Chad’s Mabou Highlands Hiking

My sister and her husband were in town,  I had the day off from the Silver Dart Lodge, so we decide to go for a hike that we have not done yet.

We ended up going to the Mabou Highlands trail system.   It is a bit of a drive down a gravel road, but you can get there in a regular car.  We hiked up to a look off that had awesome views!

Then we just kept on going.  We even had a fresh snack along the way!

Can’t wait to go back and hike more of the trails!

Mandy’s New Lawn Ornaments

Every day I am driving the half hour to work I wish I would spot a moose…. so this particular  day was no different. I was working 7-3 and was really hoping to spot a moose on their morning stroll… but unfortunately I did not see one.  Disappointingly  I started my shift… but within a few minutes my day turned around…. not one but TWO moose at our Lakeside Gazebo!!! Needless to say I took no time to get there, camera in hand of course….they were amazing!! I was in awe of them…but really, how could you not be… just look at them..

Just look at him....

So now that my day was complete I could go and get on with my work.  But wait…. what is all that noise in the dining room…look at that…what are they doing down there??  All the guests are glued to the front windows…what is going on now…. oh my gosh, the two moose decided to come visit us for breakfast..what a great day I am having!!! Soooo,  off I went with my camera again…. I now know why I never leave home without it!!   These moose were giving our guests quite the show, they loved it!!  I only wish they could have stayed longer… but you never know when they will be back….

What great lawn ornaments we have here at the Silver Dart!!

Look...he is sticking his tongue out at me....

Is this not the most beautiful creature!!

So if you are looking to see a moose…. sometimes you only have to go as far as the Silver Dart Lodge!! So when are you coming??

Deb’s Day Sailing on Bras d’Or Lakes

What a beautiful day to be on the Bras d”Or Lakes!

If you knew me, you would know, that I would have never thought of going on a sailing boat. The http://www.amoebasailingtours.com/  was phenomenal. I would highly recommend this tour of the Bras’Dor Lakes to absolutely anyone.  You’ll find the sailing tours at the wharf in Baddeck.

John the Captain makes you feel so welcome and at ease as he reads from his guide “Sailing for Dummies”. He definitely needs no guide, since the experience he has is far more than any guide could possibly teach you. We set out around 6pm, and arrived back around 8pm.  It is a great way to sit back and take in all of the scenery you can not see from the car. So if you are pondering the idea of sailing,

I highly recommend you take some gravol and go for it!!

Be careful who you bring with you though… they do serve alcohol on board

Hilda’s White Point – A landmark with Soul

Again, we head around the Cabot Trail on a new adventure. Just when one thinks they have seen all the beauty, there is more, just waiting for us to embark on.
We decide to visit White Point as we have heard the stories. We have heard of the rocks that are there, beneath the big white cross. But we need to see for ourselves. What is this they talk of a community buried and a cross of an unknown soldier?
We pull up to where the walk begins. The beauty again, surpasses us and we are in awe. The trek we are about to take effects us all.
This is the beginning of the water and beauty that lies ahead.

We begin what we think may only be an ordinary walk on the rocks and the barren land but we learn quickly, there is a story to touch the soul.

You see, years ago there was a thriving village here. Years ago many families lived here and worked here. A beautiful land full of laughter and stories. But years ago this tiny village was hit with diphtheria and so the community had to be quarantined. Many of their community passed on. So on this little rock away from the village is where they buried their family and friends. The small rocks represent the children and the larger rocks represent the adults who fought the battle of the disease and lost. But to this day, you feel respect and reverence as you walk this trail. You feel the people and you hear it in the winds as they blow across this sacred place.

The large white cross. We had heard it was the cross of the Unknown soldier but had a lesson where we learned, it may have been a pirate, years ago.

This walk is amazingly breath taking. You feel peace and a sense of soul for the people who still live on in this little community. The community is small but beautiful and self sustaining. Take the time to sit and think. Think of the hardships of many years ago for a village that still goes on as they continue to take care of their ancestors.

It is a short hike but very invigorating, amazingly beautiful by the ocean and a respectful place that will take you back in time.

See for yourself what is there. Take the walk and hear the stories in the wind and you will be entranced. This will be a hike you will never forget.

Willy’s Whale of a Visit!

While, once again, on our annual trip around the Cabot Trail, we, the Silver Dart Staff, ventured into the Pleasant Bay Whale Interpretive Centre and although they were not yet open for the season, they welcomed us graciously.

As our coastline along the Cabot Trail in the highlands is renowned for its whale sightings, this is an ideal location to learn about whales and their marine environment.

George Fraser was so personable and welcoming, that it was like talking to one of the family.  His knowledgeability and love of whales were immediately apparent, as he spoke passionately and with pride of the construction of the building, the area, the people and the whales.  It was built environmentally friendly and the Centre is such an integral part of their community and their way of life, as hand in hand, the lower level of the building houses, community functions, meetings, etc.

They are extremely accommodating, as you can either venture through on your own, or they offer guided tours to individuals, groups of school children, adults, or bus tours.  If you are planning a whale cruise, this is an absolute preamp, with so much to offer, that you will feel “at home” with the whales.

The Centre is ideally located, right off the wharf, where the whale cruises go out and it, also, offers the most spectacular view off the water.  There is an abundance of information about the evolution of whales and the whales of the Atlantic.  They have a sound station and you can listen to the music of some of our local Scottish artists, with actual whale sounds, as you tour the centre.  They have a display of historical items, in which the whale catches were used, a live tank and a life size model of a Pilot Whale named “Hook”.

The highlight of the centre, which is a treat for the young and old alike, is where you can be seated in a small dory replica, seating area and watch a short video, about ten minutes long, on a quick history of the whale hunt and how the whales are protected today.  I am definitely, taking my nine year old and his friends here, through the summer, when I have a day off.  They will be ecstatic!!

Finally, as you finish off the centre, at the little gift shop to pick up some memorabilia, you will definitely leave with a greater passion for your whale cruise!

This is a “gem” of a spot, with a treasure trove of information, that will make you feel “at home” with the whales and nature and we would love to share our new knowledge of it with all of you, while you are “at home” with us!

Chad’s Louisbourg Lighthouse Hiking Adventure!

There is much more than the Cabot Trail here in Cape Breton!  Hiking and exploring on trails is one of the greatest ways to get away from the crowds.  One of the great places we go is to Louisbourg.

The Lighthouse trail on the coast across from the Fortress is one such place.  It is a maintained trail, but you can keep going along the coast for some great solitude and scenery.  Make sure you see the Cabot Trail – but also plan to spend a few more days explore ALL Cape Breton has to offer!

Mandy’s Tartans and Treasures Shopping Spree!

(big stretch)  Well I finally awoke from my long winter’s nap… Now I am back to work and ready to explore!! My first stop was Tartan’s and Treasures in South Harbour.  Wow they have a lot of tartan. Did you know they are North America’s Largest collection of Tartan Scarf’s, Ties and Blankets!?! They have everything you could possibly think of in there..  Of course, us being us, had to model some things for you

Tartan’s and Tresures also offer year round mail order and worldwide shipping.  So why don’t you stop in and search for  your family tartan!! They have a variety of souvenirs ranging from scarves, barets, glassware, crests etc.  As well as a wide variety of other souvenir items.

And remember…. If it’s Nae Scottish…. it’s Crr~ap!