Day 13 - Cycle 60 km, to Port Hastings, Cape Breton Island

Nothing like starting your day to sunshine, a good cup of coffee and a chat with a local. Cycled through hilly agricultural and forest land. Hwy 4 was very quiet and peaceful.




To cross the Strait of Canso to Cape Breton Island we had to brave the causeway, which proved challenging with huge trucks and narrow shoulders.











The truck drivers were great giving us the space.


RVs were a concern.

Day 12 - Cycle 75 km through the hills to Antigonish.

Cormorant's sunning themselves in the early morning sun. Yes, we have a beautiful sunny day to enjoy.


We followed the bay for a while which took us around to New Glasgow. Traffic was hectic in town. A driver so busy looking for an opening in traffic pulled forward over Adelle's bike, destroying her front rim. The driver kept moving forward almost driving over Adele. Pat's scream got the drivers attention and he stopped. Adele was shaken up but fortunately for the most part was OK.
On the plus side, Matt from the Pictou County Bike shop, drove over picked up the bike and had Adele back on the road in a little over 45 minutes. A big thanks to Matt.



Our ride took us away from the water and up through the hills. Some stayed on Hwy 104 which was busy. Others stayed on the old Hwy 4. A little more up and down but very little traffic.







Arrived in Antigonish and St. Francis Xavier University (St FX) where we were staying.

Day 11 - Cycle 80 km, to the ferry , then on to Pictou.

Another overcast start to our day. We packed rain gear but other than a few minutes of misty rain, didn't need them.



Made good time to the the ferry. Most of us went directly through. Yvonne,







Jim, Marilyn and Elisabeth took a side trip out to the Point Prim lighthouse(the oldest lighthouse in Canada).









Frank leading the parade off the ferry. We took a survey of our group our average age was slightly over 65. Frank impresses us all at 79.


A short ride of 8 km brought us into Pictou (New Scotland)

Day10 - Rest-day in Charlottetown

A free day to explore Charlottetown. All headed off in different directions to see the downtown and area.








Some of the beautiful old Victorian homes down by the harbor.



Both group #1 & group #2 heard about and enjoyed dinner at the Water Prince Corner Shop. Great sea food and Doug says it's the best French fries he has ever had!!!!

Day 9 - Cycle 55 km via PEI National Park into Charlottetown.

It's hard to believe this is summer. One thing about CCCTS members we can dress for anything.










We certainly weren't going to be changing into bathing suits for a swim like the last time the club was here.










The National Park was still beautiful to see. The bike path was deserted. Marg and Dennis passing one of the beaches.









Dalvey by the Sea, a classic old inn was a must see.









A big old fashioned fire place was ablaze as we entered the Grand Hall. Coming in from the cold the heat was most welcome. Even though the dining room wasn't open, the inn keeper put out coffee for us in the sitting room.

Day 8 - Cycle 60 km via French River, to Rustico

Well summer lasted only one day. Woke to a cool 11c with a strong head wind. We set out thinking the fog would burn off. No such luck.













Les was treated to a close up encounter with a Silver Fox and her two pups. Les was going to go closer to photograph the pups. As he took two steps towards her, she took two steps towards him. He wasn't going any closer with her going after him. You'll have to imagine how cute the pups were.










We of course made the pilgrimage in to see the Anne of Green Gables house.







Neat to see some of the old wooden Lobster traps.

Day 7 - Cycle 55 km via Summerside and Indian River to Malpeque.

Finally sun and warmer temperatures. Just a beautiful day to ride and enjoy the seascapes of PEI. We actually got down to just jerseys and sun block.


A look back at Confederation Bridge. An amazing thing to see and experience.


Unfortunately when we got to Summerside, the Highland Piping Academy was not putting on any of the shows. The Silver Fox art gallery was also closed.



Folks went in all directions. Several of us cycled the board walk along the harbor and out to a park on the point.

Discovered that the red dirt on pavement or concrete was a real hazard for cyclist. Three went down when their front tire skidded out at various times during the day.




St Mary's Church was a magnificent sight as you cycled towards her. The interior is just as breath taking as the exterior. The arched roof and alcoves were all finished in wood. The mill work and finishing was fascinating to view.






