Friday, October 22, 2021

Our Final Days in Atlantic Canada and the Journey Home

 16 September 2021
Auld's Cove - Western Side of the Cabot Trail - Auld's Cove

     We awoke early after a good night's sleep and went for breakfast in the restaurant at the motel. After a walk around the grounds and alongside the bay we were ready to leave for the western side of the Cabot Trail.



     We still had a way to go to get to the start of the Cabot Trail, but there were many scenic views to make the journey interesting.


     It was a dull day with a little rain now and again, mostly while we were driving fortunately. 
     The Cabot Trail beckoned!


Image from the Internet



     Our journey was taking us into the heart of l'Acadie, and we began to see Acadian flags flying as soon as we arrived in the Margaree area.


     The coastline was rugged.


     The flags flew proudly.


     It is a tribute to the Acadian people that despite persecutions and expulsions, their culture has survived and a vibrant, distinct community exists to this day. Long may it continue.
     A couple of Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) cruised along the coastline where sea and land meet, no doubt taking advantage of the sheer winds rising off the cliffs.


     At one point they were almost right above our heads.
     The views were impressive at every turn in the road.


     It is a feature of this part of the world that the houses are often colourful, and what might look incongruous in a city suburb, is perfect for the region.


     It was always a pleasure when we came across a sizeable flock of cormorants.


     A Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) was equally at home on the ocean.


     There was never a shortage of convenient spots to pull off to the side of the road and walk the beach.



     There were many freshwater lakes in addition to the salty water of the ocean.


     It was the awesome coastline that inspired us most, however. 


     We were gob-smacked the whole time and it made me wonder if the people who live here come to take it for granted. I suspect they do, but every once in a while, on a bright day when the sun is warming their face, they surely must look at it and know that they live in a very special part of the world.
    Chéticamp, the largest town in l'Acadie, is home to the ancient craft of rug hooking. This is perhaps the only part of the world where the ladies are proud to call themselves hookers!
     Rug hooking has evolved from a utilitarian pastime to a a distinctive art form, requiring the highest levels of dedication, creativity and skill - much like quilting. A premium rug by a skilled artist commands several thousands of dollars and is eagerly sought after by collectors. They are displayed as works of art, adorning walls in distinguished homes around the world, including at Rideau Hall, home of the Governor General of Canada.
     Miriam was especially keen to gain some exposure to this craft and we could not have been more fortunate to drop into Lola's Hookers, the pre-eminent shop for hooked rugs in the area. Lola had been working on a rug that had given her a lot of trouble. She told us that she finally got tired of picking apart what she had created, because she knew it wasn't right. She called in two renowned hookers of the area, and we were privy to their discussion about the rug and what was needed to finish it well.


     They were actually sketching on the canvas so that Lola would be able to remain true to their design.
     It was fascinating to be privy to the creative process unfolding before our eyes, with the very finest proponents of the art sharing their knowledge.



     I was happy that Miriam had such a wonderful opportunity to satisfy her curiosity and to learn a little more about the process. We will not soon forget this encounter.
     Unfortunately, Miriam's pictures covering the rest of the day, and our journey around more of the Cabot Trail, somehow got deleted from her memory card, so I have nothing else to share with you today. Rest assured that we had a great day, however, and the eastern part of the Trail will be brought to you tomorrow.  

17 September 2021
Auld's Cove - Cabot Trail - Cape Breton Highlands National Park - Auld's Cove

     It was a considerably brighter morning than the previous day, and we looked forward to more enjoyable hours of exploration along the Cabot Trail. 


     The views are so spectacular, even more so on the east side, and one dramatic and beautiful scene followed another.





     Whenever it was possible we stopped to enjoy the view - and to take some pictures of course.
     The Cabot Trail runs through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and there is a fee that must be paid to enter the park. I don't recall the cost, but it was quite modest.


     I never resent my money going to such magnificent places, the patrimony of all Canadians; of the people of the world, in fact.
     There was a short, very steep trail across from the park headquarters and we decided to climb up to enjoy the view from the top.


     We arrived at the top a little out of breath, but we were able to sit for a while and contemplate the splendour before us.


     The views were spectacular!



