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!

Corney Brook Falls

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I love to get out and hike.  Here is another great hike in The Cape Breton Highlands National.

CorneyBrookFallsis a 6.5 km (4 mi) fully wooded hike.  We hiked it in the rain, so I found this photo on the net.  But with the great trees they seem to block most of the soft rain and would make for a nice cool hike in the “heat” of the summer.

But the real reward, other then the hike, is the falls.  While the falls are not large, the setting is peaceful and the sounds of water hitting stone really calms.

It is a two tier falls with a trail that goes around from the first view to give you a wonderful viewing of the second tier.

Once done with the hike you can head across the way to the beach at the Corney Brook campground for a swim.

I will be back in the winter for a snowshoe and ice climbing adventure.  Stay tuned.

Hilda Remembers A Cabot Trail Winter

Just enough snow to make us cry for more!

Well, we started our winter off so slow in Cape Breton. Many of us had the blues at Christmas time because we had no snow. Our wonder was: Will we have a first winter, ever, without snow on our beautiful Island.

Is this all the snow we will get?

January started with some snowflakes. They were so pretty and so white and so clean. How refreshing we all thought!! Our Cape Breton winter has started and how happy for those who were unsure if they would use their snow plows this winter. After all, they had spent the past year preparing them for just plowing. And all the snowmobiling, where would that be? People started to worry. What is going to happen with not enough snow?

Are these real?

But the flakes kept coming and coming and coming. I must say, it was so pretty. But then we thought will they ever stop. You know when we all ask for something, and everyone is busy asking, we forget when to stop.

Let the fun begin! We have received the snow! Wow! Great!

Well, the first week of March my husband and I decided to check actually how much asking was really done. I mean really, is there as much snow in our Highlands as everyone keeps telling us? We had heard so many stories, you know the “Oh the banks are 23 feet high” and “Oh my, the snow banks are over the power lines”.  Is this truthful?

And the clean up began immediately!

On March 2, it was beautiful and sunny.  What a better way to spend our day but touring the Cabot Trail.  It truly is beautiful any time of the year. Well, to say the least we were in for such a treat. I mean check out these snow banks.

Now spring has sprung and we look back and think, was this real?  We have so much greenery now, it is beautiful.  Our Island is green and alive with flowers and trees budding. Spring is here and this winter is behind us – THANK GOD!!

Chad’s Hike up Franey Mountain!

Franey hike

What a HIKE!  Took the day and went for a hike up Franey in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.  7+ km (4.6 mi) of great hiking.  Lots of uphill going, but the views are worth it.  I even found a moose antler!

Adventures in Bird-Watching!

Everybody loves birds right? Blue Jays, Cardinals, Robins, Finches, hummingbirds… but who’s seen an Atlantic Puffin?

This little puffin seemed to know I wanted a great shot of him!

They are a hard one to check off your bird-watcher list.  They are rarely seen from land…and spend most of their lives at sea only coming in to breed and raise their young for a few short months.  Just off the coast of Cape Breton is the Bird Islands, a set of rocky, craggy, barren islands that just happen to be the perfect breeding ground for seabirds like to Atlantic Puffin!

Two young eagles, two 2-3 year old eagles, and a mature eagle hanging out on an escarpment on Bird Islands.

Bald Eagles are abundant on Bird Islands.  Plenty of fish in the ocean to feed on and also the abundance of young and immature puffins draw the Eagles to the Islands.   Young eagles develop to maturity at 4 years old, and their distinctive white heads and tails appear at that time as well.

Pair of Mature Bald Eagles enjoying the evening sun on Bird Islands.

Donelda says there are about 30 mature eagles seen on the islands, along with young eagles of all ages.

The Bird Islands are accessible by 35-45 minute boat ride, and if you go out with Donelda’s Puffin Boat tours you’ll get a real sense of how these birds live.  It seems like a tough life…months at sea, predators all around during breeding time, and then back out to sea… but it works for the Atlantic Puffin and others.

Armageddon in Meat Cove

The recent late August downpour of rain which washed out the lone road leading into Meat Cove has added to the intrigue of this common destination – the northern most settlement in Nova Scotia.  Year after year Cape Breton visitors head north at Cape North, travel through Aspy Bay (great mussels fished here), sail by Sugarloaf, turn towards Capstick, and take the windy dirt road all the way to Meat Cove.

According to Wikipedia: “The name Meat Cove, came from the smell of cooking meat that sailors could catch down wind as they approached the cove from many miles away. The cove was a place to lay away and hunt and get fresh water before sailing on.”

Our crew decided to unleash our own Armageddon on Meat Cove earlier this year!  ( I did not smell any meat, although at this time in the day driving on a windy dirt road next to steep cliffs my Old Spice deodorant was wearing thin).

We made it!

Take a close look – do you see Willy?

Do you see Willy?

Debbie was so captivated by view we had to leave her there! We miss you Deb!

There is a "road" that takes you down to beach - anyone seen my muffler?

This is Willy and Hildegaard climbing rocks 🙂

The Elusive Meat Cove Cave Dwelling Troll spotted and photographed!

Although the last couple weeks have been tough ones for the fine people of Meat Cove and the visitors that were stranded, we are sure that the recent attention this area has received and the stories of local heroes will bring more visitors here for many many years.

They will surely experience the rugged beauty of this great community as we did.  On your next trip to the Cabot Trail, plan to visit Meat Cove, you will not be disappointed!

WOW!!

Oh my gosh!!  Do you hear that?? What is that calm and soothing sound???  ….  WOW!!!

That sound  is MacIntosh Brook!!! My absolute favorite spot.

MacIntosh Brook babbling through the forest!

Bridges cross the brook a few times as you make your way in toward the falls.

This walk follows a brook all the way to the end and the sound of the water takes all your cares away!   When you finally make your way to the end the view is amazing!  There is not one but two waterfalls that await you.  Beautiful is all I can say to describe them….I love this place!!! I could stay here all day just listening to the sounds of the water and the world around me… what more could one ask for?!?!

The sounds are amazing!

What an awesome place this is!

Who ever said tree-climbing was only for kids!

Plus…. if you have  a playful streak in you…like I do…you can even climb a tree like Kyla here….lol…. we had a blast doing this as you can plainly see!!

So what are you waiting for….get off that chair and get to MacIntosh Brook…you will NOT be disappointed!!! The sights and sounds are beyond words and worth every second!!