Cape Breton provided great memories
Before we leave for Pennsylvania we wanted to share some thoughts of our recent and latest trip to Cape Breton.
I should first note that we have been coming here for a number of years after our first visit approximately a decade ago.
We then had such a wonderful time that we have come back every year since most often in early summer. This year we did the same.
Each year we visit our now very close friends, Mary and Lloyd Martin. This year they did something very special for us and we wanted to share it with you and at the same time, pay special tribute to the exceptionally well done Canada Day celebrations at Marion Bridge’s Mira Gala.
While our original plan was to leave in late June, Lloyd and Mary insisted we wait for the Mira Gala telling us that we would not be disappointed. They were certainly correct in this regard.
We went to Marion Bridge early on Canada Day visiting the friends — the MacDonalds — who own a cottage along the Mira River. It served as our base for the day.
The Mira gala was an exceptionally well-organized and festive affair. The entertainment at various venues, the abundance of food and drink and all of it capped off with what can only be described as a spectacular boat parade and later fireworks display. It was really very special. But all this said, nothing matched the hospitality of the volunteers, local residents who we met and of course, the MacDonalds, Walter and Alice. It was from the back deck on their home that we watched the boats pass and witnessed the very animated fireworks display.
Cape Breton and Cape Bretoners never cease to disappoint us. But all of this said, there was still more in store for us.
As you know our national celebrations are very close in time to your own. We have always cele- brated July 4. In staying in Cape Breton this year we had some reservations, knowing we would miss our own celebrations. Lloyd and Mary know this and on July 4 they took us back to the MacDonalds where there was a hosted surprise party celebrating Independence Day. There was a great turnout and the place was festooned with red, white and blue bunting. It was very moving.
This will likely be our last visit to Cape Breton. The years are taking their toll and travelling is not quite as convenient as it a was in past years. For the past decade we have been treated to not only the special beauty of this land, but most especially, to its wonderful people and their special quality of hospitality.
You, in particular have helped make the twilight years of two now aged Americans all the better. We shall miss you and not being able to come back to this special place.
On this, our last visit, we wanted to share these thoughts of appreciation with you.