Ok…let’s start the day with sleeping in (til 7 AM) cuz the alarm for 6:30 didn’t go off. Mad rush to get dressed, get downstairs, grab a very quick bite and a small coffee and get off the ship so we can meet our tour guide by 7:30. Mission accomplished (Mr. and Mrs. Ethan Hunt!). The ship leaves early today (3:30PM) so we’re only doing a small portion of the Cabot Trail. We ~could~ do the entire thing…if we had 10 – 12 hours.
Sydney comprises five communities known collectively as Industrial Cape Breton: Sydney, Sydney Mines, North Sydney, New Waterford, and Glace Bay. This collective is also part of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) with a combined population of about 103,000 (about 31,000 in Sydney itself).
We JUST learned that two cruise ships had been rerouted to the Maritimes (some 9,000 people from 2 ships) due to hurricane issues. We also just missed that influx (as both of those arrived and left before we did). Gotta feel sorry for the home crowd – it’s one thing when you’re expecting this onslaught, something completely different when they just show up all but unannounced.
Everything shuts down between 7 & 8 at night so Symphony of the Seas (one that was rerouted with about 6,700 passengers) having an overnight in Sydney…might have been a little boring for that group.
Sydney began its life in 1785 and, like almost everywhere it seems, construction continues. Gas prices are at 142.7 and if you don’t count the Trans Canada Highway, there is only one other main highway.
At one point, coal mining was a major industry with about 32 active mines. But in the 1990’s they started shutting down. In 2001, the last one closed. In total about 1,000 people lost their jobs due to closures.
On the road and out of the city with our wheels intent on rolling over The Cabot Trail. A bit to get there however. Even though (sayeth the locals), the fall colors are ‘early’ this year, we’re still about a week away from full bloom. But…it’s getting there. 🙂
Just before getting to the Cabot Trail (officially) we have to use the Englishtown ferry. This is actually a steam powered, VERY short ferry (both in stature and distance traveled). It actually takes longer to get cars/trucks/trailers off and on than it does to cross the river at this point. The ferry holds about 15 vehicles depending on length (cars vs trucks pulling trailers vs motorhomes etc). The traffic does tend to back up quite a distance waiting their turn, but today, at least, it’s not too bad.
There will be a multitude of stops along our east-side trip on the Cabot Trail. Size large pencil crayons act as the parking barrier for this, apparently to the ladies in our van, mandatory stop. Ok…fine…I did help pick out a couple of items to go in the box we picked up.
And a very short distance down the road…
On we go with more scenic views presenting themselves. Surprisingly, people truly believe they can throw the rocks with enough vigor to make a splash in the ocean. Foolish humans.
Down the road we arrive at Ingonish Beach. This particular beach is THE PLACE to go during May to July. As big as the parking lot appears, it is completely full during this time of the year. Get here early or pick another day.
Now we arrive at the Keltic Lodge (built in 1938) and the Highlands golf course. Can’t see a whole lot of the course itself, but the surrounding grounds and buildings certainly suggest this would be a ‘go-to’ place for our golfing friends.
Along the trail a little more and we reach our last destination. Had I opted to follow my dear wife I may have been able to snap the seals she was lucky enough to see. I chose to stay back, given the slope and numerous steps (not visible).
It’s back to the ship we go. A long day, coupled with yesterday, mixed with the appreciated warmth of the sun has me yearning to hit the hot tub. Which, to this point, is something that I have yet had an opportunity to do.
About 45 minutes later, well massaged (found bubbles to hit my sore feet in just the right way) and certainly relaxed, we find our way up to the buffet for a very light supper. The intent was to go to O’Malley’s (which, SADLY, replaced our beloved Vines) but we discovered unless we’re sitting close before it opens, there is no possibility of getting in.
Oh well…another day now that we know the secret. The Captain’s Circle awaits so armed with our personal invitation (along with a couple hundred other personal invitees…) we go to the Vista Lounge. The music is good, the drinks are flowing as are the canapes, introductions are made and stats revealed.
There are 3,504 cruisers on this particular trip of which 394 are elite (of which we are two). The top 3 most travelled (with Princess) are:
#3 86 trips, totalling 760 days – #2 115 trips totalling 1,167 days – #1 144 trips totalling 1,454 days. Kinda makes our 13 trips at 160 days seem rather insignificant. But…we’re working on it.
Back to the room to do my nightly typing exercise, watch a movie and fall asleep.
Halifax tomorrow!!