Big Ride Across America 2011

Sat, Aug 27 North Cape NS

Well, we stayed in Machias ME for 3 days waiting for my passport, which finally arrived. We camped at St Aidan's Episcopal Church, since there is no campground close to Machias. When I called the priest-in-charge he didn't hesitate to accommodate us. It was the weekend of the blueberry festival, and we had a blast! The musical "Blueberry Fields Forever" was great fun. We did get to Campobello, which is lovely, then travelled north to New Brunswick and then Nova Scotia. We are now on Cape Breton Island, and traveled as far north as can be driven to Meat Cove yesterday. We are staying here a total of 3 nights to relax, sew pot holders, read, and catch up on email and blog. Tomorrow night is Louisburg on the east coast of Cape Breton.

The people and the scenery are wonderful--I wish we could spend an entire month here. Several villages speak French, but with a different accent than I've ever heard. Even English is a different accent--with you is wid youse. We met Ann Schroeder, an art quilter from the Boston area who is now a landed immigrant in Mabou. We also went to the Red Shoe pub, but missed the music. The local radio has great Celtic and Acadian music, but I hope to hear some live stuff before we leave.

Noel rode his bike today--14 miles, and this is the first time he's ridden since the Big Ride. I'm sure glad we brought it along.

We've been worried about Hurrican Irene, but it looks as if most of it is petering out and will pass to the west, at least that's our wish. Maine doesn't look too good though. We tried to call Carol a few minutes ago and couldn't reach her. When we talked to her a few days ago she said it was blowing hard, and she had moved the furniture off the porch and brought the boats up. Please include her in your prayers.