Meat Cove

Tuesday 8/5

Captured the normal amount of Zzzz"s on the ferry. Which means very few. We boarded at 2200 and left land before midnight. I decided that I might get a better breakfast on the mainland than on board the ferry. And the coffee line was too long. So I rode off the ferry in North Sydney, NS, just after 0700 empty.

Before I could forget again, I located a cluster of grocery stores. Coffee was a priority. As I rolled through the parking lot of options, Anne sent a text asking if I was at Tim Hortons. Given that the stores had just opened and looked empty. I thought breakfast first sounded better. But in sight was only McDonalds and Wendy's. So I pulled over to check my phone for better options. And discovered the Wendy's building also housed a Tim's. In I went for a breakfast sandwich and coffee. Texted and talked with Anne while I had my coffee.

The first grocery store had ground coffee. Even a description that sounded pretty good. I bought more #2 cone coffee filters so that I wouldn't run out for the rest of this trip.

On this trip, I let the GPS take me over a ferry to reach Meat Cove. In 2022, on this route, I overrode that command and went further south to the normal bridge I had always used when coming from the south. Coming from the north, you skip a few towns by taking this very short free ferry. If the ferry hadn't just left my shore, as I approached, this may be quicker overall. However, I generally prefer riding, with air flowing through my jacket vents.

My next stop was The Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery. Not because I was hungry yet, but for coffee and a bakery... I had a nice roast beef sandwich, coffee, and a blonde. A bathroom break made sense, but I didn't want to wait in the long line. I stopped up the road at the Wreck Cove Store. But it isn't open Tuesdays. Why? I recall when that place was by itself, but now there are lots of craft peddlers and cafes along this stretch. Further up in Ingonish, they are building a ski resort with gondolas, condos, and ski trails (in that order). Land here probably just jumped in value.

I rode past the park pass booth because every time I have stopped, they said I didn't need one to ride through to Meat Cove. The Cabot Trail has a lot of great overlooks. I took pictures at many of the best ones. I refueled and then left the Cabot Trail for Bay St. Lawrence Rd. Which offered more great photo ops along it, as did Meat Cove Rd.

At Meat Cove by 1300, this time, they had tent spots. Tent site #2 was all mine, and she's a beauty. My own little point of land, with the rest of the campgrouund at my back. As the sound of crashing waves fading away those behind me. I also took advantage of the new shower building.

During camp setup I noticed a "Rt1 Mile 0" sticker on the van parked next to me. I started a conversation with Dillon. He seems to work on the road and travel anywhere he feels like. His office today is one step up the cliff from me. And he is doing the same Trans Labrador loop, just counterclockwise. He has a reservation for the Newfoundland ferry in a few weeks.

When I checked in, NS had just sent out a decree that hiking trails are closing at 1600 today until October or fire conditions improve. The campground is a bit confused as to what they're supposed to do since they are at a trailhead. The most interesting case is a woman I talked to that has a sunset hiking tour scheduled for tomorrow night. I would assume if ranger guided that it would still occur. Dillon had wanted to hike to the top of the hill next to us to see the sunset. Wonder what trouble we might get into at dusk.

Earlier, I noticed the beach here has more sand that I remember. And that for the first time I saw people in the water. It is rather hot here in the sun. My forcast says the high was only supposed to be 61F, but it feels like the high 70s, when the nice breeze goes still.

Dillon wants to have beer after he finishes work. We spent some time discussing places to go. He has my next stop picked out already. Where he was last night.

Earlier today, Nate mentioned that the Maine BMW group Rider's of Souther Maine have a campout this coming weekend at Lamoine State Park in Maine. That is my goto stop on my way home from Nova Scotia. So I signed up for free camping Friday and/or Saturday night.

Anne warned me that the Meat Cove campground restaurant was not open, and that I should bring dinner. I didn't, but found the restaurant will be open this evening. Seems like whatever news exists for Meat Cove is always the opposite of what we find when we arrive. Just now I wanted to take a picture of my office. But my screen is also my camera. So pretend the almond bag was my phone. In my office backdrop, there is a boat giving innertube rides to beach goers. It reminds me of a cruise ship beach outing down there. Makes me want to go see if anyone comes around and takes drink orders. I should see if my cubical mate Millennium wants to take a walk.

After work, we grabbed a crab roll for dinner. Pricey at $32 ca, but it had a decent amount of crab meat and tasty. Dillen shared a scrapbook/passport album with stamps from all over. It was a nice way to know where you've been. He had a few suggestions for places that I would like. It's always better to have a few more options.

He decided a sunset pic wasn't worth $25k ca. We drank mio, but talked until everyone else went dark. Then we agreed on a coffee date for tomorrow and turned in.