In which undulations reign supreme, but a dry day prevails.

8 a.m. continental breakfast with an 8:45 a.m. start at the vans. We drove a fair ways out of Cavendish to a John Deere store where the bikes were unloaded and washrooms were visited courtesy of the dealership. The idea was to avoid some of the busy highway out of town, which was all good with us.

Our route today took us around the coastline in a loop, ending back at the hotel; from driving it it was obvious it was going to be up and down but we started out with quite a gentle uphill. The wind was predicted to be a tail/crosswind today with one part with headwind, and another with tailwind but have to say the crosswind was the most prominent, and the part with the headwind was pretty hard work as it was gusting up to 35 kph. Very pretty country though; there was a group photo scheduled at a lovely ironworks store early on but some evidently missed the turnoff as we were short a few for the picture!

cycling alongside a shoulder with the famous red earth of PEI – it is all like that

Very pleasant cycling, albeit more head than tail crosswind I’d say.

We had a stop at Malpeque with a lovely little museum and a well kept church. The museum caretaker was a hoot, and the front desk manned by a summer student. Well laid out.

snack stop before the museum

We eventually got down to the coast, and it was gorgeous.

The bay was again filled with oyster farms.

We’d had some long pulls uphill to this point, but it was about here the serious undulations began. Some were able to be traversed by letting ‘er rip on the downside and pedalling in a big gear on the way up, but most weren’t configured well enough so it was a good workout getting up some. The wind was a bit disconcerting going down, as it shifted my light bike sideways so that limited the speed we could get up to safely. With no shoulder and fissured pavement we were at the mercy of drivers giving us space but great courtesy was extended and there were no mishaps. Fair amount of traffic on the roads being the peak of holiday season….

a more gentle uphill

French river Bay – more oyster farms!

looking back at French River

So much grass to mow! It’s a matter of civic pride that everyone keeps their grass well cut – shorter than is healthy for it, tbh, from the master gardener standpoint – but if someone’s grass is unkempt they’re apparently likely to get a knock on the door from someone suggesting it’s time to address it…

the road goes ever on and on

We stopped for lunch at the Sou’west Restaurant at the beginning of an estuary; busy place and excellent food – hard to choose with a plethora of lovely seafood options. The sightline of the slope we were going up after the Sou’west kept our intake modest :-). There was an outside deck as well, with a sign at the entrance: “unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy”. We also came across this one on the road:

It was getting warm after lunch toiling up the hills, but thankfully it was only a short distance and we rolled back through the cheesy adventureland/Niagra Falls lookalike and lots of traffic to home, for a well deserved shower and the inevitable clothes washing.

Someone had enquired about cycling over to Cavendish Beach, a provincial park near here but apparently it’s so crowded this time of year you can’t get near it. Likely going early in the a.m. would allow a visit, but we are off tomorrow for another site. Some of the group went to visit Anne of Green Gables interpretive site in the afternoon – have to say it leaves me completely cold but it’s apparently quite popular with the Japanese tourists. I did hear there were nice trails and a pretty garden at the back so I eventually went and was blessed by arriving after closing – able to walk the grounds and trails without crowds and avoided the interpretive centre.

Green Gables as described by Lucy Maud Montgomery, of course it was a fictional house…

the gardens behind the house were quite lovely. This lily is all over, and likely started as a domestic but was seen on the first day in several places apparently growing wild; likely dumped or tracked in to start.

There were a number of trails in behind the house as well, which I trekked through – very quiet and cool in the afternoon sun.

Dinner was at a local bistro and offered more amazing seafood; lobster pot pie was on order for me and didn’t disappoint. The presentation was fun (this is just an empty lobster shell….)

Our bike mechanic/driver got into the spirit of Anne of Green Gables:

Today’s highlight: Ocean ride along the coast. Total 55 km, 546 m elev.

In which the 26% chance of showers predicted morphs into torrential downpours and some intermittent steady rain.

After our epic group dinner yesterday, with huge portions of food, we appeared for breakfast a little green but I was amazed to see what people put away again. I only wanted an egg and toast, and received one with the white still moving, ugh. The chefs could use some upgrading in this kitchen. One of our cyclists is an ex-chef, who had to change careers as he developed an anaphylactic seafood reaction, and he wasn’t impressed with his food either. The lavender creme brulee yesterday sounded great, but was inedible; far too dense with a mere whiff of lavendar. Oh well…we are moving on.

