ON THE ROAD AGAIN

As Wille so aptly said it....
"On the road again,
Just can't wait to get on the road again
like a band of gypsies we go down the highway
We're the best of friends
insisting that the world keep turning our way
AND WE CAN'T WAIT TO GET ON THE ROAD AGAIN"
ROAD TRIP- a journey via automobile

I guess driving the 22,500 miles to the Arctic Ocean last summer wasn't enough. So after overpacking the SUV again we are off and running to celebrate the open road. This year we are headed to the Eastern half of the good ol'USA on up to St. Edwards Island and Newfoundland. More family, friends, Fishers, faith and forests. Will we qualify as Professional Road Trippers? Is this the Baby Boomer version of hitchhiking? Does Dashboarding count as exercise? So glad I can pack the "extras" and not pay "extra" and so love not having to stand in line to take off my shoes to change states. Besides it's an excellent way to shed some skin and live out loud. Check out the schedule and see if you're on the trip tick. Our most valuable souvenir are the hugs and stories we can't wait to share. Look over at the archived blogs on the right side as it stores the "older" blog entries there....don't want you to miss the trip from day one!

CONFIRMED ROADIES

After last summers "once in a life time road trip" we were hooked-if bored one evening see pamelacollins.blogspot.com (North to Alaska) for sordid details. There are plenty of reasons to hit the road and celebrate America's (and Canada too!) cultural heritage and natural wonders. Although we haven't experienced the meandering version-our trip is kinda planned and suits our purpose. Our focus are the FIVE F'S (family, friends, fishers, faith, forests). With the blessing of health and time we are free to visit and experience our F's. We have also learned the way to a healthy life style on a long road trip....goal for this trip is to eat green and healthy- no more Bubba's Jerky and Corn Dogs. Bubba is even bringing his Vita Mixer. Nothing like a Slimey I mean green smoothie to start the day off. Pleep only indulges in the banana smoothies...no green for the Pleepmeister. And yes there has been a new addition to the Collins Road Family- Pleep now has a sister- Pleetisha (aka Sis). After he laid down the rules of the road to Sis and made it clear who is in charge of this rig she smiled sweetly and said "you bet Bro!" So come along for the ride- Happy Trails!


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Thursday, September 30, 2010

DAY 40 CAPE BRETON, NOVA SCOTIA FIDDLE DEE DEE

CAPE BRENTON

This magnificent island is artificially attached to mainland Nova Scotia via a bridge-the Canso Causeway. It is divided into 5  counties with a population of 147,000  and on the decline-6.8% down since the last census.  The youngins movin to the big city for fame and fortune?   In 1820 the Colony of Cape Breton merged, for the second time, with Nova Scotia.   As they say here, the second time's a charm!

During the first half of the 19th Century Cape Breton experienced an influx of Highland Scots numbering 50,000!-as a result of the Highland Clearances.  Today the descendants of the Highland Scots dominate Cape Breton Islands Culture.  This picturesque island measures 3,981 square miles composed mainly of rocky shorelines, rolling farmlands, glacial valleys, barren headlands, moutons, woods and plateaus and oh so breathtaking.  We hit the Ceilidh Trail starting up the west coast of the island.  First stop Port Hood and an evening of fun at the Celetic Center in Judique.  This area has more fiddlers, dancers, piano players and other musicians than any other part of the island, so there is tons of great Celtic Jive.


"IN ALL LIVING, HAVE MUCH FUN AND LAUGHTER.  LIFE IS TO BE ENJOYED, NOT JUST ENDURED"- Gordon B Hinckley

 
And that they do.  Cape Breton Island definitely preserves the Gaelic culture.  We had a taste of some fabulous fiddling and a touch of shenanigans.  Boca's dance partner- only 80 (we are always the same age inside!) and honey could he move!  Scottish traditions and Gaelic folklore come alive along the Ceilid ( in Gaelic meaning for a visit).  Bagpipes and fiddles galore.  They did serve liquor but so few imbibing?  Boca asked are ya sure you're of Irish decent?  Oh ya Boca, but if  yer drivin and ya blow .05 then ya go to jail.  One drink is .05?  Yup.  That'll curb the tipping the glass.  Bubba is an excellent designated .....
Pleeps' no HOBBLEDEHOY!   He  had such a great time Reelin and Rodin, bought 6 CD's of  Andrea  Beaton-the youngest generation of the extraordinarily  talented Beaton Muscial dynasty.  Pleep  met Andrea's mom at the Celtic and thought he would impress her by pure devotion.  Pleep asked Bubba if he could keep mention of  the Serbian genes on the down low while around all the hottie Gaelic Babes.  Bubba thought this was a good idea...  And of course McPleep insisted we sign him up for the Buddy McMater School of Fiddling- and the begging and pleading ensued.  And of course this would entail Pleep getting his very own. fiddle.  Can you hear him now?




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Another Long & Winding Road

Another Long & Winding Road
3,300 Miles Is A Short Haul For This Crowd