HUGH C2C: August 8 - Day 65 - Making a Wish in Antigonish

As planned, Sid and I were up early and made the quick scoot down the road to pick up the 8:30 ferry. We need to thank Northumberland Ferries Ltd. for giving us a free ride back to the mainland, something they will do when asked, for charitable rides. With some time on our hands before boarding, we wandered around taking some pictures for y'all, and I was particularly interested in Crabby's, an institution at the ferry dock for years, and another Culinary Trail location. There were also really nice views of the Wood Island Lighthouse, but found they got much better when we boarded.

Pano from the boat

Crabby's

We were first on the ferry, and loaded the bikes up near the exit ramp. It wasn't long before we were underway for the 90 minute crossing. I had some time to grab another breakfast in the restaurant, and had an extended chat with Bruce from New Jersey, and now Boca Raton, Fla., who was an avid cyclist, and in total awe of what we were doing. The crossing was smooth and unloading a breeze. We picked up the highway heading south right off the boat, then 20km down the road, the Trans Canada #104 heading east.

First to load

Ready with a wheel block just in case

Top deck

Coming in to Nova Scotia

Wood Islands Lighthouse

We chose to deviate a little after New Glasgow, and took the secondary road #4 which basically followed the main highway, but through the country. It was an interesting ride, but when we crossed the Trans Canada an hour or so later, we decided to jump back on the main road. The skies were looking increasingly threatening, and the light rainfall, was just a prelude of things to come. It didn't take long for the rain to get heavy, the skies turned scary dark, and the thunder and lightning more frequent and closer all the time. When a bolt flashed directly in front of us, and with the rain now pelting down, it was time to head for cover. We spotted an underpass in the distance, and pedalled as fast as we could to get there. Upon arrival, we weren't the only ones with the same idea, as a half dozen motorcyclists were under cover also putting on their rain gear. Freezing and soaked through, we called Jon who was there to get us in minutes. We had no idea we were just on the edge of town..........Antigonish that is.......our destination for the day.

The ballpark in Kenzieville on the #4.......a once thriving community now a ghost of its former self

The Underpass

Antigonish is home to St. Francis Xavier University, one of Canada's leading undergraduate schools, that was actually voted the best by Maclean's magazine from 2002-2006. The Antigonish Highland Games have been held here since 1863, and it is also home to Hugh's Tires. This is a really great town, and I enjoyed a stroll down main street after getting out of my wet gear, ducking into a small cafe for a bowl of chowder to avoid the rain which had started again!

Back at camp, Kelly was arriving with the boys, and we prepared another great dinner for the crew. Wifi sucks here so probably can't post until tomorrow. More rain in the forecast so hoping for the best.

Parting shots.....................