I think my attitude towards vacationing at home was instilled early by my parents. Following years of camping during my early childhood, in the mid-1980s, my parents began clearing a piece of land to build a cottage in Bonne Bay Pond, not far from Gros Morne. Our summer weekends became focused on building the cottage and learning important life lessons (like "water doesn't run uphill" while installing a septic system); visiting friends and family; and taking in the local sights (and sites!). An antique store in Deer Lake, the now defunct Pioneer Village in Wiltondale, the Viking settlement in L'Anse aux Meadows, the Port aux Choix National Historic Site, a roadside museum in Cormack (now replaced by a motel), the Arches, the wreck of the S. S. Ethie... Over the years, we saw them all, punctuated by stories told by my father of the days when he was a salesman traveling up and down the coast. These efforts to be a tourist in your own province first were reinforced by the Girl Guide groups I was involved with, which often held summer camps in the area. With them, I hiked Gros Morne mountain, visited Baker's Brook Falls, strolled the Tablelands, toured Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse, and went on a boat tour of the fjord at Western Brook Pond. I developed an appreciation of all that the west coast of the island had to offer and a love of hidden treasures at home. Now when I return home, I visit my favourite locations (like Woody Point and the Tablelands) and drag my parents to new attractions, like the Mattie Mitchell walking trail, the Nurse Myra Bennett Heritage House, or the 60s diner in Woody Point. (And one of these days, we're getting to the Iceberg Festival.)
When I moved to Cape Breton for the second time in 2011, I decided I should get to know this place better. As people told me about various attractions, I added them to a note on my phone. I imposed no restrictions -- the Bayside for an ice cream was as valid as the Highland Village. One of my local colleagues thought I was ridiculous for wanting to visit the Orangedale Railway Museum (which she hadn't been to since she was a child), but admitted that it was one of the best museum experiences she'd ever had after I convinced her to go with me. Indeed, she's even suggested since that I should start a Cape Breton travel blog to document my adventures and that perhaps one day I'll have a business touring people around Cape Breton.
I'm certainly not there yet, but my quest to have new experiences for however long I'm here continues. Sometimes it isn't easy. I don't like going places alone and it can sometimes be a challenge to find someone willing and available to go to some of my chosen destinations. I also sometimes am afflicted with fear of the unknown. I'm a planner and often get bogged down in details that threaten the spirit of adventure (and my feeble attempts at spontaneity when opportunities arise). Nevertheless, I persist.
As summer comes to a close, I've been reviewing 2018's adventures. Verdict? It's been a great summer.
- I made my annual trip to the Mabou Farmer's Market with a friend on her birthday; we had lunch at the Mull before taking a wrong turn on a dirt road that eventually led us to Iona. We've done this two years in a row (the Mabou Market, not the wrong turn), so it's basically a tradition now, right? Random dirt roads can be fun. I'm glad I was brave enough to continue and not turn around.
- I made my annual pilgrimage to Ribfest with a new coworker. I tried Billy Bones for the first time. It was delicious!
- I walked the boardwalk in Sydney with a delightful gentleman before having a drink on the patio at Flavor on the Water. I've always wanted to sit out there and it was as lovely as I thought it would be. A great date location if you're in search of one.
- I drove to Big Glace Bay Beach with a new friend and, while we didn't have the time or inclination to swim that day, I now know it exists and will one day go back! Why hasn't anyone mentioned it before? It's going on the list for next summer.
- I took a spontaneous one-day trip to Halifax and on the way back had supper at Mother Webb's. Okay, technically that's not a Cape Breton adventure, but considering all the signs for that restaurant along the highways in Cape Breton, I feel it counts. Why and how that place is still in business is beyond me, but my curiosity has been satisfied. Props to the friend who decided we were going there and masterfully navigated to the restaurant despite the lack of signs. (All those highway signs, but none actually telling you how to find the place once you leave the highway. What's up with that?)
- I travelled to Baddeck with coworkers to take the Amoeba boat tour, which was fabulous. I love being on the water and found the sailboat to be incredibly relaxing. This is definitely worth doing if you haven't already. We hit up Bean There Cafe in Baddeck and CleanWave Restaurant in Wagmatcook to round out the day.
