head for the hills

As I mentioned in a previous post, I started this three month trip across Canada without a valid driver’s licence.

This posed a bit of a problem for seeing Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. There’s literally no way to get around independently except drive or hitch.

Enter: Salty Bear Adventure Tour.

Tour groups can be a bit of risk considering you’re stuck with the same people for days on end: crammed into a bus with them, sleeping in the same room as them, eating with them, drinking with them, sightseeing with them…arrgghhh!

But I was lucky enough to share my three days with a pretty entertaining group: Mike (tour leader); Erika (who I’d already met in Digby); Sarah; Jessica; Andi; Karen; Kevin; and Yvette.

Salty Bear Statistics:

People: 9

Aussies: 3 (actually a bit lower than the typical ratio)

Hostels: 2

The gorgeous view from HI Cape Breton, overlooking the Bras d’Or Lake

Monks: 3 (at Gampo Abbey)

These little statues are hidden all through the grounds of the Abbey

Wildlife count: 1 deer, 1 raccoon (roadkill); 4 snakes (harmless); some Canadian geese; 2 minke whales; and 9 delicious lobsters

I couldn’t get a photo of the ACTUAL minke whale so you’ll just have to use your imagination.

Dinner!

Hikes: 5

The view at the end of the Skyline Trail.

Kayaking trips: 1

Photo credit: Erika Oakes

Waterfalls: 2

Try to spot Yvette!

Times Andi stripped down and jumped into a freezing waterfall: 1

Times Mike missed the turnoff for the hike we were supposed to do but ended up finding us a way better one: 1 (you redeemed yourself, Mike!)

Pee stops: At least every half hour (we never managed to synchronize our bladders. Poor Mike!)

Rolf Harris songs: 3

Beaches:2

S’mores: 30+

Games of Twister: 6

Times I won Twister: 0 (I’m just not tall or bendy enough!)

“That’s what she said” references: 50+

Bottles of wine: 1 (mine)

Photo credit: Erika Oakes

Beers: Unspecified

Would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to travel Cape Breton!