm weather.  It was getting hot by mid morning and we were all wanting to be cool.  We set up the bug tent which offers a bit of shade and fortunately we had electricity to use the AC.  

 We did laundry in the afternoon.  The laundromat was down the road.  While it washed we drove down to a little art gallery and coffee shop for a iced latte.  It was shady for Morgan and we were all happy.  When we got back to the laundry we discovered that the washing machine did not spin our clothes or bed linen.  Everything was sopping wet.  Piece by piece we took it outside to wring it out before putting it in the dryer.  Grrrrrrrrrrrr.  

 The end of the day was spent in the Atlantic Ocean swimming at sunset with Morgan and Karen.  It was a beautiful end to a beautiful day.  

The Skyline Trail on Cape Breton is very popular and for good reason.  I really wanted to do it but I knew that I could not hike it in the heat.  Also, Morgan is not allowed on that trail.  I decided that it was best for me if we got up early and did it in the morning.  That meant leaving about 0600.  

 It was the best choice.  We were the second car in the parking lot.  It was fairly cool. And, best of all, we did not see many people.  It was over 10 kms by the time we finished.  At that point, everyone else was arriving and we were happy to be heading out as it got warmer.  The views were stunning and I can see why a lot of people like to do it in the evening.  For me, comfort in the cool of the morning was great.  

 We left Cheticamp in the afternoon to find a new place to stay.  Our goal was to explore the Ceilidh Trail (pronounced Caley).  We found a beautiful spot on Lake Ainslie but unfortunately they could only accommodate us one night.  We had a lake side spot and it was great for a cooling-down swim.  

It was funny too.  The owner said that the men near us were talking about us.  Apparently a couple of them were going to offer help until they realized we didn’t need their help.  Hahahahaha.  We made a good impression.  I told him if any need a lesson that I offer them for free.  

July 25 - Hyclass RV in Havre Boucher.

 This was another beautiful spot and a great jumping off point to explore part of the Fleur de Lis Trail and Isle Madame.  There is a definite difference between northern Cape Breton and southern Cape Breton.  

The next day we explored the Ceilidh Trail up to and including Inverness.  On this exploring trip we met artist, Doug Fraser, sampled Route 19 beer with lunch, checked out the Glenora Distillery, got kicked off some lady’s property for taking photos, and enjoyed a fabulous sunset.  

 Unfortunately, Morgan cut the pad on her rear left paw.  It was bad enough that I had to bandage it and put a sock over it so she didn’t bother it.  It also meant that I would have to keep this little puppy quiet for a few days while it mended.  She was a trooper.  It healed well.  

Stay tuned for the next update.