No matter where I roam, Cape Breton will always be my home.
Frequently stated by Momma Jo’s Dad
Well, we are on the road again and this time we are traveling to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Now the last post had us in Fredericton New Brunswick, which is (1025 kms from Ottawa) From Fredericton we are adding another 650km, stopping to pick up Jo’s Mom and Dad for the party. It is, after all, Jo’s uncle getting married. Imagine finding true love at 71!
Cape Breton Island has this beauty that captures our hearts, the ocean views, the coves, the culture, the music, the Ceilidh, the hospitality and of course, the world renowned Cabot trail. Both of Jo’s parents were born here in Sydney, (South Bar & Lingan Road) and both love the chance to come back.
We stopped at the Farmers Daughter Market off the highway 105 in Whycocomagh. (Try saying that 10 times really fast). Ice cream and treats! Tried out the really nice outdoor rocking chars (would love one for my new deck) and the huge Adirondack chair (not for the deck). A great place to wander around and shop or stop and have a bite to eat, and their baked goods look amazing.
Our stop for supper took us to the Bonnie Prince Restaurant – Jo’s mom’s favorite – for really good steak. Did I mention they have Breton Brewing Company Beer for sale? Due to a lack of time we could not make the brewery this trip so we tried a few beers. Which I have to say were served with an ice-cold glasses – How does it get better than this? We tried the Island Time Lager and the Black Angus IPA. Definitely a craft brewery to visit on next years bucket list.
The wedding was a fairly-tale type day, with fantastic island music and Cape Breton hospitality! It was the largest wedding I have ever been to with over 300 people!! But Oh, what a party!! It was so great to catch up with family!
Before we headed home on Sunday, we checked out Wentworth Park, the flowers were in full bloom, the sun was shining and it was a great day for a walk. Then we took the NS-4 down the other side of Cape Breton Island. With stops at Irish Cove (beautiful views) and then to St. Peters Canal Historic Site which was celebrating its’ 150th year. Had to check out the place where apparently when Jo was young and wanted to go fishing, they tied her to the parked car so she wouldn’t fall in the canal!
We then found a light house for a photo op. We had lunch at Jiggs Take-out which a place I don’t have to come back to if you know what I mean. One last stop at the Causeway to wave good bye to the island, then homeward bound.
Oh, what a party – Cape Breton Style!