August 12-13, 2025 Exploring Baddeck

 Monday August 12, 2025  Maskells Harbour to Baddeck  6.7 miles and 1.1 hours

Believe this is our shortest cruising day since last year when we were town hopping along the western Erie Canal.  Under an hour from the anchorage to being tied up in Baddeck.  Marina was accommodating with us making an early arrival to spend time around town.  Approaching Baddeck from the water it's hidden behind an island.  Turn the corner around the island and the harbor is surprisingly small but loaded with mooring balls.  We had a spot at the head of Baddeck Marina's floating dock. Tight entry around the moored boats and then limited room for a  tight 180° spin for a port side tie, but we got it done.  Into town for a quick bite at Tom's Pizza as suggested by the Dockmaster.  "Slice and a pop" for $6 Canadian!  Visited the Info Center in town and heard again "No rental cars available locally".  Our hopes for taking a drive around Cape Breton and the famed Cabot Trail are on hold for now.

The most interesting building in Baddeck -
The old Post Office and Customs House circa 1886.

Worked our way over to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.  He came to Baddeck later in life after he made his fortune with the telephone.  The area reminded him of his native Scotland.  Built a big estate across the harbor called Beinn Bhreagh (Beautiful Mountain in Scottish Gaelic) and became fascinated with exploring innovations regarding tetrahedral kites, powered flight and hydrofoils.  Lived at the estate for about 35 years - sometimes just the summer and sometimes year round.   Buried with his wife on those grounds. Descendents of the Bells still own the estate which is not open to the public.  But the family made big donations of Bell's materials to Canada in 1955 and 1972 which are now maintained at the historic site here in town.  He was a co-founder of the National Geographic Society.  Some of his most notable accomplishments while in Baddeck included the first manned fight of an airplane in the British Commonwealth by the AEA Silver Dart in 1909 (replica hangs at the site) plus the HD-4 a hydrofoil boat designed as a sub chaser which set a world speed record  of 71mph in 1919.  A full size replica along with part of the original hull also are on site. 

The entry to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum.
Note the use of tetrahedral elements in the roof

Full scale replica of the HD-4  Hydrofoil boat

Full scale replica of the Silver Dart

After all that learning we headed back to the boat for a snack and beverage.   Reservations in hand we then made our way to attend the 7:30 Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh (pronounce kay-lee, Scottish Gaelic for Kitchen Party or House Party).  It's a musical event featuring Celtic music.  Tonight features a fiddle player and a piano player.  The fiddling is magical to watch as the speed of his arm and fingers working the instrument is spellbinding.  A little sample of his playing skills in the video link below.

Fiddler at the Baddeck Ceilidh

After that busy Tuesday we sort of laid low on Wednesday.  Gave the boat a much needed washdown and quick cleaning. No fun running your hand down a railing as your moving about the exterior of the boat and having your palm covered in salt.  Hit up the local Co-Op grocery store.  A bit small but had most everything we needed.   Most importantly we finally found a box of Pearl Milling ORIGINAL  pancake mix.  Essential item for Sunday morning waffles and so much better than the COMPLETE "just add water" mix.   Dinner at The Freight Shed Terrace.  Nice enjoyable relaxing atmosphere and good food.   Sky Blue showed up at the dock mid-day.  We've been crossing paths since back in Quebec.  Really nice newer Tiara with a custom sky blue hull.  The owner Tom is solo boating the Down East Loop.  We've been comparing notes as we keep an eye on Erin, the first big developing hurricane of the season likely to have an impact all the way up here.

Sky Blue and As You Wish secured for the night 

Journey for August 12, 2025