     We had not seen many dragonflies during our visit to The Maritimes, so we were delighted when this Autumn Meadowhawk ( Sympetrum vicinum) landed right in front of us.


     We were heading for Neil's Harbour, a classic little fishing village, where we planned to have lunch.



      The local chowder house lived up to its reputation for excellent seafood, and we both had a bowl of seafood chowder with a delicious hot biscuit.
     The lighthouse has been converted into an ice cream parlour, but we were too full to even think about it!


     Great Black-backed Gulls were dotted throughout the harbour. If I am not mistaken this is a second cycle individual, meaning that it wears the plumage before entering its second prebasic moult.


     More information than you wanted or needed to know, I am sure!
     In a couple of years it will look just like this.


     An American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus) is a large gull - except when standing next to a Great Black Backed Gull
 that is!


     Does anything shout out "Maritime coast" like a bevy of cormorants loafing on a rock?


     We decided to walk the Coastal Trail, about a 3km trek.


     On the way down to the shore we passed this tranquil brook.


     As we paused in quiet contemplation of nature, I could not help but be reminded of a stanza from Alfred Lord Tennyson's immortal poem, The Brook.

"I chatter, chatter, as I flow
To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
But I go on forever."

There were delightful walks through forested areas where we saw the only Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator), a female, of our trip.

I have no idea why Blogger is doing this but after a half hour of frustration I have been unable to change it.



     The pictures are not terrific but they are the best we have!
     The beach was pretty much ours, there being very few people to disturb the tranquility.


     Imagine our pleasure when small parties of Sanderling (Calidris alba) were there to greet us.



     It brought back instant memories of Prince Edward Island, and a contingent of Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus) cemented the recollection.



     Relaxation on the sand is always a good idea!


     A healthy stand of dune grass seems to be anchoring the sand well and preventing it from blowing away.


     The next trail we explored was the Jigging Cove Trail, a round trip of about two kilometres.


     This trail was pleasant enough to walk but was not brimming with birdlife. 
     A couple of Spreadwings (Lestidae) were quite obliging.



     Spreadwings are not easy to identify without close examination, but based on the time of year, the location and the prevalence of the species, I think they are male and female Spotted Spreadwings (Lestes congener).
     Green Cove was a very short trail, only a couple of hundred metres or so, but it provided excellent views of the ocean where whales are known to pass at certain times of the year.
     We had to be content with cormorants on a rock, a quintessential image dear to my heart.


     On the drive back to Auld's Cove we spotted a few American Wigeons (Mareca americana) in a pond by the side of the road, the only sighting of this species on our journey through Nova Scotia.
 

     Back at Auld's Cove we were tired enough from our day's activity that we were not inclined to go out for dinner, so we picked up a couple of sandwiches at the local Subway store and enjoyed them in our room.
     It had been a great experience to get to know the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton Island - at least a little anyway.

18 September 2021
Auld's Cove, NS - Perth-Andover, NB

     We left our room and went to the local Tim Horton's for breakfast - coffee, and herb and garlic cream cheese on a bagel. While eating, a Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) started to call vociferously, and then flew over right in front of us.
I wish it would join us for breakfast every day!
     The journey from Nova Scotia to new New Brunswick was a bit of a challenge at times. We drove through several periods of torrential rain and fog so thick you could barely see through it.
     The Perth-Andover Motor Inn turned out to be a great choice. It was exceptionally clean and we were well satisfied with our room.


     The local pizza store was in the supermarket. It took a while to get our order filled and the pizza was mediocre, but it filled our stomachs.
     We settled in for the night, glad to be off the road.

Accommodation: Perth-Andover Motor Inn, 560 Route 190, Perth-Andover, NB  E7H 4H8, 506 273-2224  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

19 September 2021
Perth-Andover - Four Falls - New Denmark, NB - St-Hyacinthe, QC

     The reason for our stop at Perth-Andover was to visit our old friend Julie Johnson and her mother, Joy, who had moved from Carlisle, ON to New Brunswick several years ago.
     We were up early and had lots of time to spare before heading for Julie's home. Four Falls sounded like an attractive place to visit, so that is what we did.
     As the name implies, it is the site of four waterfalls and there is much natural beauty there.