We set out at 9 a.m. under grey skies, but with hope in our hearts as the forecast had changed to tailwinds, with only 26% chance of rain. Some blue was peeking through… we are heading south today towards Summerside, about 80 km but not a ton of elevation gain, only ~300 m. The first notable event was riding by a skunk that had become roadkill but in the middle of the lane…. that stuck with us for awhile. We made good time to start, with lots of photo ops – we hit the coast and kept coming across oyster farms, had no idea they had so many here. It was like the north coast of France, every bay was full.

The dots in the horizon are buoys attached to a line and anchor, and the oysters are seeded onto the line.

some of the crew; the only Ebike rider is the woman in red in the middle.

Leger (my bike) is happy for a rest too!

the roads were well surfaced for the most part, and the majority very quiet. Reminded me of riding around Nanaimo on the back roads a long time ago.

After 45 km or so we came to a tea house and stopped for coffee; it was like another world. The pace was soooo slow doing the coffee/tea/hot chocolate orders we were there for a looong time…. kind of like the sloth in Zootopia, everything moved in very slow motion. It was a bit like frozen time there outside as well as we had a long chat with someone cleaning up the street – there had been a soapbox derby down the hill yesterday and apparently it’s quite a serious one as the winner is sent to Akron, Ohio for a big championship…When we eventually were able to leave, most of the rest of the group had departed (Jill and Henry put in the last order) and the heavens opened. There was a deluge, and water ran down the street in a river – we ducked back inside, shaking off water from 15 seconds out in it, and waited until the onslaught had slowed a little. Under steady heavy rain we departed, thinking un-enviously of those who had left shortly before and were caught out in the worst of it. Our raincoats kept us dry, but everything else was soon wet.

Happily it didn’t last too long, and about 20″ later we were merely dodging puddles on the road and mentally thanking the considerate drivers who avoided splashing us.

Henry at the top of a hill

starting to lighten up

lovely countryside to ride in, very bucolic

We had a period of dry, and the roads dried up as well as our coats. There were more hills after lunch than in the morning, most being long pulls up rather than steep so Jill and I elected to remove our raincoats after a few of them as it was getting warm inside. The kiss of death, as 100′ later it started spitting again and we were in light rain showers on and off for the rest of the ride, increasing near the end to steady. But at least we missed another torrential deluge that the rest were caught in ahead, right at the end after they’d more or less dried out from the first one! 78 km total.

We were collected in Summerside and went to a grocery store to get some provisions for the next couple of days and dinner tonight. Then a 45 min drive to our lodgings, where we are staying for the next two nights; next to the Ann of Green Gables interpretive centre. There is a collection of fun fare type “attractions” on the highway before this, reminscent of the cheesiness of Niagra Falls downtown. However the hotel has lovely spacious rooms and is in a similar style to Avonlea; best of all has a bath!! which quickly was put to use. The rain and wind is still around tonight and showers have been coming and going.

A quick trip to rewax the chain, the nightly laundry and it was time for happy hour (briefing and snacks) in the hotel lobby with the group. I had discovered I’d left my swimsuit in the changerooom at the last hotel (no biggie as it was an old one with the elastic already deteriorating) and it was amusing when I related this to hear what other people had left behind as well; both in the Mill River Resort as well as in Halifax. There is a trail of detritus behind us of forgotten belongings. All of us will have lighter bags by the end at this rate…

Dinner was (somewhat stale) sushi from the supermarket, salad, crackers, cheese and pineapple in the hotel with Jill and Henry, washed down with a new single malt I discovered in Nova Scotia; Raasay, from an island in the Hebrides. Lovely smooth whiskey with light peat taste. None of us were very hungry so didn’t feel like braving the rain to walk to the nearby restaurants (about a km away). As I write this the rain is heavy again with wind but we are assured tomorrow will be sunny again, no rain in the forcast again until Friday.

Highlights; It was a lovely cycling route with some lovely views and pastoral scenery.

In which the rain and wind on our first ride are interesting!

We all assembled in front of the Westin at 8:45 a.m. and were greeted by the tour operators, Pedal to Sea Adventures. They very efficiently loaded up the luggage, whisked away the bike boxes (courtesy of the parents of the bike mechanic!) then added our three assembled bikes to the back of a very long trailer. Custom made, very sleek carrier but glad I’m not driving the vehicle, it’s going to be tricky to backup… another sunny day in Halifax but we’re told we’re heading to rain.

The bike trailer at a later stop

Audrey, our co-leader, models the bike trailer with its custom cabinetry.

