CINDY DAY: Where do I apply for my Cape Breton passport?

I had the pleasure of discussing the myth of “rain when Hinchey’s comes to town” with Brennan Warner at the Mayflower Mall in Sydney N.S. on Friday. I think he could have a career in broadcasting. He’s a natural! Thanks, Brennan! - Contributed

It’s true what they say… Cape Bretoners are lovely.

I knew that before going on my whirlwind 48-hour work road trip, but I feel like I could preach it now. They got me!

When I left Halifax, my plan was to visit my colleagues at the Cape Breton Post and make my way to the Gaelic College to witness the start of the annual Cabot Trail Relay. I left the rain behind as I crossed the causeway and off I went.

After doing lots of driving on Thursday, I decided it was time to eat. I spotted a sign on the side of the road that caught my eye: Chippin’ Dale’s. Ha! Why not? It wasn’t a quick stop. I ate some delicious fish and chips, chatted with the owner – who just happened to be sitting at the picnic table next to the take-out restaurant – learned the history of his business, got to check out his race car and spent time looking at old hockey team photos in his office. Thanks, Dale!

Friday morning, I was at Tim Hortons when a man walked over to say hi and, yes, talk about the weather. He said it was likely going to rain later in the day. He went on to tell me that each year, when Hinchey’s moves in, so does the spring rain. It's a long-standing joke and reality – that when Hinchey’s Rides and Entertainment comes to town with their rides and games, it brings the rain!

So off I went to the Mayflower Mall. The May sun was glistening off the shiny rides as they swirled, tipped and gyrated. Children walked around with stuffed animals tucked under their arms while parents snapped photos and soaked up the rays. So much for that ;)

My travels took me to the beautiful old Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay where executive director Pam Leader was kind enough to drop what she was doing to talk with me. A high-energy production of the popular musical “Grease” just wrapped up but musical director Stephen Muise is already working on this year’s Summertime Revue. Pam’s eyes lit up when she told me the magnificent Bette MacDonald was back this year! Be sure to get your tickets early!

I left Glace Bay and headed for beautiful Baddeck where I would have an early wake-up call. The start of the Cabot Trail Relay was just hours away…

To be continued…

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