Fireworks, Beach Days, Kayaking and a Day Trip

It was a weird summer.  The weather had a lot to do with it.  Rain was forecast more often than not so it was hard to plan camping outings out of town like I usually do.  That being said, I made the most of it closer to home.  

I have a beautiful, sandy beach only a ten-minute drive away from my house so I spent a lot of time there walking, beachcombing and swimming in water that seems to be much warmer than usual.  

 I don't usually go out of my way for fireworks but when I saw that the fireworks for Glace Bay's Harbourfest would be held in a location visible from Big Glace Bay Beach, I thought that would be a nice outing with a friend I don't get to see as often I'd like.  I didn't know what kind of view we'd have all the way out there but turns out, we had the best seat in the house.  We found a nice spot in the sand and enjoyed the display over the water.  We also had the added bonus of seeing all the boats that were a part of the Parade of Sail that happened right before the fireworks parked just offshore.  

The last few summers, I enjoyed going to Mira Provincial Park to do some paddleboarding through CBRM recreation but this year all the spots were booked up.  Luckily, I was able to do some kayaking with a friend who had an extra kayak.  Not the same thing but just as fun! 

I did manage to get one day trip in to Inverness in early summer.  It was a perfect day, too!  The wind, temperature and surf were just right to enjoy a swim at one of my favourite places in the whole world.  The only thing missing was an Inverness sunset.  I usually stay until the sun goes down but not that day.  

 

A Chilly Late Spring Day Along the Coast of Framboise

They keep saying we are in for a hot summer here in Eastern Canada but we haven't seen much of that in Cape Breton yet! It's early June and I'm still wearing a winter jacket and mittens with rechargeable heaters in them. I even wore a toque on my walk the other day! But being cooped up in the house and at work all winter means I am itching to get outdoors and do some hiking so that's exactly what I did this past Friday. 

The forecast called for warm temperatures and sun but that's not exactly how the day went. Sure, it was quite warm when Dad and I left New Waterford and headed for Framboise but by the time I arrived and got out of the car, I had to trade my T-shirt for a heavy sweater, jacket and gloves. It was sunny, but that north wind off the water was relentless. 

The main goal of the trip was for Dad to do some fishing and for me to meet up with an old friend for a hike along the shore. We started the morning fishing the brooks along the stretch of highway between Forchu and Grand River. It was warmer up there away from the ocean but the black flies were quite hungry. Only one fish was caught and released. The last spot we tried, no fish were caught but we spotted something interesting in the water below. There were hundreds of Gaspereau swimming up river! I'd never seen this before and, I must say, it was worth getting eaten alive by flies to watch this amazing natural phenomenon. A few hours later when I returned to show my friend what we had seen earlier, they were all gone.  I guess it was just pure luck that they happened to be going upstream at that very moment in time. 

After we finished fishing, we drove down the long dirt road to Ferguson Beach to do some hiking along the ocean.  The beach was full of seaweed and it was high tide so we walked for quite a distance along the old, grassy trail above the beach.  When we reached the river, we had to turn back because the water was too high to cross.  In warmer weather, I would have just taken off my shoes and waded across but it was way too cold that day.  

When we reached the car, it was still too early to call it day and the sun was coming up and warming the air a bit.  So we just kept walking down the beach in the other direction until we reached another river crossing that was too high to cross.  

By this time, the wind had shifted and it was so warm, we took off our sweaters and jackets and lay down in the soft sand for a rest.  It didn't take long for the wind to shift back to the north and we were reaching for our sweaters and jackets again.  

We took a different route back to the car through a grassy meadow and onto an old wood road.  There were signs that wildlife had passed through, but all we saw were the footprints of coyotes and deer who had passed through not long before us.  

At the car, we sat and watched the ocean with some hot tea and muffins and headed back to the main road.  Of course, no day in Framboise is complete without a scenic drive to the little village of St. Peter's for some coffee, something to eat at Jigg's Takeout and a relaxing drive along the Bras d'Or Lakes. 

Sunburnt and tired, I must say, despite the flies and cold wind, it was a good day.  The more I think about it, world travel is not as much of a priority for me at the moment.  I'm sure I'll want to go back to exploring far-away places in the future but, for now, my little island has everything I need.  

 

 

Last-minute Fall Road Trip...complete with shopping, beaches and ice cream!

