Next stop, still in Cape Breton, but on to stay at HI Bear on the Lake. Lovely rural hostel and in a place, describes the reason I love the Moose Tour, never would have been able to find this wee spot on our own. Up a spiral driveway, lots of bedrooms, big social area, tables outside, a BBQ, a campfire pit and just across the road from a lake. Amazing owner Carmen as well, he never stopped. Best of all, he gave me and Kenny a room to ourselves; at last, a night if no snoring, talking in sleep, turning light on; just peace!!
Next morning we were up bright and early for our trip to do some sea kayaking. Kenny, Megan and I went in single kayaks and the rest in doubles. I forgot how tough it is but also how much fun it is!! Was easy enough on the way there as no wind, but the way back we were against the tide and the wind; was with Nancy so good working together. Reached the little island for a lunch break, seeing the bald eagle nest with the chicks in on the way. Lunch consisted of the BEST banana bread I have wee tasted and rhubarb and strawberry jam,both home made, and chocolate chai tea yummy! There was also a little waterfall that we claimed up into... It was absolutely freezing!!! But worth it :)
Got back to the hostel, and thought, well we are already wet so let's go swim in the lake. A trek through bushes to get there and we reach the water, only to find there is no beach- trees perched high up, then water. We climb over the rocks in the water and find some stones that the five of us can set are stuff on. So in we go, first having to bypass the attack of the seaweed!! Played a bit of ball, swam and then Nancy released the dreaded word... Jellyfish!!! I have never attempted to swim so fast in my life, but the current wasn't in my favour. By the time I got to the seaweed again, Kenny had to piggyback me out, until just my feet were dipped, at which point ended up putting a slice across the ball my foot. (Causing a few days of limping)
Nighttime consisted of another campfire, s'mores, attack by mosquitos and setting off the remainder of the fireworks, and some 90's dance music, love it