Ingonish Delivered!!

The sky was grey and drizzling as we pulled out of Miramichi this morning, but our moods were lighter.  As we pulled into Moncton to grab a bite fore breakfast, I was surprised by how very French the province still was.  I had heard once that New Brunswick was the only truly bilingual province.   So far it definitely seemed more French, though.  My highschool French, I sadly realized, was nonexistant.  Good thing Levi is going into French Immersion...next trip he'll be able to help his useless parents!

We decided we would start the Cabot Trail in Baddeck and drive counter clockwise.  Although perhaps the views for the driver are not as spectacular, the outside lane is closer to the cliffs and generally less busy.  We like to live on the edge; a safe and comfortable edge, but still an edge.

One of Baddeck's many coves

One cannot go to Baddeck without visiting the Alexander Graham Bell National Historical Museum.  We had our picnic lunch there, then went in for the exhibits.  Neither of us realized how many experiments Bell actually did:  hundreds, if not thousands.  He's not just about the telephone!  He was also Helen Keller's teacher, and was passionate about helping the deaf to speak through his visible speech system.  He's also credited with inventing the metal detector, and a number of aeronautical advances.  The museum had a children's play area, and we were fortunate to be there for their experiments demonstration.  Levi watched how the lady was able to use air pressure to suck an egg into a bottle, then later blow up a balloon using vinegar and baking soda. Afterwards, we borrowed the kites the museum had and both boys were ecstatic to fly their kites.  The wind was very cooperative!  This was a fun, informative museum that was also kid friendly.  Yeah!  A museum we could still go to!

Levi making his own calculations

                                                                             

                                                                           Of course the boys had to use the telephones!!!

On to Ingonish.  We stopped at a couple of places for photo opportunities.  The Ingonish Beach in particular looked beautiful.  We were splurging for the night and staying at the Keltic Lodge.  When we arrived, we were informed that we were the guests of the day and had been upgraded to the executive suite!  We climbed our very own stairway and walked into a 1500 square feet, two bedroom, two and a half bathroom suite, complete with a wooden spiral staircase leading up to an observation room with a telescope.  Oh, did I mention the crystal chandalier and custom draperies?  Amazing doesn't even begin to describe it.  We also had our own outside staircase  that led down to the grounds and the heated outside pool.  The boys were given welcome packages that were quickly devoured.  I truly felt like I was royalty.

We ended our night in the lounge of all places.  With the boys clad in their pajamas, we went down to the ballroom/lounge for a drink and to listen to the live music.  I had champagne from Nova Scotia!  We bribed the boys with our iphones and they happily played Subway Surfer while we listened to several Cape Breton songs and other popular scores.  Unfortunately, the batteries ran dry before we did, and our evening was cut short.  Oh well, it was fun while it lasted!

Theo posing above a beach near Ingonish

Levi, of course, could not be outdone!

Finally, all three!

Tide's Out

Lobster, Anyone??

Too Funny!

                                                                              

                                                                               

We had chosen the Cabot Trail at the expense of a visit to Prince Edward Island.  I had gone in 2006 with our Japanese exchange daughter, Ayaka.  The two of us enjoyed it, especially kayaking around the harbours.  Kim wasn't overly eager to meet Anne of Green Gables, but he did want to do what is considered one of the best scenic drives in Canada.  I have to say, while I was sad not to go back to PEI, Cabot Trail has been wonderful so far.  We complete the loop tomorrow and then head to Halifax.  Tomorrow marks our last day of driving until our return home on the 21st.  It's been a long, long journey to say the least!