There was a sign in the lobby of the hotel about a quilt display at nearby

A museum dedicated to the working people of Nova Scotia and the progress made over the past 200 years. Really well done.

The quilts were a curated collection of unique designs. From a distance, this one looks like stones gathered on a beach.

Up close, all of the stones are fabric “pillows” w embroidery.

The detail and fine stitching was incredible.

Artists with needle and thread. On to a hotel near the airport for the night. Technically only part of the night.

The Cabot Trail is a 185-mile-long scenic drive around the northern part of Nova Scotia.

There are parts that have a 12% grade and one short section climbing French Mountain that is 17%. No wonder my 2007 journal said I pedaled at 2.3 mph.

There were many “look-offs” aka scenic viewpoints and I stopped at most of them. Many sections of the road were in disrepair or under construction with traffic delays. Slow-going! By early evening, I arrived in New Glasgow.

The ferry at Wood Islands:

One hour 15 minutes later, Nova Scotia was in sight.

I drove until it was time to find a place to stay for the night which turned out to be in Mabou. There was a restaurant nearby – The Red Shoe Pub:

and there was live music from 5-7. Lucky me.

We were ready to ride at 7:45. Long ride today and it was going to be warmer.

Breakfast in St Peters before we hit the Confederation Trail.

Since we were ahead of schedule, we took a nice long break in York.

We rode to MacQueen’s to drop off our bikes and panniers. 39 miles – yes, we were all tired. Brenda picked us up and we went to dinner at The Pilot House. Hmm, which beer should I have? Fourth one down made me laugh.

Thank you Ruth for all the excellent planning, Brenda for providing support, Juliann for asking questions that got me talking and sharing, Reg for enjoying the company of women. All of you made this trip an amazing adventure filled with good company and love.

Breakfast at the lodge.

After a bit of exploring in St Peter’s, we rode out to Greenwich Dunes. No bikes beyond this point where there were several trail choices.

A floating boardwalk over Bowley Pond.

A long boardwalk.

A steep climb over the dune.

Looking out at the Gulf of St Lawrence.

We had an early dinner at Golden Dory on the way back to Mysa.

15 miles of riding today. Just enough for a good night’s sleep.

Waiting for my ride in front of the hotel. Saddlebags packed.

We had the bike shuttled to York to save a few miles. Brenda dropped us off.

St Peter’s Bay:

31 miles to Mysa Nordic Spa.

We’re staying in the white cabins.

Hot and cold choices, but NO talking. There are a few whisper zones.

on Prince Edward Island. A ferry across the Northumberland Strait.

I was able to check into my hotel early and walked to a nearby restaurant for some excellent seafood chowder, drizzled with chili oil and topped with mussels.

One problem arose. I first sat at an outside table. A bee flew up my shorts and stung me a few times on the upper thigh. I went inside to eat.

Later, I walked to MacQueen’s Bike Shop and met Ruth and Brenda, Reg and Juliann. Ruth and Juliann are sisters and my cousins. All live in Saskatchewan, however Brenda grew up on PEI which makes her an excellent guide.

We were fitted for our bikes in preparation for our ride tomorrow.

Dorothy made a great dinner last night which included lobster, scallops and haddock – so good!

Dorothy’s favorite spot to sit outside

and watch geese raise their families in the pond across the road.

Lobster traps:

Goodbye Little River and Digby Neck – forever in my heart.

I drove along the shore going through all the little towns that were listed in my 2007 journal but it was taking a long time to make progress toward today’s goal. Nova Scotia is bigger than I thought and the speed limits are much lower, so I hopped onto the provincial highways and arrived in Pictou by late afternoon.

A drive along the Acadian shores where Stella Maris flags decorate many homes.

A stop in Marshalltown to see a replica of Maud and Everett Lewis’ home.

This house in Whale Cove was home from November-February 2008. Yes, it was a cold winter, but fresh-caught lobster any time the guy up the hill hauled his traps.

This evening I stayed w Dorothy and Lauriston Tidd who live in Little River. We have stayed in touch for the past 17 years.

I got a late start but relaxing felt so good. First stop Peggy’s Cove.

Lunch in Lunenburg: lobster sandwich on fresh focaccia – omg!

Just before Yarmouth, I found William Allen Rd and drove to the end on the Chebogue River. This tiny cottage was home for a couple of months in 2007 thanks to the generosity of a trail angel met in Las Cruces NM who was born in Yarmouth.

The view included clammers’ boats.

As I was having a beer in the mostly empty hotel bar in Yarmouth that evening, the server came over to warn me it was karaoke night, but only a couple of songs to make one of the regulars happy. No worries. It was hilarious, this guy was really bad but sang his heart out.