Grand Manan, New Brunswick, Cda 2017

A seaside version of ‘prayer-flags’! An interesting diversion considering we didn’t see another soul - neither hiker nor resident of the several cottages we passed that, for the most part, are accessible only by the coastal or ATV trails.

Swallowtail Lighthouse - official end of coastal trail. Cables and a well-whipped Canadian flag indicate a perpetual 'breeze' on this point!! We had a great two and a half days of hiking - trail is well-marked by red markers or blazes and the NB guide books we used added trail highlights and details we wouldn't have wanted to miss. Spectacular and oh yes, grateful we were off the trail an hour before the weather pattern changed, bringing steady rain.

Stopped at Whale Cove and filled up water bottles, thanks to water pipe with 'mineral' water from an underground spring- yeah! Then on to Hole-in-the-Wall, with its panoramic views and the trail hugging the coast to Swallowtail Lighthouse.

An hour before sunset @hammerhead finds us another 'perfect' campsite. A day with solid 8+ hours hiking. After Dark Harbour- Money Cove, Indian Beach, The Whistle, Northern Head, The Bishop, Ashburton Head. Definitely more ascents and descents on the east side with all these coves! But the beauty keeps us in awe.

Lookout to Dark Harbour- as cautioned, this view is close to the cliffs- access to the rim is very steep and slippery as @hammerhead discovered! Beyond here the trail descended to Dark Harbour Brook, first water source since starting hike over 24 hours earlier. We had been given a heads up so had carefully monitored the 6 litres we started with.

Sunset view from our first campsite- no designated sites and no other hikers on the trail competing for this 5-star spot! Quiet except for fishing boats heading home and then returning again in the morning.

Massive trees - partly dead but a few limbs with leaves. Some looked to me like prehistoric creatures!

For the record - Southwest Head Lightstation.

Hiked from Bradford Cove to Southwest Head. We can see already how this hike is generous with the ratio of views/ effort!

Perfect hiking weather - with stunning views right from the start of the Coastal Trail. Pat's Cove.