Marathon
There’s something about a marathon that brings out the best in people. Today was the 10th Halifax Bluenose Marathon, and I went to watch and cheer. Memories of the Boston Marathon bombing are all too fresh. There were moments of silence at the start of this one to remember and respect those involved.
Conditions were perfect. The sun was bright with a good bit of breeze to cool people down. Halifax was looking good.
The runners looked happy in their own worlds of perseverance.
We cheered them on by calling their names…come on Sara!
Plugged in to their music carried them along
More and more flooded past
Bill was feeling the heat. But he kept going until the finish.
This police officer danced his way round the runners to keep the traffic flowing.
Despite the pain, there was much shared happiness.
Darlene knew she was just approaching the Citadel, and then on to the finish.
Some spectators would have given their furry ears to join in.
One by one, they crossed the finish line.
Most managing to smile
Just about.
Some hobbled, hanging on to the first-aiders
Others somehow managed to stay on their feet to get over that line.
Shared achievement.
Camaraderie.
Joy.
Willpower.
You did it!
It took sheer bravery for Marlene to get to that finish line.
Yay!
Teamwork.
Utter happiness
They did it. The Paramedics escorted them home.
Well done, Well done!
I love this wonderful city. Congratulations, you are all winners.
London Part I
I have just returned from a visit to England for what is likely to be the last time in a long while. A day in London was therefore required, so Mandy and I took our cameras in an effort to capture one sunny spring day in the capital.
It’s easy to forget how every inch of road can become occupied by something moving. People dart in and out of traffic. The noise is incredible.
A team of window cleaners easily dangle off skyscrapers
Sometimes you see pretty little pubs squashed between giant glass buildings. They know they were there first.
The London Eye rolls people round giving them the best views.
But today, we were interested in the people. Who’s out there? Well, for a start, the Americans are getting their shots for ‘Show and Tell’.
People stand around at Westminster Abbey not knowing where to start.
Buses empty them out and leave them to find out.
The City has come round from a dirty winter, and it’s looking lovely.
The railings have been spruced up.
People stick to the paths. Nobody walks on the just-mown grass at Westminster Abbey.
It’s quite warm. But not warm enough for shorts.
There is a lot of looking up to do. Don’t want to miss a thing.
Finally a green patch opposite Big Ben where we can all lie down and get the camera out.
Just don’t want to miss that shot.
Definitely his best side don’t you think?
Time for a bit of lunch and a bit of ‘rubber-necking’ to see what’s going on.
Cars wait for the lights to change. That taxi driver will get away first. I know it.
And she will get there before all the rest. She’s overtaking everything.
Hmmmm, something going down in Downing Street. He’s not going to be able to make his delivery, that’s for sure.
The tourist hotspots carry on as usual. These chaps just stand around all day, being photographed, coping with people petting their horse. They never ever smile. That’s their job.
London has a way of wearing you out like nowhere else. It’s not long before we are seriously in need of a good cup of coffee and a biscuit. These did it for us nicely.
The Big Issue man decided to do a little turn for us. Very Nice. Thanks so much.
The lovely doorman at The Savoy was happy to pose. Does it all the time.
And then, what a spot of luck, they were making a film at Somerset House. We caught them in their break, but it didn’t stop us having a good snoop around.
Turns out, they were making a horror film. I wonder who this is?
You can’t see, but this fellow was having a quick fag-break.
A perfect location for something with a bit of atmosphere.
There were bits of kit unattended for us to explore.
You’ve just got to laugh haven’t you during a long days’ filming?
All he wanted was a bit of peace away from the cameras to eat his sandwich. Then I came along.
Getting the throat lubricated ready for some more screaming.
Well, better get back to it.
Just time for a quick snack. Dobbin’s already had his.
Is this my best side?
Just finishing on the dog and bone and I’ll be back in character
Moving on from the set, we head over to Fleet Street for something sweet. The day isn’t half way over yet, but you can catch wheat else we saw next time.
Woodens River Walk
Soon after I moved to Nova Scotia, I heard about a group of who are committed to protecting the natural qualities of the local watershed. They are the Woodens River Watershed Environmental Organisation. I liked what they were doing, especially as I live on the very edge of a designated Wilderness Area. So, I decided to go to a meeting, and now I’m on their Board! So, my first task was to find out where this Woodens River was, and walk along it.
Today was the perfect day for doing so and I couldn’t have been more thrilled with what I saw.
My first sighting of this fast flowing river
Crystal clear. Green and gold rocks.
The sound of rushing water accompanies the whole walk.
No navigation or effort is required along Wooden’s Lane. Pure pleasure.
Periodically it widens out to a lake, all part of this watershed.
The colours are exceptional.
No chance of forgetting that we only just barely emerging from a tough winter.
The track seems well maintained and well used by walkers and ATV’s.
Huge granite boulders wrapped in moss, which stays bright all winter.
Even with some snow still on the ground, new growth is evident.
We meet a few fellow walkers. Most had dogs. This sweet Nova Scotian Duck Toller was happy to pose for her photograph.
Light shines through the trees magically.
Every part of this walk has something special to see.
Took a slight detour to cross the river at this pleasing little bridge.
My guess is that this sign is telling us we can or cannot fish for trout here.
The air was as pure as the water looked.
Underwater colours.
Clear clear water which I plan to swim in much, much later.
This majestic tree was draped with lichen. They called it Old Man’s Beard here.
Fallen trees are mostly left to their own devices. Nature takes its course.
Signs of Spring recovery.
As the walk progressed we dropped down nearer to the river, and then moved further away.
There are plenty of little tracks to follow that take you to the river’s edge.
Time for a drink and a bite to eat.
Then, on we went on this increasingly beautiful track. Leaving no trace of having been there.
So many luscious shade of green.
Green really is my favourite colour.
Last year’s Bracket Fungus.
A mighty great tree leaning right over the river.
We sit and watch the colours.
Over and under the water.
I lie down for a moment and see just green and blue.
It’s intoxicatingly beautiful here.
And here, still covered in ice is last year’s leaf. Hanging on.
A suitable road sign.
Some form of log management here.
I really could have walked all day and into the evening.
Next time I probably will!
Colours of February
Here we are, bang in the middle of winter. People in Nova Scotia have more or less had enough of it now, and want to see signs of spring. Not yet awhile I’m afraid. We are miles behind England. So, I’ve been looking for colour, and I found an abundance. First outing was to Queensland Beach. It was cold. Freezing in fact, but I was after some natural colour. I found it in shedloads!
Bright amber lichen
Washed up collection of matching tones
Tiny pebbles make the background for this arrangement
More red, black green and white
Lichen flourishes on Queensland Beach
Seaweed draped over stones like flowing locks
So many coloured varieties of seaweed
Left over berries and snow
Crystal clear water brightens speckled stones
Blue blue water. Yellow yellow seaweed.
More and more of this yellowness.
Another day I go down to Halifax Seaport Market, looking for its’ colours
The Tangled Garden was there, and did not disappoint
Most flowers aren’t ready, but you can always find roses
So expensive were these yellow blooms that each one was wrapped in its own netting
I call this babies breath. So pretty
Lovely
Sweet tasting colours
Inviting brightness
Little lemon cakes were asking me to surrender to them. I did not.
Felted bags leaping off the shelf
No reason not to go for it with these colours
For those who crave colours. It’s there if you look for it!
Sun, Snow, Ice and Water
I went to a Sun, Snow, Ice and Water show today. There was a spectacular display. Quite a spectacle. The atmosphere was electric. Silence accompanied by rushing water. No one else came. The tickets were free.
Reaching the display was tricky. You have to edge across a snow bridge. Good job I was wearing my brand new icers
Having made it across, the show began. This icy creature has round ‘feet’ where ever it makes contact with the water
The river flowed at quite a pace today. However the jeweled Ice Feet hung on and reflected the light beautifully.
Foam forms and freezes here.
A solitary crystal covered twig stayed and stayed…………
…………gleaming in the light.
What a performance this was!
Then came the Lace-Bubbles. Layer on layer of tiny frozen bubbles.
The branch show was a good one.
Once more the light show came into its own.
Then we had the Glass-Mushrooms
A fine display.
Can’t say I’ve ever seen better Glass-Mushrooms.
Sound effects provided by this rushing river.
You have to remember to keep looking up or you will miss the High-Branch show.
After several encores, I decided it was time to leave. They hadn’t remembered to put the heating on.
