Days 7 and 8 - Prince Edward Island and The Cabot Trail

I know I'm a day behind. I'm supposed to recount our experience on Prince Edward Island. Day 7 was a great day overall. We departed Moncton, New Brunswick and rode on the Acadian Coastal Drive to the Confederation Bridge, which took us across the Northumberland Straight. A visit to St. Peter's Church afforded us a nice view of the bridge. We then rode off through inland PEI, making our way to the northern shore. The first lighthouse we visited was kind of a commercial ripoff, and the Anne of Green Gables tourist spots weren't much better. The PEI National Park, on the other hand, provided some great sights and enjoyable riding. The second lighthouse visit was a bit more rewarding, and lunch at the Blue Mussel Cafe was quite enjoyable. After lunch, we continued our ride through the national park, heading to our hotel in Charlottetown. Side note: if you're in this part of the world, Charlottetown Inn (it was a Best Western when we made reservations) should NOT be your choice.)

But that's all I'm going to say about Day 7 on PEI because Day 8 was absolutely INCREDIBLE! Oh. My. Goodness!!! I mean, who can imagine the kind of beauty we saw today? Who can design it and create it? Oh, wait. I know. Isaiah 40:28 says of my God, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom." I just don't know how anyone can see what we've seen and fail to believe a Master Designer created and sustains.

This band of brothers and sisters has ridden all 48 of our great United States. We have seen Niagara Falls, Yosemite, the Grand Tetons, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Bryce, Arches, Canyonlands, the Badlands, and more - and I think what we saw today tops it all. Words can't begin to describe it. Just gaze on the beauty as captured today. I'll post video later. If you get a chance to ride The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island - DO IT!

We started the day departing our hotel in Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, at 7:15 AM. A short ride had us arriving at the dock for the Wood Island to Caribou ferry service provided by Northumberland Ferries Limited. This was a new experience for all of us, so we were a little apprehensive about the loading and securing of our bikes, but all went well. We were required to arrive an hour early, and a bus transporting German tourists arrived just after us. The bikes were of great interest to many of the tourists who, after much conversation, clearly judged the Harley Davidsons superior to the lowly BMW machines. Loading the ferry proved uneventful. Everyone brought tie-down equipment along, and we were able to secure the bikes then enjoy the remainder of the ride across the Northumberland Strait to Nova Scotia.

Another aggressive ride plan required me make our way directly to Cape Breton Island with just one quick stop at the Nova Scotia Visitor Center. Then we were off, ready to ride what has all along been the focal point of the plan - The Cabot Trail. Here is the description I used for the guys in our ride summary: “Cape Breton Island presents unparalleled adventure for motorcyclists with twisty, cliff-hanging roadways carved over several mountain ranges and along its dramatic seacoast. It’s exquisite natural beauty has won several designations including the #1 Top Island in the continental US & Canada and #3 in the world by Travel and Leisure. Most famous for the Cabot Trail, voted Most Famous Road in the World by Harley Owners' Group and #1 Best Motorcycle Trip by USA Today, the trail is found in the Cape Breton Highland National Park.”I'll let the pictures describe our experience.

The day was long. The reward was rich. We made our way to The Red Barn for a quick dinner, then checked into our "home" for the next two nights, the Inverary Resort, to get some much-needed rest.Day 9 will consist of some leisurely riding clockwise on The Trail while the girls get some R&R at the luxurious Inverary Resort in Baddeck.

Here are some images from Prince Edward Island:

Confederation Bridge - from New Brunswick to PEI

Cemetery at St. Peter's Church

Anne of Green Gables Museum

Dinner...

... at Water-Prince Corner Shop

And more images... these from the ferry and Cape Breton Island: