East Coast is analogous to West Coast in that you'll never know what weather conditions await you the next day. Some days are bright and sunny, while others grey and dreary.
|
|
While we had checked into Keltic with clear skies over our heads, the clouds had rolled in around the late evening hours and camouflaged the sunset altogether. The next morning was an extension of this drabness, but with the inclusion of pelting rain pellets and brutal blasts of wind.
|
|
I roamed about the estate first thing in the morning, seeing as there was little else to see and do in the visible two-kilometre radius. For majority of this solo stretch, it was nothing but humidity and havoc.
It wasn't until closer to breakfast time that I discovered the Middle Head trail.
It wasn't until closer to breakfast time that I discovered the Middle Head trail.
|
|
Guided tours were supposedly held at 10 AM each day; the "hike" - if one could call it so with its relatively flat elevation - required a few hours to make the round trip. Had my stomach not been empty (and had I not promised to return within the hour), I would have gladly taken on this adventure. Most of the trail consisted of uninspiring shrubbery, but the tip of Steering Island would have certainly resulted in a stunning view of the surrounding coves.
|
|
After freshening up with a quick blast of the hairdryer, we headed to the Purple Thistle Dining Room for breakfast buffet.
Of course, the term "buffet" holds minimal meaning to me. Those with limited stomach space will agree that it's merely an opportunity to consume a greater quantity for a greater price.
Of course, the term "buffet" holds minimal meaning to me. Those with limited stomach space will agree that it's merely an opportunity to consume a greater quantity for a greater price.
The highlight was the make-your-own-waffles station; equipped with a batter dispenser and waffle iron, it enabled guests to create their desired number of quarters at their preferred crispiness level. Fresh fruit, something we hadn't seen too much of over the course of the trip, was also much appreciated. On the other hand, the oatmeal was terrible. Sausages and herring slices were passable
With that, we bid farewell to Keltic Lodge and began our southbound drive along Cabot Trail.
|
|
The breakfast buffet had adopted the role of brunch, which kept us satisfied for some time. But alas, not a single member of the party could pass up on ice cream when it was right in front of our noses.
The restaurant we had pulled into offered a grand selection of three flavours: Chocolat Chip Cookie Dough, Maple Walnut, and French Vanilla. Retailed at a ridiculously affordable price of $4.50 (waffle cone included!), I had expected mediocre value. Yet, the outcome was the exact opposite: French Vanilla contained fragrant specks of vanilla bean, while Maple Walnut was sweet and crunchy. Scotsburn honestly puts Kawartha to shame.
The restaurant we had pulled into offered a grand selection of three flavours: Chocolat Chip Cookie Dough, Maple Walnut, and French Vanilla. Retailed at a ridiculously affordable price of $4.50 (waffle cone included!), I had expected mediocre value. Yet, the outcome was the exact opposite: French Vanilla contained fragrant specks of vanilla bean, while Maple Walnut was sweet and crunchy. Scotsburn honestly puts Kawartha to shame.
Some time later, we chanced across a Timmies. And being the sweet-toothed being that I am, I couldn't allow a Smile Cookie opportunity to slip by.
Isn't it cute?? (I cannot be singled out as one who's received quite depressing renditions of the treat back home.)
|
|
I also purchased a Breakfast Sandwich at a different Timmies at a later stop. The wrapper was transported along with the remainder of my backpack's contents when we stopped at an Irish pub by the name of The Dock.
< Pictured above and below: Orange Juice + Ginger Ale, Ginger Ale, Belgian Moon (Blue Moon), Onion Rings, Chicken Wings w/ Honey Garlic sauce >
The eatery was relatively empty for a weekend afternoon, so we slid into our booth of choice. Quickly spotting an outlet, I dashed back to the car to retrieve my laptop.
Our first encounter with the waitress was met with a cordial yet authoritative "Please put your orange juice away. We don't allow outside food, sweetie." She was hawk-eyed and, as we discovered afterwards, very attentive and efficient.
The eatery was relatively empty for a weekend afternoon, so we slid into our booth of choice. Quickly spotting an outlet, I dashed back to the car to retrieve my laptop.
Our first encounter with the waitress was met with a cordial yet authoritative "Please put your orange juice away. We don't allow outside food, sweetie." She was hawk-eyed and, as we discovered afterwards, very attentive and efficient.
|
|
As it turned out, The Dock was a family-owned and -operated establishment, and had been managed by two generations thus far.
|
|
Both the Onion Rings and Chicken Wings were exceptional. Each hoop was coated in a thick, uniform batter that, surprisingly, managed to remain airy. The Onion Rings were very greasy, but oddly alluring at the same time. The Chicken Wings had been fried to crunchy perfection; with the sauce being placed on the side, it could be slathered on to one's desire.
We regretted not trying the Fish & Chips, for it was a quintessential battered item in such foundations.
We regretted not trying the Fish & Chips, for it was a quintessential battered item in such foundations.
The decor possessed heavy Irish influence. Bathrooms were decently maintained, albeit the installation of ancient, slow-flushing toilets.
Read Part 2 HERE !
Read Part 2 HERE !
RSS Feed