     Pristine you might add.



     A lovely place to walk and enjoy nature.


     And then there is the other side of it. Humans, the supreme despoilers have left their mark.
     

     What would a bridge be without graffiti?  Mindless, vulgar, senseless graffiti.


     Local culture is on full display.


     Nothing was sacred, nothing should be left as nature intended it.


     What do you feel like today?



     Oh, how we have added to the charm of the place. Uplifting messages too, just what everyone wants to see, especially if you bring your children for a walk through the woods enjoying the sound of the falls.
     Let's daub paint all over the rocks.


     Whatever else we do let's not leave anything unspoiled.
      While we're here let's liberally strew our trash around. The photographs that follow do not begin to capture the scope of the trash. They merely illustrate the variety of discarded items.





     There was more.





     And more.



     Don't for a moment think that I captured it all.
     If this is the way we treat own backyard, the natural beauty still remaining, areas still unpaved, how can we have any hope that we will cease to pollute the oceans and tackle issues such as acid rain and polluted air? I despair for humanity. I mourn for the inheritance of our children and grandchildren. The simple fact that we don't give a damn is clear. 
      We hear a lot about "freedom" these days. Is this what freedom means? Freedom to do anything? Freedom to willfully despoil the Earth? Freedom to have no concern for the biosphere and all its creatures?
      Does it convey the right for aggrieved anti-vaxxers to hurl abuse at doctors and nurses who are almost dead on their feet from long hours of treating their patients? Does it justify delaying ambulances from delivering their critically-ill patients to a hospital?
     Is this what freedom means?
     For some, everything seems to revolve around individual rights with no thought for the common good. Does it make any sense for a person to be able to buy a weapon so powerful that it can kill scores of people in a minute, and to lawfully carry that weapon into the street, or even into a state legislature? Does freedom confer the right on a politician to willfully and knowingly lie, over and over again?
     I can tell you it sickens me.
     But nothing sickens me quite as much as this continual, unabated assault on the Earth and its ability to deliver life itself.
     Do you want this?


     Or do you want this?


     When I see rocks defaced in the manner below, it almost makes me laugh to think that I was once horrified when people carved their initials on trees.


     I tell you again we are a sad, sad species.
     Having left the Four Falls Degradation Site we were very happy indeed to see Julie and Joy.


     They have a lovely home on 12 acres and cherish it with the loving care exhibited by dedicated, caring, active custodians of the land.
     We shared a lovely brunch together on the porch overlooking the valley.


     To paraphrase Robert Frost, we had miles to go before we slept, and left by late morning.
     We made it as far as St.-Hyacinthe, QC, where we got a room at a Day's Inn just off the highway. The room was very acceptable, enlivened by a small scene painted directly on the wall.



    We went across to a restaurant within walking distance of the hotel, but were unable to eat inside, Québec had just initiated its vaccine passport and, of course we didn't have one.
     There were tables outside, however, where we dined on some distinctly second rate food.
     The beds were comfortable and we settled in to blissful slumber.

Accommodation: Day's Inn, 410, rue Couture, Sainte-Hélène-de-Bagot, QC   450 791-2580, daysinn.stehelene@sogetel.net Rating: 3 stars out of 5.

20 September 2021
St.-Hyacinthe, QC - Waterloo, ON

     A complimentary breakfast was included, but it was a disappointing affair. There was little choice and replenishments were needed. There was only one muffin left, and it was chocolate chip, which neither Miriam nor I wanted. Everywhere was a sea of  styrofoam and plastic. We were the only people to arrive wearing a mask and there was no staff on hand to either restock the food or ask people to comply with COVID requirements. Only last evening we had been refused permission (rightly so) to dine indoors without showing identification and a vaccine passport.
    Just as we were leaving the fellow at the front desk came into the dining area, sans mask, sans gloves, and began to load the food trays.
     The regulations are applied in mysterious ways!
     We entered the highway in high spirits, knowing that by mid afternoon we would be home. In no time at all, or so it seemed we were approaching Montréal.


     Our journey proceeded uneventfully and by mid afternoon we were walking through our front door.
     It's always good to be home!    
     


