... and otters dive. For the past three days, we have tasted the the northern and northwestern reaches of the Bras d'Or Lakes by visiting three coves "above" the Narrows. Roughly speaking, this part of the Lakes is more dramatic for it is closer to the areas of greater relief, higher hills and deeper waters. The geology is more dramatic, as can be seen in the bolder bedrock shores pictured immediately below:
Above appear (from afar) to be folded and faulted bedrock from the continent building of the Paleozoic. This is just northeast of Baddeck. Below is extensive, economically viable gypsum deposits of the Plaister Mines seen as Brio traveled northeast up the Great Bras d"Or towards Otter Cove.
Speaking of Baddeck, there is much to the town that we did not explore. It's worthy of further investigation. The Alexander Graham Bell Museum covers the life of this incredible inventor of the telephone as well as many other devices. He moved to Baddeck in 1886 into his large summer home, Beinn Bhreag, Gaelic for Beautiful Mountain. The Bras d"Or Lake Watershed Museum is located in town. It has many displays on the ecology of the Lakes. Post-Covid, the music scene has been quiet, but is picking up again. Unfortunately we missed a concert tonight (September 1).
The views of the Harbour are beautiful. They invite the young, old and those of bronze to sit and take it all in.
Why wouldn't you want to spend hours with your sweetie pie looking out from here?
Speaking of things eternal, the Gospel Hall serves all who come to hear The Blessed Word.
On our first of three nights on this side of The Narrows, we joined four other boats in Maskell's Harbour. It is tight going in, but it opens up beautifully so Brio and her siblings were all well spread out.
Brio only had one other boat, a sloop, anchored at our end of the harbor.
At this end, we were surrounded by these high hills. On the side closest to us, the high-pitched screeches of hawks and eagles were clearly heard. One beautiful bald-headed eagle soared above us, playing the wind currents with minimal effort: a few wing beats here, an adjustment with tail feathers there. All the while, the eagle kept a close eye on possible prey below. The wingspan was perhaps five feet. It was majestic.
The next night, we were told we should go to Deep Cove, south of Baddeck and up the Washabuck. There was another boat in the cove. How outrageous. So we opted for the next cove to the north, Indian Cove, That was empty and it beckoned.
It was very sheltered, thank goodness, for the night became rainy, squally and breezy. No matter. Brio enjoyed the fresh-water shower. She was spotless the next morning as we left.
Tonight we are in Otter Harbour. On a mission charged by one family member, we are looking for ... are you listening? ... otters. Our initial outing in our Otter-Space Mobile
In this we explored the inner reaches of the Otter Harbour.
And we could look back and check on Brio.
Earlier we had heard a Securite radio call on the VHF announcing that a National Geographic cruise ship was entering the Great Bras d'Or heading up to Baddeck. Here she is, passing by where we were anchored.
Brio, don't worry. You look better!
This evening we will conduct another exploration of the otter habitat. They are more nocturnal than we had understood. Tomorrow (September 2nd) we leave the Bras d'Or Lakes and head to Sydney to rendezvous with crewmember Charlie Tarbell.
Cheers,
Brio
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