Dinner was put together by Elizabeth, Yvonne, Lynda and Marg. We were treated to smoked salmon baguettes for happy hour.











Jim even dared to shuck some oysters. We made him wear a glove so we didn't have to stitch him up should he slip.






The main course was BBQ haddock, potato salad, other various salads.

All in all a most delightful day.

Day 6 - Cycle 67 km to the Confederation Bridge, shuttle over to PEI.

Started the day with a bit of misty rain. Road through farmlands and wooded areas to Murray Beach on the Northumberland Strait for lunch.





When we called the shuttle, Doug discovered they had been waiting for us. We all got back on the road and peddled as fast as we could for the bridge.


The shuttle worked well got most of the bikes on a new type of trailer they were trying out.

Day 5 - Rest Day

A day to just kick around the university and Sackville. The day was cool and overcast much of the day.


- Back then



- And nowwwww. Petty Coats to Lycra




While we're on the subject of the university, let's talk about the modern woman, accommodation and proximity to the washroom. Turned out the woman's washroom was in a different wing. Nnnnnnnot!!!!! acceptable. You can see the solution to the left. Made for some interesting moments!!!!!! at 3 in the morning.

Day 4 - Cycle 75 km via Amherst into New Brunswick

Six of us from Group #2 stayed at the Maple Inn. Turns out the two adjoining houses were the Parrsboro Hospital until the late 70s. Pat & Adele stayed in the "Delivery Room" and it was just that - a hospital baby delivery room. Our tour guide Pat Welton, passed through the room 50 years and 2 days ago.



The rest of the group stayed at the Gillespie Inn.









Our day started cool cloudy. We faced a head wind which increased in velocity as the day progressed. We passed through woodlands areas interspersed with farmlands.














We even passed a thriving rhubarb farm well into their harvest. Looking forward to the rhubarb pies over the next few days.






A highlight on our ride was Fort Beausejour and the panoramic vistas of the entrance to the Bay of Fundy.

We finished our ride entering New Brunswick and into Sackville to our next accommodation at Mt Allison University.

Day 3 - Rest Day and Bus Tour

After our long ride and climb over Economy Mountain we were happy to have a day off. Today we set off on a bus tour of the Parsborro scenic bay area around and up to Joggins.




Pat Welton, our tour guide, accompanied us providing a rich understanding of the areas history and significant sights. Pat is also the Museum's manager. Dale was our capable driver, keeping us on the road and out of the pot holes as much as possible.




Our first stop was Ottawa House, a late 18th-century dwelling and inn, later the summer home of Hon. Sir Charles Tupper, former prime minister of Canada and Father of Canadian Confederation.





Kerwin Davidson, a volunteer at the site, happened to be at the house and invited us in. We were fascinated to learn about the work that was going into the building to restore it to the period and the work going into preserving the rich history of the area.



Next was the Age of Sail Museum in Advocate. We were walked through the extensive ship building history of the eighteen hundreds. Were shown the the tools and techniques of the trade.










With a number of retired (tired) teachers in group #2, the early nineteen hundreds school room scene and the rules for students was a big hit. All felt maybe some of the rules should come back into today's class room.

On our way to Joggins, the bus was pummeled with hail and pounding rain. All were glad to be on a bus not on a bike. We later learned group #1 was able to get out of the rain at a Tim Hortons just at the right time.


Joggins Fossil Centre was our last stop. The centre is a World Heritage site with some of the earliest dated fossils found in the world.

Day 2 - Cycle 92 km to Parrsboro

Woke to a partially sunny day and set out for Parrsboro along the Bay of Fundy




The ride was demanding with lots of rolling hills with one very demanding push up Economy Mountain. Our weather held until the last 5 km when the rain started. Not the best when you show up at the Bed & Breakfast to announce you're their guests for 2 days.




We've decided were not actually a cycling club, we're an eating club with a cycling disorder. We don't pass a bakery or a church bazar without checking it out.


Our evening was a treat. Our dinner was arranged at the Parrsboro museum.


Carrol our cook, hostess and entertainer prepared and served 40 Lobster dinners both groups.