David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

72 comments:

  1. Well, you accumulated a good collection of graffitti and garbage photos! The Cabot Trail was nice too!

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  2. Hari OM
    I second your dispair and outrage, David, at how some are so unaware of their surroundings and their duty to it and their fellow humans... Still, around all that you have had a most wonderful trip and shared it with us so generously, for which, gratitude! YAM xx

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  3. I share your despair about our species, and am very grateful that most of this post allowed me to put our rotten ways to the back of my mind. Freedom, like rights, needs to be closely coupled with responsibilities.

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    1. For the most part it was a great trip, Sue, but the degree of trash and total disregard for the environment, to say nothing of the lack of simple respect for others is more than discouraging.

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  4. If it's any comfort, David, I have six grandchildren, ages 26 and down, who are willing, and do say "Hey, man, knock that off. This is our home." Two are children of pack it in, pack it out parents. The other four I raised myself.
    Your ire at trash could have come right from the mouth or pen of my parents!
    Your trip was lovely, and good to see dragonflies again.

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  5. Certainly a rugged Island also would be pleasant driving on the road by the sea.
    If there was a few rubbish bins along the way who knows if people would use them, some would be too tired to put them in the bins.

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  6. Thank you for the wonderful views over the water, David. The nature is so lovely, but why do some humans want to destroy it? I can not tell you....

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  7. Thanks for the photo of the American Wigeon - I spent an hour or so searching (unsuccessfully) for one just the other day! I can tell you that at least some of the local people appreciate the scenery of Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail. My late uncle was born in St Margaret's Village, right in the north of the island; he never tired of taking trips back up there, or talking about it! It's only a small percentage of people who despoil the landscape in this way, but they certainly make a mess.

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    1. It's more than just making a mess. Recently I came across a huge pile of asphalt shingles leaching in a woodlot. Obviously people had redone their roof and didn't want to pay the fee for proper disposal, so they dumped the old shingles on someone else's land.

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  8. I am always horrified when I see that people need to deface everything and leave symbols of their mindless depravity wherever they go, and I get in a rage when I see such things here. Your journey sounds fabulous, so many sights to see and enjoy. I'm glad the Acadians haven't been 'tamed', that's great! And lovely to learn about the hookers! That must have been very interesting for Miriam. Thanks for sharing your trip, hugs, Valerie

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  9. It seems disrespectful people are everywhere. We have thoughtless vandalism here as well, despoiling our most beautiful places. I ask myself why it is that some people simply cannot appreciate and enjoy the world around them. But, then, I think I do know why. Their lives are so ugly that they cannot bear to have anything remotely attractive near them but have to bring it down to their own dirty level. Very sad.

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  10. Oh David - I am sad and furious at the same time when I see the graffitti and trash and think of our species. You comment is very precise and I agree 101% Strange kind of feeling freedom.
    The contrast to the beautiful nature you show on the many other photos is immense. I have only seen an eagle a few times - my country is too populated, but I remember the sights. The size and dignity...! Beautiful.
    (What a shame with the technology - memory card and editor).
    Greetings Lisbeth

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  11. Hi David.

    You can look back on a great journey.
    You have seen so much beauty.
    They were beautiful rugged coastlines.
    also wonderful to make that art on carpets.
    And what a beautiful view at the top.
    How nice to meet Julie and Joy again.
    Foul Falls is beautiful.
    Beautiful piece of nature.
    Too bad such a mess and graffiti.
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey with us.

    Greetings from Patricia.

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  12. Hi David,
    Wonderful landscapes, how beautiful nature is. I loved the beautiful red dragonfly. Unfortunately, vandalism exists everywhere and even reaches nature. It is sad to see how certain people respect nothing and destroy everything in their path.
    It was certainly an excellent trip but it is always very pleasant to return home after our travels.
    Have a nice weekend

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  13. I too hate to see all of this mindless trash and graffitti despoiling so much of our nature and beauty - I just don't comprehend either the thoughts or the mentality behind it. There is an historic bridge in Paris that is breaking up under the weight of padlocks that people from around the world have fixed to it.
    On a brighter note I really love hooker, Lola's creation.

