Queensland, Nova Scotia

Today is an easy day as I make my way back towards Halifax. It’s the warmest day of the year in these parts, so the off-road bike path isn’t so lonely.

This is an out-and-back route, so I’m retracing some steps as I head back to the city. There are options for side-trips, like my ride into Hubbards. Even before I exit the trail I can see cyclists on Route 3 zipping by. My time on the roads is short; the Surfside Inn in Queensland is not far.

The Hubbards’ Farmers Market was just closing up as I arrived, but there were yard sales happening nearby and food trucks in one spot that tempted me to linger. The Scallops and Fries from one of these trucks proved be be as tasty as any I’ve sampled on this trip. It was almost too sunny to sit at the picnic table next to the truck, but it served as a great place to make small talk with the passers-by.

These brief encounters with the locals sustain me as I make this solo bike tour along the Nova Scotia coastline. Everyone was in a good mood because of the weather, maybe some a little jealous of the bike ride, but everyone curious and friendly.

My wardrobe is limited, so I’m doing a little laundry in the sink each night. I’m surprised how versatile the lightweight wool jerseys are. I didn’t want to wear any spandex, so I’d look like a native. The wool jersey clings like a high performance garment; it deals with the temperature swings nicely and as a bonus, it’s odor resistant. I haven’t worn my Ex-Officio shirts, except to dinner; they’re loose fitting and rustle in the breeze, sometimes blocking my view on the rearview mirror attached to my glasses. Since I’m traveling alone, no one is getting bored seeing me in alternating outfits each day.

Maybe I was feeling a little guilty about traveling such a short distance, about 20 miles today, but this is a lovely destination with a sandy beach across the street. I have time to explore, which as I think back, is quite the luxury on tour. This is as close to a lay-over day I’ve ever had on a bike and everything came together nicely. After a leisurely walk I sat on the porch overlooking the scene and read my book while pondering that glass of red wine I’d be enjoying with dinner.