Day 1 - Cabot Trail - Cheticamp to Dingwall, Cape Breton Nova Scotia

Unhooking trailer for our truck camping trip

Turns out the Cape Breton National Park gives us the green light to store our trailer in the staff parking area while we drive the Cabot Trail. We feel this is a much better spot than the arena we had originally lined up.

Rough roads to start

As soon as we hit the trail we run into rough roads under construction. 

Road conditions go from good to sketchy throughout the drive. 

Pleasant Bay in the distance

It is on and off rain and fog but we still get reasonable views along the way. 

Map of Atlantic coast

Fishing Cove in distance

Top of MacKenzie Mountain

MacIntosh Brook trail

We stop and do the MacIntosh Brook trail to a waterfall and then eat our lunch. 

MacIntosh Brook waterfall

The road has steep ups and downs along the trail but nothing like the 'North Mountain'. Thankfully the roads are in great condition here, just steep. 

Our base for three nights

Before we know it we are at 'Hideaway Campground and Oyster Market'. Turns out our site has a view of the Aspy Bay. 

Truck camping set up

Fishing village of Dingwall

Just down the road is the small fishing village of Dingwall. There is a long sandy barrier that separates the Atlantic Ocean from Aspy Bay. It acts as a natural berm creating protected coastal environments like Dingwall Harbour. 

Long sandy barrier

Feet in the Atlantic Ocean

We walk along the sandy berm but the rocks are so rough it literally feels like it's peeling the skin off our feet. Talk about a pedicure!

Piping Down the Sun

Back at camp we are just getting supper ready and a young guy begins playing the bagpipes just before sunset. Known as 'Piping down the sun', it is done to mark the end of the day and celebrate local Scottish heritage. 
It's a very unique experience as guests gather around the clifftops for evening views and listen to the music. Great way to end our day. 

Sun setting on Aspy Bay