Sat Jul 26 - Baddeck to Pictou

Jul 26 - Baddeck to Pictou

Ad to get passengers to sail on The Hector

It was with a little sadness that we left Baddeck. Cape Breton is a wonderful place and we felt that 4-5 days is just not enough to thoroughly explore this area. But we have a plan this time, and sites are pre-booked so off we went. Of course once we are on the road, we again feel that rush of 'new adventure'. It happens every time we head to new destinations. We are heading toward PEI, but first we are stopping overnight in Pictou, NS. We arrived early afternoon and were pleasantly surprised by the friendliness of the campground welcome (a whole bunch of people sitting outside the camp office shooting the breeze) looked like a welcoming party! After setting up and meeting our neighbours, we headed out to check out the ferry area. It is a weird setup. Trying to be brief... it is free going from NS to PEI... any size vehicle and any number of passengers (you pay only from PEI to NS). Now we had tried to book but you can't book one way... only return. We wanted to ensure we got on the ferry so we booked a berth leaving PEI tonight at 6:30 (which we wouldn't use) and then 'returning' tomorrow morning at 9:30am. After discussing the situation briefly with the lady in the canteen and the chappy outside who seems to usher the trucks/cars onto the ferry, the feeling was that, with only one hour left to our bogus trip 'from' PEI,  we should cancel and take our chances in the morning... So we did!! refunded $120 ... here's hoping we can get on the ferry tomorrow! 

On board the replica of the Hector

Route showing being blown back off course

We drove then into Pictou... what a great little town, and the final destination of the 'Hector' back in 1773 .. one of the first ships carrying (approx 200) Scottish people to 'Nova Scotia'. The migration of the Scots was a result of many factors, mostly to do with the battles with the English, and Scottish failure to maintain their independence after the devastating loss at Culloden in 1746. The history of this migration, and the factors influencing it, are well told at the Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou in the Museum, which also has a replica of the Hector berthed and available for viewing. We watched a movie that followed the building of the replica in the 90's. It was really interesting and quite emotional when it was finally launched. We were fascinated by the history and loved our very short stay in this lovely town.

The Hector (replica) in the harbour