When the Celtic Colours Festival schedule was released, I immediately looked at it to seeif there were any community events I could attend on my days off. Specifically, I was searching for guided hikes. Two stuck out but I ultimately chose the Aspy Bay Trail because it was longer and in an area of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park that I hadn't done a lot of hiking in.
The hike started at 10:00 AM and since it was an almost three-hour drive, I left before 7 that morning. I didn't take into account traffic delays with the Newfoundland ferry traffic at that hour of the day and construction work. I knew by the time I reached Ingonish that I would be late and there was no point in rushing because I was never going to make it in time. I was ok with that since the wind came up and it started to rain. Four hours in the highlands trudging over rough terrain didn't sound all that appealing in the rain.
I took my time going over the Cabot Trail admiring the beautiful fall colours. I have to say that this year is the best I've seen the fall colours in a long time and when the sun peaked out every now and again, it made those sprawling vistas even more beautiful!
It was 11:00 when I passed the trailhead to Aspy Bay. Before I reached it, I took a little detour and stopped at Cabot's Landing Beach in Cape North. I was only out of the car five minutes when the weather took a turn for the worse so I turned back to the Cabot Trail and kept going over the mountains.
The Lone Sheiling is one of my favourite stops along The Trail so I stopped there and got at least a little hike in since I missed the one I came for. It rained there too but at least I had that thick canopy to shelter me. I contemplated hiking the Skyline Trail as I hadn't done it yet this year but it was way too windy to enjoy it.
I intended to eat my lunch in Cheticamp but hunger struck about a half hour from the village. I stopped at La Grand Falaise and faced my car toward the ocean so I had a view while I ate in the warmth of the car.
At Cheticamp Island I attempted to walk the beach but, once again, the weather took a turn for the worse. This time it was high wind, heavy rain and hail!
I left the island and drove straight through Margaree, Lake O'Law and Middle River where the fall colours were even more spectacular! Even with the poor weather conditions, it was an amazing day and I got to do a trip around the trail while the leaves were still on the trees and turning those vibrant colours. This time next week, they won't be nearly as nice.
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