The Flight of Bear Canada

Day 21 - July 21st
Bathurst, NB to Charlottetown, PEI

I discovered my new pet peeve, RV drivers. Apparently some drivers will flash signal lights to indicate if it's clear to pass. The hitch here is that the decision to pass is to me made by me and me alone. And when it comes to deciphering the intentions of a 5 ton RV, I'll err on the side of caution.

I crossed the Confederation Bridge and was impressed by it's sheer size. It felt kind of weird crossing a large bridge with no structure above the deck. Then it was onto the land of "Anne of Green Gables". I did a quick tour of Confederation Building where Canada was formed in 1867. Then onto more important places like the local pub. I do recommend the Merchantman Pub downtown.

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The Strom on the PEI side of the Confederation Bridge. It was kind of weird riding a bridge that high and long with no superstructure above the road deck.

Confederation Hall

Confederation Hall, the birthplace of Canada. Not a hockey rink as some people might suggest.

Inside Confederation Hall

Inside the Hall.

Day 22 - July 22nd
Charlottetown, PEI to Ingonish, NS

I rode south from Charlottetown expecting a long ride to the ferry. Well an hour later and I was at the ferry to Nova Scotia. And with a rare display of timing, I hit the ferry as it was ready to load.

PEI Lighthouse

I did a mail stop in New Glasgow, sending parcels of souvenirs back home. The bike was now at least ten pounds lighter. And with the power to weight ratio improved, I blasted east...

...right into rain, courtesy of tropical storm Cristobal. The incessant drizzle was really annoying. My gear kept me mostly dry, but the outer layer was saturated and I really couldn't do much without getting water everywhere. I was starting to get a little annoyed.

Cabot

A little section of the Cabot shoreline.

Then the rain stopped, and the Cabot Trail became fun. With the skies clearing, I could see why my friend Rocke said the Maritimes was the place to ride. The Cabot was a hoot especially at the northwestern tip, in the Cabot National Park. Now the presence of tourists and blind corners suggest that racing in not a good idea. But otherwise the road is a hoot.

One other thing I get a kick out of is that there are many people who are amazed to see a bike with BC plates in their home town. I mean riding long distances may not be easy but it's not that hard. I've done it, and my planning is haphazard. (I like to leave the adventure factor high.)