August 19, 2017:   Woke to the sound of construction equipment in the Walmart RV Park.  They were re-paving a portion of the parking lot, but fortunately we were parked on the other end.  Pneumatic hammers that break up pavement make a lot of noise at 7 AM!  Reminded us of a cool machine we saw the other day, as we went through a road construction zone.  It tore up the old asphalt, chipped and ground it up, re-processed it into new asphalt, and then laid it down!  What a cool idea - except eliminates a lot of work for dump trucks.  On the other hand, no need for an asphalt plant and sure cuts down on the amount of truck traffic in and out of the area.

Mike took Baxter for his morning "constitutional", we grabbed coffee and a bite to eat, and then read a little bit before leaving for Baddeck.  It is only about an hour and fifteen minute drive from Port Hawkesbury, and we didn't want to arrive at the campground too early, as our site might not have been available.  On the road at 11 AM, arrived at 12:15 -an uneventful drive with more marine views.  Stopped at an interesting roadside monument to a Scottish explorer from the 1300's (yes, that's the 14th century!) who is purported to have spent a year in this area exploring.  There is a society dedicated to proving that he was actually here, as there are some "historians" that are trying to discredit the claims.  Amazing to think someone from that long ago actually came here and spent an entire year in the area before returning to Scotland!  There is a strong Scottish heritage and influence in this area, which is evidenced by many, many Scottish place names.  

Got the motor home all set up at the Bras D'or Campground (on Lake Bras D'or), jumped in the Jeep and headed into Baddeck to check out the information center and plan our next 5 days here.  Visited with two very nice ladies at the information center and came away with lots of information on things to do and see.  We will do the east and west coasts of Cape Breton, a visit to Fort Louisburg, and a lobster feed for sure, and will see what else our adventures bring.  Mike is all happy because we found a local craft brewery that would fill one of his growlers with their beer, instead of making him buy yet another growler (we are up to 4 and running out of room in the motor home!).  He is now happy.  I am busy trying to drink a good portion of the wine we brought along, so we don't have to deal with it at US customs on the way back across the border.  It's a tough job, but someone has to do it!

We got back to the campground and did some laundry.  The motor home is very dirty and needs a good scrubbing, but we can't find any car washes that have facilities for RV's.  Most campgrounds are NOT willing to let you wash your rig, and ours is looking terrible.  It is starting to rain now, and we're seriously considering putting on our bathing suits and going out and scrubbing off the dirt once it starts raining harder!  I told the owner of the campground that's what we were considering, and he says to make sure we tell him if we do, because he wants pictures!  Crazy Americans!  They are transplants from Florida and we had a nice visit while I was waiting for the washers to finish.

It's a "clean out the fridge of leftovers" plan for dinner tonight, and then watching a few movies.  And of course maybe washing our "baby" in the rain!

Mike and Glennis

Things we learned:

• The rough roads yesterday beat the heck out of the motor home, and actually broke a bracket on the front grill and loosened a bunch of screws.  
• We will be stopping back by Red Bay, AL and the Tiffin factory on our way home to get the brackets repaired/replaced, along with some trim that was popped loose.  Wow!
• Baxter is a great ice breaker and conversation starter - lots of people ask about him. He really likes all the attention!  Mike thinks he needs to start his own blog???