Well, I was thinking about traveling to Iceland this October but instead, I procrastinated and didn't jump on those seat sales I was seeing.  By the time I decided that I would definitely like to go, flights were priced way too high out of my budget. Oh well.  I took vacation time anyway.  Really, I can't think of a better place to spend early fall than on Cape Breton Island!  Iceland or some other Exotic destination can wait until spring.

One day early into my two-week vacation, I took a last-minute road trip to visit a friend at her camper trailer in Jersey Cove.  I decided to take this trip while I was browsing local shops for a Halloween costume.  Now that my nephew is three years old, I figure it's time I start dressing up so he isn't the only one looking like a fool!  A combination of the pumpkin spice latte I was sipping on and the colourful leaves rustling in the cool breeze had me feeling very fall-ish and there are few things in life I love more than a long drive on a sunny, fall day. 

I arrived after a relatively peaceful morning drive.  We took a little walk around the grounds and down to the water.  The sound of leaves rustling in the trees and the water gently rolling over the rocks on the beach was so peaceful.  

In late summer, I heard we wouldn't have very nice fall colours this year due to the drought we had experienced but I thought they looked just as pretty as any other year.  They weren't as bright and there seemed to be fewer leaves than usual but still so pretty nonetheless. 

It was too cold to go swimming and I wasn't really in the mood for a hike that day so I thought it would be a perfect day to go for a scenic drive to Ingonish while stopping at all the gift shops along the way.  This time of year, there are discounts on items that need to be gotten rid of before the end of the season.  And yes, we did indeed find some good deals!

Our first stop was Cabotto Chocolates.  Being the chocolate lover that I am and the number of times I've driven by this place, I never stopped there until this day.  I think it's because I'm always focused on just passing through and getting to Ingonish to hit the beach as early as possible. Or maybe it's because I know I have no self-control when it comes to chocolate!

 

I was surprised at how many different chocolate items there were in this place!  They had a variety of flavors, shapes, sizes..and yes, what I tried, was delicious!  There were also sea glass candy, souvenirs and local books.  I bought a little treat for myself and made a mental note to come back before Christmas for some last-minute gifts some chocolate lovers I know. 

Next, we stopped at the O.C. Emporium.  This is another place I always just drove by and despite my curiosity, I never had time to stop and check it out.  Again, I was surprised at how much stuff was in there!  There were local crafts, homemade soaps, essential oils, herbs, books, jewellery, gluten-free food and almost everything else under the sun!  

Next was the Wreck Cove General Store.  I always love stopping here because it brings back memories from years and years ago when my family always stopped here for treats on the way to Ingonish or on trips about the Cabot Trail.  It still looks pretty much the same as it did then and that's why I like it so much!  I found some great deals on some gifts here.  They had discounted ice cream which of course, I had to sample!  

We kept driving over Cape Smokey and onto Ingonish where we spent the rest of the day enjoying the scenery and stopping at beaches to stretch our legs.  Just before dark, we headed back over the mountain.  

 

 

 

 

On Top of Cape Smokey

Years ago, visitors to Ingonish in the warmer months could ride the chairlift to the top of Cape Smokey to get a view of the land and sea from above.  I never got the chance to do it before the service stopped.  

Now, that service is being offered again but it's much better than the old experience.  Now visitors can ride a gondola up the mountain and enjoy a range of other services that are included in a day pass.

I finally had the chance to make my way up to the top of Cape Smokey this August.  It was a spur-of-the-moment decision and, in hindsight, probably not the best decision considering what was going on at the time.  The day I decided to go was in the midst of a province-wide forest lock-out.  In other words, no one was allowed to enter the forest or have a fire anywhere or for any reason due to the dry conditions Nova Scotia endured this past summer.   

My friend and I arrived before the Gondola even opened and walked around the main lodge.  When the ticket booth opened, we got our lift tickets and free cookies and hopped on the gondola to take the scenic 8-minute trip to the top.  The view was amazing but I was not all that impressed with the experience at the top that day.  The only thing we could do was grab a beer, sit and enjoy the view and go back down.  For over 50 bucks, this didn't seem all that worth it but.  Considering that during other times when the forest is accessible, there are e-bike and kayak rentals and hiking trails available, I would definitely consider giving it another try.  