Off we set for a four hour drive to PEI – took us a little longer with bathroom break in the middle and a huge queue at the Irving gas station (us geriatrics will never pass a bathroom when it’s on offer, even if only one person needed to stop!). The potato fields started in the lowlands of New Brunswick and they were impressive, miles upon miles of flowering plants. They seem to be about two weeks behind us in terms of plant development. Confederation Bridge was impressive – it’s free to go over to PEI, and $50 to leave either by the bridge, or the ferry at the top of the island which is how we’ll get back. Lots of traffic heading back out of PEI, folk there for the weekend returning to work.

The red earth of PEI is really evident in the foregound of Confederation Bridge – this is looking back towards the mainland.

After a lunchstop where we all foraged for food in different places, and some of us picnicked with what we’d brought, we headed out in light rain to the other side of Summerside. Potato fields reigned supreme, as did beautifully cut lawns even around the most humble of abodes. The rain got more and more enthusiastic until it was a downpour just about the time we arrived. Checkin complete, we dumped our things in our rooms and changed into cycle clothes. Those with rental bikes were then adding pedals and accoutrements, saddles etc while Jill, Henry and I were able to cycle away, still in the rain.

Not visible in this picture is the waterfall coming off the roof from the rain…

There was a little tailwind when we started, and after about 1/2 hour the rain stopped and we were able to put away our raincoats – it was very warm despite the rain and heavy clouds. While we were given randonneur type plastic pouches with written instructions for the route, we found they didn’t tally with the GPS map I’d downloaded so eventually gave up on them. My pouch was pretty annoying where it had been fastened, constantly flipping down in the wind and covering the Karoo so it got folded up and put away first opportunity.

Pretty countryside! Some roads were quite busy and others not bad but we all remarked at dinner how consistently rude black pickup trucks were passing us… Most drivers, though, were courteous and you could see some even trying to avoid hitting the puddles so they didn’t splash us!

It’s trying to clear…

The sun came out and it got warm for a few minutes, and although the clouds became increasingly ominous towards the end we outpaced the rain.

potato fields and fissured roads

Jill is enjoying her brand new bike, picked up and packed the week before they left. Incidentally, none of the rental bikes have fenders…

By this time we were heading back on our loop and battling some fairly hefty headwinds, with gusts that blew my light bike sideways (fortunately towards the shoulder, not the centre of the road). It was pretty hard work, esp. going up the undulations!

beehives!

We were back home in the nick of time as the heavens opened again and those behind us arrived bedraggled. An easy ride today, only 30 ish km to work out kinks in the bikes, and relatively uneventful with one flat about a mile from home. It’s interesting in such an experienced group of cyclists how many admitted at dinner they couldn’t change a flat.

Missing my Japanese onsen at the finish, I went in search of the hot tub and pool, and had the former to myself. Lovely!

The nightly laundry complete, we had a group dinner, food okay but not great, and retired to pack for the next day. The forecast is for more rain, but likely a tailwind for at least part of the 80 km.

Highlights: red earth and potato fields!

In which museums predominate

Jill and Henry arrived from their red eye, and unfortunately weren’t able to get into their room right away so the super helpful bellhop brought their stuff to my room. I left them there to become human again after the inhumane flight and start their bike assembly while I went off to see the Maritime Museum. Traffic was building already due to the detours around the parade route (pride parade today and apparently a big event) so walking up Lower Water St. was faster than driving 😊 The museum was quiet to begin with but gained people as the morning progressed and was humming by the time I left. Interesting displays of all things maritime, an exhibit on the Titanic, of solo sailors around the world from these parts, and a ship chandlery selling all things marine from way back when… interesting smell of linseed oil, creosote and rope. The display on the evolution of ship building was fascinating. Good displays geared to kids, and a play area for them with a maritime theme. Well done.

Boardwalk from the museum terrace. You can tell it’s early as it’s sparsely populated!

Part of the working dock with St. George’s Island to the right

Coffee needed after that, so back to Bishop’s Landing to the “Daily Grind” – meh coffee but a lovely place to sit and plan the next move. I had checked out a bakery nearby but nothing passed standards and was looking for a bun (or croissant) for a lunch sandwich so decided to try – for a third time – a bakery that had been recommended – third try lucky?? They’d closed early the first time I tried, and I was just after closing the second time. The route there took me past Govt. House where I discovered an open gate and a sign that they were offering free tours that day. So I had a seat in the entrance and an interesting chat with the security guard while waiting for the next tour.

