Nova Scotia, latin for "New Scotland" (Canada's playground) was inhabited by the Mi'Kmaq Indian tribe when the French arrived here in 1604. For the next 150 years, the French, British, Dutch and the Mi'Kmaq all fought for control. Rich in fishing, the eastern side of the island (Halifax) was the closest "New World" land to Europe, plus it was temperate enough year round so that the port did not freeze, unlike the St. Lawrence Seaway, Quebec and Montreal. By 1755 the British prevailed, although elements of the "Acadians" (French) remained.
The town of Halifax was founded by a British 13 ship, 1500 person armada in 1749. After the US Revolutionary War, 33,000 loyalists/Tories made their way here from the US. This eastern port became a leader in shipbuilding, fishing, timber and other natural resources. Today Halifax is still a commercial port but tourism is a main driver of the economy. Cruise ships come in often and tourism is up for the year. Little surprise; the area is beautiful, with lots of beautiful drives along the coast, lakes and rivers everywhere, rolling hills of green pastures and forests. Greater Halifax is a bustling, international city, comprises about half of the island's 800,000 population; I saw plenty of high rise building cranes putting in new commercial developments and, even though it is high season here, it did not seem crowded. The pictures don't do the scenery justice; you'll just have to come up here.
Beautiful three masted schooner in Halifax Harbor.
Halifax became an "Ellis Island" for Canada, bringing in an additional 1+ million immigrants by boat, ending around 1971. There is a great Immigration Museum, on Pier 21 on the Harbor; tons of pictures and video vignettes about those seeking freedom and escaping persecution. We have heard this story many times; stories very touching. The immigrants are so appreciative for the chance of a better life. Breaks your heart when you think of the refugees dying trying to get out of Africa and the Middle East.
Did a tour of the Immigration Museum; after taking away their perishables (lots of salami) people shopped at this canteen to prepare for the 2-6 day train ride to points West. Above, our tour guide with two young helpers. In our tour group was an Italian woman who came through this very site in 1959. She was with her children and grandchildren and shared a lot of memories. Great stuff.
Driving along the coast, exploring the little villages is "the thing to do". I can see why motorcyclists find this Heaven. So picturesque. Above a shot across the cove at Church Street in Mahone Bay, south and east of Halifax.
Inlets, coves everywhere; lots of places for sale too, if you get the urge. Some homeowners have built a little sitting area right in the cove. Below a shot of one.
Along the road many wild roses, with abundant fragrance, which Marlene says she doesn't find often in the US.. Below someone out for a nice sail on a beautiful day.
Also along the coast is the interesting geological collection called "Peggy's Cove" at St. Margaret's Bay. Plate tectonics pushed up 415 million year old granite which then was carried and scarred by glaciers, to be deposited here, in abundance. The boulders are called "glacier erratics" and the place is a very popular tourist destination. We were there on a beautiful, busy Saturday; below pic of me with a "Piper" (what do you expect in New Scotland?)
Further down the coast is Lunenburg, a German/Swiss/Dutch community, which became a favorite to us. Beautiful coastline scenery, a Maritime Museum, interesting architecture, shops and restaurants
Bold colors, check out this place below; not at all unusual for Lunenburg
Marlene liked all the detail work on many of the buildings; check out the one below.
But what kept us coming back (3 different days) was a restaurant called the Savvy Sailor. We died and went to Heaven. Food was so well prepared, so fresh, prices reasonable. Last lunch for me was tender, steamed mussels in a roasted garlic and light cream sauce, with homemade focaccia bread, along with a locally made craft brewed pale ale. Yes sir!! Oh, and Marlene insisted we take home two large containers of their homemade raspberry jam. Tried some on top of Hag Das vanilla; oh, my, just kill me now, I've had it all!! Below the view of the bay at Lunenburg from the deck where our table was; pretty nice.
Did get a chance to play some tennis at the venerable Waegwoltic Club, courtesy of Bill Shakespeare, who many of you know from tennis at Hilton Head. The club has many, very nice har-tru courts, sailing instruction and great selection of swimming pools. The Club actually hosted the G-7 leaders in 1995; a picture of all the world leaders and their signatures sits in the club room.
Getting ready to play with Bob Royle, me, Shakespeare and Dave Ferguson (both Royle and Ferguson come to HH and play on teams there. Competitive match; Shakespeare was generous.
The next day, mixed, with Suzy and Stephanie, very competitive young ladies. Again, very spirited match; Shakespeare extremely generous. Had a great time; wish I could have played more.
Below a picture of the Harbor from the deck of the "Waeg's" dining room; water, water everywhere.
Finally, went to little museum called "Memory Lane" with artifacts from the early/mid 1900's; Marlene and I actually recognized quite a few of the items; the museum was well done. It was a quiet day; about the only other visitor at that time was the gentleman below, with an entourage. Turns out he is Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia. He came over, asked us what we thought of his beautiful island, and we talked about tourism (up) the ferry to Portland (expensive) and how much we were enjoying ourselves. He was gracious enough to have a photo taken with Marlene. Seemed like a very nice guy.
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