After our mountain adventure, we headed to Black Brook to do some swimming but the water was so rough, we ended up leaving and spending the rest of the afternoon swimming the clear, calm water at The Point.  After supper at the Seagull Restaurant, we made the drive back over the mountain...another thing ticked off my Cape Breton bucket list! 

 

August Long Weekend on the West Coast of Cape Breton

One of the highlights of every summer since I moved home is the long weekend in August which is usually spent in Cap LeMoine, Cape Breton.  

Back when I first started working at the place I still work at to this day, I met a good friend who had a family place on the west coast of the island and I've been in love with the area ever since the first time we went almost 15 years ago.  

The weather always seems to be nice around this time every year and this year was no exception.  The only downfall was the fire and woods ban that meant we couldn't go any hiking or venture into any wooded areas.  No big deal.  Thrift shopping, beach hopping and sunset chasing kept us busy all weekend.

The house we stayed at this year had a huge deck where we could watch sunsets and meteor showers.  We searched for the northern lights but didn't see any this year.  Just sitting out on that deck on those warm, dark nights in the country was enough for me!

We arrived late afternoon the first day and unpacked and grabbed some food in Cheticamp.  I always sleep so well in the country with the summer breeze coming in through the window and the natural sounds lulling me to sleep. 

Mornings are equally nice and that first morning, I got quite the treat when I walked out onto the deck to catch the first morning rays.  A mother deer and her fawn were grazing on the lawn when suddenly the young one got a burst of energy and started running back and forth across the lawn with mom looking on.  And yes, I did catch this on video! 

Later that day, we drove to Inverness to hit the thrift shops after stopping at the new Dancing Goat location for coffee and sweets.  We've been going to the closet for quite a few years and usually find some things but Sew Thrifty was a new one for me.  I was surprised by what I found there.  I'm very petite and have a very hard time finding pants in the right length without having to hem them or roll them up.  I found two beautiful, gently-worn pairs that day!  

After shopping, there was still plenty of daylight left to hit beautiful Inverness Beach.  Now, this part of the trip was a little disappointing.  I'm used to the beach being all sand.  On this day, there was nowhere that was untouched by rocks.  I tried my best to go in the water without hurting my feet but it was impossible.  There must have been a storm in the days before.  I was in for quite a bit and the water was beautiful but the rocks made it hard to get in and out of the water so I eventually gave up and joined my friend on the shore where she was searching for beach glass. 

We didn't stay that evening for sunset because we had a date to meet my sister and her boyfriend in Cheticamp for supper.  We met at Le Gabrielle and found a table in the lively bar area where there was some live music.  As usual, the food was delicious and I got to spend some quality time with my sister who was home at that time visiting from Alberta.  That evening, the drive back to Cap Lemoine was relaxing as the calm water twinkled under the twilight and the stars shone brightly overhead. 

The rest of the weekend was more beaches, sunsets, stargazing and scenic drives.  And then came the worst part - leaving.  But the best part is knowing that this heavenly place is only a two-hour drive away and I can come back anytime! 

 

Family Time on the Banks of the Bras d'Or Lakes

I love Iona and the areas around the Bras d'Or Lakes, but I don't spend a whole lot of time there.  Perhaps that will change since my sister moved home and her little family has a summer place there.

I was looking forward to finally seeing her place the day I hopped in the car and made the long drive there.  Actually, the drive is usually not that long but I took a little detour because I had to stop at my friend's trailer in Jersey Cove to pick up something I forgot there a few days earlier. 

Instead of taking the 125 and exiting towards Boisdale or St. Peter's, I exited onto the Trans Canada Highway.  After my stop at Jersey Cove, I turned right onto the TCH and took the exit to Little Narrows.  After a little ferry ride, it was a short drive to Iona.

I was given directions on how to get there and they didn't sound too complicated.  I found the road I had to turn down or at least I thought it did.  I found out later that there were two roads with similar names.  I took the wrong one, of course.  I got lost, made some wrong turns, ended up back on the main road and had to call someone to meet me and lead me to where everyone was waiting for my arrival.  

 My little nephew was the first to come greet me. A little game of run around the tree and peek-a-boo and it was off to the nearby beach where we spent the rest of the day.

It was a warm evening and I had my swimsuit so I went for a dip.  No one else wanted to come in with me because there were so many jellyfish but I didn't really care.  I just brushed them away and kept an eye on them to make sure they weren't getting too close. 