Off to the Market
It is always best to go to new places with people who know their way around. Today we were lucky to go to The Halifax Seaport Farmers Market with good friends. We were immediately steered towards the Best Cinnamon Rolls in Halifax, where they were quickly purchased.
Although it was a cold day, the place was buzzing. Beautiful vegetables, mostly roots were plentiful.
I love the way they are packaged in little boxes and nets
Squash is popular here. Especially when made into soups.
These were only about 5″ long
Apples have been cold stored until now. Very crisp and sweet.
I bought carrots and golden beetroot to roast for supper.
There were many displays of beautifully homemade pastries
Flavoured with local produce. There were blueberry and gooseberry turnovers.
Fancy a cream horn?
This German baker had marvellous goodies
Sweet little heart-shaped cakes.
I know a little girl who would enjoy dismantling these little biscuits.
Soft, sweet bagels.
Preserving and bottling is a big tradition here for the hard winters.
One of these pickles is called ‘Bread n’ Butter. Qu’est-ce que c’est cela ?
Beautiful bottles of liqueurs
Q. How do they get the pears in the bottles? A. When the pears are tiny on the trees, they pop them in the bottles where they continue to grow until harvest time.
Then came the knitting
I coveted these socks. Rather, I coveted the ability to make such fine socks.
Traditional Newfoundland Thrummed mittens. So warm.
Too early for tulips, as we have a long time to wait for Spring. However nice to look at.
Then the entertainment. This jolly chap was playing some sort of jig, and made us laugh.
Whereas this young fellow was more serious. As was his lovely playing.
I gather this lady is a regular here, and was pleased to have her picture taken. Lovely face.
And so it was, back home to eat our Best Cinnamon Rolls in Halifax with hot coffee. It’s hell being retired isn’t it?
What Winter Means to Me
Scott Thomas sets assignments to fellow bloggers/photographers. This one is all about winter, and what it means to us. This year, more than any before, winter means a new life.
People warned that the winters in Nova Scotia would be hellish.
England’s winters can be mild. Snowdrops push up soon after Christmas. No chance of anything green in Canada until May.
The cats would surely suffer. How could we uproot them?
But I knew it would be OK. I was ready. Winter is turning out well for me. I happen to like snow.
I like what it does to my garden. I can bundle up and be warm. I can hunker down inside and be cozy after a snowy walk.
It suits me.
The snow and the sea combined excites me.
In short, winter is OK by me. Winter in Nova Scotia is so far so good!
Snowva Scotia
My Christmas month in England is over. On Saturday I returned home to Nova Scotia, and it snowed. To be expected really at this time of year I thought. But people say it doesn’t usually get this cold in January. What! It’s going to get colder! OK, I can do this, I really can. Yesterday I woke up to the brightest, whitest sparkingest day. Childhood memories flooded in.
The air is pure here, so lichen grows on tree branches, making a good place for the snow to settle.
Seed heads survived the snow storms, and have a sprinkling of frost which is hard to capture on camera. Snow scenes present special problems for people like me who are not as versed in their camera’s bells and whistles as they should be.
Frost coated branches are hard to define against a white background. They are so beautiful. They really are.
A tiny vacant bird’s nest has a hat of snow. Hopefully, in the spring it will become occupied again.
Tommy isn’t at all sure about this. Please excuse the rear end shot, but he couldn’t stop for photographs.
Back inside where he has discovered underfloor heating. There are bathroom tiles with mats on them, he believes are specially arranged for his afternoon sleep.
Meanwhile I stay outside for a bit longer, enjoying the transformation of our garden.
So lovely. So Canadian. I love it!
Sunshine at Last!
Finally, and for one day only, the sun came out. It was a bright and vibrant day, so we quickly decided that the only place to go to was the seaside. It had to be West Wittering, on my favourite top 5 beaches in the UK. As we neared the turnoff for the beach road, the traffic stopped, it must be road works or someone broken down, we thought. But no, it was a queue for the beach. Clearly we weren’t the only ones with this idea. The car park was packed!
The whole world and his dog was there. We slid through the mud to the beach.
People were preparing barbecues. Dogs were on parade.
The sea was choppy and glorious
Poppy got straight to work, dealing with pebbles
Lunch was well underway by the time we arrived.
The flooded beach huts provided some good water activities for those unable to face a dip in the sea.
This little dog was taking herself for a sedate walk. Not what dogs usually do at the seaside
The odd tent had been pitched
Poppy and her Daddy had lots of fun
As did the several dozen dogs we saw.
