Lots of FIRSTS

September 4 - 8, 2018
Cape Breton
Nova Scotia

We truly enjoyed Mother Nature's Masterpiece as we took in the views traveling in Cape Breton....especially from Baddeck around Bras d'Or Lakes

to Louisbourg,  following the path that takes you over over Kelly's Mountain.

  Gorgeous views as the road weaves and bends around the shores of Bras d'Or Lake and over the channel bridge. 

But before departing Baddeck, M & D took in a couple of Ceilidhs.  My what talent in this area.  Helen on fiddle and her husband,  Scott joined by Sue on the piano entertained  one evening.  It was a full house ...full of tourists interested in the local culture.  The host explained that the fiddle is 'in charge' while the piano and guitar follow her lead.  It is rude to clap during a song but tapping feet is encouraged....and actually I don't know how you could possibly keep your feet still with the lively jig and reel rhythms. 

In St. Ann's just up the road,  you'll find the Gaelic College that offers cultural demonstrations...Nova Scotia Scottish Culture.  Would you believe Momma and Dad were the ONLY two there that day so.... when it came to the kilt making session, Dad was 'elected' as the 'volunteer' to wear the kilt.  Six yards of wool plaid fabric is pleated....with the size of the pleats determined by the repeat of the plaid fabric.

It is then belted around the waist.

 Yes, he is laying on the floor so the belt can be buckled around his waist without disturbing all those pleats.

The remaining yardage is either worn over the arms for warmth or tied on the shoulder. 

It was a first for Dad and probably a last experience for Dad.  Nope, no Scottish blood in his veins. Now if his name were MacHime.....

M & D were also introduced to the Gaelic language and of course the music as well. 

 

They finished off their visit to the Gaelic College with a lunch ceilidh.  The chowder was excellent and the music entertaining. 

As it turned out, they weren't alone for lunch as a Grand Circle Tour Bus Group arrived for lunch.  Lots of company!!

The Alexander Graham Bell Museum is also in Baddeck. 

I'm sure everyone associates Bell with the telephone but.....he was a true inventor.  His creative mind led him to produce the first controlled, powered flight in Canada.  Bell was enchanted with the tetrahedral kites which influenced his design but he did not pilot the aircraft.

  Bell's HD-4 hydofoil broke a marine speed record, another notable innovative achievement.  But he still found time for his family and enjoyed spending hours with his grandchildren.

The first Canadian light house is located in Louisbourg.  Of course it was erected in 1734 by the French as a result of a ship that hit the rocks and sank.  

It was powered by cod liver oil and had a lighthouse keeper until 1990 when it became automated.

Fortress Louisbourg was super...mainly due to Hilda, the tour guide. 

About 1/4 of the fortress has been recreated... accurately...as a result of well maintained record keeping by the French.

  Momma and Dad could have spent much longer there but they missed me so they zipped back to discover that the empty campground had suddenly begun filling up.  The sites are on top of each other in this 'parking lot' designed campground...literally.  Open the front door, go down the steps and touch your neighbor's rig.  But this campground was close to the Fortress and that made it convenient for our 2 night stay.

I think their visit to The Grubstake would have encouraged them to stay in the area longer.  The chef at the Restaurant served up some of the best food they have enjoyed this whole trip.  The dinners had it all....presentation as well as palate pleasing.  Great seafood lasagna and Halibut.  

 

Sorry this was so long....but as you have read, we have been busy enjoying Cape Breton.  Now on to Halifax.....

I'm Chloe