That day was the first time I used my underwater action camera.  And yes, it worked perfectly!  I got some pretty neat pictures of those jellyfish from underwater.  

When the sun started to dip towards the horizon and the air started to cool, I retreated back to the beach to dry off .  I sure tired out quickly running after my little nephew.  He just never stops.  He's back and forth to and from the water's edge, back and forth to the edge of the forest, rolling around in the sand with his dinkies and just being a little ball of energy.  I got a little break from the action when I took a relaxing stroll down to the end of the beach with Dad.  

When it was almost dark, we piled back into the cars to go back to home base.  Everyone had an SUV except me.  Everyone pulled out of the sandpit just fine except me.  First, I got stuck and had to be pushed out.  That was fine until I was driving down the gravel road and started hearing a scraping sound that sounded like something was being dragged beneath my car. One look under the front end and I could see that I had torn off the engine shield.  A "perfect" end to what was a perfect day up to that point!

Long story short, we temporarily tied the flimsy metal up as best as we could and I drove home with no issues except for when the low-hanging piece hit a high part on the road.  I took it to my backyard mechanic and he had it fixed in no time.  Nothing like car repairs when you least expect them!

 

 

Summer's Beginnings

Summer seemed to creep up gradually.  It seemed like one day I was still wearing my heavy jacket and jeans complaining about the fog, rain and cold and than one day, all of a sudden, the layers came off, I got a sunburn, the water warmed up, the lifeguards showed up at the beach and it was officially summer!

One of the first real summer things I do every July is head out to Rendell's Farm in Bras d'Or and pick enough fresh strawberries to last the winter.  This year the strawberries weren't as good as they usually were and my schedule didn't work out very well with the sunny days (it rained every weekend at the start of summer) so I only got half of what I usually pick.  As I write this, they are almost gone already!

It seems the jellyfish don't stick around as much as they used to and by the second week in July, they were all gone!  The water was a little late warming up but it was still tolerable in the early days of summer.  Any nice day when I wasn't out of town, I was on Dominion Beach in the afternoons and again in the evenings for a walk and sunset viewing.  Oh and there were some endangered piping plovers nesting on the beach too.  That added some excitement especially after the little ones hatched.  There were also three baby eagles born in the nest alongside the road I drive on to get to the beach so that made my drive a little more enjoyable!  I even saw a baby bobcat in Lingan on my way home from the beach one evening but that was a one time thing.  Elusive as they are, I've only seen maybe three bobcats in my whole life. 

Something that was missing at the beach this summer was fox kittens. There were none.  Several adult foxes were hanging around the beach all summer, but no little ones were born.  

Most mornings before heading to the beach, I'd drive to Dad's and go biking along the shore to the lighthouse.  That was sometimes followed by a visit to my sisters to see her and my little nephew or we would meet them at the beach so he could play in the sand and out his feet in the water. 

 As summer went on, the days got hotter and, unfortunately for me, my air conditioning broke in my car.  Of course, right in the middle of summer!  After a hard time trying to get someone to fox it and honor the warranty, it was back up and running but I was having to roll down the windows and sweat out any long drives for almost a month. 

Those hot days lingered and there were no more rainy weekends come late July.  As good as this sounds, it wasn't good for our forests.  Huge fires broke out elsewhere in the province and there was a high risk of one starting here so the province shut down the woods.  No fires, no hiking, no doing anything if it involved walking through any woods.  That smoke from the wildfires up the line drifted this way a few times and one evening, I captured the perfect sunset behind a haze.   

 Despite that woods ban, I made the best of summer and it turned out to be another amazing one filled with memories and adventures. A long drive to along the coast to Main-a-Dieu and through Louisbourg, sunsets, meteor showers, beach walks, ocean swims....and that's just the beginning of it all!

 

 

 

 

And Just Like....Summer is Almost Over for Another Year

It's been such a busy summer that I didn't have time to post about any of the wonderful things I've been doing!  I'm never home except to sleep or get ready for work.  Most days, I head out somewhere to do something immediately after work.  I pack a lunch, take it to work with me, store it in the fridge and it's fresh and ready to eat on the way to whatever adventure awaits.  No time wasted here.  Summer is short and I enjoy every moment of it.  That means my laptop is hardly ever turned on.   

