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Published: August 9th 2010
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BLOG UPDATES
Wireless networks are everywhere but as we did not bring a laptop, etc, we are limited to when we can access a computer, so now realise that up-dates may be a bit irregular. At the community centre in Pleasant Bay at the moment up in Cape Breton, still on Nova Scotia.
BEAR AND BEAVER DAY - Thursday 5 Aug 2010
Unbeliveably lucky are we - we saw a bear. We were heading north on highway 8 past Kejimkujik National Park and a young black bear sprinted across the road in front of us. It must have been one of this year's cubs so we were then wary that mummy bear might be somewhere around too, but she must have been ahead of junior .
That evening we camped in a tiny site on the edge of a lake and amazingly there were no mossies. We sat watching a beaver floating on his back eating water lillies for his evening snack.
The Fundy Shore is very different to the South Shore with houses straggling out along the road. The area is also more agricultural.
It had been very warm and humid all day and
Fundy Bay
The biggest rise and fall in the tide in the world that night it rained like I have never experienced rain before and the Khyam tent did really well, not leaking at all.
BIRD DAY - Sat, 7 Aug 2010
Fab ride around the north Fundy Shore - it was very like being in south east France. We crossed into New Brunswick for about 30 miles just to say we had been there!
In the interestingly named Pugwash we stopped briefly and saw in the estuary about a dozen herons busy fishing in the shallow water and two kingfishers. A few miles further along the coast an eagle flew over our heads - not sure what sort. On the causeway south of Pictou we saw literally hundreds of cormorants hanging out, some sitting on posts in the water and the rest sitting on the shore. There is a photo of these and I hope you can make them out.
CAPE BRETON - Mon, 9 Aug 2010
We are now in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. When we entered we were given leaflets re bears and coyotes and what to do if you encounter them - there was info on fighting off coyotes but nothing on fighting
off a bear attack - as I suppose it is all too late if that happens!
The area is very French here, whereas just further west all the road signs were bi-lingual in English and Gaelic we are now back to English and French.
Done a little of the Cabot Trail and will head on for the rest of it today - it is supposed to be one of the best biking roads in the world - we will let you know........
THE JOURNEY SO FAR
We have now covered 1000 miles and are no closer to Vancouver. We have spent longer than expected on Nova Scotia but it is such an interesting and beautiful place. We booked our ferry to Newfoundland yesterday and are having to stay a day longer than we wanted as they were all full (now leaving 3am on Wednesday morning).
GENERAL MISC STUFF
THE NATIVES ARE VERY FRIENDLY
Everywhere we have been approached by people wanting to chat and we have met some interesting people, both people who live here and others also on their travels, but all Canadians.
FAMILIAR NAMES - UNFAMILIAR PLACES
Everywhere there are familiar
Kingfisher
He had found a great perch for his fishing trip place names from home. We made a quick stop in Liverpool (Mark is from the UK Liverpool) but unfortunately there were no town sign photo opportunities.
BIKES
The Canadians seem to favour the cruiser type bikes and we have seen more Honda Gold Wings in an hour over here then in a year at home. We did think we were seeing double the other day when we came upon a chap riding a BMW R1150GS and a girl on a BMW R1200GS - the same bikes that we ride!
ROAD SPEEDS
The speed limits are low and there is little opportunity for overtaking with double yellow lines in the centre of the roads for miles on end. The Canadians seem to respect these low speed limits and we are wondering if the likelihood of hitting a moose is high and perhaps we should slow down too.
HOUSES AND GARDENS
All the houses seem very well kept and are neat and tidy. The gardens are not up to much but then the place is covered in snow for about 5 months of the year. All the lawns are very neat and closely cut and I reckon that is
Cabot Trail
The start of the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia a way of keeping the mossies at bay. Some of the houses have unbeliveably high house numbers - came across one today that is over 19,000!
CANADA IS EXPENSIVE
The pound is quite weak at the moment and we have found things here expensive, so glad we bought the tent etc with us.
THE MOSSIES
The mosquitoes really are a problem here. Yesterday in broad daylight and in a strong wind and we had repelent on they were still eating us alive! You know you have a problem with bugs when in the shop they sell all over netting cover up suits for children!!.
THE WEATHER
The weather has been warm and sunny with only a little rain so far but everyone keeps telling us what a great summer they are having.
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Tony
non-member comment
Seen a bear what ?
Hadn’t realised that a mossie and a moosie were so similar, all I can say is its a good job moosies don’t fly! Cabot Trail - something tells me you’ll kinda like it . Sigh .. Enjoy!!!!