Intermediate Hikers

I’ve been out of town, indeed, out of the country, for most of the past few weeks, but have done a fair bit of walking and hiking. Here’s a little sampling:

On Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada (north of Maine):

Egypt Falls

A few stops for 1-3 milers on the Cabot Trail

Uisge Ban Falls - I believe this translates as Waterfall Falls. Cape Breton and Nova Scotia were settled in the 18th century by Gaels evicted from their homes by their landlords.

The leader of a guided walk recites Gaelic poems by a revered local poet.

Highland Village, a recreation of the development of the history of Gaelic settlement on

Cape Breton. This is a replica of a crofter home in Scotland. The site provides a splendid view of the Bras d’Or lakes.

Highland cattle

Lighthouse near Chéticamp, an area on the west side of the island that was settled by the French. French is still spoken here. The stiff, icy wind here reminded me of some days at Salt Point!

Throughout our time on Cape Breton, we enjoyed a really excellent stout from a local craft brewery.

Glorious fall color everywhere

Heading down to Florida by car, we stopped to stretch our legs a bit . . . In New Hampshire

. . . and a proper hike up a ridge overlooking the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia.

And a hike around Chapman Lake near Athens, GA

Eventually arriving in Dunedin, FL for five days of tai chi, a little stroll along the waterfront of the Gulf of Mexico, and a nice relaxing evening at the Rooftop bar of the Fenway hotel, before the plane ride back to California.