Day 71 Dingwall to Englishtown, Nova Scotia Day 2 on the Cabot Trail

 65.4 miles, 4500 ft ascent

Brad, a Canadian cyclist from Ontario and member of our tour, related a conversation he had with an American from Maryland.  When Brad inquired as to what the Marylander thought of the Cabot Trail, the American replied that he didn't like it that much.  He was disappointed that there were not more amusement parks and commercial opportunities along the route.  He obviously had not done his research, and therefore, did not understand that the Cabot Trail is famous for the raw natural beauty and undeveloped landscape.  It does not pretend to be Las Vegas, Disney World, or Six Flags, and for just that reason, is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Looking back from down the road at the bay where we camped last night.

 

Another bay created by a point of land.

 

Another view of the point in front of our campground.

 

 

This beautiful scene reminded me of the Norwegian fjords.

 

 

 

Hmmmm.  This was a first.  We never noticed signs in other provinces indicating a public shooting range.  

 

 

A New Haven harbor

 

 

A boat out of water for maintenance, which is high in salt water.

 

 

Shimmering waters.  Oh so beautiful!

 

 

 

A modest house on the Atlantic.  Note the star indicating that an Acadian resides here.  Many of these homes displayed the star on the Acadian flag.  The people do not forget that the British expelled Acadians living in all the maritime provinces.

 

 

A lighthouse to the far right of the photo.

 

Smallmouth bass, held in high esteem in the northern USA for their energy and fight, are classified here as an invasive species to be removed.  These rocks looked like prime smallmouth territory.  Wish I had my rod with me!

 

 

 

Bruce joined Eric for a snack at a picnic table during a break.  It is easy to lose human beings amidst the grandeur of the scenery here.

 

More shots from the Cabot Trail follow.

Note the cairn on this rocky beach.

A brackish bay off the body of saltwater.

This tree with its arms outstretched seemed to be looking for help or guidance.

 

Time for lunch!  We all needed extra calories to power up the mountain in the afternoon.  I chose seafood chowder accompanied by a grilled cheese sandwich.

 

Situated near a golf course, we came upon this breeding ground for the voracious Canadian mosquito. Glad we aren't camping too close to this site.

 

 

We found this gondola ride for viewing the Atlantic and Nova Scotia.  It appeared to be for folks not inclined to bicycle for their tourist adventures.

 

 

After our grueling climb, we flew down this ribbon of road that I photographed from the top before our descent.

 

A short voyage on the Englishtown Ferry followed.

 

Captain's roost on the ferry Torquil Maclean.

The terrain on the Cabot Trail today was not nearly as challenging as that on yesterday's ride.  The major mountain climb to the top of Smokey Mountain was not nearly as steep, with much of it at a 3.5 to 4% grade.  It was long, but not so taxing on the leg muscles.  

 

We took a more challenging diversion on a a coastal road before getting on the true Cabot Trail.  The diversion was actually more challenging than the Cabot Trail itself.  It had about a 100 meter section of 13-14% grade, similar to the grade that we rode much further yesterday.  The diversion stretch was difficult today, because our legs were used up yesterday.  My legs felt like jelly rolls today on the steepest climbs, but all riders, including this one, succeeded in conquering the second section of the Cabot Trail today.