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  14. Hello David,
    Your trip looks fantastic, except for the trashed area. The views of the park and coastline are just gorgeous. Great variety of birds and sightings. It is wonderful you were able to meet up with your friends during this trip! Beautiful photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your critters and post. Take care, have a happy weekend!

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  15. I've loved following you two on this journey! It's a part of the world I would love to see (although I always thought that if I was in Cape Breton, I would probably spend all my days and nights in pubs listening to the wonderful Celtic music. Natalie McMaster from this region is one of my favorites!). Beautiful territory and sightings, as well. I love small mom-and-pop motels like that and we always seek them out over chains, though sometimes that's all that's available. You're so spot on about how people don't seem to care for the land (or regulations) anymore. Overall, a fabulous trip but things like that do stick in the mind.

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  16. Loved the Cabot Trail. We camped at Cheticamp and drove the trail several times. We had a cassette tape with music accompaniment to guide us. We also did a whale tour and saw pilot whales.

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  17. The Cape Breton highlands are definitely on my wish list, as well as some of my husband's great-grandparents came down from there so a family connection is always a good reason to check out a place. Your photos are amazing. That bald eagle was posing on the thermals for you. The graffiti is plain old vandalism. So sad. As is the trash. It definitely has gotten worse here starting when the last president came into office ( I can't even write his name). Are that many people so disenfranchised from society they need to do this to the world? It is a sad time in many ways. Thanks for sharing your trip, even the not so pretty. Happy weekend too.

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  18. What a stunning place but I will never understand people who throw their rubbish away willy nilly. It makes me very angry. When out walking here I see things that people have thrown into ditches at the side of the road, mainly there is very little rubbish around in our area so I get very fed up when I do see it.
    Re the print that you cannot change. Block it and at the top of the page where the row of icons are, on the far right there is 3 dots. Click on them, then click the icon on the far right (the T with a line through it) and it will clear formatting. Then click on the alignment icon and centralise the writing again and format the font and size you want. All the rubbish will go.
    Wishing you both all the best, Diane

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    1. Hi Diane: When I click on the three dots it just brings up Google apps.

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    2. Yes, but on the right there is the T with a line through it..... I could send you a photo if I had your email address. Mine is dpsfrance at gmail.com

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    3. I have looked again, Diane, but I don't see it. My email address is davidmgascoigne@gmail.com

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  19. I thoroughly enjoyed following you on this trip from the rugged coastline to the skills of the 'hookers'. Alone in a breathtaking scenic wilderness and then you discover the trash. It is heartbreaking.

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    1. It really is heartbreaking. I wonder how these idiots would explain their actions to their children? I guess if they are moronic enough to do it, explanations are not even a consideration.

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  20. Hello David,:=) I enjoyed seeing your beautiful photos of the rugged coastal views and sea birds, the art of the hooking craft, and the spectacular views where you stopped to take a rest after your climb, It must have been lovely to meet up with your friends.

    The vulgar and senseless defacing of nature is disgraceful.It's a sad state of affairs when people have so little regard for the beauty of their surroundings that they have to trash it.

    It's always a great feeling to arrive home after a long or short journey.Enjoy!:=)

    Hugs and take care,...I know you will!

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    1. We have trashed our cities and daubed the buildings with graffiti, Sonjia, and now we are moving to ruin nature too. What the hell is wrong with us?

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  21. What a wonderful conclusion to your trip minus the graffiti. I enjoyed reading your narrative and seeing all the beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing, David.

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    1. Unfortunately that graffiti is hard to eradicate and of course the morons who do it are always ready to add more.

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  22. Estimado y apreciado amigo David, he disfrutado de ese encantador viaje guiado de tu mano. Son parajes excepcionales que por desgracia el ser humano siempre tiene que dejar en ellos su maldita huella, no tenemos arreglo, se necesitan menos contemplaciones más mano dura y además fuertes sanciones.
    Ojalá haya resuelto Miriam su problema con la alfombra. Realizan verdaderas obras de arte.
    Un gran brazo y os deseo un buen fin de semana amigo y compadre David.

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  23. Cape Breton Island is a place that hitherto I had been totally unaware of, David - and I can't understand why - it looks so utterly beautiful!

