We slept in. It was really nice. The campground was very quiet until 9:00am when the campground lawnmower started. Oh well, up and at ‘em. Let’s get this day started.
Today we have lots of time as later this evening we head to the ferry port for our crossing to Newfoundland overnight. so we have the day to pick up a few items and see what we can see.
Task 1: After trying to get the BBQ quick connect to loosen up and work using WD40 we decided to simply replace the fitting with a new one. Cape Breton Trailer Sales Ltd of Bras D’Or came through and even fitted the new one for us. This was very much appreciated. Now we can look forward to some outdoor cooking.
Destination 1: With the fitting replaced we decided to spend the afternoon at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. It was a short 45min drive and our newly acquired Parks Canada Discovery passes granted us free access. The sun and cool breeze make it a perfect day to wander about this amazing historic site. The sea fog also seemed to enhance the experience.
We’re here in ‘shoulder season’ meaning that many of the reenactment actors are not yet on-site, but all of the buildings and exhibits are open for us to explore. There are not too many people which meant, among other things, that the on-site historic bakery had bread for sale in the early afternoon. It was delicious!
In the 1700’s, Louisbourg was the largest French settlement in North America and a major trading port for France. However, in 1748 and then again in 1758 it was captured by the British and subsequently destroyed. In 1961, the Canadian government undertook a 20 year restoration of about 25% of the settlement which is what we see today. One can only imagine how vibrant and full of energy the place must have been almost 300 years ago.
Task 2: When we arrived back in North Sydney, we restocked a few groceries and filled up our fuel tank before finding a park on the shore where we ate dinner and watched the ferries arrive and depart.
Destination 2: At 8:00pm we checked in with Marine Atlantic for our scheduled 11:15pm ferry to Newfoundland.
Read tomorrow’s post to find out how that goes and what we get up to on our first day on ‘the rock’.