A delightful tour guide (summer jobber) took us around the house doing a great job of spewing facts and history, and clearly loving her job. Nice house, not too ostentatious.

Drawing room, with dining in the background

Meet and greet room, photography area

formal dining for 20 – the stack of dishes in the pantry was to die for!

original mahogany table from 1805

This silver salt tureen was fascinating and gives new meaning to “pass the salt” – just wheel it down the table!

Heading uphill again after the tour I twisted my way through the Dalhousie campus buildings to find I was only a block away from the parade route, and the bakery was closed that day (I guess no traffic could get down their street..). Strike three. Back to the hotel to get the needed wrench from Henry only to find they’d gotten in to their rooms, moved all their stuff and had texted to say they were taking a nap….

So I put on as much of the fenders as I could, and headed out to the Museum of Immigration which was quite close by, on Pier 21 near where immigrants used to dock after arrival for processing. The area has been redeveloped and is now upmarket with a large brewery, restaurants and farmer’s market which I didn’t have time to troll through, unfortunately. The museum had good exhibits and interesting stories, but not as good as the one in Antwerp! It was good learning though about the different waves of immigrants to Canada, and our apalling discrimination at times. There was a very busy office near the entrance of “trace your ancestors” amongst available immigration materials, with every station bustling. Clearly a hot topic.

Back to the hotel to pick up the wrench, and then a spanner, to affix the final bolt onto the fender and then it was time for the group pizza meet. It was moved to the park across from the hotel as the lobby was noisy, with a big influx of people for the parade and two weddings going on. The usual round of introductions, then pizza (only one vegetarian pizza which non-vegetarians dove into as it looked better than the multitude of pepperoni ones..) before a briefing from the tour leaders. I was again told sternly by Danielle, the co-leader, that if I didn’t download whatsapp I would be responsible for finding out myself what the day’s instructions and changes were… It appears that Jill, Henry and I are the only ones to bring our own bikes. There is one electric bike rider in the group, which totals 14. We are told we are each responsible, in turn, for providing one days’ worth of report and pictures to be sent by whatsapp which will be compiled into a final trip report that goes to CCCTS (Cross Canada Cycling Tour Society) so I’m interested to see if an exception is made for communication that day (which would be very hypocritical). Danielle seems very organized but a bit autocratic, so here’s hoping it’s just start of the tour jitters and that she relaxes a bit. Most of the other riders have done one or more of these tours before – there are participants from Washington State, Edmonton, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Newfoundland and Vancouver. It’ll take me until the end of the trip to remember people’s names. Most are older folk like us, but most look pretty fit and seem to have impressive trip resumes.

Back to the hotel to pack and organize – there’s a 4 hour drive to our next stop in PEI tomorrow, Mill River, and rain is apparently in the forecast though there’s some debate if it’s really rain, or just showers… that brought out all kinds of stories of “real rain” on other trips and Jill, Henry and I thought (internally and simulataneously!!) of our cycling trip in Scotland and smiled… it’s an easy ride tomorrow, good to get any kinks in the bikes worked out and bike fitting to be done so I suspect the three of us will be able to take off quite quickly after arrival having already invested our time in assembly.

And so we begin! Today’s highlight – the Maritime Museum

In which we visit Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove

Woke to rain and fog in the harbour and the small lighthouse on George’s Island barely visible, though it too was soon fogged out. Forecast was for clearing though…

We started with the hotel tour, picking up people at different hotels on the way out of Halifax. Most were on time, apart from one couple of girls who had to be phoned to appear…. there’s always one in a crowd. We were a total of 13, with a large passenger van which was perfect. Nice bunch of people, with some Americans we discovered eventually were recently retired physicians appalled by the politics in the US and considering emigrating to Nova Scotia to restart practice if necessary to obtain entrance. Fairly severe to be considering such a move…

First stop Lunenburg, driving through fog most of the way but by the time we got there it had thankfully cleared and we had lovely views. It was actually hot and humid… pre thunderous would be a good description but apparently that’s been the norm for the last week. Lunenburg is a Unesco world heritage site, and deserves it as it’s lovely – we got the history of the Bluenose, the Bluenosers (Nova Scotians’ nickname from the US) and Lunenburg on the way in, a brief commentated tour of town then were left to wander for a couple of hours.

A selection of preserved houses (colour is not restricted by Unesco rules!)

Local drivers were very tolerant of idiot tourists in the middle of the road taking pictures…

this one now a legal office

our only complaint was that the wires kept getting in the way of photos!