    I am totally behind you with your expressions of disgust and despair for the complete lack of respect that so many of the human race have for nature and the future of the planet. The level of selfishness out there is beyond belief!

    Take good care, and don't get too disheartened but keep up the fight for the good of the planet - - - Richard

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  24. Que les photos sont jolies!Il y'a des vues magnifiques <3
    Le tapis semble bien beau aussi, cela doit prendre beaucoup de temps.
    Les graffitis et déchets sont de partout... Vers chez moi il y'a des bennes et pourtant quelques mètres autour il y'a quand même des déchets jetés, quelqu'un à même fait une guirlande avec qui a été accroché sur la rambarde du restaurant fermé... C'est bien triste...
    Bonne soirée

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  25. Hi David. Beautiful photos of your trip . I like the landscapes and the coast . I think you were very happy. The trash in the nature is not so good .Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos

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  26. You have so many things that I love in this post, I don't know where to start! Seeing Eagles is special and I love lighthouses! And MAPS...I get so excited when I see the trails mapped out of maps. Wish I could hike those you've shown!

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  27. The Cabot Trail is a magical place.

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  28. Just beautiful except for the trash and graffiti, of course. That is depressingly common, even in beautiful places like these. What a species we are.

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  29. Thank you for sharing this spectacular trip! The litter is disheartening, especially knowing that is is so typical of how people treat the earth.

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  30. What a nice photos of your trip. Mess and graffity, not good. But your other pics are amazing.

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  31. Muy hermoso el paisaje del viaje, las panorámicas de la costa y de las aves marítimas me han gustado mucho. En cuanto a la basura y la falta de respeto por el entorno y por la naturaleza es algo lamentable que horroriza ver, pero que está ahí y en todas partes.
    Un gran abrazo.

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  32. So many interesting observations from your trip. Lovely pictures as always!

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  33. Hi David - magnificent place to see and be shown around by you both ... and great to meet Joyce and Julie. While people's behaviour is just appalling ... I wonder if they'll ever appreciate their land, or change their thoughts.

    I am so pleased you had such a happy time with the hookers ... and Miriam was able to appreciate and learn more about their craft. I'd never heard of Acadia - so that was interesting ... all the best - Hilary

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  34. You take the best trips! Our kids visit here often, with family out east.
    Also, you remind me that I have to go ditch diving here before the snow flies.

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  35. Some stunning photos of the coastline David. I like those yellow houses, and the cute lighthouse.
    I'm always amazed how people deface property and leave rubbish behind. Why would anyone spray paint a tree trunk or rocks? Idiots!!

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  36. Here we have a rubbish issue also. (in part it's trash hauling trucks that don't cover their trash on the way to the landfill and if it blows out...no one cleans it up!)

    What a glorious trip, the coast, the birds, the scenery!!

    I'm running late today getting my visiting done, out early birding and just getting home! Thanks for linking in and sharing at IRBB!

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  37. such a great palce to visit and enjoy.
    Loved to see the photos of the Sanderlings. A bird I always loved since I first saw it. :)

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  38. Wow, you took us on a long and, for the most part, a wonderful journey. I can't agree with you more about the state of the human animal ... I get angry just watching the news and listening to the lies and the indifference ... the stupidity and the selfishness. It makes me shudder. I am not sure I hold out any hope for things to change. Freedom comes with the responsibility of the effect our actions have on others ... duh! So nice to hear from a fellow human with a sense of responsibility toward nature and toward mankind. I shutter to think of what our future looks like :( Stay well and I am glad you arrived home safe and sound.

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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  39. I have to agree that humans are great spoilers of our wonderful world. We have the same kind of idiots who think daubing graffiti is a vital part of a visit to a place of natural beauty here. Meanwhile the anti vaxers are doing their best to stop the rest of us from benefitting from vaccines which will save countless lives while the climate change deniers are bent on destroying the world for our children and grandchildren. I despair of humanity at the moment.

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  40. Some glorious blue sky images shared. I suppose Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail wouldn't be as impressive, if there weren't the days of rain. Our visit mirrored yours. We were fortunate enough though, to see two moose quite close on a forest walk. Thankfully they were not aggressive towards us.

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  41. Well, you accumulated a good collection of graffitti and garbage photos! The Cabot Trail was nice too!

