Wednesday September 13
A relatively early start to Pictou (pronounced pic-toe).
Darlene and Gary from the hostel both gave me their contact info in Truro and Halifax, respectively, with invitations to call if Hurricane Lee strands me. So nice!
Sad but nice goodbyes from several. I’ll miss Peter, Patricia and family. And the hostel workers who kept things so clean and organized: Ellie from England, Daniel, and Gary from Ireland who danced a jig to fiddle music several days ago. I would totally have given Ellie a ride to one of the trailheads. Bought two of Billie’s watercolors for $10.
Made quick time to Cheticamp, with a stop at AuCoin Bolangerie for cinnamon rolls and chocolate muffin. Then Freya and Thor’s for fun art gifts and Lola’s Hookers for a small hooked rug and a coaster for me. Everything small to fit into the limited luggage. All very nice and not too touristy… The hooked piece I selected was by the woman who started Au Coin Bolangerie!
Ate lunch at Port Hood Beach Park – on the harbor with a lovely beach, of course, and crows for company. Walked along the beach for a bit before driving on.
Arrived at Pictou around 5:30. Had to stop near Antigonish and take a nap at the same travel stop I visited on my way out. It was fine. I walked a couple of blocks to dinner at Harbor House Restaurant. I can see the harbor from my table. Nice but kind of windy outside.
Sea Bank House is lovely, historic. After dinner, I sat in the parlor with other guests from California – we had a great time, laughing and telling stories!
I tried to find a boat tour, but with the hurricane approaching, probably not. It’s supposed to be heading for eastern Maine and the Bay of Fundy – right where I’m headed. Bay of Fundy “walking on the bottom of the ocean” tour just isn’t going to work out – lowest tides are at 6:30am and 6:30pm, and it’s right in the middle of tomorrow’s drive.