I was hoping to do a cannonball run to the fortress this morning but in the end, left the island without going as I had hoped. A reaction to the weather but another reason to come back some day. So I need to share something about Cape Breton that I haven't said anything about yet.
I'm a road traveller more than a countryside observer, if you know what I mean. Hard to be watching those beautiful cliffs when you're countersteering at about 30 kph over the recommended cornering speed. One thing you do notice as a rider is the road condition. Now, if I'm busy focussing on scenes I may never see anywhere else in the world, I can be forgiven for not mentioning road conditions. But I'm riding here, so road conditions always jump into my assessment of new areas.
Like the rest of Canada, Cape Breton has its issue with rough roads. However, they've set what I believe is a new standard for the definition of "pot holes". It's not so bad if you stick to the main routes like the TC or the Cabot Trail. But make no mistake should you decide to get away from the main lines: things shore get interesting! Take any secondary highway like Hwy 216 or any such like and road conditions become a significant variable in whether you'll need spinal adjustments, medical attention, automotive repairs, or all of the above. We're not talking about your nominal road depressions here. We're talking about geological anomalies that university students make pilgrimages to in order to develop new theories on impacts caused by the shifting of tectonic plates. These craters can swallow up a small motorhome, never mind an 8 foot HD.
My message to you is this: Cape Bretoners use "BUMP" signs sparingly. Like a sage who says few words but each one of them with deep meaning, pay particular attention to these signs as they also have deep meanings.
I'm just saying, is all.
Bonjour Robert,
ReplyDeleteBienvenue au Québec !! I don't know where you plan to go on your way back through la belle province but I do have a few suggestions. You can take a ferry accross the St-Lawrence at Rivière-du-Loup (maybe even a little further north somewhere around Trois-Pistoles, but I'm not sure). Anyways the ferry from R-d-L takes you just south of Tadoussac, but it's worth the ride up to Tadoussac where you may be able to see some whales. I believe this is a good time of year to see them. What a beautiful animal !! From there, I would stay on the North Shore through Baie St-Paul; you'll find the scenery breath taking. L'autre endroit incontournable is Quebec City. I don't know if you've ever been there, but it is absolutely gorgeous. I believe the Old City has been declared "patrimoine mondial" by UNESCO. In Quebec, there are two events which are worth taking in right now. One is the "le Moulin à image" by Robert Lepage and the other is a street version by "le Cirque du soleil". Both events are open to the public and free of charge.
Voilà cher ami, ce sont mes suggestions en ce qui a trait à ce bout de pays. Have a pleasant ride and I look forward to seeing you real soon.
Denis
Following with interest Bob. What a trip you are having!! Keep enjoying the cpmpany, conutry & memories my friend.
ReplyDeleteMark
Just re-read my message. Sorry about the spelling.. :)
ReplyDeleteThought it was the Bailey's there for a moment Mark ;ob
ReplyDeleteA native of Kapuskasing should be able to navigate those pot holes no problem.
ReplyDeleteFurther to Denis V. comments, Quebec City is a beautiful city. Was there for the carnival on grade 12 trip. (I was also at Hotel Dieu hospital with a broken nose, but that's another story for another time)
Hi Bob; Glad to hear you've enjoyed the trail. The roads weren't great, I guess. The view beautiful and rugged. Hope you also enjoyed the fort. I would imagine you've moved on to Halifax. The city of great history, and also quite beautiful. Enjoy. It was wonderful having you visit with us, great food, laughs, memories and funny stories. Ride safe, and Candace is with you all the way.
ReplyDeleteTake Care
Love Jude and Hans