A flying spaniel
Flying children
Dogs on leads
A Gliding Retriever
Perfect kite weather
Not sure if this is a dog or a flying cat
Man on John, Man on!
Where did that Poppy go? There she is!
Some babies were just too young to be allowed free run of the beach
All too soon the sun dropped and it was time to go home
What a perfect day we all had!
Come on Poppy, or we’ll miss the In Night Garden xxxxxx
Our Christmas Day
This time last year, we were excited about our plans to move to Canada. On Christmas day, I asked my daughter what she thought we’d be doing this time next year. She said we’d all be here in England celebrating together with our lovely Poppy, who will by then be 20 months old.
So, that’s what we did.
Poppy found a dolls house all wrapped up and waiting for her on Christmas morning. It was pretty exciting watching her in her jimjams making this discovery.
There was some serious furnishing and occupancy going on inside, which required lying down for rearranging.
Of course it was the process of present opening that was most interesting. I always wanted a saucepan set like this.
Then there were the hats.
Poppy got at least two
Daddy got one
They seemed to cause us to make daft faces,
Silly Mummy!
There was no reason not to wear a bowl on Mummy’s head. She still deserved a kiss.
Her comes another one!
Bouncy Cow was one of the best presents of the day.
Phew, time for a story while inspecting her new bead collection.
I wonder where we’ll all be this time next year!
Wisley Has Gone to Bed
We had a brief outing to Wisley Gardens yesterday. The gardening team have put the plants to bed for the winter. Everything is quiet.
The grasses have drooped over elegantly by the duck pond.
The ducks are snoring
This one was happily dozing on one leg in the water
There was still plenty of colour around. This flower bed was positively glowing
The Mahonia was superb in purple and green
Poppy enjoyed the wavy seat while she drank her juice.
There are whole patches of red stemmed dogwoods
These were not planted, but arranged in a wavy line for Christmas
Although most plants were resting, there was evidence that life was going on behind the scenes. These look like new leaves forming to me.
Some shrubs stay happily green all year round. Good for them!
As we left we passed the lovely old buildings of Wisley. Don’t they look festive and welcoming. Time for home and some tea. Nite nite Wisley, see you next year maybe.
It’s Happy Poppy-Time
Here I am in England again to spend Christmas with my little family. Poppy decided to go to her NCT Group Christmas party as an angel.
Yes, about as sweet as it gets. Other guests included: a snowman who did not want his hat on;
Oh, and here’s Poppy again. Halo included
The King arrived, but was a bit off colour.
He stuck it out though, and made it to cake time
With a change of hat, the King felt heaps better.
What a dear little elf. Contemplating how best to demolish the tree
Here come the girls. Santa and Snow white
These two sweeties go to nursery together, so got the dancing going
Poppy, like the good fairy she is, took care of those who weren’t quite up to the mark.
Time for the group photo. You must be joking! There were some young people who got bored and decided to read up on dinosaurs instead.
Poppy caught up on a few calls.
Not doing it. Not doing it. I want my tea!
Forget all this group shot nonsense. Let’s have fun instead!
Bouncing on cushions fun is best
OK let’s race.
After several rounds of the Hokey Cokey Cokey, we all went home exhausted. Wasn’t long before Poppy went up the stairs to Bedford. Me too!
Exploring Around Blomidon
So, Sybil and I decided to have a last day out before I go to England for Christmas. The forecast was good, but didn’t quite live up to expectations. We weren’t put off, and headed over in the direction of Blomidon. I’d seen it from a distance, and was excited about going. Apparently there are bald-headed eagles in the area. This is a major treat for me, as I have only ever seen two. In Nepal. So, as we are nearing our destination, Sybil stopped the car and told me to look up:
There he was, my first eagle. There was little light for my picture, but there he was!
On we went towards the famous ‘Look Out’ at Blomidon, but on the way found a falling-down church. We just had to explore
Neglected for a long time, what’s left of this lovely old structure hides in the undergrowth.
The roof had all but collapsed, showing it’s skeleton. No idea of its’ age.
What is the history of this old church, why was it abandoned? Who came here?
Further on, we found another wreck. This time it was a small holding
We think this was the privy. The house was gone, but the outbuildings remained. Just.
