Broad Cove, Cape Breton Highlands National Park

We started up the Cabot Trail on a foggy, rainy morning to Broad Cove Campground in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

You can see how thick the fog was over the ocean at the campground beach.

And the waves were rough, so we just hunkered down the rest of that day.

But the next morning dawned bright and clear. This campground has full hookups and nice pull-through sites.

We took our boats to nearby Warren Lake…Nan's namesake.

The lake was at times smooth and calm, 

And then the wind gusted requiring strenuous paddling. 

So when the paddling got tough we rested until it calmed down again. 

We looked for moose, but this loon was yhe only wildlife we saw on the lake. 

After kayaking we drove into the town of Ingonish to wee what we could see. We saw the Keltic Lodge across the bay, but we didn't drive all the way around to go there.

Sometimes just a name will cause us to stop. 

We met the groovy goats. 

And saw their farm. We went in the shop and looked at the soaps, but didn't buy any.  

Then we drove the car up the Cabot Trail in the other direction. It was easy to park at the viewpoints without the RVs. This view looks back at the beach at our campground. 

Some views from the Cabot Trail: 

Lakies Head has a little trail out onto the rocks. 

 A beautiful day for hues of blue.

Waves breaking over the rocks. 

The next stop was Green Cove and another trail. 

Plants living here must endure the overpowering force of the Atlantic Ocean.

 Wild Irises grow among the boulders.

The rocks of Green Cove were once hot molten liquid. Dark grey and pink and white granites were formed and solidified. Over time these rocks cracked under pressure. Into the cracks flowed molten rock, creating the criss-crossed patterns you see here. These lines are called dykes.

 Waves and sea ice continually wear away Green Cove, building up the bordering beaches.

Lobstermen work these waters close to shore. 

We saw these signs of moose, but never did see a moose in Cape Breton. 

Big waves creating the beginning of a sea cave. 

 We left the Cabot Trail to drive the coastal route to Neil's Harbour. This working lighthouse has devised a creative way to make money for its maintenance.

The lobstermen are busy here too, and the gulls are hoping for handouts. 

We can't pass up an ice cream shop on a beautiful day. 

Continuing on around the scenic coastal loop. 

These rocks are covered with sea birds…mostly cormorants. 

Coming down the hill to Aspy Bay. 

Views of the Bay and surrounding mountains and cliffs: 

This is the view of modest homeowners who live along the bay.

We passed this colorful RV. 

Back on the Cabot Trail, we decided to check out the road to our next campground. 

Looking at the road ahead... 

Big Intervale National Park campground alongside a river and has a trail to a waterfall. No problem finding a site here…first come-first serve. 

We passed this circa 1928 barn belonging to MacDonald and Sons. We see the Scottish name MacDonald a lot in this area. 

We stopped at a bakery so Nan could get some fresh bread. Instead we both came out with a dozen fresh donuts. Neither of us suggested sharing a dozen.