Ride on, Highway Cat !!: New Friggin Found Land !!!!!!!

Day 55, Baddeck NS - Port Aux Basque NFLD !!!
Dist 65 km, 22.1 Avg., Saddle Time, 3:30 + (160 km by Ferry & 10 k for stuff)
PROVINCE # 10 !

07 11 2011,

A short ride peppered with rolling hills, nice scenery and accompanied by favourable weather. Before finding N. Sidney, I had a nice hill to climb. (maybe 6 km long). The descent into town was rewarded with stunning vistas of the Cabot Strait.
Once I arrived in N sidney, I went to the Info center which was closed ??!!.. So, I went to the Ferry terminal where I was told that Wednesday might be a safer day to sail as there were more sailings to choose from( It's Monday) Are You Nuts ?!!
There were 3 sailings today:
One at 3:15 pm - gets me in to Port Aux Basque by 9 pm. Theres one at midnight and another at 3 am. Six hour sailings, A brutal schedule. I must admit, I didn't have this part of my trip planned. I had no idea that the ferry service was so limited. I was freaking out.
I bought my $50.00 ticket and milled-about in town as I had a few hours to kill. At the local "Subway", I met a young lad with great interest in what I might be doing. I think he said his name was Brendon, so I'll call him 'SKIPPY'. He just happens to be doing the same thing that I was doing, only, in reverse. (No, he's not riding his bike backwards Highwaycat !")
He was taking a break to get laundry done. He is a very smart young man. SKIPPY suggested, "Get on the late ferry, sleep during the trip, then, when you dock, you're good to go, without hotel fees"
Not a bad idea, but I don't feel like hanging out till 3 am.
This was a stressfull day. and the ticket girl was a rude slime bucket to me. I asked "How far is the trip in kms ?" She said 6 hours. .. Couldn't answer my question and turned into a Bitch. I will never slam BC Ferries again.
While on the ferry, I was able to get some things done. I scored a great seat with power and WI FI. Downloaded some pics, updated Blog and reserved a room at "St. Christophers Hotel" I spent the last hour in the bar area and watched the shoreline approach. It was a fantastic feeling to finally see the shoreline and the colourful homes that lined the rocky landscape. It was dark when I arrived, so I didn't doddle. I zoomed along the windy shoreline road and up to the Hotel high up on a cliff. I Met a gentleman in the parking lot. He saw me taking pictures and was happy to take over. I like this place already !! Got my room, raced down to the gas station to grab some beers to toast this New Land !
Its late, but I didnt care, I was in NFLD !
Woo Hoo !!
My favourite night.
CHEERS !!

Rise n shine. A big day ahead...

Morning road...

Along the way, view from highway...Just before the 'big' hill

HWC Approved view. Down to N.Siney after long climb...

Down

I just couldn't resist

A place I rely on.

Closed on a Monday morning, Oh my god...

Look at this smug dude. It's Brendon, and he's heading West. (AKA. SKIPPY)

Hope you arrive(d) safely and enjoyed your trip sir ! Long way to go. CHEERS !

A long day of waiting... HWC was annoyed

She makes a Gurgling noise when angry...

Me and Highwaycat are first ones aboard ! I think HWC just peed a little... This is a big boat !

Not equipped for bicyclists...Good thing we are alone.

HWC is clearly excited about the 6 hour journey...

Easiest 160 km so far. Could've used this ferry to cross the prairies...HWC looks a little sad. That's because she was hoping for more water spray and 40 foot seas.

A calm Cabot Straight, ATLANTIC OCEAN !

A huge 10 deck vessel, but with limited human top deck viewing areas. We found this quiet corner for a photo op. Highwaycat tried to jump ship. She was so excited to feel the ocean breeze that it triggered physcotic cat behaviour rarely seen. I think that she's turning Newfy.