Day 20 - Cabot Trail , Nova Scotia

on Monday, July 1, 2013

We had made the decision yesterday that regardless of the weather we would traverse the east side of the Cabot Trail.  Ron had originally wanted to do the trail with the MH towing the jeep but from the reports we read there are some very steep grades to climb and descend. So after some discussion we decided to leave the MH at the CG and take the Jeep.

We had some blue sky this morning and some sunshine. God, we needed some sunshine. The CG is like walking on a sponge from all the rain.

After packing a lunch we were on our way. Of course we needed to refuel the car – OUCH again. It took $70.00 to fill my little Jeep.

So after waiting for the last four days for the weather to clear we were finally  on our way.

 

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The drive was very similar to the other side of the trail. Lots of trees and not much to see until we got into the  National Park. Although we’re in Canada, this area looks and feels like New Hampshire/Maine.

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Once we got to the coastline the scenery became more interesting.

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Today is Canada Day so entrance into the National Parks is free. Our first stop inside the park was the Keltic Lodge. A lovely place overlooking the ocean.

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After leaving the Keltic Lodge we  continued our journey. We found that the truly scenic areas are located inside the National Park. The park sits between two towns and meanders in and out of smaller area towns. So we were in and out of the park several times.

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The Green Cove was very picturesque with its rocky coastline and beautiful ocean views.

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Later we stopped for lunch and had a great seat facing the ocean.

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While we were eating we noticed the ocean getting a little rougher and the skies getting a little darker with lots of clouds rolling in. OK, we decided to get moving before we were fogged in again and couldn’t see anything.

Ron wanted to take a side trip to Meat Cove where the view is suppose to be spectacular. As we rode down the 18 mile road that soon turned to dirt,the fog was rolling in quickly. At that point we weren’t sure if we would have a view at Meat Cove but we were going to give it a try.

Once at Meat Cove Ron and I  were getting out of the car to get a view when a gust of wind slammed the car door into my head! OUCH – Ron had grabbed me because he thought the wind was going to take me over the cliff. Neither of us expected that to happen!!!!

 

 

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I guess one could say the view of Meat Cove was very ethereal through the fog. Back on the dirt road we made our way to the Cabot Trail.

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As we continued our journey the weather continued to deteriorate. We felt fortunate to have been able to get to do the Cabot Trail at all. Unfortunately, having been promoted as one of the most beautiful places and a must see, we were a little underwhelmed by the views. We were discussing why that might be and we think it is because it looks to much like our New England landscape so we weren’t seeing anything new or different.  Such spoiled brats we are!!!!

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We were disappointed because we were unable to take the one hike we were looking forward to on the Skyline Trail. It was raining and the fog was so dense it would have been a waste to try   We actually did the entire route so we can now say we have driven the Cabot Trail one and one-half times. LOL

The closer we got to Baddeck and the CG the worse the weather got. It was raining so hard it made it difficult to see at times. By 6:30 PM we were at the turn for the CG and at The Red Barn so we decided to stop for dinner, which was very good, once again.

We were wondering if our MH was floating by now but it was still intact when we arrived. LOL  Jewel was happy we were back. We had left her alone for 9 hours and she didn’t like that at all.

We are looking forward to getting out of here. We had hoped to get to Peggy’s Cove to meet Sara and her husband before they left. ( Ron and Sara have been e-mailing about her and her husbands’ journey to Newfoundland).  Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate so we stayed here two days longer then planned so by the time we get there they will be on their way back to Texas.

 

We’re hoping for continued improvement in the weather but won’t be surprised if that doesn’t happen. It’s off to Peggy’s Cove tomorrow.

 

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