#116 Jul 2015 Highlights of Nova Scotia

We had allowed ourselves six weeks in the Maritimes. We spent half of that in Newfoundland and now had to decide where we would spend the rest of our allotted time. We chose some Nova Scotia highlights and hope that we will return to see more of the province.

Bluenose II was a must. When we arrived in Lunenburg, Bluenose II was out on sea trials after some maintenance. While we waited for her return we explored the sea life in the aquarium at the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. This mussel was flexing its muscle in Ralph’s hand.

Capt Fogg pointed us towards the history of the vast fish stocks of the northwest Atlantic Ocean.

This resource has been exploited for more than five hundred years, making the bank fishery one of Canada’s oldest industries.

This model of the Bluenose gave us an inkling of the majesty of the sailing ships.

When we emerged from the museum Bluenose II had docked early so we didn’t see her sail into port. She is a beautiful schooner and a Canadian icon.

When we viewed the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove it felt like standing on the edge of the world.

The size of waves is determined by wind strength and the distance it blows over open water, uninterrupted by land. These waves may have travelled for days from the deep waters of the Atlantic.

The village of Peggy’s Cove is still an active fishing community.

September 2^nd, 1998 Swissair Flight 111 crashed into St. Margaret’s Bay about 8 km from Peggy’s cove. All 229 passengers and crew perished.

 

The first rescue resources to approach the crash site were mostly privately owned fishing boats that operated out of Peggy’s Cove, Bayswater and other harbours on St. Margaret’s Bay.

At the request of family and community members, the quiet, modest memorials are consistent with the coastal environment.

The memorials form a line of sight to the crash site.

We enjoyed lunch on a favorite local patio.

Halifax Citadel is a physical reminder of Canada’s transition from colony to nation.

From Halifax’s founding in 1749, the fortifications of Citadel Hill have been vital to the defense of Halifax and its Naval Station. The Citadel played a crucial role in protecting Halifax against French, American and German threats.

Today the Citadel overlooks modern Halifax.

#115 Jun 2015 Louisbourg Nova Scotia

Our next stop was Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. Our RV Park site overlooked a local fishing pier.

Ralph asked at the front desk about local points of interest. He was directed to a small building beside the pier. For $30 he purchased 5 pounds of snow crab that had been cooked then flash frozen. Wow, what a treat! We defrosted enough for a feast and wiggled the rest into our freezer.

The history of Louisbourg has been largely shaped by its harbour. Well-protected, relatively deep and close to the fishing banks, the harbour attracted French settlers in the 1700s.

From 1713 to 1768, the fortified port of Louisbourg was very significant in the Franco-British struggles to expand their empires.

Many of the Fortress of Louisbourg buildings have been reconstructed and create a feeling of stepping back in time. 

Around each corner we encountered staff dressed in period costume. They were friendly and knowledgeable about daily life in a fortified town.

Tables were set and meals were prepared.

Genteel ladies plied their handiwork and created intricately designed lace.

The church was an integral part of everyone’s life.

The storehouse was stocked with many of the necessities of pioneer life as well as luxuries such as rum. Even today rum is stored and aged in barrels and sold locally.

In 1720 coal was discovered near Port Morien. Industries, power plants and individual homes along the eastern seaboard were dependent on the ships which delivered coal and returned with whatever cargo they could pick up.

By the 19^th century ice-free Louisbourg became the winter export port for Cape Breton coal. Trains became a vital link for moving the coal and transporting the miners and families.

Cape Bretoners have persevered and changed with the times and the economy but the sea and its bounty are always at the heart of the community.