It seems like just yesterday I was packing up my car with camping, swimming, hiking and paddling gear.  I finally broke down and bought an action camera to capture all the memories I knew were coming with all the things I had planned and family coming home from Alberta and I swapped my winter clothes and gear for warm weather adventures. And now it's the end of August already.  They say time flies when you're having fun.  I can certainly say that there's plenty of truth to this because I had an incredible summer.  

Summer was interesting in Cape Breton this year as we saw the province implement a very strict fire ban that also banned anyone from entering forested areas to prevent wild fires.  Nova Scotia and the rest of eastern Canada has seen some pretty big fires recently and one here would be devastating in so many ways.  

The extreme heat and dry conditions started early and I almost had to endure the entire summer with no air conditioning in my car!  Fortunately, I was able to get it fixed before I took any long road trips. While it was a bummer to not do any hiking, I found plenty of things to do outside the woods.  Paddleboarding on the Mira, swimming at Dominion, Black Brook and Ingonish beaches, scenic drives around the Cabot Trail and to Main-a-Dieu, roaming the streets and alleys of the Fortress of Louisbourg, hanging out in Iona with the family, riding the gondola at Cape Smokey, sunset walks by the ocean, swimming in my sister's pool, a long weekend in Margaree and Cheticamp, taking in the festivities at Festiville Baddeck, enjoying a visit from my sister who came all the way from Alberta and, of course, watching my little nephew growing up and learning new things. 

Although the calendar might say summer is winding down and signs of it are all around - leaves are starting to change, kids are heading back to school and the lifeguards and are on their final shifts at the beaches - I still have summer-like activities planned for weeks to come!  This weekend, I plan to go camping in the Highlands and I'm hoping for warm enough weather to do some swimming at some of my favourite beaches.  Paddleboarding on the Mira is done for the year but I'm thinking of trying out the dragon boat paddling that's being offered nearby.  When the woods reopens, I hope to get to the top of the gondola at Cape Smokey in Ingonish to do some hiking, kayaking and biking.  In mid-September, I'm taking a road trip to Mahone Bay.  

The only thing missing this summer and the one I will miss the most if it doesn't happen is my annual camping trip in Framboise with Dad.  Because of the fire ban, we were unable to go.  If it lifts very soon, we might get a late-summer trip in but it doesn't look good.  Dad doesn't like camping later in the summer as the nights get too cold.  If the fire ban doesn't get lifted in the next couple of weeks, I might convince him to just suck it up and camp in the Provincial campground in St. Peters for the night.  At least we can say we got out and we are close to all the things we like doing in that area. 

 

Hiking Season has Officially Started

Well, hiking season has officially started.  I mean, I've been on a few hikes lately but yesterday was the first real big hike of the season.  

It was originally planned as a fishing trip with Dad and that's how it started.  We drove to Framboise and stopped at all the little brooks along the way.  The fish weren't biting much but when we finally reached our limit of five, we found a nice place with a view of the ocean to enjoy our lunch.  

After lunch and tea, we walked along Ferguson Beach until we came to the river and than went to Grand River Beach where we did the same.  It was warm and mostly sunny so the weather certainly cooperated.  

The fresh air was just what I needed after suffering with yet another cold.  Clear lungs and a full day in the fresh air of Framboise was just what I needed for a much needed sleep.

After our hikes, we drove to St. Peter's, grabbed a coffee and went home the back way through Forchu and Gabarus hoping to see a deer.  Instead we saw two bald eagles and a few hawks.  

I already have so many grand plans for summer.  This is just the first of many adventures to come! 

 

Bye Bye Summer, Hello Fall

Summer always goes by too quickly.  One second I'm swimming in the ocean enjoying hot temperatures and long sunny days and the next, I'm swapping my swimsuit and flip flops for thermal tights and ankle boots.  

I can't complain about this summer.  The weather was fabulous, I had some extra cash to spend on things I enjoy doing, I had a new car that didn't break down every weekend and I got to do so many things that I had been meaning to do for so long.  Things like finding that new beach everyone keeps talking about in Northern Cape Breton, finding Magic Cove, eating at new restaurants I hadn't tried yet and learning how to paddleboard. 

As I write this, summer 2024 is nothing more than a memory but one that I will cherish like all my summers.  Cape Breton is such a magical place to be in the summer months.  We truly do have amazing weather in July and August, out waters are the warmest in the Maritimes and there's no shortage of things to do. 

