Our first stop on the Cabot Trail was Cabotto Chocolates, where we picked up a gift for a certain friend—you know who you are! Next, we registered at Cape Breton Highlands National Park and settled into our campground at Broad Cove. Stargazer handled the hills beautifully, and Broad Cove Campground sits right on the Atlantic Ocean.

After settling in, Greg headed out to hike Broad Cove Mountain. The trail wound past Warren Lake, where he passed a good-looking guy who seemed oddly familiar. Curious, Greg checked the cars in the parking lot and spotted a Rhode Island license plate—aha! The mystery man was none other than Allan Dennison. Greg hustled back to the beach and caught up with Allan and Jane Dennison, who, as it turns out, have a home just ten minutes from Broad Cove Campground. Small world!

Allan and Jane extended a dinner invitation, but first Greg had to conquer Broad Cove Mountain. It turned out to be a great hike—tough in spots but rewarded with an incredible view at the top.

Dinner with Allan and Jane began with a Dark & Stormy, followed by stories of past adventures and a wealth of insider tips for exploring the Cabot Trail. Remarkably, in mid-October we dined outdoors, savoring lamb burgers and an unforgettable apple cake.

We were on the road early the next morning to drive the Cabot Trail, surrounded by dazzling vistas and autumn colors at their peak. Along the way, we enjoyed lunch at La Boulangerie Aucoin (the apple fritters and lemon meringue pie were divine), stopped at the Hooked Rug Museum where Greg mastered the distinction between braiding and hooking, and wandered Inverness Beach, which brought Cape Cod to mind.

That night the rain arrived for the first time on our trip, and the next morning we happily lingered indoors, reading and relaxing. By afternoon, we ventured out for a beach hike and were rewarded with a breathtaking rainbow arching across the sky. The day wrapped up with dinner out with Allan and Jane overlooking Ingonish Bay.

Today we head out in search of fiber arts, followed by an evening of Celtic Colours music before heading to Melinda’s cousin’s for Canadian Thanksgiving.