Thursday, May 23, 2024 (Day 17)

 Baddeck, Nova Scotia / 7:36 a.m. / 12 degrees to Baddeck, Nova Scotia / 5:30 p.m. / 15 degrees for a total of 361.0 km of driving.

Checked the weather and we decided to travel the Cabot Trail today although it is a little foggy and overcast.  Note: We were not aware that the Cabot Trail Relay was scheduled for the weekend of May 25 & 26 with runners coming in from various locations including the United States.  The event is out of Baddeck with registration Friday evening and the run going from Saturday morning until Sunday morning.  Therefore, we decided that we will leave this area Friday morning before the large crowds arrive.

First stop on the trail was "The Clucking Hen Cafe & Bakery", we shared a cinnamon roll (one of Carol-Ann's favourite and this one did not disappoint.)  We also bought a pecan butter tart to share later. Note: It was also good.  A cute little cafe, worth a stop.  We also checked out "Wrecked Cove General Store" a small quaint store with a variety of souvenirs.  Enjoyed this stop.  

The winding roads up the mountain are starting and so is fog so unfortunately no ocean views on this side. Lots of cute cottages, etc. to rent.  Stopped to pay for our day pass with Parks Canada to enter the park.  They did have a special for the season pass if bought before June 30, 2024 with it being good until end of season (October 2024).  They provide a sheet listing the parks, beaches, etc. for anyone planning on doing some hiking or camping.  You can also  purchase a full size of map with this same information for $5.00.

We ventured off the Cabot Trail to a few communities including Neil's Harbour, White Point, Bay Saint-Lawrence (saw another fox but not fast enough to get a picture).  In Bay Saint-Lawrence, we sat and watched the lobster boats as it is currently lobster season.  This is such a windy community.  As we left the community, we drove through what Perry and Carol-Ann call "Windy Fog".  We don't know how else to describe this weather.  As we turned a corner and drove through the town of Sugar Loaf, the wind and fog disappeared.  So weird.

As we continue to make our way on the other side of the Cabot Trail (Gulf St. Lawrence), we stopped at all the pull-outs.  As we climbed, the wind got stronger.  Hilarious as we tried to get a selfie.

Note: Tartans & Treasures a great store for anyone looking for their Scottish tartan items.

As we travel this side of the Cabot Trail, there are also many ice cream shops to choose from.  

We saw a bear at the side of the road who was enjoying a snack, not sure what kind of plant/weed he was eating but he was not distracted by our presence.

The Cabot Trail is such a beautiful drive especially when you get sunshine which we did.  So many pull-outs, picnic areas, food choices, etc.  We also checked out the Aucoin Bakery (read great reviews about this establishment).  We picked up some delicious Everything bagels for our breakfast.  We found their prices were reasonable.

Cheticamp, is a large enough town with many activities, restaurants, etc.

As we wrap up our day after making plenty of stops, we head towards Margaree Harbour and head back to our same hotel as last night in Baddeck.  A great day of travels.

















  

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