I was able to swim right up to the first week in October and only stopped wearing flip flops in the middle of the month.  The weather stayed nice but I switched my focus to hiking and biking around Thanksgiving but I'm already making plans for things I want to do next summer.  For a small island, there are still many things I have yet to see and do! 

As I write this, the weather is starting to change but not too drastically.  The days are getting shorter and they're still fairly warm.  The nights are cold and damp. We're still not getting a whole lot of rain but the sky is cloudy much of the time.  I will hang on to those last few moments of decent weather before the first snowflakes.  Then I will spend 9 months dreaming about summer's return.

Labour Day weekend in Margaree

Labour Day; the final long weekend of the summer and one that I try to go all out for since I have nine months of fall, winter and spring to go through before the weather gets nice enough to do things comfortably outdoors again. 

Usually, Labour Day is spent with friends in Margaree and that's exactly where I headed on the Labour Day long weekend this past September. 

I didn't take the long way there this time because it was the only day that was supposed to be nice enough to go swimming all weekend and I wanted to get there in time to have lunch, stop at the house to change into my swimsuit and make the 40-minute drive to Inverness Beach.  

We arrived at the house with the incredible views of the sea in the early afternoon and after settling in and getting beach-ready, we headed to Inverness.  

While my friend wasn't in the least bit interested in going in the water, I couldn't wait to get in!  Even this late in the season, the water was still warm and the air was warm too.  I listened in amusement as some middle-aged men swimming nearby teased a tourist from a more southern destination.  They thought the water was warm like I did but the tourist just stood there shivering and refusing to get ducked.  

When I finally got out of the water, my friend was a long ways down the beach searching for sea glass.  I sat in my chair with a book and enjoyed the relaxing sounds of the gentle waves and seagulls above.  After I read a chapter and was dried off, I started down the beach.  I caught up with my friend who, by that time, had a baggie filled with colourful beach glass.  I stopped for a quick chat and continued down the beach for another long time.  I never realized how long that beach is.  When I turned back, I still hadn't reached the end!

We decided on Wabo's Pizza for supper  We left Inverness just before dark and stopped at the house to change out of our beach clothes.  By the time we were ready to head to Cheticamp, it was dark and we were hungry.  We still had another 30-minute drive before we reached the pizza shop.  We ordered just before we left and got there just as the shop was closing!  

That evening, we sat in the living room with the big windows overlooking the deck.  The air was cool but after a while of staring at this deck and being enticed to step outside and admire that night sky with all those stars, I decided to step outside for a bit. 

The air was crisp but there wasn't a cloud in sight!  The night sky in the country sure is something to see!  I took a few pictures to see if they would come out and was surprised to see something I wasn't expecting in some of them.  Some pink and purple strips were visible to the north.  I checked my Northern Lights finder app and sure enough, there was a good chance of spotting them that night and several of my friends who were camped out nearby already had pictures posted.  We don't usually see the Northern Lights this far south but they've been appearing in the night sky over Cape Breton quite a bit this past year!

The next day wasn't as warm and sunny as the day before but we set out early to make the most of it.  We started the day by driving to the Dancing Goat to pick up some sweets as we knew it would be closed on the way home the next day.  I hoped to see the giant sunflowers in Margaree along the way but we were too late; they had already bloomed and withered away for the season.  

We next headed to Cheticamp to attempt a hike along the Salmon Pools Trail.  We tried the trail a few years ago but turned around when it started to rain.  A few years before that we did hike quite a ways in but had to turn around when we ran out of time.  We didn't make it all the way to the end this time either but we got a little further than before and got to enjoy the late summer air and the peace of the river and forest sounds. 

I always hate leaving the country to go home.  I always said if I could find a way to make a living in a place like Cheticamp, Inverness or Ingonish, I would move there in a flash.  I guess there's always retirement! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Never Forget the Power that Ocean Holds

"Make sure there's always other people around when you go swimming".  "Never swim alone". "Don't go in water over your head". "Stay close to the lifeguards".  "Don't swim at sunset".  These are just some of the warnings I've heard over the years from people who showed their concern at my habits of doing all of the above despite promising I wouldn't. White lies, I tell myself.  Just little white lies to keep them quiet and from worrying unnecessarily.  After all, I'm a good swimmer and I'm always aware of my surroundings.  