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  42. A wild but beautiful coastline.

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  43. The Cabot Trail looks stunning. Great pictures Miriam. To see all that trash is so disheartening :(

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    1. I don't know which bothers me most, Carol, the trash or the graffiti, but either one is awful.

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  44. Beautiful pics (apart from the rubbish... what´s going on in some people´s minds?!)
    Great holiday you had, wonderful!

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  45. Hello David,
    first of all my apologies for not being with you in so long (and not with several). We have lost a few friends in a very short time and that has had a big impact on me. Occasionally go online and read.

    Now finally with you and I saw a lot of gemsit.
    This post also contains beautiful photos with a nice variation in them. I understand you've been traveling so I still have a lot to read.
    Anyway, I really enjoyed these photos.
    Dear greetings,
    Helma

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  46. I would have loved to see the rug hooking done. That sort of artistic endeavor always interests me. I am so sorry to see all that litter, as I am a neat freak myself.

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  47. What a wonderful last leg of your odyssey! Simply stunning views (well, excluding the trashy stuff).
    We know it's good to be home but you have accumulated some really precious memories.

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  48. The trail looks amazing, it's difficult to comprehend the size, when you said Cabot Trail, I thought it was something you could walk around! It's a beautiful place. What a shame Four Falls has fallen foul of the worst of humankind, it's just dreadful to see the natual beauty of the place ruined in this way.

    I hope you were left with plenty from your trip to outweigh this eyesore!

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  49. An amazing trip! Enjoyed all your photos except for the trash and graffiti. A sad commentary, very sad indeed. I also wanted to thank you very much for your help with identifying my hummingbird the other day. It was very much appreciated.

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  50. I enjoyed these gorgeous photos of your trip, David.

    The Cabot Trail looks like a wonderful place.

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  51. I have been to many of the places you showed in your photos. The Cabot Trail was lovely, when I was visiting, gosh....2002??? 2001??? I had fog the entire trip. But I loved the spookiness of it. The entire Cape Breton Island was magical, it is actually where I wanted to find my home. Who knows? Maybe one day I'll end up there! My most favourite memory was staying at a small B&B in Pleasant Bay. I never wanted to leave! That was where I went whale watching and it's a memory that brings me so much joy to this day. Thanks for sharing David!!

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  52. I think I have caught up on all the posts about your trip to the Maritimes and I have really enjoyed them. We plan to travel up that way next summer (fingers crossed!) so I will be reading them again when the time is closer. It is such a beautiful part of the world and still pristine in many ways. I agree, and also despair, of what some of our species has done in the name of “freedom”. The idea has been perverted to mean anything a person wants to do, no matter the damage to others.

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  53. Assuredly, humans are becoming more disconnected from nature. It is difficult to understand this behaviour when we see ecological disasters unfolding in real time and the destruction that our negligence is causing.
    On a positive note, all in all you had a wonderful vacation, with some accommodation challenges to be sure, but nothing that could spoil the many, many good days you had.
    Time to plan your next trip!

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  54. Hi David,
    You have made an interesting trip. In this travel report you have paid attention to everything that kept you busy, whether it was interesting and beautiful or unattractive looking at pollution and graffiti. A nice way to remember your visit to the east coast.
    Greetings, Kees

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  55. A big SIGH ... why people want to destroy our beautiful world is beyond me!


    I am going to concentrate on the many beautiful photographs you included in this post, what a fabulous trip.

    Enjoy these last few October days.

    All the best Jan

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  56. Fue un precioso recorrido quitando toda la basura que viste. Me encanto recorrer esos paisajes con vosotros. Abrazos.

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  57. David - apart from the trash, I enjoyed this final instalment about your adventure. I think it is quite common for people to take "home" for granted, no matter how picturesque it might be. And this certainly was a quaint and stunning coastline!

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  58. After many days I can publish and also see and read the blogs that I like, as is the case with this one.
    I was updating myself and I was watching your magnificent trip, I never imagined so much diversity in environments, species, landscapes and culture. I was pleasantly surprised. and it is a sample that within the country in which one lives there are many interesting things to see, although traveling abroad is also a great attraction.
    Saludos desde Argentina.

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