OK, events at work cut this trip from 15 days to one week. So we bit the bullet and sprang for the Halifax flight. We have our tickets for August 4-11 -- on Saturdays Air Canada runs one direct flight a day each way between DC and Halifax, gets into H around 2:00, leaves around 2. We'll rent a car there (that's not nailed down yet, nor is the exact itinerary.)

Richard wants to camp at least some of the time, so we'll bring a mini-tent. His sole goal is Louisbourg (he wants to camp as close as possible at least one night and see the place by dawn light); I want to see the countryside, hear some good music, eat some good local cooking, get a sense for the history and culture of the province.

Sandy, thanks for the Cape Breton Choices link -- we're looking that over. Got anything new to add?

Since we're coming from Halifax vice Bangor and have half the original timespan for the trip, I doubt we'll get to St Andrews or anyplace that far west.

Other ideas we're looking at:
- Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival 9-12 August (thanks, Teribus)
- possibly Hopewell Rocks or a tidal bore boat ride near Truro; would have to be the first part of the trip since peak run is 2-7 Aug
- singing at the Red Shoe -- if they do it Saturday night, we could catch that our first day. We'll be sure to check out the "Ceilidh trail" for other possibilities (thanks, Desert Dancer)
- Cape Breton park, of course, and some of the hiking y'all pointed out

Anything in particular to fit in, now that the dates are nailed down? Thank you all for your advice!

Lynn