Yes, I try to make sure there are other people around when I swim but that's not always possible.  Sometimes I end up heading to the beach alone because no one else feels like going and I'm not one to pass up opportunities just because I have no one to go with.  And later in the season, there are few people at the beach because everyone is back to school or work and the air is cooler.   I rarely go in water over my head but if the water is clear and calm, sometimes I'm enticed to go further out to explore the depths with my mask and snorkel. And swimming at sunset?  Well, that's my favourite time to swim!

I've always heard the stories about Inverness Beach and some of the other nearby beaches along the northwestern coast of Cape Breton.  Stories about the riptides and strong currents and about how many people have drowned in the area over the years. It wasn't that I didn't believe the stories; I just never witnessed conditions bad enough to warrant much concern any time I swam there. That is until July 27th, 2024.  That day turned out to be one I'll never forget and one that changed the way I feel about the ocean forever.  

That day started like any other beach day.  I picked up a friend and we drove the 2.5 hours to Inverness Beach.  I choose my days wisely when I know I will driving that distance.  I make sure the forecast calls for plenty of sun, warm temperatures and light winds.  I picked a good one.   

For most of the afternoon, we alternated our time between swimming and sunbathing on the beach. I swam in water just over my head with no issues.  Everything was good, it was a perfect day.  

At around 4 O'clock, we went for a long walk down the beach to dry off and headed to Cheticamp for something to eat with the intention of returning to the beach in time for one last sunset swim before heading home.  

We walked onto the beach near the canteen and instead of walking further down the beach like I usually did, I decided to just swim right there. Just before sunset, I entered the water for my final swim of the day.  The water was still calm and clear and the sun was starting it's descent into the horizon.  About a dozen people were still in the water and all was well.    No one else was in the water right where I was but there were people all around, both on the beach and in the water nearby. 

My friend stayed on the beach this time to take pictures and catch up on some messages she got throughout the day.  I slipped into the warm water and when I got waist-deep, I swam for a bit in the fading beam of sunlight that stretched from the horizon to the beach.  After a few minutes, I switched to floating on my back.  I remember it being so calm and relaxing in those last few moments before the chaos.

I was only floating like that for maybe two minutes and in a matter of seconds, my relaxing sunset swim turned into a fight for my life. When I tried to stand up, I was in water over my head the shore was getting further and further away.  I tried to swim but to no avail.  I was being pulled into deeper water.  Then it hit me; I was in a riptide.  My first reaction was panic.  I frantically tried to swim harder and harder and instead of getting closer to shore, I was pulled underwater.  I remember advice giving to me in the past; if you find yourself in a rip current, DON'T PANIC!  I regained my composure but knew I needed help.  I waved my hands in the air and yelled "HELP".  I could see everyone on the beach but no one was looking my way.  No one on the beach saw my waving and no one heard my desperate call for help.  I was on my own and had to act fast.  

As if by some miracle, my foot found a large rock.  I wrapped my ankles around as best as I could and held on for dear life while I tried to regain my strength for one last attempt to get myself out of that raging current. When I felt ready, I used all my strength to propel myself toward the beach using the rock.  I swam as hard as I could, using both arms and legs and all the energy I had left.  Finally, I was back in water shallow enough to stand up and walk the last few feet to shore. The whole ordeal felt like an eternity but was just minutes, if that.  That's how quickly I could have been swept out into the open ocean and never seen again. When I reached the water's edge, I collapsed in the sand, choking and crying.  My friend raced to me to see what was wrong.  She hadn't seen a thing but she saw the terror in my eyes and knew that I had just been through a harrowing experience. 

For days after that incident, I couldn't get my mind of it.  All I could think about was how close I was to drowning and how lucky I was to be still alive.  I noticed myself feeling grateful towards everything.  Even small things - like a relaxing walk, my morning coffee with Dad, a hot meal - were given more thought than usual.  And let me tell you, was I ever grateful to see that beautiful sunrise that morning.  And as I sat silently and watched the sun rise over the bay and the sky turn all sorts of vibrants colors I couldn't shake the thought that I almost never got to see the sunrise again. 

I went for a swim at the beach close to my house a few days after the incident in Inverness and found myself looking at the ocean differently.  I didn't hate it or blame it for nearly claiming me; I just had a newfound respect for the power it held and how quickly it could turn a leisurely swim into a fight for survival in a matter of seconds. I entered the water slower than usual and as I stood and looked out to the far depths of the Atlantic, that wave of gratitude came over me once again when I thought about how I could have ended up somewhere out there, never to step foot on dry land again. 

