Category Archives: Places

Grand Pré – Acadian History

 

 

Grand Pre church

Grand Pre church


Grand Pré is situated at the north east end of the Annapolis Valley.  It borders on the Minas Basin and the tidal lands of the Bay of Fundy.  The area was settled in the 1600s by French settlers from Port Royal who reclaimed the lands from the tides and made a fertile land.

Now we see the low meadowland and dikes and on the hills above, vineyards and wineries commanding a view of the area.

The history of Grand Pré is dramatic with the land being fought over by the English and French during the 1700s and the expulsion of the Acadians from their lands in 1755.  The story is well told in the multi-media centre at the  Parks Canada National Historic Site.  The grounds with the sweeping willow trees and wandering stream are peaceful and commemorate the deportation.  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem Evangeline to bring the story to light and the statue of Evangeline and bust of Longfellow are featured in the garden.

Sunset from Beach Breeze Motel Grand Pre

Sunset from Beach Breeze Motel Grand Pre

The church, built on the site of the 17th century Acadian village (Eglise Souvenir Memorial Church) depicts life in the village and scenes of the deportation.  Be sure to listen to the audio stories from the voices of 2 children.

The path off to the left of the church goes to the blacksmith forge with a lovely view of the dikes and fields below.  You can bike or walk along the dikes.

Just 10 minutes from Grand Pré National Historic Park there is a large and well kept campground and the lovely Beach Breeze Motel.  We stayed here and had a wonderful view of the sunset and sunrise over the vast changing tides of Fundy.

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Directions

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Peggy’s Cove

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse by Denise Davies

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

Peggy’s Cove is a picturesque fishing village with a lighthouse that is one of the most photographed sites in Canada.

The village of Peggy’s Cove was originally settled in the 1700s as a fishing community.  Settlers also had cattle and did some farming in the small areas not covered with granite rocks.  The setting is beautiful but you can imagine the difficult life during the storms and winter.  This tiny community (2009 population: approx. 46) is a working fishing village and home of artists and artisans.

The weather is changeable – as anywhere in Nova Scotia.  Our visit was on a sunny spring day with a calm ocean.  However fog and storms are common and do be careful as you explore the granite rocks that you pay attention to the waves.   Bring layers and windbreakers.  During heavy seas and storms the waves crash up over the rocks.

The red and white lighthouse was built in 1915 and set out on a rocky point with views of St. Margaret’s Bay.  The entire area has large rounded granite slabs and it is fun to clamber over the rocks for spectacular ocean views and views of the village weather and safety permitting.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Sou’Wester restaurant and gift shop which has a delicious selection of local seafood, salads, soups, burgers and local deserts such as Blueberry Grunt. The restaurant is open year round. The gift shop is a great place to browse for interesting art from local artists, photographs, clothing and gifts.

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The Visitor Information Center is open from May to October. Over 750,000 tourists visit Peggy’s Cove in a year – most during the tourist season.

A walk through the village is picturesque.  Homes of the fishermen, small arts and gift shops and the wharf are all set off by the ocean and the granite rocks of the area.   Be sure to see the 30M granite wall carving by William E. deGarthe depicting the fishermen and their families of Peggy’s Cove.  The deGarthe gallery is open during the May to October season.

Directions

The drive from the Halifax Armdale Rotary is 45 KM and passes lakes and coves along the way.  The road is winding and give yourself time to enjoy it.   You can return on a circle route passing the memorial for Swissair Flight 111 and then either continue on to Chester and Lunenberg or loop back to Halifax.

LINKS

Spring in Nova Scotia

 

 

Spring Thaw Port Hawkesbury Strait of Canso

Ahhh spring.  This year we had a March treat of 3 days in the mid 20s (centigrade).  The snow disappeared and you can see through the ice on the lakes and patches of clear water on areas that had been iced over.  Kids were out in their shorts and the teens were out sunning themselves and soaking up the rays.  What a treat to have the summer-like weather even though we knew it wouldn’t last.

The robins have arrived and some hardy plants have started raising their heads – hope they don’t get fooled and frozen at the early stage.

Robin Sign of Spring

Of course 2 days later the temperature is -4 Degrees C.  Quite a feat to know what to wear but layers are the answer.

Looking forward to enjoying the buds coming out on the trees, the crocuses and spring flowers arriving — and yes the odd snow flurries and blustery days thrown in there.  This IS Nova Scotia after all where the weather is a great topic of conversation and can change from one minute to the next.

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Denise Davies is a photographer and travel writing living in Antigonish.

