Since I had my FXDX in the Boston area this summer (2013) we decided to use that as a base for a couple of tours. We first did a long weekend at Laconia and then surviving that we headed to Cape Breton to ride the Cabot Trail.



We had a good time overall with some trying moments in the rain. We had little difficulty with the language, almost everyone we met spoke some form of English. :-) Traveling with C combined with the rain left me a lot less inclined to take the daily mileage, but I managed to some key moments. The total from Worcester to Cape Breton was 2460 with 1231 from start to the day we headed back. That means 1229 for the return trip.

Out:


Back:


One highlight was staying at the Keltic Lodge:


We spent time at the beach:



Took scenic pictures:



The pier at St. Andrews

Gave the bike a ride on the ferry to PEI:


and I never got any better at this:


I have more pictures with some comments on what worked and what was a mess. I also have some videos, based on other feedback I received I took a high-res real-time video of the Cabot Trail through the mountains. Of course it is too long too load so I need to find a way to split it up. I'll add these to complete the journey.

TLDR: Canada might as well be a third world country for voice and data communications (I think the quote from AT&T was $3000). Cabot Trail is nice, but it is not US 1. We had a good time, if we ever go back we will go through Halifax. They use funny money. Ask the local teens where to buy refreshing adult beverages when the official stores close.

 

I enjoyed your post and the pictures. Will probably do the trip next summer.

You should get a satellite phone to visit remote areas, they always work.

 

Zeus I believe he was just referring to his experience regarding the "voice and data communication" aspect. Not that it would bother me even it it were true. I have an old cell phone for call out emergency (if there happens to be signal) which I leave off to save the battery. There are quite a number of areas down here in WV with no signal and motels with no wiFi. Doesn't bother us dull witted locals but techies should be aware before coming.

Great pics kokemill, that's a beautiful area. It's been over 15 years since I rode the same route, stopping in Boston on the way up.

 

Nice pics, we have the same issue with our phones when we head to Northern New England to see my folks. We just turn them off after about 1/2 hour into NH on 91N.
Me and the family are spending the summer up there next summer and me and the wife plan to hit Canada so the wife can say she's been, might have to look at hitting some of the spots you guys did.

Not sure why zeus33 felt the need to insult our children, cities and entire South because you didn't like there voice and data communications? I believe that was uncalled for, no insults from me.

 

He edited his original comment, I should have quoted the offending part. But it's gone now so all is good.

 

Ahh, tracking brother. Be the bigger person, don't dog the rest of us because of one mans words. Our northern family is better than that.

 

that's interesting . from Rogers (canadian cell supplier) for an extra $60 a month i can get 120 minutes of north american calling and for an extra $10 a month my data plan works across north america (assuming signal of course) . maybe it's AT&T that's still in the third world

anyway , great pics , sounds like you had a lovely trip . you even had some good weather , as they say down there ... if you don't like the weather just wait 15 minutes and it will change !

 

Canada's technology in the telecommunications industry is light years ahead of the American's. But we're not going there.

 

If you do go back, and hit Halifax, try to do it during the Canada Day celebration on July 1st. That's sort of equivalent to our Independence Day. We toured the south part of NS a couple of years ago and spent 2 days in Halifax. They put on a nice fireworks show in the middle of the harbor. There's all kinds of things to do on the 'water walk' (I think that's what it's called). Follow the 'Lighthouse Route'. It will take you all along the coast, thru some beautiful back roads with no traffic.

We stayed at Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, which is right on the waterfront. They had the most comfortable beds that any of 10 of us had ever slept on. The place is gorgeous inside and you just have to walk out the back door to see the fireworks.

We met many very nice Canadians all through our trip. All very pleasant, helpful (even when we didn't ask), and courteous.




That's me on the left in the white T shirt looking at the plaque.

 

We did the Cabot in 2012 so far it was the best trip we have been on. From the scenery to the folks and the seafood it all made for a great ride. The only disappointment was we missed the whale watching trip, the day we were booked to go the sea was rough and they cancelled. We also Spent a couple days on PEI that trip their oysters were the best I've had.