Acadian Coastline, Gaelic Folklore, Celtic Culture and The The Mi'kmaq Nation… To say the least there is a lot going on in Cape Breton Nova Scotia. A “My Quality Time” post.
The Skyline Trail::: “Length: 7.5 km (4.7 mi) return or 9.2 km (5.7 mi) loop Elevation: 290 - 405 m (950 - 1,330 ft) Time: 2 - 3 hours
Significant Features: Headland cliff, ocean Main trail suitable for most skill levels. Boardwalk with steps at headland. Rugged back loop.” Linda and I with my sister Sara and her husband Larry did the In-Out trail not the loop.
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If one is going to do just one hike in this area this is the one to do. There are hundreds of wonderful blog posts/web sites devoted to this area with detailed photos and descriptions of the hike. You can do your own research if interested. Here are a couple links I really like: One Journey and Wandering Not Lost .
On this hike you may see moose and bear but we did not… so it goes… Instead I offer up a “At A Breton Calvaire” from the book::”Cape Breton Tales” by Harry James Smith 1880-1918.
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“Upon that cape that thrusts so bare.. Its crest above the wasting sea-Grey rocks amidst eternity- There stands an old and frail calvaire, Upraising like an unvoiced cry Its great black arms against the sky. For storm-beat years that cross has stood: It slants before the winter gale; And now the Christ is marred and pale;
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The rain has washed away the blood That ran once on its brow and side, And in its feet the seams are wide.
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But when the boats put out to sea At earliest dawn before the day. The fishermen, they turn and pray, Their eyes upon calvary:
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“O Jesu, Son of Mary fair, Our little boats are in thy care!” and when the storm beats hard and shrill
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Then toil-bent women, worn with fear, Pray for the lives they hold so dear, And seek the cross
upon the hill: “O Jesu, Son of Mary mild, Be with them where the waves are wild!”
![DSC_0034-001 DSC_0034-001](http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cBe-qBPpdm4/Vi-tpqjREvI/AAAAAAAAsAM/sVoxLcPSRg0/DSC_0034-001_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800)
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And when the dead they carry by Across that melancholy land,- Dead that were cast up on the strand
Beneath a black and whirling sky,- They pause before the old calvaire; They cross themselves and say a prayer.
![DSC_0997 DSC_0997](http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8sxoM5b8X0g/Vi-twK3CayI/AAAAAAAAr2s/coucx8mZTjg/DSC_0997_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800)
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O Jesu, Son of Mary fair! O Faith, that seeks thy cross of pain! Their voices break above the rain,
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The wind blows hard, the heart lies bare: Clutching through dark, their hands find Thee,
O Christ, that died on Calvary!”
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Film crew getting ready to shoot a documentary… and now I’m HUNGRY:::
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The Beggars Banquet a chance for you to get into period costume and gorge on a feast of local seafood in a replicated 18th-century tavern.
Hope you enjoyed the post/photos… and as always have
a great day…. Joe Todd reporting for “My Quality Time”
Cape Breton Highlands National Park & The Skyline Trail