Backdrop: every trailhead includes a sign reminding hikers how to act when encountering coyotes, moose and bear.  No biggy.  We have heard it all before…when do you fight? Play dead?  Hide behind something?  We know how to take care of ourselves.  Plus, the bear spray is in my backpack just for good measure.  So, off on the trail for sunset over the ocean.

A well maintained trail across open heather fields, poplar thickets, and through groves of salt stunted pine.  No wildlife that we had hoped for/expected but some more of the Cape Breton signature cliffside views from numerous rocky heads that jut into the sea.

About three miles into the walk we reach the crest of the last headland.  Stretching out in front of us is an elaborate, stepped boardwalk.  It lies right against the soil and is broken into dozens of terraced platforms dotted with benches.  It blends wonderfully into the headland and invites us to take a seat and wait for the show.

The wind blows.  The evening cools.  It is a subtle sunset, nothing too showy.  Still, nature can draw you right in.

Now, time to boogie out of here before it gets too dark and the local critters come out.  Back on the main trail; this part is flat and well groomed.  We set a quick pace.  Hearing is on high alert.  Peripheral vision is in overdrive.  I admit a fleeting thought that maybe this wasn’t the greatest idea that we ever had.  But, all ended well.  We were back at the car with still a little light of dusk remaining.  If we passed critters, we never knew it and I hope we didn’t offend them.  It was a great night for us.

Throughout the day we squeezed in a little more whale watching (unfortunately not more whale seeing) and spotted a moose quite well camouflaged in the trees along the road.