July 11/12

Drove from Halifax to Antigonish following the coastal road as much as possible. There was lots of blue water and pretty scenery.

Our B & B hosts there were amazing. Their beautiful house was just outside the town, with almost no one else close by. When they saw we had instruments they invited us to play flute and fiddle tunes on their front porch which overlooked the rolling countryside. Al provided me with some padding to put on the arm rest that Michael made for me, to make it more comfortable to play. Mary Pat not only catered to Michael's celiac diet but made him extra baked treats to take along with us! They also gave us ice for our knees and a newspaper under the door in the morning. We sure hated to leave that place!

Yesterday we drove from Antigonish to Louisbourg. It was a pretty drive as we followed Bras d'or Lake much of the way. We drove out to the oldest lighthouse in Canada and walked along the lighthouse trail by the water, which had some gorgeous views.

In the evening we attended the Beggar's Banquet, where they dress you up in period costumes. There was music courtesy of a French singer / guitarist. They seated us at a table with a couple from Toronto who were originally from Edmonton. There was lots of food, and while we were eating a woman dressed as a wench came to each table to visit and flirt with the men. Michael even had a dance with her (at her request!)

Today we spent at the Fortress of Louisbourg. It's the largest of its kind in North America. It was captured twice by the British around 1750, and in the 1960's they decided to reconstruct it, using many of the unemployed miners from the area. The guides were in period costume and spoke to us as though they were living in that time period. There were several demonstrations, including an upper class dancing demo that we were able to take part in, as they invited audience participation and we knew some of the dances.

Later we did some laundry, and as the room was empty Michael played fiddle while we waited for the clothes to be done. People walking past looked in the window, and one young lad came inside and threw a quarter into his fiddle case!

And speaking of fiddling, tomorrow we will be in Baddeck where they have the Gathering Ceilidhs every evening. Can't wait!