Halifax and Rain

Rain, rain go away! Not easy to see this historic town but did enjoy some time along the waterfront. The Farmers Market and the Museum of Immigration provided  some distraction from the rain.  Loved some  little paper sculptures as part of the museum exhibits. How intricate. 

Cabot Trail to Antigonish

Lupins and rhododendrons have dotted the hills and roadsides everywhere we have been. Such vibrant colours in the often misty landscape. 

Last day on the Cabot Trail started with cool cloudy weather that transformed into sun after we crossed the mountains. Very interesting visit to the Glenora Distillery where the only single malt whiskey in Canada is produced. A nice Gaelic coffee and some fiddle music to enjoy.  Then to the Canadian Inverness with a long beach renowned for "sea glass". At first we could find none but left with my pockets full of the sea worn pieces of glass that will come in handy for my jewellery making course in July. In the water up to my knees, very refreshing and the sound of the waves is still echoing in my ears. 

Cabot Trail Day 2

The choices before us! Should it be whale watching or hiking or museum touring? The weather really dictates it all as Cape Bretoners already know. The mountain tops and roads were shrouded in mist or fog or clouds so no hiking on the high trails. The harbour at Pleasant Bay was not foggy however a wind suddenly whipped up offshore and even the seasoned lobster fishermen were not venturing out so no whale watching today. No fog in the lower areas so we enjoyed exploring aspects of the Acadian (french) region near Cheticamp. Fabulous meat pie from the Aucoin bakery and a hike past the remnants of the homes of the last 5 Acadian families to live near Grande Falaise before being relocated in 1936 as the Cape Breton Highlands National Park was formed. Lobster for dinner again of course. 

Cabot Trail Nova Scotia

Yes, it is breathtaking travelling up the coast past Ingonish to Neil's Harbour to Dingwall where we are staying at the Markland Resort in our own little cottage. Drove a few kilometers out of the mist that was rolling in, to the northernmost tip of Cape Breton Island, Meat Cove. Stunning vistas, hair raising roads with steep hills and curves, fishing communities tucked away and whales sighted off shore. Interesting to see the men on the small boats setting out from port. Fishing is still a way of life for some.  The ocean everywhere is dotted with brightly coloured markers for the lobster  traps. Saw the spot where it is thought that John Cabot landed to discover North America. Was it Columbus, Cabot, the Vikings, a Scotsman? Who discovered North America? 

Louisbourg Nova Scotia

 Certainly no heat wave here but the rain held off.  I actually bought a fleece jacket today. Spent the  the day at the Louisbourg Fortress which was recreated in the 70s as retraining for mine workers who  lost their jobs. An amazing accomplishment. Very interesting for me to see what was happening in Canada in the mid 1700's after seeing some of the grand palaces of Europe so recently. No crystal chandeliers that I could see! We lunched on pewter dishes in a traditional style. An evening looking around Louisbourg  which like so many other places in Eastern Canada has suffered the loss of a fish plant. Hard to imagine the future for  some folks here as tourism cannot really sustain a community. Dinner at the Lobster Kettle after a walk on the magnificent trail  near the lighthouse. General Wolfe landed here at one point before the Plains of Abraham. How historic! 

Arrived Cape Breton

Started and ended the day with lighthouses. I so admire the volunteers at Port Bickerton  who have kept their spot going since 1997. Like trains, lighthouses have a mystical fascination for many. I love the placement  of them;  in rough waters protecting sailors through the generations. We took the less travelled roads today, definitely less travelled! Lots of trees and trees and trees. Glimpses of harbours along the way. Hit Cape Breton Island around 6 and reached Louisbourg after  a few  detours. Delicious lobster dinner and a visit to the other lighthouse which is on the site of a lighthouse built in 1734, the first one built in Canada. 

Nova Scotia Today

On another adventure to discover new lands. This time in Canada. I have always yearned to see Cape Breton Island and tomorrow will be the day. After a quick and easy Porter flight to Halifax, we are now in the small community of Port Dufferin in a charming motel overlooking Beaver Harbour. We were welcomed by a set of curious ginger cats who seemed excited to have visitors to stare at. A beautiful wooden church just up the  road looked  after lovingly  by the congregation trying to maintain it for other generations. Dinner of smoked fish from a local merchant and we are settled in to watch a hockey game  before hitting the road again. 

Summer Soon

My daughter  stayed with me this week while at her placement in the final lap  of her two year journey to her master's degree. My luxury of time has let us return for a brief moment to to our relationship of the past. Making her breakfast, getting her up in the morning, driving her to work (not school at this point!) and tucking her in at night. All so nostalgic and comfortable. I really admire her determination and accomplishments in addition to her enthusiasm for our garden. She assisted in the defence against the rabbits. No signs of entry so far.  I read the other day that a good way to keep rabbits out of a garden is to discover where their warren is and plant them a little garden of their own nearby. How sweet!

Kale, greens, two spears of asparagus and garlic scapes  are the harvest for today. The strawberries are very tart and best eaten just picked warm from the sun. 

Nature

The main focus this weekend is the garden. After enjoying the leeks, the rabbits were feasting on most other things as well. That called for a trip to TSC and a few hours of digging trenches to add wire to the fence. Many flowers are in their full glory: the exotic allium, the purple nine-bark flowering for the first time in 4 years, the peonies continue, the flowering bush in the yard behind us and the Marguerite daisies.