Maritime time

. Last night we stayed in a small town called Liverpool. This morning on our way to Halifax we stopped in Lunenburg This community is designated as a UNESCO world Heritage site. Seventy percent of the original colonial buildings from the 18 century continue to greet visitors with their colourful facades.  We had to be in Halifax by noon to  to return our Kona. The Avis representative was a little shocked at the mileage. He said we win the award for the most kilometres (6700) 🙀  We visited Halifax Citadel National Historic Site where you’re able to step back in time with the 78th Highlanders and the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery  This amazing structure enabled us to learn how soldiers and families lived and worked in this historic Fort  The canon is ignited everyday at noon  

My goodness we’ve had a couple of lazy days in Porthood. We meet up with The McDonald’s , old friends who lived in Wetaskiwin for 30 years. They’ve always bragged Port Hood  had the best beaches in Cape Breton, breathtaking sunsets and the friendliest people. (Most of them named McDonalds) and they are RIGHT. We enjoyed a meal and some music at The Red Show owned by the Rankin Sisters, toured the Glenora Distillery brewing the only single malt whiskey in North America and Route 19 Brewing Company. Rob’s highlight was visiting the number one golf course in Canada Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs. These courses attract famous people such as Brock Obama and Connor McDavid to only name a few. I have included pictures for your enjoyment purposes Today we left for the Annapolis valley along the North coast of Halifax. 

 What a beautiful sunny day with an early visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Surrounded by Cape Breton’s rocky shoreline this Fortress brings you back to the French colonial life between 1713 and 1758.  First the home of the Mi’kmaq, the 18th century brought French, Basque, German, English, Irish, Scottish, and African people to shores.  The original settlement was made in 1713 and this fishing port grew to become a major commercial port and a strongly defended fortress. The fortress as seen today, is a quarter replica of the original one. We took in the looming fortifications, kitchen gardens, and elegant houses of the reconstructed fortress. A person really needs a couple days to see all this place has to offer.  Back in the car to drive the breathtaking Cabot trail. The 298 km highway weaves through the Cape Breton Highway rewarding us with spectacular valley and coastal views along the way. Tomorrow we’re heading to Port Hood to visit som...

 We hopped in our Kona leaving a very windy Norris Point to drive the coast along the St Lawrence. About 160 km north, we stopped at Port Au Choix national historic sight. We learned about 6000 years of human history in this area. This rugged coastline of unique limestone barrens, forests and bays proved that the indigenous people  were tough and relied   on seasonal terrain to live. It was a tough existence   Heading back the 160 km we stopped at various viewpoints through the Gros Marne National Park. Shaped by colliding continents and grinding glaciers, Gros Morne’s ancient landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a sight to behold.  We needed to stretch our legs before our last 3 hour drive so pulled into a little city called CornerBrook. We arrived at our hotel in Port aux Basques around 6:00 and will board the ferry back to Nova Scotia in the morning. This ferry ride is only 6 hours. I’m hoping the winds will die down before we hit the wide open oce...

 Hello we’re happy to announce that we survived our first hurricane.  Yesterday morning we hit the road to follow the Baccalieu trail around west coast of the Avalon Peninsula. Our first stop was at Harbour Grace to see the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception built in 1892.  This was the third church built on this site as it replaced the former Cathedral that was destroyed in a fire of 1889. Its presently being restored for a distillery, spa, hotel and restaurant which hopes to open in 3 years.  Onward to the Grates Cove historic site. The designated site comprises 150 acres of grassy landscape containing small gardens demarcated by stone walls. The area represents a rare surviving example of a communal system of land unique to Newfoundland.  I must share some of the unique town names we drove through today. Paradise, Conception Bay, Hearts Delight, Hearts Desire, Hearts Content and Dildo. You be the judge.  Back to the hotel in St. John’s with a quick s...

 We left North Sydney on the Marine Atlantic heading to Newfoundland.  We were at sea for 16 hours but fortunate enough to have booked a room to sleep. This was quite the experience on this huge ferry carrying over 300 vehicles. Arriving at Argentia around 11:00 am we headed to the Cape Spear Lighthouse which is North America’s eastern most point. We toured the inside of the lighthouse and took in some breathtaking views as well.  Then off to Signal Hill National Historic site. This site celebrates St John’s rich communication and military history amidst spectacular city and ocean views. You think you’ve seen such beautiful sites until you visit the next one. These never seem to grow old.  Our last stop of the day was to Quidi Vidi Village Plantation a picturesque wharf in an iconic fishing community. This was similar to Granville Island in Vancouver. Here we relaxed and enjoyed a pint or two on the deck.  Tonight maybe interesting as St John’s is expecting a vi...