- I spent an evening at Dominion Beach. Now, I've been there before, but not recently. And this trip was very special for me. I didn't get in any beach visits in 2017 because I was in physiotherapy and chiro for my back. I turned down all beach invitations due to pain and uncontrollable muscle spasms. My last time at Dominion Beach (in 2016) had been a terrible experience and I was afraid to return. My back problem not yet diagnosed and therefore not treated, I couldn't understand why I didn't have the balance or muscle strength to navigate the rocks to get to the deep water and swim. I was heartbroken. This year, though, I was able to plunk myself down on the sand, get up without needing assistance, and wade out into the water without any trouble. Pure heaven. And the company made it even better.
- I went to my first Pride Parade and attended Crabfest in Louisbourg with friends (I missed the last few).
- I saw Bill Stevenson at the Cape Breton Jazz Festival. Of course, I do that every year, but it was a new venue and he had a new bass player, so... new!
- I went to the annual Newfie Dinner in the Pier and met a man whose family was originally from Holyrood -- my family has connections there.
- I walked around Open Hearth Park for the first time and admired the sculpture. I loved it and can't help but wonder why it took me so long! I definitely hope to go back and explore other directions. I also totally am going to hit up that splash pad at some point when I'm not wearing my beloved Birkenstocks.
- I had a scallop dinner at Hardy's. It was delicious. We sat at the picnic table. I'd love to dine "al fresco" more. I need to dine on my own balcony more.
- I had brunch at Old Triangle. We arrived on a Saturday just under the wire and the brunch menu was still available. Many of you know that I'm a breakfast/brunch person and with friends I've been trying different restaurants for the past few years. I enjoyed this one and would definitely go back again, but they need better coffee.
- I sat outside a friend's apartment and listened to an outdoor concert at the nearby hotel. It was my first time hearing Ashley MacIsaac live. I met new people and reconnected with friends. And maybe most importantly, I enjoyed the cooler evening temperatures.
- I had supper at the Lobster Galley at St. Ann's. I had seafood risotto and ginger cake. My curiosity was satisfied and I had a great chat with a friend. I now have to find a recipe for ginger cake and add it to my repertoire.
- I went on my first picnic. Maybe I've read too many romance novels, but I've always loved the idea of a picnic. In fact, I give picnic baskets (usually the backpack kind) as wedding presents because I think it's the perfect gift. I bought my own traditional wicker one from an old man at a flea market several years ago, but had never found anyone willing to picnic with me -- until this summer. Armed with cold chicken, salad, and chocolate peanut butter keto fat bombs (admittedly, that last item isn't a traditional picnic food, but it sure was delicious), we headed to East Bay Sandbar. It was my first time stopping there, though I had driven by once before. What can I say? It was one of my favourite nights this summer. Stretched out on a blanket. looking at the water, talking about life. Something so simple and yet so special in the often frantic and excessive world that we now live in. It was lovely. I need more of this in my life.
- I went to a beach fire at a friend's. While I often sat around campfires back home and beach fires in St. John's, I have never done either here in Cape Breton. Great conversation and beautiful surroundings with friends who have become more like family to me. And it was quite the night for stargazing. I don't think I've ever seen the sky like that. I'm grateful that our fire keeper insisted we move closer to the water and really take the time to look up. Next time, I'm bringing a blanket and I'm just going to lie down on the beach and gaze for a few hours.
- I had breakfast at Goat Island View Cafe in Eskasoni. Since it opened, it's been on my list of potential breakfast spots, especially since it is co-owned by one of my students. A delicious breakfast with portions large enough that I have breakfast for tomorrow as well. And the price was right. I appreciate the company of a friend who always says yes to anything I propose.
As summer slips away and I face the start of another academic year, I feel happy with this summer's adventures, shoehorned in and around my regular work and my extracurricular research projects. I've also enjoyed movies with friends, impromptu trips to Glace Bay to eat donuts, ice cream from the usual locations, and conversations with people I care about.
It's certainly been one of the best summers yet (although, I could have done without the humidity) and I am grateful to everyone who shared in an adventure with me.
It's certainly been one of the best summers yet (although, I could have done without the humidity) and I am grateful to everyone who shared in an adventure with me.
I hope you'll all be on the roster next summer.
