Day 80 Linwood to North Sydney 171 km.

I was up before the crack of dawn this morning and I'm feeling it right now.
I got packed and out of the campsite in a hurry again thanks to swarms of mosquitoes. Even though I had repellant on they were still buzzing all over me and stinging me through my clothes. I have found out that no matter how hard I try I can't put mosquito repellant on between my shoulder blades. Which seems to be one of their favourite places.
Today was the first day that I rode on the Trans Canada Highway all day. And it was pretty good. I stopped in Whycocomagh for lunch and peddled the day away.
I was on a bit of a schedule today as I wanted to catch the ferry to Newfoundland. If I didn't make it today I'd have to wait, or take my time, until Wednesday. Hence the last two days of early starts and high mileages.
The views through Cape Breton were spectacular. The Bras d'Or lakes are the main focal point.
The big challenge today was my climb up Kelly Mountain. The sign at the bottom said that in the next 7 km you will rise 240 metres. I didn't know if that was steep or what. Well yeah it was steep and a long climb. There was a viewpoint near the top that I stopped at to take a picture. I didn't need a rest. I just stopped to take a picture. Really.
Of course after such a long climb you get the descent. It was fast.
Then there was the scary part of the day and that was crossing the 50 year old bridge at Seal Island. There are no shoulders or sidewalks on this bridge but there was a strong crosswind coming from my right. Good combination. The wind kept pushing me towards the middle of the bridge. Luckily there was not a lot of traffic and I think I made it over without breathing once.
Along the way I phoned Marine Atlantic Ferries to make my reservation for the sailing to Newfoundland. You have to have a reservation.
The sailing takes 14 hours. It's about to set off as I post this at 10:45 p.m. and we should be in Argentia, Newfoundland tomorrow afternoon around 2.
It's time for some rest.

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