Heading Home

We got off the ferry after a nice smooth, boring ride and drove to a new host with the Boondockers Welcome group.  When we arrive, we were greeted by the host and welcomed to share his beautiful property on Lake Bras d’Or – how good is that – just like visiting our friends, Rick & Chris – different lake, same kind of welcome.  We had a short chat but I wasn’t long for sticking around as I was absolutely bushed.

Next morning we are off to explore the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island.  We had checked it out many, many years ago – like  1976, so it was almost like new.  As we were headed out, we spotted a fellow filling a bunch of gallon plastic jugs from what looked like a spring.  Naturally we stopped to see what was happening and yes, it was a spring and he was getting a supply of drinking water.  As luck would have it, we had a five gallon jug in the Jeep so we did likewise (just in case we ran out of good water). 

The drive is incredibly scenic, but it is a rather long drive particularly if you make some stops and take a few strolls.  We took a short hike - Middle Head.

These are the stairs - exposed tree roots

You can see the trail in the background

Fishing boats in a harbour

When there are a lot of flat rocks, folks seem to love building things

Water lilies

A wild orchid

Then it was off, slowly heading westward so next stop was Truro, NS where we went for a stroll to a waterfall.  It was quite a hot day but we were mostly in the shade so really pleasant. 

The tree roots are all above ground due to the rock

The waterfall was a real attraction to escape the heat. 

Then we found that there were some tree sculptures which we thought would be rather interesting.  So we weren’t just driving around aimlessly, I wrote down the addresses as they were listed online.  Well, we went to the first one, could not find it.  Then to the second, and the third, same problem.  Asked a couple of folks – of course one was just visiting, and the other one just hurried by.  Then we went to one at the Legion where we found a mural painted on the side of the building,

but no tree sculpture.  Back to the internet for more info – since the carvings were in trees, the trees eventually rotted and as a result, the sculptures were no more.  Too bad.

Then then spent our last night on the ocean before heading inland.  We parked right near the wharf where there were pretty big boats – mostly fishing boats. 

It seemed they were between seasons as a couple of boats were hauled off on a semi-trailer which I expect it was for repair and/or servicing before the next fish season begins

.  On the wharf are a string of paintings all by local artists. 

Across the street was a small outdoor bar and restaurant.  The weather was perfect so we supported both of them.

When we arrive the tide was out and we saw these jelly fish on the shore.  The locals emphatically warned us not to touch them.  Strange how they are such different colours - some were totally clear.

When we arrived the tide was out, when we left next morning, it was in - quite amazing.

Now every day is a travel day so today we stopped just before Quebec City at a very nice park area, sponsored by Bombardier.  There was a ball diamond where we enjoyed watching some kids practice baseball.  Across the street was an outdoor stage where there was a trio singing.  Some of the songs were in French, and some weren’t but the music was very good.

We drove through the Laurentians where is a beautiful drive; but our Cat wasn’t very crazy about it. 

The temps were +33C and during those long climbs we had to watch  for a lot of growling.  But we slowly, very slowly, got through them and found a visitor centre that provided a parking lot in which to spend the night.  Now this lot is a nice size but not huge.  There were a few folks there when we got there so we parked strategically so we wouldn’t get hemmed in – that was good thinking.  It’s hard to believe how close some folks will park.

As we parked at a boat dock, we went for a walk and saw a couple that seemed to be unloading a bunch of fruit so we go over to see what is happening.  They ran a fruit and vegetable store and were just bringing in a bunch of fresh stock.  It was after hours and they asked if there was anything we wanted.  I said I would like some strawberries, so she got a basket and sold them – sure didn’t say to come back tomorrow when the store is open.  I wish them well.

And on the way, we saw the world's largest snowman.

Then back to Thunder Bay for some cheap fuel (1.72/litre) but first we stopped by the Terry Fox memorial which is located at almost the exact spot that he had to stop his Marathon of Hope due to the recurrence of his cancer.

Then we went over to Kakabeka Falls.  We had been near them several times in the past but had never gone to see them – now I have seen them and they are very nice.

We saw this critter - no idea what it was

And that brings the week to a close.  By next week we will be home so the final blog will be the last few days but will have a real variety of sights that we came across.  I hope everyone has a great week.