At 3 am (11 pm in California), I was up and going to the airport following the suggested “arrive 3 hours before your flight” which turned out to be way too early. You go through US customs in Halifax – good idea! A short layover at New York La Guardia, then on to Atlanta where I had 5+ hour layover. What to do .. take a long time eating at a restaurant that no longer exists in the Sacramento area – TGI Friday’s. I always thought they had the best potato skins and they still do.

Elaine picked me up at 7-ish. Tired but couldn’t exactly fall asleep. So good to be home.

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.