It was another warm fall day in Pictou. We went to the beach in the morning as it was about 72 degrees, got to a high of 77. We walked along the beach chasing the hermit crabs, picking up the periwinkle shells and just generally being lazy. Feet and hands got buried in the sand, shorts and shirts got wet and full of sand and there just happened to be some sitting on the beach and soaking up the sun. It was was needed as we have covered some ground over the last 19 days. Over 3500 kms. No wonder we just want to sit on a beach.

After lunch we went into town, and tookin a little of the local colour in Pictou. The Hector, a sailing vessel, carried 200 people from Scotland to New Scotland (Pictou), in 1773. When you see the size of the ship and the conditions they lived with, it is amazing that so many survived the trip. Only 18 people succumbed to smallpox, mostly children. It was after the battle of Culloden and the people tired of living as serfs and following the Scottish lords trying to reseat Bonnie Prince Charlie upon the throne of England, were tired and beaten. Lured by the promise of a rich and varied land with promises of their own farm and a year's provisions, made the 11 week journey, to a harsh cold land. Some returned to Scotland, but most stayed and made a life for themselves. Another bit of history that defines Canada.

Tomorrow it is off to the Halifax area for several days and then we shall make our way into the USA.