PixelatedImage Blog

Postcards from The Cabot Trail, NS

February 21st, 2012

An amazing day on the Cabot Trail around the northern chunk of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton island. I’ve driven the Cabot Trail before, but only in late summer and this time it was almost empty, and made all the more beautiful by a fresh fall of snow, in parts blown on the trees so completely that the whole thing looked like something from a fairy-tale. Amazing. We drove, pulled over plenty, and made lots of photographs, many of them on snowshoe, and the rest of them hip-deep in snow. Had an absolute blast, though the campgrounds we were directed to were closed, forcing us into another motel, which isn’t all bad because I forgot to bring my 20L water bottle in from the truck and it’s now a 20L block of ice, so dinner would have taken a little more work. :-)

30 Responses to “Postcards from The Cabot Trail, NS”

  1. comment number 1 by: Allen Rowley

    beautiful images David … but Claude and I are looking forward to having you back on the West Coast … ETA?

  2. comment number 2 by: Steven D

    Gorgeous scenery. Exactly the kind of winter we failed to have in Central Oregon this year. #stillbummedaboutit

  3. comment number 3 by: David

    :-) Thanks Allen. Right now I anticipate another 2 days in NS. Then maybe 1 day to Montreal, and from there perhaps a week back to Vancouver? Depends how sidetracked I get by the landscapes on the north shore of Superior, and the prairies, and the rockies, and…it’s a big country, what can I say? :-)

  4. comment number 4 by: Cheryl

    Beautiful pictures. Love it when the snow is fresh.

  5. comment number 5 by: Kenneth Walters

    A beautiful part of Canada. My ex-wife and I were there years ago and happened to meet Malek Karsh and he photographed us outside our motel room with the overhead light from the door entry. A great memory of a great and lovely place. A stunning National Park, as well. Best of luck on your re-arranged journey.

  6. comment number 6 by: Phil

    Your are bringing back amazing memories. I explored Cape Breton Island many years ago in the summer. Camped on many remote beaches. An amazing place I’ve always wanted to return to. Must be amazing in the winter.

  7. comment number 7 by: Doug Ford

    Gorgeous photos, thank you for making and posting. I’ve only been to Cape Breton once, and I guess I missed these parts…

  8. comment number 8 by: David

    Kenneth – Wow, what a great memory! And you’ve taught me something: I had no idea Karsh had a brother who was a photographer. Yousuf Karsh was one of my earliest influences.

  9. comment number 9 by: Rebekah

    Stunning. Inspiring. Thanks for the living reminder to photograph the journey, even when it appears to be going backwards.

  10. comment number 10 by: Nancy Lehrer

    David – Great stuff and intimate landscapes. Glad the US didn’t let you in :-) (not really).

  11. comment number 11 by: Russ Bishop

    Wonderful images David. The kind of winter we’re missing here on the West Coast! Thanks for sharing.

  12. comment number 12 by: Bob

    David,
    Great images of a very special place. Enjoying your natural Canadian humor. Looking forward to your next post.

  13. comment number 13 by: Chris Plante

    Awesome images. The snow trees are my fave. They kinda look like a frosted windshield at first.

  14. comment number 14 by: Dianne

    Fantastic images! Way to be flexible and make the most of things.

  15. comment number 15 by: Bridget

    Loving the images of home!! Céad míle fáilte! So glad to see you made it to the Trail – I was hoping you would!! Thank you for sharing!

  16. comment number 16 by: Edith Levy

    Incredible images David. Sound like this worked out pretty well.

  17. comment number 17 by: Barbara

    Lovely! It really looks like Finland… planning to come to this side of the Ocean?? Enjoy your Adventure!

  18. comment number 18 by: Keith M

    Hi David,
    Great to be following you on the trial again and I just love the images you are making. That lovely snow on the trees shot I want on my wall! It reminds me of one of my favourite shots taken by an Australian photographer called Harry Nankin in our High Country (sorry no link – its in a book). Snow just remakes a landscape totally. Safe travels. Cheers, Keith

  19. comment number 19 by: Elis Alves

    Beautiful images, David! It’s a shame we don’t have this kind of extreme temperatures down here in Brazil. I love winter/snowy pictures!

  20. comment number 20 by: Shelagh

    You are one of the rare few who venture out on the Cabot Trail in winter. Beautiful shots!!! Remember, if you need anything in Halifax give me a call 443-3355. If you are here on Saturday/Friday you must visit our WONDERFUL Halifax Seaport Farmers Market where you can stock up on delicious goodies. It is housed in a LEEDS Platinum standard sustainable building right on the waterfront.The building itself is a marvel.
    I did read that you are just here for maybe another two days so chances are slim I imagine. Next time! Cheers, Shelagh

  21. comment number 21 by: John

    Ahhh Snow. I am glad to see that somewhere in North America there is snow. Here in Northern Vermont, it is a barren grey and brown wasteland.
    Have a good time in the snow.

  22. comment number 22 by: DaveB

    …and Emily looks to be really enjoying the adventure too…

  23. comment number 23 by: Dezra Despain

    I can’t stop looking at the wooded trees covered in snow. They fascinate me and I wonder what it was like to move through these places before vehicles were invented. We are so lucky nowadays. I’m enjoying your adventure.

  24. comment number 24 by: Claudia

    You always travel with snowshoes, right?

  25. comment number 25 by: David

    Claudia – I wouldn’t say always, no. But the snowshoes sure make things easier!

  26. comment number 26 by: Cape Breton Painter

    I must say you have an excellent eye for capturing the beauty of our landscapes here in Cape Breton.

    Being a native of the area I still thoroughly enjoy every opportunity I have to visit the Cape Breton Highlands and the world renowned Cabot Trail.

    Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!

  27. comment number 27 by: Nick Divoky

    Love your Books
    Love your postcards!
    thanks for following your passion ;D

  28. comment number 28 by: brenda

    Can a jeep smile? I’d swear Emily’s grinning fender to fender on that snowy trail.

    Thanks for taking us along with you. =)

  29. comment number 29 by: Theodore Paradise

    I love the posts from NS David. Wonderful and your vehicle-as-faithful-companion photos are always a favorite. Emily looks right at home. There’s something about a 4WD isn’t there? Happy to be a stopover point if you manage back to western New England.

  30. comment number 30 by: Jeff HLovesEly

    Well, we don’t know each other but I am an avid reader of your words of wisdom) as well as your fellow Pixelated gang. If you are ever in N Minnesota…or Minnesota anywhere…let me show you our treasured Boundary Waters Canoe Area and Ely! MN. You can connect with fellow photog Jim Brandenberg and get some images that you and your followers will cherish forever!!!

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