Judy Grillo
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Along the Cabot Trail

8/19/2016

11 Comments

 
While on Cape Breton, I stayed at a sweet hostel in Pleasant Bay on the western coast of the island, and along the shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. About 150 people call Pleasant Bay home, and fishing is the main livelihood.

The hostel is literally on the Cabot Trail, and a blink to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, one of the largest protected wilderness areas in Nova Scotia. The Cabot Trail is a scenic roadway  that's 298 km (185 mi) in length with spectacular views of the coastline. It was known to me as a cyclist's route, and I did meet many Canadians touring the roadway. While I did ride short segments of it, there is little shoulder, winding turns, and hills with up 13% grade in many places to the north. In all honesty, it's NOT on my list, as I would be out of my comfort zone on this Trail. 

I did enjoy hiking in the Park a few days, including the popular Skyline Trail, and the surprising view at the base of Fishing Cove Trail. The weather, however, is very much like Scotland, so cool, rainy and damp was on the agenda a few days. I took advantage of this to tour Gampo Abbey one afternoon, a Buddhist monastery where the residents are life monastics. It was interesting to see and hear what the daily life is like for these monks and nuns. 

It was a good week of living with people from many parts of the world, testing my cycling stamina, hiking some gorgeous trails, and even relaxing with a book! 
11 Comments
Claudette
8/28/2016 10:11:25 pm

Looks beautiful., but I can see what you mean about winding roads and steep hills from your photos. We should be getting some of that cool air by the week-end and I am looking forward to it.

Reply
Judy
8/30/2016 01:53:43 pm

Claudette -- given the warmer than seasonal weather in Canada this year (which was perfect for me), I'm guessing the states have been really hot. Hope the warmth lasts another month as I figure out my next plan!

Reply
Claudette
9/15/2016 04:40:59 pm

You might get lucky with the weather. Cooling down tonight, (9/15), but getting warmer again in a couple of days.

Sue
8/29/2016 06:38:26 am

Happy, happy b-day!! How are you celebrating?! Have caught up on your travels - amazing, and amazing photos!! Had a great summer, especially now that we have the Falmouth house "back" - also went to Seattle and ran a 10k (well, walked some, too, due to lack of training!). School starts today -aagh!!

Reply
Judy
8/30/2016 01:52:23 pm

Sue ... thanks for the note & remembering my big birthday! UGH! A lovely 4 days here in St Andrews by the Sea, NB though. Quite the place and shocked I've never been here before. Enjoyed my day! j.

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Barb
8/29/2016 10:26:25 pm

Happy Birthday Dear Judy. Hope you are somewhere festive and enjoying a celebratory day. The 29th day of the month is lucky!

Reply
Judy
8/30/2016 01:51:19 pm

Barb ... I hope you are correct on the 29th element! Indeed, I'm in St. Andrews, NB and it's gorgeous here. Had a lovely day that started with a bike ride (of course), then an island tour, then seafood & cocktails with the inn hosts. Fun all the way around while still adjusting to 60!

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Karen
8/31/2016 11:34:24 am

Judy,
It was so great having a moment this morning to catch up on your blog! Such gorgeous gardens you are getting to see along your travels!

Reply
Judy
9/2/2016 12:28:39 pm

Karen ... yes, Canada knows how to garden! Indeed, I am wondering if my grandparents citizenship pushes me up the top of the list of Americans trying to get in here! Lovely & slow paced here. I'm now 3 locations forward of this entry but more to come in the next few days!

Reply
Sue Tyler
8/31/2016 03:03:10 pm

OOps, Happy Birthday to you too! I hope you are warm enough and stay off those curvy, no shoulder roads girl!!!

Reply
Judy
9/2/2016 12:29:36 pm

Sue...yes, I am safe & sound. Have been in New Brunswick now for 3 stops & behind on this blog I'm afraid. Weather great & sad to be crossing back over in a matter of days. Stay tuned! j

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