Adventure 533: Baddeck, Nova Scotia/Post G

We wish you a thousand welcomes.

I feel much better after yesterday's purge. To end further temptation, we've started a  group "kitty". Anyone mentioning the name Trump has to immediately give Judy a dollar. Fortunately for me, we didn't start the kitty until after my rant. My debt would have run into the hundreds. This morning's drive, a scant fifty-five miles through a pounding rain, finished cleansing my spirit. Though damp, the pristine surroundings have a quieting effect. What's more, I'm taking the advice of a good friend who suggested I throw away my trump cards in favor of loving the people I'm with, the new experiences we're afforded, and the down right lucky fact that we're alive and well. The only unfortunate event today was the fact that due to the dense fog, and window washing rain, we couldn't see the Atlantic Ocean way below the cliffs. We couldn't even hear the surf due the high rpms of the defrost fan. But no worries, we managed a safe arrival to Baddeck where we're staying for two nights. This restored home, owned and managed by a Japanese family is so clean, I'm not even sure our normal clean up after ourselves procedures will come up to snuff. We were met by "grandpa" (James), a spry elderly gentleman who gave us the orientation tour, many smiles, and the promise that if we needed anything, he's be right behind the house in his thirty by forty single room home. Baddeck is by far the most "touristy" village we've come across on the trip. It's situated on an inland sea that has two outlets to the Atlantic. The town has a hospital, a large secondary school, several restaurants, some shops, more than a few churches, and a large harbor. Our B & B is just a few miles outside of town. We have a view of the bay that is pleasant, but not as unencumbered as our last place (Boo Hoo, poor babies!). The weather, which has been socked in for the last two days promises to clear up tomorrow. That will be nice as it will allow us to get out and enjoy nature. Not that reading and lounging was all bad. I've managed to throttle the Wiley Cager several times so far, even going so far as to skunk her on two occasions. And I know this will be hard for some of you to believe: I'm not cheating! We also played a rousing game of Mexican Train, which promises blessed relief after only ten rounds. Needless to say, life is good, especially today.

 True, a less suspicious world would be welcome.

 We have this "wildcard" rule (one per day-no carry over) in which anyone in the car can yell "Wildcard!". At first chance the driver must turn around, no questions asked. Today, Judy had us back track to this North Coast bakery. This savory puff pastry filled with spinach and feta may be the best pastry I've ever tasted! Good one, Bunny.

 Dinah, I thought you might enjoy this.

 And the description.

 This bay freezes over in winter when the "big ice" flows from the North. All of these boats will be moved to land within the month.

 This old freight shed has been remodeled into a tourist Bistro. The food, while a bit expensive, was quite good. No worries, Judy paid the tab.

 We enjoyed fish chowder, quite rich, buttery, and filled with ample bits of seafood. We also enjoyed crab cakes and salad.

 One local said the inland sea water was "brackish" due to a mixture of fresh water runoff from streams and rivers as well as the ebb flow from the Atlantic. We're close to the end of the season here. In a week, there will be a ten day Gaelic Music festival. After that, the island shuts down for the season. Winters are harsh and cold.

Our abode for the next two days. Hopefully, the sun will peek out long enough for us to enjoy the deck. That's grandpa James peeking out the window in the back.