"Goin Down North B'ye". A true Cape Breton saying But why? If one was to go Down North, where the hell does he (or she) live? North is and will always be up, but yet, we continue to say, "Down North" here in Cape Breton. I may need some help here. Do mainlanders say "Down North"? Let me know. Anyway, today's plan went to the wayside and another destination was the plan, "Down North" and you know, it really doesn't matter. Any day driving in an old British car, checking out the sights of Cape Breton, or anywhere for that matter is a great day. This is our great day, "Down North" story.

What did go as planned was to gather at The Canadian Legion Branch 151 for a Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. I was first to arrive and then Don rolled in with a gas can sticking up from behind the seat.... A tell tale sign that he was not coming today. Then, in rolls Barc in his..... dare I say.... Toyota. Then Lee and Sheila in a Pontiac. Holy crap, the BCCCB has gone international. Anyway as it turns out, Lee and Sheila's faithful yellow B refused to start today and their newly acquired back-up B wasn't ready for the road just yet. As for Barc, well he just lives around the corner from the legion and he just hopped in his Toyota to meet up with us. After breakfast he quickly retrieved his B. During Breakfast we talked of today's road trip, or if there is one that is. Lee needed either a battery or a starter to go today and Barc suggested "Down North" for a run. Down North is fine, we all enjoy the sights along the way, we'll do one of the other run suggestions another day.

After breakfast we took a run to Lee's to check out Ole Yeller and his new acquisition, a 1980 MGB. Sweet car, just needs a few adjustments and the car will be perfect. As you can see, the floors are in great condition, still orange and he already swapped out the single Stromberg with a nice looking pair of, my favourite choice, HIF carbs. We checked out Ole Yeller and determined that the starter was bad. We did find a loose ground and the car started but it was winding over slow all day. Lee trusted the car enough to come along and I am sure he was happy he did. After we returned from the run, I gave Lee a starter to try, just to make sure it was his starter that was the problem.  

Today is a great time for Barc to test out his new camera. This is day one for testing this out and I couldn't think of a better way to test it then on the twists and turns of the Cabot Trail. Knowing Barc, he will redesign this whole unit to suit the needs of the BCCCB and other interests that he has. As I am typing this I am waiting  for Barc to send a video that I can attach to this story. I like the concept and hopefully this will add videos to our great BCCCB run stories. 

Lee took the lead off the Englishtown Ferry and off we drove. A few miles up the road (while heading Down North) we hit construction. Now, I have to say, the road needed it and perhaps it's a few years late but it is all for the greater good, the portion of the road leading to Smokey Mountain that is finished, is absolutely fantastic to drive on. Speaking of Smokey Mountain and Barc's video camera, I decided to take a video of us climbing Smokey just to compare the results of a Canon Camera and Barc's Camera. Check it out (click here)

After the Mountain, we drove through Ingonish to our destination for today, Neil's Harbour. What beautiful scenery, I'll never get sick of the sights of the trail nor the sights of Neil's Harbour. If you wish to seek isolation from the hectic life of Industrial Cape Breton, this is the place to come. I couldn't imagine the sights and sounds in this community when the North Atlantic kicks up. Think about this, laying in bed and you can hear the old foghorn... I think it's still there, then you can hear the enormous waves crashing against the rocky shoreline. I am sure you can hear the crashing waves for mile away. These soothing sounds are sure to wash away the stress of one's busy life. As for the people here in Neil's Harbour, very friendly. We were here to visit some of Barc's Family. One of Barc's relation's Daughter bought an old Fisherman's house here and she is in the process of refurbishing it, what a nice comfortable home and so full of old charm. I love this stuff. Irene arrived shortly after we got there and she was telling me that she just came back from walking Neil Harbour's beautiful beach, looking for sea glass and she had some great samples. I am thinking, this will soon be turned into jewellery.

Leaving Neil's harbour, above you see Lee with the rugged Neil's Harbour waterfront in the back ground,  we drove to one of my favourite secluded little villages, White Point. Hidden from the world one might say, because if you don't turn off the trail down the White Point Road, you'll miss it. This little village has a little secret, there is a walking trail that goes out to the rocky point. I may take the time to walk it one day.

I took these shots from the road leading into White Point. What a view of the village from this point high on the cliffs above. When I pulled over Barc passed, I then told Lee to follow and I would take a picture of them heading to the wharf. Look closely, see the orange B and the Yellow B far below?

Leaving White Point, our next stop was for supper. Every great run has a meal or two involved and today was no different. We started out with the pancake breakfast and now, hours later, a stop off in Ingonish at the Main Street Restaurant and Bakery. Alright folks, it's been awhile since we ate here and I sure can't remember it being this good, or this filling, or for that matter, this cheep. Lee and I both had the Seafood Platter, 15.99. Most places 19.99 and the huge plate was full. Barc said he enjoyed his scallop dinner as well and as for the service..... excellent, for lack of a better word. This place is a must-stop for sure.

Time to leave Ingonish behind and head towards home. Early September evenings require a jacket when driving in a convertible, the air has that sinister chill to it. One thing I noticed while driving along the easterly coast of Cape Breton early in the evening, the Cape Breton Highlands casts a very large shadow. Cindy Day may say "Sunset at 8pm" but not here, more like 6pm. It's no wonder that sometimes there is snow on the sides of the road on Smokey in June, this place doesn't get enough sun to melt it away.

Time for the Ferry at English and then home from a very nice late summer drive.

This is great, I love getting out in my old British Car for a drive. The destination is never important, it's about the sights you see and the fun driving there. It's funny, I didn't see any old Dusters or Demons, no old Mustangs or Chevelles, just old British Cars out. Do others enjoy their cars as much as we of the BCCCB do.? There maybe a rock chip here and there on my car but it's not a museum piece and if it breaks we can fix it. I would much rather be out enjoying myself in my car then saving it for the next owner. LOL. Next owner.... They can have what's left after I am finished enjoying it. 

You know how it goes..... If you weren't there you missed it. Come along next time. I guarantee, I'll be there.