The Red Sock?

     Today has been all Cape Breton, which is quite interesting.  We have been staying with the kind hosts at the Fiddle and the Sea where we have learned quite a bit about the history of this area:  I confess the native history is not something I have learned, but can say that the French were the first Europeans (well, maybe the Vikings first, and there is evidence of Basque presence too), and these were the Acadians.  When the French ceded the area to the British (after a 45 day siege of Fort Louisbourg) the British kicked the Acadians out as they would not pledge loyalty to the British.  It was some huge number, say 150,000 who moved to various places, including New Orleans area.  The next set of big influx were the Scots sent over by the British after the battle of Culloden.  The area now has a strong Scottish presence as seen by the  number of Mac____s everywhere.  The town signs are often translated with Gaelic below.  Then there is the music and the dancing.  It is very very big for this area:  Celtic music and square dance are a thing over the whole area and the town just to the north of us, Mabou, is the beating heart of it all.  The home of the Rankins, which Karen assures us are a big family of well known folk musicians.  There are Ceilidhs all over, almost daily in the spring/ summer season, which we are assured is going to start.... next weekend.  We did get to hear a local musician at dinner last night which was great!  In Mabou, the Red Shoe, which we have dubbed the Red Shirt, Red Sock, Red Wagon and so on is where we were hoping to hear some music while eating tonight, is sadly closed for the season.  Meaning the 'season' hasn't started yet.  Ah well.  We will persevere.  The rest of the day was grand as well.  Photos to come.