travelogue: cape breton, whycocomagh to cheticamp (part 3 of 6)

our four hour drive to cape breton, with views and a distillery stop, concluded with a ceilidh (kay-lee, a musical shindig) at the normaway inn and barn.

the glenora distillery is gorgeous so even if you have no interest in its product do visit.

i lost my ceilidh photos so the one and only is thanks to dede. the music was such fun, think fiddles and more fiddles. we were so tired from our journey we couldn't wait for the barn yard dance; it started at 11pm! country people sure know how to party :)

this was the start of the cabot trail around the island.

our first hotel on the cabot trail was the island sunset resort in margaree harbour. just take a peek at this location, i would highly recommend it. 

the resort cabins, we stayed in the blue one.

our very first morning, dede had us out the door bright and early to paddle-board along the margaree river. i was reluctant and had my excuses ready - we had a long tiring day with the journey to cape breton and listening to fiddle music with the locals until late and it looked like rain but she wouldn't have it, thank goodness. 

being on the water was exactly what was needed. it was a pretty relaxing ride and the sun came out to greet us. and thanks to stefan, we had a giggle too :)

a few brave souls jumped off the bridge at the end (not me!) 

the dancing goat was the perfect spot to fuel up for our skyline trail hike.

we hiked the skyline trail, located near chéticamp, and everything we read about it was exactly spot on. the viewpoint is breathtaking and on this day, so. very. windy.

it's an easy hike over well-maintained trails meandering through forests. the boardwalk keeps us tourists off the land and some areas are fenced to keep moose from damaging the saplings too. 

the path leads down a steep slope opening up to a panoramic view of the winding cabot trail road and the gulf of saint lawrence. 

if you are planning a trip to nova scotia, this hike should not be missed. if i find myself back here, i hear sunset makes for an even better view.

this most lovely day ended with a locally caught lobster boil! we savoured it. well, five of us did.

once the just boiled lobsters were placed on the table, stefan decided he couldn't partake in eating his and kai, a pro at dismembering the lobster, didn't like the taste. in the end, this meant more lobster for the rest of us :)

the island sunset resort set us up on a porch with the friendliest and most helpful chef.  she was incredibly patient as she taught us how to dismember the lobsters.

it was a messy feast with sides of potato salad, coleslaw, and buns. delicious. what a way to spend a birthday... hope you had a great day jason!

stefan is like, no way. so he was served a steak dinner instead ;) 

LOVE these happy faces! 

travelogue: cape breton, chéticamp to ingonish next.