Lingering Island (and Cliff) thoughts

It was a fantastic weekend, in all.  The island certainly didn't disappoint, and on reflection the original little cottage remains the best of options.  The waterfront location, the uniqueness of the chestnut tree, the ideal paint combination, the opportunity to make the rest of the place your own with its hidden hiking trails and glorious sunrise/sunset vistas all intriguing. 

It remains no less crazy, and I wonder if long term it is the right approach at that price.  But, unlike some other real estate drive-bys, this is a place that holds up under closer inspection.  Budget an hour for the ferry and it is a full 2+ hours from the city - and subject to the whims of a tight schedule as well - but it may offer the exact escape you appear to be seeking.

Toyed with the idea of PEI, and the isles de la madeleine too, but don't see that working out amidst the work to be done and the golfing practice that needs to be undertaken to avoid embarrasment.  But the photos taken will recall the moments, and the specialness of the place even if you never return.

POSTSCRIPT - the golf turned out actually.  Maybe it was hearing from Hank Haney, or the JM lessons at Royal Oaks after the parking lot fall, or the Beaverbank driving range balls, or the inspiration provided by the rain on those Cliffs.  Whatever else, the 3 wood went off like gangbusters and hopefully that is an event you are around to take part in next year as part of a bit more golfing practice around the island.  H's lines about not worrying about keeping your head down, about swinging faster not harder, and quoting Charles Barkley about the undefeated record of Father Time - all excellent.  As were the Barra's and the Wild Mountain Thyme, All My Life, and other Cape Breton masterpieces.  How the suit got stained so badly I do not know, and how you got into a conversation about Harold Bloom at the bar with the stand-up act even more of a mystery, but the 2 pars on the full round of 18 were worth cherishing in the memory.  As was the full lunar eclipse seen from the other Fort a few nights later after your own steak and wine overnight at the usual "No Docking" spot.

Followed, of course, a week later with the destruction of United at the Sportsbar following the Noon Gun, and a serious amount of basking at sea and on arrival at the glorious backside dock return to McN with some Sunshine Slacker.  Finally a deer spotted among the fort, and then some repetition of foolish yet enjoyable taboos prior to departure, which in turn led to packing and then a drive back down along the Shore for one last boat house encounter that may have been best avoided.  Unable to answer basic questions of what and why may have brought that portion of the bookend to a close, or so it is hoped at this point.

A busy month, in other words, that is not quite done.  To be continued "overleaf", as the old saying went...