Lingering in our "View with a Room", we watched the owner of the motel try in vain to lure in the resident eagle with a mackerel. Last evening, that magnificent bird had strafed across the lake, putting on a show for us. Today, the seagulls were the only ones that showed interest in the fish.
The Englishtown Ferry gave us an unusual ride across St. Ann's Harbour via cable. A short wait and a shorter ride got us on our feet for a few minutes. Intrigued by a ferry run by cable, we enjoyed our time on board checking out the technology.
Legs over the bike, we put the tape in reverse and backtracked the Cabot Trail. As thrilling as this road was when we entered Cape Breton, our ride today outdid the last. Instead of ominous clouds, we had clear sailing and an open road. Riding over French, McKenzie and North Mountains, Rascal and her riders flew out over ocean cliffs, then up into deep forest. At intervals along this highway we noticed emergency cabins. It was reassuring to know that if a blizzard stranded us, there would be shelter, complete with firewood and beds. At 85 degrees, it didn't seem to be an issue.
From Gaelic to French then back to Gaelic, the road signs, the flags and the population changed. Fisherman all, they speak the common language of the sea. The Cape Breton National Highlands Park rules the coast, but small towns fade in and out of its boundaries, and these define the life here. Fishing villages, strewn with buoys, traps and old scows huddle between the edges of the park, making abrupt changes to the scenery and offering the few chances there are to gas up.
Ending the day in Port Hastings, the bottom of the island, we ate dinner watching a cloud in the shape of a dragon breathe the fire of the sunset over the calm waters of the Strait of Canso. My guide and my ride had teamed up and worked with all their hearts to give me a birthday filled with thrills and beauty. No bows or wrapping paper, only love enfolded the gift of this day and for that I am eternally grateful.
St. Ann's wake up
Looking for the eagle, mackerel in hands
Our cable ferry
Fishing boats, fishing boats!
The beauty of the Cabot Trail
Another milestone!
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