Tuesday, July 22

Tour Day. Today we boarded the bus for an all day tour of the Cabot Trail encircling the Cape Breton area. Leaving gthe camp, we headed past Baddeck and then over the penisular to the Margaree Harbour area. Our guide, Paul, was from the area and knew it well. He told us the history of the area and how it started as fishing ports to export fish to Europe. Along the west side, the Gulf of St Lawrence was visible as it lapped up on the rugged shores. We made several stops along the way for specific sites, not the least of which was ice cream. Ice cream in Nova Scotia is perhaps the best in the world, with the rich creamy taste. Upon entering the National Park, we were able to see Moose, Bald Eagles and whales in the Strait. We crossed back over to the East side and then saw the Atlantic Ocean in full spendor. At the town of Ignonish, we visited the Keltic Lodge and the college where the language and history of the founders of the area are taught. It was a long day, 185 miles, 10+ hours driving, but it was well worth it.