There was life with no running hot water and having to conserve water because it came from a spring up on the side of the hill. There was the wringer washer, shopping in Baddeck, our annual end of summer pizza party at the Yellow Cello and doing laundry and groceries for two houses. There were walks along the road after dark and learning the constellations, the construction of the sailboat, the canoe and expeditions in the little red motorboat. There was time together as a family.
But, all good things must end, and, if you are lucky, you can tell when to make that end. We spent eight summers in Big Harbour. During the last one, we were there mostly without the kids, who had grown and moved on the way kids do. So we again took a plunge and sold the small old house on the hill and moved on ourselves.
Kathryn MacCuish
I would rather walk the shores of Cape Breton Than anywhere else on earth So lord let me live free and roam The land of my birth, And call Cape Breton home
Cape Breton, my cape Breton Your siren is calling me Cape Breton, my Cape Breton out of my past To revisit my kin folk, my memories I revel in the task, Cape Breton, my Cape Breton you live with me always, Cape Breton, my Cape Breton, my everlasting praise.
Jack Compton