Summer 2015 Cape Breton , Corney Brook Campground

You MUST do the Cabot Trail if you are heading to the Maritimes.  It is one of the most beautiful places in the world.  And considering its reputation the crowds are manageable.  We originally planned on camping at Cheticamp Campground, but when we arrived early afternoon it was pretty crowded.  We looked at the map and Corney Brook looked promising, but small.  We were worried that it would be filled but we took our chances. Oh so happy we did. It’s about 10 miles north of Cheticamp and it’s ocean-view !  Only 20 sites and when we pulled in there were still about 6 ocean front (on the cliff type) available.  By five o’clock the campground was full and people were setting up tents in the grassy area behind the little community cabin. This campground is a little jewel-but warning you-no potable water, no electric, but they do have clean flush toilets and a payphone !  It’s well worth it because of the view and its size.  It’s far enough off the highway that you don’t hear the traffic.

There is a beautiful trail across the highway from the campground, it’s a 4 mile roundtrip hike through a beautiful forest and along a creek that takes you up to a refreshing waterfall !  Since there were no showers at the campground, I took a quick dip in the ice cold stream water just to refresh (no soap), wow talk about cold water.  But it got my heart pumping for the hike back.

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Skyline Trail is a must do !

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These two were spotted one morning in the trees behind the little community cabin at Corney Brook-we watched and listened to them all afternoon.

We spent many mornings and afternoons watching the Gannets diving for fish-these are absolutely incredible birds. They plunge straight into the water,sometimes from 100 ft or higher, and spear and swallow the fish before the surface just seconds later.  They are beautiful and one of the largest seabirds.

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We were sad to leave Corney Brook, we could have spent a month camped there and would have been delighted.  We had our view of the younger generation strengthened by Sam and Chelsea after sharing hopes,dreams and views of the world. Our feeling when we left them was that the earth was in good hands.  That’s what is so inspiring about traveling.  It’s easy to get caught up in world affairs and so much negative blah blah blah.  But when you sit with individual people,share ideas and open yourself to the world life looks pretty good. We don’t all agree but deep in our hearts we all have a lot of the same hopes and dreams and that’s good enough for me. While the scenery on this trip was beyond incredible ,it’s the people we met along the way and their spirits that I will carry with me always.

This Summer 2015 trip to the Maritimes,Newfoundland and Labrador is one that will never be forgotten.  Make it happen-it calls to be lived not to be read about on your bucket list-get out there !  Next stop for us will be the infamous Meat Cove on the tip of Cape Breton.  Until then, safe travels,happy trails and remember :