Nova Scotia and the Glooscap and Cabot Trails
Heading off back towards Sydney I eventually stopped to get some gas. While at the pump a pair of old bikers on Harleys pulled up to some other pumps. They had on Nova Scotia plates so I had to ask one “if there’s one thing to see in Nova Scotia, what would it be?”
Started the drive and after I got into Nova Scotia I decided to take a look at the Bay of Fundy. To get there the road signs were pointing to the Glooscap Trail. So I took the right of the trans-Canada and started going on Highway 2. Its a pleasant drive through rolling countryside with gentle sweeping curves. It reminds me of much of southern Ohio with the farms dotting the sides of hills and horses and other livestock grazing on the grass.
Pausing for a moment to take some pictures on a lake I started chatting with a old fella and his wife. We talked about my trip and bike for a bit. Turns out he used to live up in the Yukon, where we’d gone last year, and finally moved back home to Nova Scotia where he was born.
“You always have to go back to where you came from.”
Just past noon I went into the Glooscap Family Restaurant (where I’m writing this now). A bunch of other bikes parked in front of it drew me in. I’m still waiting for the food – I ordered a flounder burger since that’s the special. The waitress says it’s good. However the kitchen is either really backed up or otherwise really slow. I’m not sure, but I’ve been waiting here for around a half hour now.
After I get some food in me I’ll head a bit further down the road to see the Bay of Fundy.
The nice thing is I’m not that worried about time right now. I don’t have anyplace to be at the moment since I’m not due at the ferry for over 24 hours – and I’m only 4 hours away from it.
I’m thinking of making some progress towards the ferry this afternoon and camping at one of the many parks that are all along Nova Scotia.
Well, the food came and sure enough it certainly was a good sandwich. I still, for the life of me, have any idea what took so long to fry up fish and some French fries.
After wolfing down the sandwich I headed down the road (much to the Zumo’s consternation) to see the water. Precariously parking the bike on a slight grade I got off and walked down to the water. I made sure to stick my foot (well, a booted foot anyway) into the water. I even tasted it. Ocean water. Just like the pasta I boil back at home – It’s good to occasionally recalibrate one’s senses.
He contemplated for a moment, pausing the filling of his bike, then looked up.
“The Cabot Trail. It’s a nice windy route that goes through some nice country.”
So, taking the old biker’s advice to heart I aimed my gaze (and the Zumo) in the direction of Cabot Trail. I have time to blow anyway so what’s another little sojourn?
Slightly before I got there I happened on a campground that I had loaded into the GPS before: Whycocomagh Provincial Park. It’s a beautiful campground that overlooks Bras d’Or Lake. I picked a spot high on the hill and set up my tent. First off I made a quick dinner to mirror last trip: Ramen and Spamburgers. Not real span though – imitation Canadian Spam: Kam. Kam sucks. As much as you think Spam isn’t the best food on earth. Kam is horrific. Do not under any circumstances buy it.
The Ramen was good though. A nice predictable bit of sustenance.
The sun went down early it seems. It was pitch back by nine. It must be where I am in the time zone. I’m guessing I’ll be waking up to sunrise at five.
“You always have to go back to where you came from.”
Good or bad? I don’t know. My dad went back to where he came from and he seemed happy. Though he visited all the time as well.
Do I want to grow old in Cleveland? If pressed I’d say no.
Who knows how life turns out…