We didn't know a whole lot about coal mining and were fortunate enough to go to the museum in Glace Bay and take a tour. We had an excellent tour guide Sheldon. He had retired from the mine after 32 years. His father and grandfather both had worked at the mine. We had a good group with us, including a high school class---they were given a questionnaire from their teacher afterwards and scurried to find the answers.
Working in the mine was hard work, dirty work, and the pay was horrible! The Company owned the mine and everything in the early beginnings. By everything, they owned your home, the owned the equipment that you needed to purchase from them to work in the mine, they owned you. Have a look at this picture and you will see what I mean.
Our tour lasted an hour. We walked about a quarter of a mile into the mine. Some of where we walked was only 4 and a half feet in height. We were given hard hats and a shawl type cape to put over us to protect our clothing. Every once in awhile as we were walking, you could hear a hard hat hit the metal bars. Yup, even mine, one time. I won't say anymore other than if you get a chance to go you should.
We actually met 3 former miners. They are proud of what they did. Very hard work. One miner's brother is in Cambridge, ONT running for Council I believe. We did not get to hear Men of the Deep sing---missed the concert season as it starts more in July.
After we were done our tour, we walked about all the exhibits. We were the last to leave that area. Both Al and I found it quite interesting.
Lunch was at the Miners Restaurant. It was quite good.
After Glace Bay we went downtown Sydney and did a walking tour. When we first got there, there were all these people heading for the grass area at the Visitor's Centre. We then realized that they were forming 150 and having a picture taken with a drone. They all had on red shirts and some had little flags. Neat idea.
We picked up a couple of souvenirs at The Curiosity Shop and The Best of the Clan shop. Time to go back to camp. It was about an hours drive.
Friday, June 16 was our quiet day. Did some laundry at the Baddeck Campground (which is recommended). Al went out to the Baddeck Golf Course and played the 9. It was time to get the camper cleaned up so we could head out for Amherst the next day.
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