Nova Scotia including Cape Breton Island

This is our last leg, so to speak, as we round off our trip with a tour of the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island.

However, before speaking of things bike riding I have to talk about the amazing Confederation Exhibition we saw in Charlottetown. Titled 'Shame and Prejudice' it is an exposition of what happened during colonisation by the French and British in Canada. Resonating with Australian experience at every level, it was not only poignant, but stimulating and evocative. I think David Walsh from MONA should commission this exhibition. The artist is Kent Monkman and more info can be located here.

The bottom right-hand corner of one of the vast canvases depicting English invasion.

Riding has been getting increasingly hilly and i have increasingly enjoyed the power in my legs propelling me upwards. Confidence has deserted me on some days where the massive yet mythical gradients have made my legs jelly.

Karen on top of her game after riding up French Mountain.

We had a serendipitous encounter with a fisherman on the way to Port Hood, who informed us about things Cape Breton. We have come across so many Canadians who are interested in us and interesting for us, such a delight.

Kendy, Angelica and Janice learning about the finer points of fishing, not catching.

Here in Pleasant Bay we have had rain which has interrupted our riding plans and sightseeing. People have been off trying to spot moose, which are proving to be very unreliable, and the whale watching tour was cancelled due to strong winds. We're off to the west coast tomorrow for our very last rides.

Des trying to creep up on a sleeping moose.

Cormorants at the harbour on a bleak morning.

Some more metrics
Thursday 9 August: Charlottetown to Murray Harbour. 80kms mostly all on the Confederation Trail after leaving Charlottetown. Al cooked up a storm in our cottages by the lake.

Friday 10 August: Murray Harbour to New Glasgow. This involved a ferry trip and a car check, Des and I being the drivers for the day. I escorted Walli to emergency at the local hospital which proved to be an interesting insight into Canada's health system.

Saturday 11 August: New Glasgow to Antigonish. A good ride of 80kms skirting the coast and going up and down. Antigonish is a lovely town with a university at its centre.

Relaxed and ready for anything! Maggie, Al, Kendy, Maureen, Janice, Angelica and Dave.

Sunday 12 August: Antigonish to Port Hastings. Absolutely lovely rolling hills and coastal views for 66 kms. Found our way to the Thrift Motel, still sporting its original furnishings!

Monday 13 August: Port Hastings to Port Hood. Along the coastal path for 46kms, incredibly benign.

Maggie, Al and Maureen left to their own devices.

Tuesday 14 August: Port Hood to Margaree Harbour. A 47km ride, bailing at Inverness to ride in the vehicle due to heat and traffic concerns. Turned out to be unfounded.

Wednesday 15 August: Margaree Harbour to Pleasant Bay. Rode the first 25kms to Cheticamp and chickened out of the hills. Another unwise decision in the main. The hills were big but we could have done them.