Aug 7 - Day 93 - Sydney - 104.5 km, 950m

Wouldn’t this be a great place to live?  So many spots like that today! 

Beach that I stopped at for a bit

Lifting the bridge for the sailboat 

Sailboat passing

For all the Christmas lovers….this is the name of the town.  Only a few houses with gorgeous views….no stores though.  All the signs have English and Gaelic.  

OP

A few families were here fishing 

Another stellar day….nice sunny and warm weather which is good for me, but not for Nova Scotia.  The fire risk is very high here, and although there aren’t any fires, there are severe restrictions to ensure it stays that way.  All the trails are closed, which means the OHV don't have a place to go, but it also includes hikers and bikes wanting to use the trails.  Fire bans of course.  Plus anyone caught overnighting in the wild will incite a $25,000 fine!  These rules are in effect until October 15, or a heavy rain.  The problem is the hurricane they had a few years ago caused a lot of deadfall….so now the forests are tinder dry of all the deadfall.  Recipe for disaster.   As far as I can tell, everyone is complying.  In all the campgrounds that I’ve stayed at, and in all the small towns, there are so many OHV, seems like everyone owns them….so this rule is affecting many peoples summer plans.  

As for me I had a great day cycling.  Hard to believe there was almost 1000m of elevation gain.  It felt like a lot….but really wasn’t too bad.  This morning on my way for tea, I chatted with a local of Whycocomagh.  What a great place to grow up….just stunning here.  The town is situated on a beautiful clear lake, surrounded by mountains….not BC mountains, but mountains nonetheless.  Any outdoor activity is possible just minutes from your doorstep!

The boys yesterday recommended the route that I took.  It avoided one huge hill near Sydney but more importantly I was on secondary roads….paved, but not busy…,with spectacular views as I was skirting Bras d’Or lake today.  Trees, beaches and of course lots of water….and people and families enjoying the area!   

I stopped at the highland village near Iona, and made the mistake of going into their gift shop…..I only purchased some drinks and cinnamon buns….but I also bought a mug!  I’ll remember this trip every time I use it….and I did find a place to safely transport it!  

As I was passing the great narrows bridge….we were stopped as the bridge deck lifted to allow a sailboat to get through.  That was fun to watch!  

I’m in a beautiful room tonight, that is behind a venue that’s a barn!  Ted thought that I was wild camping here tonight as the google map that he was looking at didn’t show a motel here!!!  Hahaha….im not going to risk $25,000!!!!  

Tomorrow morning laundry….then head over to the ferry for the last leg of the trip.  The ferry is 16 hours long, and no….we do not have a cabin.  But the boys from yesterday gave me the inside scoop.  Hopefully we all get a bit of rest….I’ll be cycling at least 50km once I’m off as the total distance to St John’s is 154km….with lots of hills.  Too much for one day, so need to break it up into two days.  Finishing on Aug 10, as we have a full week of sightseeing starting the following morning 😀😀😀