The wooden weatherboard tiles were worn as thin as paper
Amazing that they stayed in place, given the winters they would have endured.
I was also taken with this old tree trunk. No idea what it is, but the colours were lovely.
On we went, and finally there it was: that view!
Dull as the weather was, we were still treated to wonderful colours
How lovely is this!
And this…….. Oh, and by the way, Trey and Wendy came with us too.
Trey enjoyed the flavour of the local mud. It slipped down nicely as he squelched his ball. Mmmmm!
Wendy, her usual sensible doggie-self, just looked on in disgust.
Then on we went to have a quick explore of Scott’s Cove. And who was there, hanging around waiting for us…..or someone….
Two bald-headed eagles. No chance of getting any nearer, and my camera lens did the best it could. What a sight though. They stayed while we checked out the beach. I felt as if they were watching the four of us. Just in case we might turn in to supper. Not a chance boys. Sorry!
What a perfect day. Thanks Sybil for taking me. Now I must dash. I’m off the England for a month. Expect posts about Poppy my granddaughter. Lots of them! Happy Christmas all my Nova Scotian friends!
Last December!
This Time Last Year Part 2
Last December!
To celebrate the rapid approach of this blog’s 20,000th visitor…
Ingeniously, this should be in random order, so different each time you visit or refresh the page!
More posts from this time last year: December 2011
Roundup of Recent Posts
Roundup of Recent Posts
- Marathon
- London Part I
- Woodens River Walk
- Weekly Photo Challenge: Lunchtime
- Colours of February
- The Bay of Fundy Off Season
- Sun, Snow, Ice and Water
- Off to the Market
- What Winter Means to Me
- Communing with the Elements
- My New Life
- Snowva Scotia
Gallery of Recent Images
Round the Block
We have always had a ’round the block’ walk that takes about an hour. One of those well known tracks that is good all year round. I had one in the UK I blogged about which I must have walked a hundred times. Now I am living in Nova Scotia and needed to find a new one. Well, here it is!
The path is picked up beside our house. In fact, it’s a Wilderness Trail, not far from The Bluff Trail. At this time of year we wear fluorescent jerkins so we can be seen and not shot by hunters.
Today I walked with my good friend Pat and her two little doggies, Finnegan and Murphy. This is Murphy savouring a delicious Wilderness Stick.
About 15 minutes along the trail, if I look back I can see our house through the trees. The line of washing isn’t on view. Shame!
When trees die, they are left alone. These woods aren’t managed as I’m used to seeing in the UK. Nature is allowed to take her course.
Soon we reach a high point where we get our first view of Five Island Lake. The dogs make a run for it. Swimming is on their minds
The lake is as still as glass today. So beautiful.
In go the dogs. First Murphy…….
…then little Finnegan. He’s such a sweetie!
Now we start the loop back, through magical woods
Stepping over tiny streams. So much colour still even though we are almost at the end of November.
Someone has kindly brought little bridges for us to cross some of the brooks. Here the moss is the brightest green.
Now we are back to the river we crossed at the beginning. The river I can hear when I’m lying in bed at night.
Dead trees are left alone if they fall into the river. This way, boulders and tree trunks create waterfalls and islands.
My two little doggie-friends are in seventh heaven with all this water around.
All too soon we are back to where we started, and have been ‘around the block’.
Thanks for coming!
So Lucky
I’m so lucky to live where I do. I’m lucky because….
I have friends who call me first thing on a frosty morning, and invite me for a canoe ride
The lake is calm, making perfect reflections
The frost clings to shady spots, and waits until my camera and I get there…
The sky is gradually clearing
There is still so much colour to enjoy
Hard to imagine this morning, but when the lake freezes over, we will be able to walk/ski across………that will be a first for me
Could there be a better way to start the day?
Arriving back, I am given warm ‘biscuits’ (scones to us), home-made jams and delicious coffee.
That’s how lucky I am! Lucky to live in this lovely neighbourhood in Nova Scotia. I knew it was the right decision!
A Hike on The Bluff Trail
There is a lovely trail so near to where I live, that I really needed to go and try it out. The Bluff Wilderness Trail consists of four loops. As luck would have it, on the day we (that’s Sybil, Dallas, dogs and I) decided to go, there was an organised walk of all the loops, with the writer Michael Haynes joining us. He has written many books on trekking in Nova Scotia, as well as many other parts of Canada. So, for people who are keen on walking, he’s our man!
