Cape Breton

Aug 8 5:33 pm
Our angels were watching over us. After pulling into the last gas station before entering the Highlands, someone pointed out that our tire was flat. We were able to get it plugged and back on the road in 15 minutes.

Aug 8 6:30 pm
After dragging our camper up and down Smokey Mountain, we pulled into Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Aug 8 6:53 pm
We set up our temporary home just past Ingonish on the east coast of the park.

Aug 9 10:37 am
This is where we planned to stay for a while to recharge and dry out our equipment.

Aug 9 12:11 pm
The Cabot Trail extends around the coast and across the highlands. We navigated the three hour round trip from Ingonish to Cheticamp several times during our stay.

Aug 9 12:26 pm
The Trail boasts many scenic vantage points with ample parking for motorists to enjoy the view.

Aug 9 3:13 pm
As we drove up into the higher altitudes, we were enveloped in a thick fog. The highest point on the Trail is North Mountain at 457 meters.

Aug 9 3:41 pm
Along the shore, we took a break to watch the whales playing in the distance.

Aug 9 4:06 pm
There is a continual sense of wonder as we discover what's just around the next bend. At one point a Black Bear popped out of the forest next to our vehicle, and loped along the side of the road before dissappearing back into the bush.

Aug 9 4:10 pm
The Cabot Trail was built on an old footpath that connected the isolated fishing communities in the past.

Aug 10 2:52 pm
The next day, we decide to spend some time exploring our immediate campground. Here Joanne officially places her foot in the Atlantic Ocean.

Aug 10 2:54 pm
The water is unbelievably cold and it's raining, making wave jumping all the more challenging. We spotted two Bald Eagles along the shoreline during our water play.

Aug 11 12:51 pm
The next day we drive across the Park to Cheticamp and embark on a whale watching adventure.

Aug 11 1:19 pm
Everyone is adequately clad for the foul weather.

Aug 11 2:59 pm
Standing in the boat was a challenge due to the rolling waves. We quickly gained our sea legs while nine other people succumbed to motion sickness during the three hour cruise.

Aug 11 2:02 pm
Eventually we spot our quarry. The pilot whales can be up to 5 meters in length and weigh up to 3 tons.

Aug 11 2:10 pm
Pods of whales are quite common in the inland waters off of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.

Aug 11 5:32 pm
On our return trip, we take a detour towards White Point.

Aug 11 5:42 pm
Here we discover that there is an amazing treasure at the end of the rainbow!

Aug 12 12:50 pm
We explored several trails at the park. The most memorable is the trek up Mount Franey near Ingonish.

Aug 12 1:06 pm
After an hour and a half of gruelling ascent, we finally reach the summit.

Aug 12 1:10 pm
The reward... a breath taking view of the surrounding panorama.

Aug 12 1:13 pm
In the distance Middle Head separates Ingonish Bay into North and South portions.

Aug 12 1:11 pm
The weary climbers are rejuvenated by the awesome view and the opportunity to catch their breath.

Water, trees, mountain and sky combine to demonstrate the majestic wonder of God's creation.

Aug 12 1:35 pm
What comes up must go down. The trip downhill is a pleasant jaunt through glade and forest.

Aug 12 3:48 pm
Later that afternoon, we travel up a long dirt road to Mary Ann falls.

Aug 12 3:58 pm
The best view is on the other side, however the footing is challenging in the rushing water.

Aug 12 4:09 pm
Mom and Dad make it safely across. These guys are less fortunate and they both go down in the shockingly cold water.

Aug 12 4:52 pm
There are several other trails to be explored along the coast.

Aug 12 4:55 pm
These large boulders facilitate an excellent game of hide and seek.

Aug 12 5:29 pm
Finally we cool our toes at Black Brook Cove

Aug 12 6:57 pm
The boys fearlessly defend their castle from the incoming tide.

Aug 12 8:17 pm
The sun goes down as we finish the Jack Pine trail.