Looking through the windows of the abandoned forts shows the contrast of Cape Breton. The battered and beaten, graffiti covered walls open to scenes of small houses of various colors covering the ridges and coast. It reminds me more of a scene from Ireland or Britain than that of anywhere and Canada. Yet the culture and accent of the people here remind me quickly of the deep Acadian and Celtic heritage, shaken up by a hint of Scotland.I can see why, hundreds of years ago, those travelers came here and loved it. The reminder of the homeland while still hiding the adventure of a new land, undiscovered.
Whenever I have traveled east I find myself marveling at what those early settlers must have gone through. The dense bush and steep mountains of the Apalatian range must have been a daunting and dangerous traverse. The bitter winters here, unseen in Europe, surely killed many a sojourner here. Yet their perserverance has brought us this great and strong land, truly one of the greatest countries on earth.
Here though, is where those early settlers and explorers would have started out on their journey. It is here where I can stand, smell the ocean air and see the same cliffs and waters that they would have seen centuries ago. It is here that brings a sense of pride to the great history of all the French, English, Scottish, Celtic , Acadian and so many other travelers that passed through this place.