Recapturing Childhood Memories at Broad Cove Campground

Broad Cove. Just the mere mention of this place brings back memories from long ago.  From a time when I camped there with friends and we roamed those grounds late into the night doing what kids did back than and what I wish kids would do more of now.  From a time when I was a teenager and my parents parked a used RV in the trailer section during the summers and I would travel back and forth in my '89 Honda Accord to enjoy the last few summers I had left before heading off to college in another province. 

Every year for as long as I can remember, I've spent at least a few days at Broad Cove Campground. For weeks leading up to this past summer, I tried to book two nights at my favorite campsite but it kept saying it was booked all season.  I waited it out and hoped the spot would open up later in the season.  And that it did!  In mid-August, I was able to snatch the site up and book it for my yearly stay at my childhood summer playground. 

I arrived at my site late morning and got started setting up camp right away so I could enjoy the rest of the day without worrying about setting set up later in the dark with the flies. 

After everything was set up, I relaxed for a bit on my beach chair with a book.  When my energy returned, I went for a drive towards Ingonish, grabbed some food, ate it on a picnic table at North Bay Beach and walked that long stretch of sand.  After a drive to Ingonish Beach and the Keltic Lodge, I returned to my campsite just before nightfall.  I changed into some warmer clothes and headed out for a walk around the sprawling grounds, remembering the days when I was young and my friends and I roamed the forest and paths. Hearing children and seeing them running and playing hide and seek made me happy to see that at least some kids were still enjoying the great outdoors! 

I walked around the trailer section first and than headed to the beach at the far end of the campground.  This is one of favourite places to be at night.  A wide open space right on the ocean.  As I stood and took in the sparkling night sky before me, a yellow glow appeared on the horizon.  A full moon was rising.  I stayed longer than I intended.  I'm not one to miss a moon rising over the ocean.  I don't see things like this at my house in town. 

I didn't need my flashlight as I walked back to my tent because the moon was so bright, it lit the way!  Back at camp, I opened a cold beer and sat in my chair and watched the night sky some more before turning in for the night.  While most people don't sleep all that well in a tent, I sleep like a log!  And that night, I slept right through the night without waking!

Never Breaking Tradition!

Cape Breton Island is such an amazing place.  It's only small but every corner of the island is different and everyone in my family has their favourite spot they love to go to. For me, it's always been Ingonish and, in later years, Inverness, both in the northern region. Dad always had a soft spot for the Framboise area on the south coast of the island. I love that area too and, as I get older and develop a distaste for crowds and a penchant for peace and quiet, I love it more and more every year. 

 

Since I moved back home from Newfoundland in 2011, my father and I have planned a weekend camping trip in the Framboise area every year.  We put aside 2 days every summer and pack up our cars with gear and head to a remote beach about as far away as you can get from civilization. 

 

We arrived at our spot this year late morning on a clear, warm day.  It's tedious setting everything up as we have to park at the bottom of a hill and carry everything to the top.  We got everything set up when we were approached by someone telling us we were camped on private land.  Not realizing the land was private property, we had a brief conversation with the man, we agreed to pack up and camp elsewhere. 

 

While I was disappointed at having wasted so much time and energy setting up, I understood fully where he was coming from.  Other campers had been leaving garbage behind and he and his wife had their hearts set on enjoying the patch of land themselves that week.  I would probably be unhappy to find a bunch of people camped on my land too if I drove a long distance to enjoy some peace and quiet! 

 

We went to another spot we had camped at years before.  It was always our second choice anyway and it's a very nice spot that's also remote and right on the ocean. It didn't take us long to get re-set up after our little set back and in no time, we were back on schedule.  We did some hiking that day and headed to St. Peter's that evening to have supper at Jigg's takeout.  A coffee for the road and a relaxing evening drive and we were back at camp early enough to start a fire, have a few beer and watch the night sky. 

 

I slept well that evening as I always do in a tent.  I love being so close to the earth and the great outdoors.  It's where I fit in most. That morning after breakfast, we hiked a little more and packed up the vehicles to head home.  Dad headed toward Gabarus, I went to Point Michaud Beach where I enjoyed a swim in the warm, clear waters of another one of Cape Breton's finest beaches. And, surprise, an old friend was there with her family!  You never know who you'll meet when traveling around Cape Breton!