Looking Back at 2011 and Looking Forward to 2012

 

 

Winter has been quite a roller coaster from warm days, lots of rain, clear skies, snow for Christmas and some days feeling like spring or fall and other days real winter. It is a good time for reflection – to look back and enjoy some of the sights and sounds and experiences of the past year – and to plan for the upcoming year.

Winter Wonderland- in our few days of snow that magically arrived just for Christmas

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Favorites from 2011

Some of the many wonderful finds and experiences of the past year

And much more – click on the CATEGORIES to browse through all the postings or the ARCHIVES.

Looking Forward

  • Sydney and industrial Cape Breton – I grew up in Sydney but really haven’t explored it in the past many years.
  • Annapolis apple blossoms – have not been here in the spring and looking forward to seeing this.
  • Cape Breton fall leaves – this is such a spectacular sight on the tartan colored rolling hills of Cape Breton and enjoying the crisp days of autumn
  • Yarmouth and the South Shore – lots to see and do here
  • Fundy tides – one of the wonders of the world (although it didn’t quite make the list)
  • Kedjie park – the many Parks of Nova Scotia with hiking and nature explorations

What are your favorite places in Nova Scotia?  Celebrations? Stores? Places to stay?  Things to do?   I would love to get your suggestions and reasons why – and will take a look at including these on my own explorations in 2012.   Please fill in the COMMENT box below to make your suggestions.

Thank you to all the readers of Out and About Nova Scotia – Enjoy your armchair traveling 🙂

Denise Davies

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Coady International Institute in Antigonish

 

 

Coady International Institute in Antigonish

Coady International Institute in Antigonish

Where would you expect to find over 50 mid-career international professionals from over 20 countries and living and learning in Nova Scotia for five months?   You might be surprised that every year this is the case in the small town of Antigonish – the Highland Heart of Nova Scotia.  The Coady International Institute, based on the campus of Saint Francis Xavier University, has passed the 50 year anniversary in 2009 and has now over 5,500 graduates in over 130 countries from its leadership development programs.

Recently I facilitated a course at Coady for participants to build the Coady participants communications skills in learning to plan, shoot and edit a video with a social message.  Each group planned, shot and edited their films working in project groups and they presented to all the diploma participants and guests.

Group work - Video

Group work - Video

The learning methodologies at Coady are interactive and build on the experiences and participation of the group.  Each learning experience is unique since the background and wealth of knowledge is amazing and the cross fertilization of ideas is sparked by the participants engaging on a variety of development topics.

Coady International Institute is based on the principles of the Antigonish Movement was started in the 1920s by Father Moses Coady and Father Jimmy Tompkins to help small, resource-based communities in Nova Scotia improve their economic and social circumstances through credit unions, cooperatives and community development.

The institute is now housed in beautifully renovated historic buildings in the heart of the St FX Campus are a delight to work in with space for group work, multimedia tools, a state of the art library, wired classrooms and built to order for the participatory learning environment.  In addition to its core Diploma in Development Leadership and many certificate level courses, Coady Institute now has instituted the International Centre for Women’s Leadership, supporting women leadership across Canada and around the globe.

Welcoming new participants by the town

You might wonder how people from India, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean all get along in this this small Nova Scotia town.  Comments from the participants at their recent closing banquet included “people are so friendly”,  “we were welcomed with great honour and respect”,  “people on the street greet us”, “it is such a beautiful place” – they are taking back fond memories of their time in Antigonish and many had the opportunity to visit other parts of Nova Scotia including Margaree – the birthplace of Monsignor Coady, Halifax where they visited the provincial legislature, an experience of the first snowfall and playing like kids, the glory of autumn leaves – many happy memories of their personal journey here in beautiful Nova Scotia.

Video of international participants 2011 farewell

 

The next time you are in Antigonish stop and visit the Coady International Institute.  The library and public spaces have interesting history, photos and multimedia presentations to give you more insight into this wonderful international local resource.

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Country Harbour

 

Click Here to Download Country Harbour article and more information


 

Country Harbour River

When you hear the name Country Harbour in Nova Scotia you might think you are on the coast with fishing boats and the ocean waves.  However in driving from Monastry on highway 316 you see a sign for Country Harbour and then pass signs for Country Harbour Cross Roads, Country Harbour Mines, Middle Country Harbour, Country Harbour Ferry and still are miles from the ocean.

Country Harbour is a 10 mile long deep inlet from the sea on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia.  It is not only beautiful but has an interesting past.

