Here, there and everywhere. Sometimes I can’t even keep up: where have I been, where am I going. The only thing I know for certain is that I’ll be having a good time where ever that may be. After enjoying the Halifax area for the past few weeks, Klaas and I decided we’d hit the road for a short trip up to Cape Breton. Only a few hours drive from our base we planned to enjoy the scenery by foot, we were going on a hiking trip.
Our trusty hiking book as our companion we made a quick stop at the Information booth to pick up a couple of extra maps and confirm that the parks were open. To break up the drive we thought we’d start a hike lower in the island and work our way north to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
The weather had turned as we drove north and it looked as though a hike up a Salt Mountain was going to provide us as much view as we could see from the ground. We needed to get out of the car so the steep pitch was a welcome stretch. As we rounded the peak the clouds had parted and a beautiful sunset was in clear view.
Moving further north that night we found a quiet spot to cook and camp for the evening. Setting up in the dark and preparing something to eat we could feel the cold setting in. Already tucked into the tent by 6:30pm we hunkered down for a cold night. But I was COLD. It took me at least 2hrs to warm up and finally feel like I could drift off. Fidji provided that extra bit of warmth and I was happy she was cuddled in (usually no dogs in the bed). The rain started early in the night and by morning the tent was soaked, some from rain, some from snow. Yup snow. Phew, nothing like a summer tent in winter conditions.
Still cold, we agreed to make a quick hot chocolate and head out on our first hike of the day , Usige Ban falls. The dog was ready for a walk after a 12 hour sleep and I needed to get my heart rate up some I could warm up. By the time we made it to the base of the fall I was feeling good, hey it was still 8am. Back at the car we continued north on our mission to the Cabot Trail.
Following the Cabot Trail up to the Cape Breton Highlands National Park you are stunned with ocean views and dramatic landscape. A most enjoyable drive north we finally arrived in the park to howling winds and colder temperatures.
Opting for a hike off the shoreline we headed up Franey Mountain for a look at the ocean from above. Up, up, up went the trail until finally we hit the snow line… from there on up was walking in a winter wonderland. An amazing contrast to the dull forest below, the snow was a welcome treat on this 3hr hike.
To finish off the day we moved back to the oceans edge and walked out on Middle head. Winding around a peninsula with steep rock outcroppings this was the perfect way to end our time in Cape Breton. A real taste of the landscape from up high and down low.
I recommend enjoying the fall colours but this little trip was not short on beauty or adventure.