Architectural heritage reconstruction takes on a whole new trade here…

If you look closely you can see the upper window has lots of tall ship models on display

This Anglican church was actually destroyed in a fire Nov. 1, 2001 and rebuilt in similar Gothic style. Ironically one of the passengers on our tour was a retired Toronto architect whose previous partner had designed the reconstruction, definitely one for the “its a small world” list.

Some lovely stained glass work as well

Right at the top of the hill sits the school – and like most coastal towns it was a steep hill up. It was retired from service in 2012 and now houses municipal offices and community space.

Not so sure about this apricot colour but the gardens were lovely

Bluenose II came into dock about noon and we were able to wander the decks. It has a crew of 20, room for 23 in the berths below and goes in for the winter Oct. 15th. There are six permanent crew and 14 seasonal (6 month) hires, mostly students in gap years; surprisingly the crewman I talked to said only 60 or so applicants for the positions. Mind you, they work 7 d/week and 14h/d during the season so perhaps that has some bearing….

For those following in the UK you may not know the bluenose – our famous fishing vessel that won many Fishermen’s Trophy Races. The Americas Cup refused to let the competing boats go out over a certain wind speed which the Acadians thought was near calm weather compared with what they dealt out fishing so they started their own racing series which competed in almost all conditions. All entrants had to be working fishing vessels. The Bluenose was iconic, and is famously on our dime coin (10 cents). Bluenose II is a replica and now belongs to the Nova Scotia government. Currently it takes passengers out for 1.5 hour sails from Lunenburg, and represents Canada as a tall ship on other occasions up and down the coast.

The green in the background is now a golf course, but formerly was where the fish brought in were salted and dried in the sun (about six weeks).

By the time we left it was hot and humid again and I was really happy I’d packed my full rain gear and fleece with me in the pack…. but we had some relaxing time on the dock as well.

Lunenburg is still a functioning fishing village, and this was in the working part of town. The lobster industry has been severely damaged by recent Chinese tariffs such that lobster prices have dropped to ~8/lb from 25/lb previously – yet to be seen if it rebounds next year.

The golf course afforded a great view of the town.

Next we headed to Peggy’s Cove, about an hour away, with its iconic lighthouse. It was a bit of a zoo, with lots of people wandering around but we worked assiduously to take pictures with as few people in them as possible!

No longer a manned lighthouse, the interior hasn’t been seen for some years. Our guide said that weather in the winter in Peggy’s Cove is legendary for winds, rain and fog (hence the need for the lighthouse!)

Stay off the rocks when wet, famously slippery.

An iconic coastal village scene…

On return to Halifax I hopped out of the van early and walked back through downtown exploring some more green spaces: first the public gardens, which were lovely, serene, and beautifully kept…

some inventive topiary work

A nice shady haven on a hot day

begonia basket with bandstand in distance

The next green space was Victoria park, followed by a cemetery (Catholic then bordering onto a VA, Veterans’ Affairs space). A previous prime minister buried in the former.

Later Jean and I boarded a ferry to Dartmouth to watch the sunset on the harbour. Well worth the effort. The waterfront was busy with a Jazz Festival and Friday night crowds but the ferry fairly quiet.

Bridge to Dartmouth at sunset

waterfront at sunset

from the ferry on return

That ends day 2 – except to note that I finally got the tires on the bike inflated properly! No need to visit a bike shop tomorrow which is a blessing as there are none close and a Pride Parade in town apparently shuts down most of the downtown core….

Highlights of the day? Seeing the bluenose in person. Being introduced to the gorgeous coastline.

Dunno why I thought the red eye was a good idea….now I remember, it was the only direct flight 🥺

Decanted bleary eyed at 3 a.m. our time with little sleep…But at least no seat kicking from behing this time. Such an uncomfortable positio to sleep in though, and these seats didn’t seem to have tiltability – not that I’d have used it anyway as the legroom for the row behind is awful with a seat tilted back.

Halifax airport offered uber or taxi to town and it turns out uber is more expensive, so after a tour of the airport with Big Betsy (the bike bag) crashing into every elevator door I used I finally found the taxi area. I had already determined at arrival at YVR yesterday that Betsy doesn’t fit sideways on a baggage cart through the main doors of YVR terminal… The taxi area was very badly signposted – three inquiries, three different directions later, all of course literally the other side of the airport from each other! After one look at my luggage cart I was sent out to the SUV in the taxi lineup but the driver at the head of the queue wasn’t having that – he assured me Betsy would fit in his car with the seats down, and he was quite right (just fit!) so off we trundled. Friendly fellow, and he gave me a bit of a tour enroute – I learned that the downtown area is entirely transforming with all the highway on/off ramps removed and the land underneath reclaimed, now being built on – lots of construction actiivity to be sure. A good breakfast spot and the downtown highlights were also outlined.