SeaWind Landing comfortable accomdations great dining

A great place to stay and use as an exploration point is the Seawind Landing Country Inn in Charlos Cove.  The 20 acre grounds has interesting paths through the forest or along the shore are great for an evening or early morning stroll.  The food is superb, prepared with loving care from local ingredients by the innkeeper.  There is a choice of comfortable rooms near the shore with the sound of the waves – or rooms with a view to the east or west from your 2nd floor porch.

The Seawind Landing Country Inn is a 30 minute drive from Drum Head at the mouth of Isaacs Harbour and  Country Harbour.  Stop along the way at the lovely Tor Bay Provincial Park and enjoy the boardwalk through the trees and over marshes and mosses.   Seabirds nest on offshore islands – great for birdwatchers.  Continue along Hwy 316 to Isaacs Harbour and take the turn off to the Country Harbour Ferry.  This 12 car cable operated ferry takes you across Country Harbour to continue down along the coast through Port Bickerton towards Halifax on Hwy 211. Even if you decide not to take the ferry it is fun to watch it make the crossing.  Signs are posted at the turnoff informing if the ferry is operating or not.

Empire Loyalist Trail

This part of the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia was the closest part of North America for the early ships from Europe. The long protected harbour was a welcome relief from the open sea.  The discovery of gold in the area was another draw to the area. From the 1600s the area was alive with ship building, forestry, small farming, fishing and gold mining.

Country Harbour was also settled by Loyalists from the King’s Carolina Rangers and the South Carolina Royalists who left Florida in October 1783, landed in Halifax and then the settlers went on to Country Harbour.  The United Empire Loyalist 2.2 KM trail has interpretive signs giving the history of the settlers.

Salsman Park Golden Sunrise

Salsman Provincial Park is located on a small peninsula on the east side of Country Harbour near Middle Country Harbour.  From June to September the park offers campers a quiet setting to relax and enjoy the area.  The camp ground is situated on an island connected by a short causeway giving lovely views of the water and hills.  On an early November morning the sunrise over Country Harbour was memorable with its golden glow and reflections in the calm water.

The nearby Loonsong Cottage Retreat offers workshops and retreats for women on a variety of topics.  Check their website for calendar of events.

Country Harbour River offers fishing and exploring.  The rural farms and cottages enjoy spectacular views in fall with the changing leaf colors.

Watch a short video

For more information:

 Click Here to Download Country Harbour article and more information

 

Basket Making Workshop at Loonsong Cottage

 

After settling in to the comfortable Loonsong Cottage with coffee and snacks we got an introduction to baskets and the materials from Sian Turner.  All of us were beginners so Sian showed us each step then worked with us.  We were making the same style basket – but each could make selections of type of the widths to use, accent colours and web handles.  As a result each basket was unique.

It was a fun day with lots of chat and laughter and a delicious lunch.  Four of us stayed overnight and enjoyed an evening of wonderful food and talk.

The cottage is situated in the lovely Country Harbour and there are walks through the fern and mossy forest, along the brook, or down to the nearby Salsman Provincial Park.  A spectacular sunrise over perfectly calm water made for a great photo opportunity.

The drive from Antigonish is just 1 hour and through beautiful countryside with the tamarak providing the golden accent colour at this time of year.

Look for more workshops in the spring – sign up at www.loongsongcottageretreat.com This is a beautiful location for a retreat or workshop.  This year featured Aromatherapy, Yoga, Be You Fully, and a Discovery Circle.  Spring workshops are in the planning stage.

The food and hospitality are wonderful and accommodations are very comfortable and homey. Kathi is a masseuse so there is an opportunity for a massage as part of the weekend if you book it.

Antigonish International Film Festival

 

AIFF poster 2011

AIFF poster 2011

The fifth annual Antigonish International Film Festival takes place Oct 21 and 22nd with a wonderful lineup of films for all ages.

Opening night on Friday Oct 21 features “Soundtrack for a Revolution” which tells the story of the American civil rights movement through its powerful music.   It features performances by top artists and riveting archival footage and interviews.  Two short films from Cara Jones, a local filmmaker will round out the evening. Venue is 351 Nicholson Hall, StFX, 7:00 PM.

This year’s festival brings together a broad diversity of films that provides something of interest to everyone – from emphasizing positive success stories and reasons for hope, to revealing the corruption of power and squandering of natural resources around the globe.

On Saturday there is a full day of films starting at 9:00 AM at three venues – 2 venues at Coady International Institute and on Main Street at the new People’s Place.  This year AIFF has added a Children’s Film Festival which will be shown in the Youth Room of the People’s Place on Saturday afternoon from 1PM – 2:30PM with a selection of short films.

