Driving across from mainland Nova Scotia over the Canso Causeway, the sign on the bridge says "Welcome to Cape Breton." For the eighth time in ten years, my eyes tear up, my heart leaps, and I am back in this very special place, so dear to us. We are "from away," from New England, my husband Dan and me. We are not "Capers," but we know we are where we want to be.

Given the opportunity many would “pack the truck” and “get away” for the weekend. After all, that seems to be the thing to do, right? Pack up the kids, spend hours preparing suitcases and entertainment for them for the drive, don’t’ forget the snacks, dvds and water bottles……….Been there, done that, will likely do it again, but not this summer.

What a refreshing place to be……..  It had been too long since my last visit.  The drive over was relaxing in itself, but the moments that followed as I drove up the driveway, parked and entered the grounds, were really moments of “awe” and total appreciation for the beauty that surrounded me.