Injured hiker learns how Cape Breton does hospitality
Heather Todd never imagined something good could come of a broken leg. But Cape Breton hospitality after she fell while hiking has given her a lifetime of good memories.
Todd, from Oromocto, N.B., planned to show her friend, who lives in Toronto, the scenery of Cape Breton.
However, on Thursday, the second day of their trip, Todd slipped and broke her leg. What could have been a bad memory actually made for a memorable visit as locals helped the pair feel comfortable following the accident.
"We were just overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity, the professionalism of everybody we encountered in this," said Todd.
Todd had visited the area before and was excited to show it to her friend.
The second day of the trip was to include lunch in Chéticamp. With time to spare in the morning, the pair decided to do a hike.
Todd suggested Egypt Falls after she had seen signs for it. It was a sunny day.
But just 10 or 15 minutes into the hike, the pair encountered some hilly terrain. That's when Todd slipped.
"It happened really fast," said Todd.
They were about half way to their destination. Todd encouraged her friend to continue. They would reconnect later.
Another group of hikers saw Todd and wanted to stick around to help, but she assured them she was OK and she would call 911. Todd thinks she was likely in shock by this point.
The rescue
When she contacted 911, they asked how far into the trail she was. They told her it might take some time to get there but they were on their way.
It took about an hour for emergency services and volunteers to arrive. They went to work stabilizing her leg and foot.
It was at this point that her friend looked at Todd and told her that there were 17 people there.
"I only thought there were like four or five," said Todd.
There were that many people to assist in case extra hands were needed to carry Todd out.
She was eventually transported to hospital in Inverness, where she learned she would need surgery to repair a broken tibia and fibula.
How Cape Breton does hospitality
It was at the Inverness hospital that the doctor arranged for her friend to stay at a local bed and breakfast.
Cheryl MacEachern, the manager at Dusky Diamonds, said they were happy to accommodate Todd's friend.
"When anything goes wrong in a small community, everybody's willing to help anyway they can," said MacEachern. "It's just the way Cape Bretoners are brought up."
The bed and breakfast arranged for Todd's friend to go to a local restaurant. The restaurant provided her with a free meal and then invited her to a little fire they were having outside.
She met another lady who owns a bed and breakfast in Ingonish and Todd said they were offered a free night there to have a do-over.
"They were all very upset that this vacation was sort of derailed by this freak accident," said Todd.
"It actually made a happy memory, if I can say it that way," said Todd. "It could have been horrible, but I'm coming away with some really good stories."
Planning to return
She said that before the injury, the pair were able to take in a little of Cape Breton. They stayed their first night in Margaree Forks and got to take in views of the Margaree Valley.
Todd returned home to New Brunswick a few days later and said she is doing great now.
"I'm absolutely coming back, but I'm only going to be taking moonlit strolls on the beach," said Todd.
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