Baddeck, and That Sort of Thing

A light‑hearted travelogue follows two friends who abandon the bustle of August in the United States for a leisurely summer jaunt to Baddeck on Cape Breton Island. Their aim is simple: drift down the Bras d’Or, cast lines for trout and salmon, and let the scenery speak for itself. The narrator’s gentle humor and devotion to “pleasant weather, a good comrade, and no ambition” give the journey an intimate, almost conversational feel.

The story also pauses in a moonlit Boston, where quiet streets and shuttered shops create a mood of tranquil seclusion. As the companions wander past the lingering scars of past fires, they observe the city’s quiet resilience without any rush to find a guidebook or a destination. This blend of quiet observation, witty commentary, and sincere friendship makes the early part of the trip a charming glimpse into a world where the only aim is to enjoy the view.