Since over 25 films will be shown in 3 locations the program booklet or the online schedule will be useful to plan your day.  One ticket will get you in to all the films.

On Saturday evening the dinner will be held at the Prissy Pig Café and Deli with an Indian menu.  This has been a popular event in past years and the tickets for it go quickly.  A month long International Photography Exhibition “With a Conscious Eye” from local and international photographers and development workers. A cash bar opens at 6PM, dinner serving is at 7:15PM. Tickets are $20 and available at Lyghtesome Gallery.

The Sunday Filmmaking Workshop will give insight into the making of a documentary film.  Participants will have the opportunity to “deconstruct” a film and also to have some hands on experience in the process of planning, shooting and editing a film.

In the week following the film festival discussion and conversations will be held at the People’s Place to focus on environmental issues and another on disabilities following up on the issues and ideas raised by films at the festival.

Over 75 sponsors from the community  support the film festival.  A special sponsor “Thank You” evening was held in October at the People’s Place with a film and refreshments.

The film festival is a year-long planning effort by a large number of dedicated and eager volunteers who have worked to select, plan and bring together this wonderful opportunity to engage people with thought provoking, engaging and stimulating films.

For more information see the website www.antigonishfilmfest.org and signup on Facebook for updates.

 

Baird’s Tradesmen Museum

 

On Highway 7 crossing Nova Scotia from Antigonish to the Eastern Shore we decided to stop and have a look at Baird’s Tradesmen Museum.

Wheel Wright Tools

Wheel Wright Tools

What a happy finding.  This place is loaded with history and is a great place for anyone with an interest in craft, industry and how things are made.  The walls and display cases are well organized with tools from the past for trades that we may not even have now – but were mainstays in the turn of the century.  Anyone who works in wood will enjoy seeing how the tools they use today have evolved.  You have to wonder about the minds and ingenuity of the people who designed these implements.

The tools and trades are organized into categories: cobbler, cooper, farrier, blacksmith, woodturner, carpenter/joiner, leatherworker, wheelwright, typesetter, saw filer/fitter, weaving and spinning; also the tools used in farming, fishing, logging, coal mining, automotive, retail and ice industries over the past 150 years.

Kitchen implements

Kitchen implements

Our guide was Sally Baird who was a wonderful tour guide and explained the use of the different tools.  The museum started as a personal collection of Danny Baird who worked with tools himself and started collecting.  The collection grew so large they decided to open to the public.

The place is very large and has an upstairs area with a huge spinning wheel, a floor loom, a couple of printing presses.   The presses and type include the newspaper advertising from the early 1900s and will be valuable to researchers.

Outside there are wood tools and a fire engine.  Danny Baird continues to make wooden barrels and you can see the workings as well as the finished products.   You can easily spend an hour or two learning from these antique tools and machinery from vintage trades.

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More information

12455 Hwy 7, Aspen, NS
Guysborough County

Danny & Sally Baird
Phone: 902-833-2219

The museum is open daily from July 1 – Oct 1.  10AM to 5PM. Or by appointment.  Small admission fee.

Baird’s Trade Museum – Nova Scotia.com including a map on how to get there.

 

Jimtown and Ogden’s Pond

 

 

 

Marsh grasses Ogden's Pond

Marsh grasses Ogden's Pond

We have been having some beautiful weather in September – more like summer than July and August. It’s a great time to explore the outdoors. I ended up at the beach on Jimtown Road at the end of an afternoon drive. The rain clouds were building up but there was a great spotlight from the sun shining on the beach as I arrived which gave a dramatic look to Ogden’s Pond which is on your left, and the marsh grasses with the dark sky in the background.

 

Chapel

Chapel

On the side road there is a lovely white chapel in a shady and grassy area.

 

The beach has easy access and good for walking on the sand. Great place to relax and watch the waves, look for shells or skip rocks. Ogden’s Pond is great for bird watching. The water flows in to the ocean here.

 

Rainbow at Jimtown evening

Rainbow at Jimtown evening

I was lucky to catch a rainbow over the ocean with the setting sun behind me. You can see parts of Cape Breton Island from here.

 

There are lovely views of Crystal Cliffs to your left.

From Antigonish head out Route 337 on the Sunrise Trail. The turnoff is about 12KM from Antigonish – Just past Mahoneys Beach. The sign is marked as “Jimtown Road”.

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Jimtown Road – Google Maps  View Larger Map
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