Sybil and I decided to tackle one loop, and Dallas (who is considerably younger than us!) strode off at a pace to cover a bit of distance.
There he is; the grande fromage of walking round here. And a very nice chap.
You begin on boardwalks, which are very pleasing to walk on. This should be easy we thought…..
In fact, the boardwalk runs out quickly and the remainder of the walk is stoney, and covered in roots, moss and the odd boulder. We knew this was good for our post-menopausal bones…..it was lovely.
The path is beautifully maintained through ancient woodland, much of which is coated in the brightest green moss.
You can almost imagine that Trey was jumping for joy…he wasn’t. He was jumping for a disgusting slimy rag he brought with him.
A highlight for me was the colour of the Tamarack Larch trees. They are the last to change colour, and finally drop its leaves.
It’s as if it holds on until the show is almost over, and then gives us a final and spectacular glow of colour.
This was definitely the place to go to see it.
There’s Sybil. Never happier than out on a walk with friends and dogs.
The sky became interesting at times. Threatening perhaps but lovely.
At this time of year we are also treated to some wonderful fungus and lichen
This mushroom looked a bit like an ear I thought.
We saw some spectacular examples of tree survival. Just look at these roots!
What an enchanting wood to explore. But, we did need to stay on the track, this was after all a wilderness trail. (My first one!)
The dogs were in their element.
Sherpa Dog Wendy made sure Sybil didn’t wonder off too far…
As we came to the end of our loop, the temperature dropped…
As did Trey. One stick too many tires out even the craziest of dogs!
A lovely day, followed by a hot bath, tea and cake. Beat that!
Canoe Trip
Where I live in Hubley, Nova Scotia, there are people who live on the lake, and people who do not. I am on the non-lake side of the street, but I have friends who and are generous in sharing their sections of water with me. This morning was sparkling and still. I get a call from one such friend who invited me on a canoe ride on Frederick Lake, which is on her doorstep. Literally. I was in for a serious treat.
At first the water was mirror-still, creating perfect reflections.
The brilliant red bushes along the shore are huckleberries.
I was born in Nova Scotia, but have never been in a canoe before until today. I loved the way we glided through the glassy water with just the sound of my lovely friend working her paddle.
Frederick Lake is dotted with tiny islands, many of which have magnificent granite boulders
Just look at these chaps. This place must be a geologist’s dream.
I cannot believe that I have landed here. What better place to spend the rest of a life!
Thank you dear friend for your generosity in sharing such a place on a morning like this.
Experimental Gallery!
Experimental Slideshow!
Another Day Out
Since moving to Nova Scotia I have been lucky to easily made new friends. The people are so gracious. I don’t feel I have had to earn friendship and openness, that’s the starting point for these good people. So, my lovely new friend Pat took me to Wolfville. It was a sparkling day. The colours were breathtaking.
We drove towards Annapolis Valley, which at this time of year is laden with apples. We passed orchards ready for harvesting. Some trees were almost glowing with red fruits. However, we did not stop for them. There was something else we were after.
Wool! Pat introduced me to Gaspereau Valley Fibres. A seriously wonderful farm wool shop.
Everything about this place was pleasing. In addition to the wide range of wools, the design of this great barn of a place was thought through to appeal to all levels of knitters. If you don’t knit, and find this place, it’s probably enough to get you started!
In addition to skein after skein of yarn, there were tempting arrangements of ‘notions’..
I of course made some modest purchases……and watched my wool being turned from skein to ball in seconds by the lovely manager
It was time to move on. We decided that lunch in Wolfville was the next stop. Our choice of where to eat was a good one. Tempest Restaurant was just right. Go there please. Order the Smoked haddock Chowder. You will be glad.
A walk along the Acadian Dykes instead of desert.
The light and the sky were beautiful. Not a breath of wind today. Unusual for Nova Scotia
Time to go. Another treat in store on the way home.
The Tangled Garden is owned by Beverly McClare, who started out growing a small herb garden. From this she has created a range of delicious jellies, jams and other herb based treats. Anxious for us to experience her creations, we were given tastes of her products. I came away with jars of Radiant Raspberry Jam and Verbena Blueberry Jam.
These are not your everyday conserves,
These are seriously special.
The question is, do I eat them or frame them?
