It's hard to believe that I have finally made it to Newfoundland (aka the Rock). It was a LONG day but definitely glad that I did it all in one day. Woke up in Port Hawkesbury and after asking a few people I decided to take highway 104 and then route 4 toward Sydney. The ladies at the information centre said I should take the Trans Canada because of the wide shoulder, however myself I prefer to take quieter roads.
It was fantastic - I was on the south shore of the Bras d'Or Lake and the road was quite impressive. Nova Scotia must've been working on this road for the past few years as it has LOTS of new smooth asphalt. Anyway, why am I telling you that information (cuz it is late and I'm tired).
I kept taking pictures enroute and decided to stop at Rita's Tea Room for an iced tea and a piece of coconut cream pie. Apparently Rita McNeil drops by the tea room twice a week and even more often when she isn't touring. Earlier that morning Michael Ignatieff (leader of the Liberal party) had apparently dropped by the tea room. Also, Anne Murray apparently was there visiting Rita McNeil the week before. My waitress was impressed by my efforts and told me that she is a cancer survivor and her husband is currently undergoing treatments for prostate cancer... anyway, I guess I made an impression as she gave me a hug before I left.
My journey continued from one rolling hill to the next... finally I arrived in Sydney. The plan was to call Gwen Harwood (a former colleague of McMaster University)... silly me I copied the wrong phone number down and then needed to find a place with internet access, in order to be able to call her. I went to the Days Inn and used my wireless connection and figured out where she lived. The ride to her apartment continued to be hilly - it was GREAT to see a familiar friendly face, as well as that of her husband Scott and their friend James. We ate an awesome dinner and then chatted before heading to the North Sydney ferry terminal.
The ferry crossing from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland was rather smooth - I had booked a recliner on Deck 7, it was perfect... foot rest and all - I definitely was able to sleep and relax and enjoy my trip. Woke up at around 5:30am and went outside to see the sunrise on the Atlantic. Breathtaking scenary... so peaceful... allowed me an opportunity to reflect on my journey. Still hard to believe that I have traveled the length of Canada... the second largest country in the world. Anyway, will still be thinking about my journey as I make it to Mile 0 on the Trans Canada in St. John's.
Distance traveled from Port Hawkesbury to Ferndale, Newfoundland: 143.44km
Distance traveled in Canada: 6206.05km
Distance traveled this year: 9304.8km
Kudos Nathan, the completion of your trek is a huge accomplishment. What a year! It's been a treat to follow your travels thru your blog....see you soon!
ReplyDelete