more nature stuff, Cabot Trail views, and a couple of very nice places to eat.

Tuesday. Went on two short hikes in morning, one to Benjie's Pond, a quiet desolate place, but no moose, should have been, lots of tracks and signs. And a real nice walk too.

The day was warming up and it was going to be a sunshine day.

Later in the morning we went to a bog or marsh land and walked on a raised walkway.  Again, very pretty,

Lots of flowers, many different kinds, some very pretty. surprising to be so late in the year. Both hikes were on top of the highlands. The "mountains"  North, French, and MacKenzie are somewhat indistinguishable but had names. We were on top of all three at various times.

and the little scrub trees in the acidic soil and harsh climate are over 100 years old according to the information tablets on the walk. Tough environment.

We also found the place used to make the Cabot trail calendar and post card photos. Near French and MacKenzie Mountains. They are part of the highland plateau and have remained resistant to change for eons.  They are precambrian gneisses, and I am just assuming that you all, just as I do,  know exactly what that means.  

We later found a hike that took us to an over view of part of the same road.

and yes we did drive it both directions and will drive it again tomorrow as we leave the Cape Breton National Highlands Park area of Cape Breton Island.

Restaurant  review # 4 Trout Brook Picnic Location.  On one of those curves in the photo above, there is a picnic spot provided by Parks Canada. Use it if you get the chance. Hard boiled eggs, peanut butter crackers, (avoid the bread, its a bit stale) some soda, a bit of ham, sorry we were out of cheese, but the view was great. We have had some wonderful lunch time picnics and today was no exception.

it is a road trip so we get the picture from the front seat.

Pulled over next to a beach and guess who found some more rocks.  The rocks are smooth and colorful.  And we, well mostly me, have a growing collection of beach rocks.

Patt is holding real whale baleen, like from a real whale.  The earnest young woman from Parks Canada, thats how they refer to the national parks system, is talking about how whales filter out their food.

Went on this hike to get to the overlook to see the road that is so spectacular.  and it is a very nice, but long hike.

A view form that hike.

And we did not see a moose, but we did see this bird and several of his friends. He is going to be lunch for someone as he had no fear.

And this is what some of the forest looks like on top of the precambrian gneisses.

Restaurant Review #5 Rusty Anchor   The day ended so very very well as while waiting on a table at the Rusty Anchor, a German couple offered their table as they were about to leave—it was a very very nice table.  We talked a bit and as we were enjoying one another's company they joined us for pre dinner drinks - for them after dinner. It was a most enjoyable time to wind down the day. They had been to North Carolina, we, alas have not yet been to Germany. They left to go moose viewing and we enjoyed dusk and haddock, lobster dip and french fried sweet potatoes.