Big Betsy waiting at the front door for her trip.

Wonder of wonders, despite arriving at the hotel at 10 a.m. I was able to get into my room immediately – an unexpected bonus, having expected to drop my luggage and be sent out to kill time until the 3 p.m. checkin. A nice harbourview – initially of two cruise ships but after they left that afternoon, of part of the citadel defence system of Halifax on an island and over to Dartmouth. The hotel decor (Westin) is very tired and badly needs refreshing but the staff are amazing – super friendly and helpful, and on the bellhop’s recommendation I phoned down and was brought a microwave and kettle to add to the coffeepot already there (not a Nespresso either, one of my pet peeves is getting that passed off as coffee… ) So was able to unpack and then headed out for breakfast at the Bluenose Cafe. Lovely traditional fishcakes and eggs (yes, I checked they were happy eggs) – it will pass for breakfast and lunch!

Halifax is a pretty city, with lots of separated bike lanes and has lots of green space and historical buildings. Going into the main Bank of Nova Scotia building was like being transported back in time…

Former HQ of the Bank of Nova Scotia, still a functioning branch

It’s been carefully conserved

amazing detail and craftmanship went into the ceiling, doors, floor

doors to the safety deposit area

After brunch I set out to work some of it off, heading steeply uphill towards the Citadel. Totally randomly, I got there just as the noon cannon was set off, then the changing of the guard, then a bagpipe quartet in the courtyard. I learned how well Halifax was defended as a naval port with its multipart citadel system.

Love the naval theme of the lookouts!

Now mostly a military museum

Quite a few people around, thanks to the cruise ships – they cruise from New York to Montreal, and Halifax is a regular stop. There were hordes along the waterfront boardwalk.

Old town Clock Tower enroute to the citadel.

City Hall – and another of many green spots, parks, pedestrian friendly and sitting areas that make Halifax so attractive

downtown with more highly coloured picnic tables!

Walked back along the waterfront boardwalk weaving through masses of restaurants, cafes, stores, and people. The taxi driver had said they weren’t overrun with tourists, as I thought might be the case with the “elbows up” sentiment. I was interested to see a “Peace by Chocolate” store in a prime location on the waterfront, and quite busy – that was a smart business move for high exposure (though high cost I’m sure esp during the quieter winter months).

Interesting schooners and retired destroyer moored at docks. This one sailed in as I neared home again.

It was hot and humid by this point and I was identified as a tourist by carrying my jacket and wearing long pants so after unsuccessfully searching for the “Rum cake” cakeshop on the waterfront and doing several figure 8’s, I headed back to the hotel for a shower and nap, then to reassemble the bike. All went reasonably well until the fender attachment when I discovered I hadn’t brought a crucial wrench, but those can be attached later so no biggie – had some difficulty re-inflating the tires for some weird reason with both Fumpa pump and hand pump but retried several hours later and it worked (doing the same thing….). Ready to ride now, though perhaps not yet in the rain! A quick email to Jill and Henry to see if they could bring the right wrench with them on Saturday…

It cooled down significantly in the evening so I went out for another walk and a visit and chat to the chocolatier conveniently located across the street from the hotel 😊. Good chocolates (Rousseau chocolatier) with some interesting flavours. I was interested to stumble into the Dalhousie campus, interesting after so many years of hearing about it. Picked up some groceries to make lunch for tomorrow, a snack for dinner tonight and dinner tomorrow as I suspect the day’s outing to Peggy’s Cove and Lunenburg will be fairly tiring. The fog has rolled in and there is a 60% chance of showers tomorrow so raingear will be in the pack.

And so ends an eventful day 1!

Well actually the cycling prep began a while ago, but it’s time to think about packing helmets and cycling shoes, thinking about which clothes to take, reading the details of the trip itinerary and figuring out how the bike fits into that bag! Too soon to look at the weather forecast, but we were advised we were pretty. much guaranteed to get some rain, wind and fog along the way.

And, need to test the blog site to see if it’s working!!

13 sleeps to go before catching the red eye (ugh) to Halifax..