Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada
I forgot to mention in the last blog that on the way down to Port au Basques we had lunch at a Railway Museum which had some carriages of the Newfoundland train. We were even allowed to have our lunch in one of the dining cars.
Ferry left Port au Basques about midnight and we boarded about 10pm so Owen had organised a simple meal at a local café – bigger enough to take 21 of us, we had pre-order which made things a little quicker.
Boarded the ship about 10pm so went straight to bed. Same sort of cabin to the first ship, perfectly functional.
After a breakfast stop (plus to collect a picnic lunch) at nearby Tim Horton’s we started on the Cabot Trail,
This is a scenic road loop around Cape Breton Island completed in 1932, it is very scenic with many viewing points.
We stopped for another lighthouse viewing at Neils Harbour.
On the way back we stopped at a craft museum at Cheticamp which has some lovely examples of rug hooking, an international recognized expert had lived in the area and the museum it had many examples of her work. Plus an interesting stove.
Next day was spent driving to Halifax
Just a couple of observations:
Speed signs – These were just a number with the word MAX above the number
By looking at other signs the number was the speed limit in km/hr however I thought that an American driver might think it might be in m/hr
By looking at other signs the number was the speed limit in km/hr however I thought that an American driver might think it might be in m/hr
How to pronounce Newfoundland.
It is ‘New-fun-land’ not ‘New-found-land’
We had our first bus failure out of Halifax in that the alternator belt failed luckily the driver knew of a truck shop with a mechanic which was nearby a coffee shop.
Even more luckily the mechanic had the appropriate belt!
We sat drinking a coffee in the sun for just over an hour which wasn’t bad.
Arrived in Halifax late afternoon.
Next day we had a full day exploring the environs of Halifax
Peggy’s Cove (Point) lighthouse
A much pictured lighthouse which has now been superseded by a modern light.
An historic village which retains its 1800’s architecture. We had two and half hours there where we had lunch. Leith found the hat shop and came away with a fine hat, while I sat on the broad walk and listened to the local band playing.
Saw a black diving bird (loon?) that could stay under water up to 40 seconds.
Back to Halifax where we had a lovely Italian meal in a nearby restaurant.
Next morning was free till about 11am when we walked across to the Station to catch the overnight sleeper train (the Ocean) to Montreal for the night flight home or in our case to London.
The train had for the last week or so been two and half hours late (due to track work) so Owen organised a bus to take us to the airport accord ling. Would you believe on the day it was only an hour late, luckily the bus could come earlier.
Our plane wasn’t loading till 6:45pm so we had about a four hour wait in the lounge.
Saw some very nifty moveable lounges, these cylindrical devices on wheels probably holding about 30 people. One end had a doorway to fit a plane and the other end a door way to fit the terminal. The driver could adjust the height of the device depending where it was. We could see about four of these servicing planes parked away from the terminal, I don’t think we have them in Sydney.
It was only a six hour flight to London so we didn’t get much sleep.
More in the next installment
Louise Wilson
2022-09-05
Interesting photos. Love Leith's new hat. Notable road signs. Moveable lounges - what next!
Trish Lane
2022-09-06
Love the brightly coloured houses, the bus mover and the lighthouses. Leith looks great in the new hat. The saleslady looks very happy with the ladies with all their hats! You really have had a fabulous trip! Thanks for your commentary David!
Kay Whowell
2022-09-06
Thank you David. I have loved following your journey. I am envious of Leith’s new hat. Just love hat buying. North