Monday Morning Musings
Posted on July 20, 2020 under Monday Morning Musings with no comments yet
Book launch this evening
(Pete MacDonald photo)
I will be hosting a virtual book launch this evening at 7:30 p.m. on a live Facebook broadcast.
Last May, I did a big 713 kilometer walk across Spain. It was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. I met people from all over the world and all walks of life. When I returned home in early June, I continued to do some long walks just to keep in shape. This is when the idea of walking the Cabot Trail started to formulate in my head.
The Cabot Trail is one of the truly great treasures of our province. It is 300 kilometers of verdant valleys and rugged mountains. A good portion of the trail hugs the ocean. The vistas are spectacular. While this area of Cape Breton boasts some 25 hiking trails, walking on the highway is not one of them! I have driven the Cabot Trail dozens and dozens of times. Why would anyone in their right mind walk the Trail on roads that are heavily travelled and with very limited shoulders in many places? Good question!
On July 11th of 2019, Simone MacDonald, a much loved cashier at the local Sobey’s grocery store, suffered a devastating stroke. This was so sad as Simone was such an active person in her own right. I decided to try and raise a few dollars to assist her in the aftermath of the stroke. This is when I decided that I would dedicate my walk around the Cabot Trail to Simone. Prior to my departure on August 24th, 2019, staff members at the local Arts House manufactured a cape with Simone’s name on it. I attached it to my backpack and off I went.
The Long and Winding Road: Walking the Cabot Trail chronicles the events of my 10 day walk of 300 kilometers.
The book has three distinct features. Obviously a part of the narrative is my own thoughts and feelings about my days on the Trail. Secondly, I met many amazing people who showed me kindness. When I set out, I hadn’t booked any accommodations and it didn’t take long to experience legendary Cape Breton hospitality as individuals and businesses opened their doors to me. Virtually all of my meals were given to me gratis. In addition to these acts of generosity, several people pulled off the road to give me a donation for Simone. We managed to raise close to $10,000. The book includes interviews with local people and tourists as well.
The third aspect of the book that some people will find interesting is the inclusion of local history. Although I had travelled through places like Margaree Forks, Cheticamp, Pleasant Bay, Cape North and Ingonish during my lifetime, I didn’t know much of the history of these places. I enlisted the help of local historians who contributed written pieces for my book, for which I am extremely grateful.
The book is a short, quick read at 120 pages but it is packed with information that I hope you will enjoy.
At the launch this evening, I will read a few passages from the book. I hope you can join me.
Copies of my book are available from me. You can also get them at the 5 to $1.00 and The Whale Interpretive Centre in Pleasant Bay. Later this week, it will also be available on Amazon. I also have a limited time offer (until I leave for the North on July 27th). You can buy a box set of my six books for $50, a 45% saving. I have ten left and they are going fast. A Christmas present for someone?!
Have a great week.
P.S. Last Saturday, I had dinner with all my siblings. After this, I had a chance to do a live Facebook show with Peter and Betsy. If you want to hear a bunch of great old tunes, check out Pete’s music page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/petemacdonaldmusic It was a great evening spent with family.
P.P.S. I plan to do one last Pillow Talk later in the week. Stay tuned.
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