Days 15 and 16 were spent on beautiful Cape Breton Island, primarily Sydney. After getting in late from our day in Halifax, we did some local exploring on Sunday. In the morning, we went to Louisbourg, a French colony from the 1700s that was destroyed by the British then reconstructed by the Government of Canada. It was interesting to learn about the role of the French in our history. There were many characters roaming the streets and we had a period lunch of soup and bread (simple but good).
In the late afternoon, we travelled up the coast towards Glace Bay and the Mining Musuem. It was an interesting place because there is an old mine under the museum. We went on a very interesting tour of the abandoned mine. It was wet, cool, and VERY dark. It was just the right size for the kids to stand upright, but I had to bend over in order to walk in the tunnel. I couldn't imagine working down there! Shelldon, the tour guide and retired miner, knew his stuff!
Monday was dedicated to driving the Cabot Trail which circles the Cape Breton Highlands. It is a beautiful, scenic drive with many places to stop, look, and take photos. We stopped for lunch at the "Rusty Anchor" and decided this was the place we would order lobster (though none of us are real seafood lovers). We insisted that all the kids at least try a little piece. Jake took a piece and said it was OK. Kate needed about 15 minutes and a few threats :-) And Sam...was Sam. Dramatic as ever. After a half hour, we finally stuffed some lobster into a french fry and he ate that. My, the length we need to go sometimes! We continued and completed the Cabot Trail and made it to Pictou, Nova Scotia, where there is a ferry that runs to PEI It is run by Northumberland Ferry Lines (NFL), and is a 60 minute ride. PEI is beautiful. We've only been here a few hours, but I can tell already. We are looking forward to exploring the island over the next 3 days. Tomorrow we are heading to Cavendish, setting of Anne of Green Gables.
