We got an early start and got out of Shediac. The hotel had a decent breakfast and I stuffed some sausages in a napkin for the pugs. I didn’t really plan to stop until we got to the crossing to Cape Breton (aside from a couple of short pee breaks).

There was a little visitor centre at the Canso Causway entrance. We stopped there for a rest break. I hadn’t stopped for lunch but figured we would come across something on the Cabot Trail. Our destination was Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Ingonish Beach campground. However, pugs were getting hungry and proceeded to let me know. No snack bar at the visitor centre so I told them they would have to wait.

I was on the lookout for butter tarts. I had a craving for them after I crossed. Saw a sign for The Farmer’s Daughter Country Market in Whycocomagh so pulled into their lot. Let the pugs wander and sniff for a bit then went into the market. No butter tarts but they did have fudge. Got the butter pecan as a subsitute for butter tarts.

I set the GPS for the campground. However, as I was driving, turning left then right I began to wonder where we were going. Turns out the GPS was taking me to the Englishtown ferry. It was only $7 and the guy said it was the quickest route. I was on the Trans Canada highway which took me south of St. Anne’s Harbour and Bay. I had to cross back over the bay to get to the park. Lucky I had the fudge.

The fudge was sweet but filling. I needed a proper lunch (and I had promised the pugs we would stop soon). I noticed a bright blue and orange sign – The Dancing Moose. The colours were for the Dutch flag. The Dancing Moose served the Dutch Pannekoek, both sweet or savory (sometimes sweet and savory). Pannekoek is their version of the pancake. I ordered the bacon mushroom pannoekoek, much to the delight of the pugs.

We snagged a picnic table and watched the Atlantic ocean. They brought the food out to us and the waitress was delighted to meet the pugs. I told her they were delighted with her because she brought bacon.

Almost at the campground but we had to make one stop atop Smokey Mountain. It was the highest point on the way and has a breathtaking view of the ocean and surrounding mountainside. It is worth exploring around be for us it was getting late. We still need to check in, find our campsite, pitch the tent and make dinner. Off we went.