Antigonish, Nova Scotia

We hit the road fairly early yesterday, about 9:00am. We took the long route that runs close to Halifax because it's a nicer road and it's actually about the same amount of time as the shorter route. I expected a bit more traffic, but the roads were actually fairly quiet.

Nice 4 lane highway most of the way. We decided to take the fast route because we want to spend as much of our time as possible on Cape Breton Island.

As we got close to Antigonish, we took a little detour to Beaver Mountain Provincial Park. This is just a day use area, however at this time of year you would have no problem dry camping overnight. There was nobody there when we got there, and only one other vehicle when we left. They have lots of nice hiking trails, and even a paved one for riding bikes, rollerblading, or wheelchairs. (GPS 45.567414,-62.154143) At the bottom of the hill is a speedway with a huge parking lot that would also be fine for an overnight boondocking spot.

Out for a hike at Beaver Mountain. Lots of trees down across the trails. My hood is up because there were a few mosquitoes. Not real bad, but enough to put the hood up.

More trees down across the trail.

Walking on the paved section. Things are sure green though!

Then we went to our couchsurfing friends just this side of Antigonish. We had met Charlie and Ronnie and their three kids when we were through here 3 years ago, so it was nice to catch up with them. Had a nice supper with them and went for a walk in the area. Charlie is a photographer and keeps a website here.

Parked up at Charlie and Ronnie's house near Antigonish

We did about 250 kms (155 miles), all of it on the main highway.

Today, we will make it onto Cape Breton Island. I bet we can find some little fishing harbour to overnight at tonight!