Cape Breton's Skyline Trail

Nova Scotia has a Skyline Trail too, so follow along here and see what their version has to offer.  When I grew up in this province hiking was not my flavour of the weekend so trail names were not in my vocabulary. It was only in the past few years I became aware of the Skyline Trail in Highlands National Park in Cape Breton.  Today was go-time to check out what makes this place so popular.  We're geared up and ready to go and I like how my friends intuitively opt for colourful attire.

We took the loop route to add on a little more distance and to view the ruggedness of the meadowy landscape.  The autumn hues are beginning to present themselves.

                                                           along the trail

                                 

                                             a Cape Breton mountain meadow

We reached the main trail which is wide open to everything including wild wind.  At times we stood low to maintain our balance, a couple of times I held on to my friend's pack so we were strength in numbers.  

                                             at our main destination along the Skyline Trail

At the end of the official trail, we had a grand view of forever.  We saw the Cabot Trail that we motored on earlier.  The coast went on and on and on.  The air was clean and clear and fresh.

                              thumbs up to being in this gorgeous place

It was not my idea to do this but I am sure my friends and followers would not believe that.  The idea was put out there and of course I jumped on board.

We had the elevation gain to return back up to the top.  It was a battle into the wind.  Even in this direction, we had views galore.

We passed through a couple of gates which are in place to protect the land from moose and to study the difference between where moose roam and where they do not.  It was pleasing to the eye to see the ocean as the backdrop.

                                                                 nearing the end

                                              

As we drove back down the Cabot Trail on our way to Baddeck, we stopped to look back to where we  hiked.  If you look closely, you will see people scattered along the ridge in the center top.  They are mere specks.

                                        a view as we leave this area behind

What a full day of fun, adventure, shopping, dining and loads of laughs.  I am very appreciative I had the opportunity to share this day with these two friends.  It is always fun friends who are the sweet topping to any day!