It’s a long drive from Sydney to Morrison Beach in Framboise but it is definitely worth it. When Marcie, Bailey and I stepped out of the car and onto the beautiful long strand, the whole world slipped away. All stress was instantly gone and we were immediately given relief from the 30 degree August heat and humidity.
Morrison Beach is a hidden gem. It is secluded and there were very few people on the beach. The beach is one of the longest I’ve seen in Cape Breton so it’s easy to get away from everyone and enjoy the solitude and the wonder of this beach. The family and I started to walk the length of the beach. Bailey started her usual rock hunting. We noticed that the rocks on this beach were very interesting and beautiful. We also noticed that large pieces of kelp had washed up and were glistening in the afternoon sun. Marcie picked up a piece so long that she could use it as a skipping rope. We were all children that day as we laughed and Marcie skipped with our new-found “water snake.”
We spent a great deal of time (although I’m not sure how much because time became meaningless) combing the beach, skipping, taking pictures, looking through the binoculars at seals, sea birds and a loon who was bobbing up and down in the waves. A great blue heron soared overhead and gracefully landed in the lagoon behind the beach. The waves broke on the beach and the sound was sublime as the rocks and pebbles sucked back into the ocean.
I went for a swim. Because of the seclusion, I could swim naked here – the ultimate freedom and the way swimming is naturally meant to be. I floated in the waves and bobbed up and down with the loon. With my ears in the water, I could hear the rocks receding in a different way – in the surreal way that sound comes to us underwater. As I floated, little flashes of light glistened beside me. I looked closer and it was a bunch of minnows breaching the surface of the water as they jumped into the sunlight. The moon was up already. It hung in the sky amongst wispy clouds. The half moon was hard to distinguish in the light of day. This was the most peaceful, amazing day we’ve ever had on the beach. We were so connected as a family and connected with all of the natural world.
As we were leaving, we saw a rabbit hop out of the woods. The bunny stopped to eat and we brought Bailey over for a closer look. She had never seen a wild rabbit before. She laughed delightedly as she looked at the little creature. Each time it would turn its head or move in any way, she would let out a little squeal of excitement.
Morrison Beach is a place of wonder – a place to explore. Take a picnic. Take your binoculars. Take your time. Take a dip in the cool refreshing waters. Numerous people have told us that sometimes the seals will even come in close and swim with you. This is a beach that you don’t want to miss but it is difficult to find. From Sydney, drive to Framboise. There is a turn off on the left which has a blue glove tied around a stop sign. That is the road you take. It is called Pig Point Road but there is no street sign. It is the last turn on the left before you reach the one-lane bridge and the old general store. There is no where to buy food and no cell reception so come prepared and with a full tank of gas.
Until next time, I’m off on another Beach Bum Adventure.
tasha says
My best childhood memories come from this beach and the lake just up from there .. When we go we take our trailer quads and bbq ….. Its amazing there and I love how there is only a few that no about it. I also have many pictures of the seals that come extremely close !