Well even with the week off I managed to run 98 miles this month. I’m very happy with it and very happy with my recovery. The real test will come this weekend when I try and get my 17 mile run in.

Well time to add a bit of distance to my recover. All felt really good after this run and I also like this new running route.

Well I rested for a week to see if it would help and it has definitely done that. I felt much better today and really concentrated on my gait to try and build the left leg up more. I’m sure this is all related to the groin pull and broken ankle. Anyhow it was a great first outing.

What a day full of activity. Today made our way down to the Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick. It was something I have always wanted to see on my Canada todo list. My goal is to see this country and there are so many amazing places. The highest tide in the world is in New Brunswick. Was great walking in the mud and this is a definate must see. After the Hopewell Rocks headed to the Buckanears Pub to meet up with Fr. Brian “Bubba” Keating. Was a great visit.

Well on our way back to New Brunswick and stopped into Peggy’s Cove. I have a thing for lighthouses so I was very excited to get a chance to go see this place. It is still a functionning fishing village even though after talking to the local fishermen learn that one can not live soely off this industry. I loved looking around and would recomend it to anyone.

Well today we hit Halifax Nova Scotia and we were tired from our night in Baddeck in the pub with live music. Have to say after touring Halifax that I’m really not impressed. Down by the waterfronts Lower Water Street and it’s surrounding streets and it’s filthy. The locals seem more like Toronto locals and the cleanliness would remind me of Barton street between Victoria and Gage Streets. We will be doing the Keiths Brewry tomorrow and then get out of here. We are staing at the Lord Nelson and even that hotel I’m not impressed with. Again the people seem “snooty” and assisde from Easygoing Bellhop it seems like the employees are from Ontario! On a positive note, the scenery is beautiful when you are actually on the boardwalk.

Well I wanted to run along the ocean again (well the bay leading to the ocean) and try and make it to the Trans Canada Highway which I ended up crossing. It’s such a wide highway in that area which you don’t realize till you are in the middle of crossing it. There were some good climbs on this run and my right leg was hurting the entire time indicating that I really need a week off.

Well made our way to Baddeck traveling through the Cape Breton Highland National Park. It’s amazing that this is part of our country. I wonder how many people even realize that Canada has Highlands. Awe inspiring is what the drive today was. I loved ever moment of it. Having taken over six hours for a four hour drive stopping at many of the lookouts and little shops and coffee places along the way to meet with the locals I have fallen in love with the part of Canada. Cape Breton is a magical place that just gives light to more of Canada’s greatness. I have always felt blessed to live in this country. Knowing that it was great I just came to realize today that it is even greater than the image of it I already carried with me. As I’ve always told people, you have to know your country. Experience the magnitude of it all. The Lonely Planet books for some countries are thin. The Canadian Lonely Planet book is as thick as the European book. That is how great this country is. Having had the opportunity to speak both French and English today is also a great thing. Hearing Americans say today “I wish I could speak french” just gives me a greater sense of price as a Canadian. Having seen more of my great country today makes me feel that much more “CANADIAN”!

Enjoy the pictures…

Nous êtions aller visiter le p’tit village de Chéticamp en Nouvelle Écosse. We went to visit a small village called Chéticamp in Nova Scotia (Cape Breton). It was an amazing Acadian village about an hour away from Inverness. We had planned to go whale watching but there were no whales today. Two tours had already gone out and seen nothing and the captain had taken his truck to a lookout to see if he can find them but no luck. Because of that they can’t guarantee we would see whales so it was at our own risk (meaning no refunds). So we decided to save the 65$ and try another time. Anyhow we had a great time visiting the home of some painters from Catskills NY and the vast french community that is Chéticamp. Also learned of the moving of the people from one place to another because King George wanted them out and how the one womans grandfather moved the house using the waterway. Amazing stories. More info on Chéticamp here.

Headed over to the Red Shoe pub to meet up with some of Annes friends. On the way there stopped into a corner store and found “fresh frozen Haddock — Haddeck” hahahaha. We are getting used to Maritime time. Love how the cars all stop if you look like you might be wanting to cross. Anyhow great time at the Red Shoe Pub which is owned by the Rankin sisters. Had some good fish and chips and great Red Shoe Ale. Great night.