We woke to a light drizzle. This was the day we wanted to drive the scenic Cabot Trail. As usual, nothing stops us. We packed up, drained the grey and black tanks, then hit the road.
We left Baddeck and headed towards the start of the Cabot Trail. As usual, it was time for a selfie in front of a sign.
We continued our drive under heavy clouds, pregnant with rain. The road signs in English and Gaelic. This should be a hint of what comes next. After a short distance, we stopped in at the Gaelic College.
From the Gaelic College, the road headed inland around the bay and eventually joined up with the route from the ferry. We continued on the Cabot Trail, through many twists and turns, steep hills all around us, covered in maple trees.
After a while, the road returned to the coast, giving us spectacular views of the rugged coastline.
We stopped at the Keltic Lodge, walked inside the building, and admired the golden hues of the highly polished woodwork.
With tummies grumbling, we continued our drive, past sandy beaches, and gentle waves. At one beach, people were braving the cold water, while Waldo sat gazing out to the horizon. No kidding, Waldo was there in person.
We headed to Neil’s Harbour for some seafood chowder. It was worth it. Two bowls of seafood chowder and a shared lobster club sandwich.
The chowder was second to none. Thick and chunky with lobster, clam, fish and shrimp, and some potatoes…in that order of content volume. The spoon stood up in it.
Feeling content, we continued our drive. Panoramic views unfolding at each turn, every one a photo opportunity. The views were stunning.
We were making good time around the trail, and approached the half way point at Cape North. We wanted to explore the norther tip of Cape Bretton. This is where the Gulf of St Lawrence meets the Atlantic. We left the Cabot Trail, and took a side trip to Meat Cove.
The tar road transitioned into a narrow dirt road, cut into the cliffs, high above the water. After a short distance, the road improved, and we were back on tar.
The views were spectacular. At times, the road turned inland, riding into a forest of Maple trees. Lit with a low afternoon sun, and dark clouds above, the valley of lush trees unbelievably green.
Other times, we felt like we were on a goat ledge high above the ocean. We arrived at the Meat Cove campground and were shown to our site. What a stunning view. We positioned the trailer, using all of our levelling blocks, and had a million dollar panoramic view.
A cold north wind was blowing buffeting the trailer, the sea angrily crashing on the rocks far below. It felt like an autumn day.
After supper, with temperatures hovering at 12 degrees centigrade, we piled a few extra blankets on the bed and called it a night. We were safe and warm in our trailer, listening to the wind and wild surf.
During the night, the wind and surf subsided, bringing us a lovely morning. We decided to stay another day, take in the fresh air, and relax.
Later that morning, I walked down a trail to the beach, and tried a few spoons and lures without success. I soon realized I was being watched by four seals, eagerly hunting, and scaring all of the fish away. That’s my excuse why I didn’t catch anything.
Susan and Chloe joined me on the beach. After a while, we just sat on the sand, chatting, throwing stones for Chloe, and relaxing with the surf breaking and hissing as it rolled up the shore.
Later, we returned to the trailer, sat at the picnic bench, and with a stunning view, updated our travel budget spreadsheet, journal and blog.
The afternoon turned to evening, we had a BBQ, and the evening turned to night. The stars growing brighter, the milky way stretching from horizon to horizon.
Tomorrow we leave Meat Cove Campground, and complete the Cabot Trail. So far, Meat Cove has been the most scenic and relaxing campground during our travels.