The visit is continued with a tour of Beverly’s garden.
This is where she grows her herbs, flowers, trees and shrubs. All in together. As they should be.
It was like walking round a gallery, only you could smell the works of art.
It was time to head home. But not before I show you this tree of a sunflower! Thank you Pat for a lovely adventure. Now we have decided to start a knitting group!
Three Bloggers, One Island
The plan was to spend the day on McNabs Island We would go over on boats and meet there, a bit like the D Day Landings. Well, not quite, it was just a day out looking at the colours. Sybil and Dallas floated over from Eastern Passage, I was on the Halifax boat. It wasn’t supposed to rain, although it was forecast to do so. Too late to call a rain check, we went ahead anyway. We are tough like that.
This was an organised expedition. We could choose which expert to follow. Sybil and I followed Nature-Man, Dallas took Cholera-Lady.
It was most interesting, observing the wild flora and fauna. However it was also most cold, so Sybil and I peeled off for our own adventure.
Our plan: a short hike across the beach to Maugers Beach Lighthouse. However, this little stretch of water before us prevented an easy hike. Instead, we took the long route.
So, after a quick pit-stop, we were trekking!
Before very long, we come to a boat burial ground. Nothing in the guide books about this. What was its story? We wondered.
What a beautiful place this is. It felt like we had it to ourselves. The nature people were by now dots in the distance
Plenty of tasty crabs for these birds. They chuck them on the rocks to break them up, and dig in.
After some serious mountaineering (without ropes) we found the Strawberry Battery, long abandoned. They used to be the home of four search lights. Now they are a magnificent series of rusting remains.
We rummaged through these old monsters, and I still am wondering how they were called Strawberry Batteries?
Rust can be a beautiful thing if you look long enough.
A quick lunch and then off to that lighthouse. We had to be back by 3.30
It was tempting to beach comb. Sybil tried to hold back, but this set of tree antlers was too much for her
Finally, after falling along a rocky beach, Sybil made it to her goal. I did not. Just one slippery boulder too many for me. Sybil’s older than me, so she’s better at these things…
We have to return. So much to see. We only saw a tiny bit of this lovely uninhabited island.
Back to the boats just in time. That’s my story, now head over to Sybil and Dallas’ blogs to hear their versions.
Discoveries Down in the Woods
Sybil and I met in Bayers Lake Shopping Centre. Funny I thought, not like Sybil to shop! She brought Wendy the Sherpa-Dog and walking gear. Off we went down a dead-end street, where construction was banging away at the rocks. Then we dipped down a path which took us up and up to woods, and the big secret. The Bayers Lake Mystery Wall.
The first thing to note is that this area is considered to be a ‘Special Place’, so no construction here please.
And there it was. A dry stone wall high up in the woods. No one knows its origins and purpose. How come?
It reminded me a bit of Hadrian’s Wall, although on a much, much smaller scale. It was clear that not many people explore this area. Luckily Sherpa-Dog made sure we didn’t get lost.
To me, it had the look of a fortress, but what do I know? We walked along the side for as far as we could. The day was glorious and autumnal
These colours were here……..
…….and the shopping mall was within throwing distance.
Then we headed back to Hubley and settled another mystery.
I hear the sound of rushing water from my house. Where is it coming from?
So, Sybil, SD and I found the path beside my house, which led us to this:
and this
A rushing river. Full up from recent rain. The colours were heavenly
I could have sat on this tree for the rest of my life! Now I know what I am hearing from my bedroom window
The water was wonderfully clear
The boulders created fantastic waterfalls
As we made our way back, I thought……
I think I just died and went to heaven!
Something in the Air
There’s a change in the air. It’s an autumnal change. The sky was exceptional last night.
The loon flew overhead making just the right sounds for this display.
This morning the air was so clear with that lovely chill that causes leaves to change colour.
There was a terrific wind that causes leaves to fall. And my washing to dance.
I decided to walk round the block, and there were the signs of autumn. We also have lichen growing freely. A sign of pure air. The Canadians call this type Old Man’s Beard
The ferns are orange now
Some leaves are giving me a preview of what is coming. I am excited about my first Fall in Canada
The light caught this little pine tree beautifully
These chairs are called Adirondack, and are very typical of Nova Scotia. I love them. I covet them.
These lovelies are as good alive as they are dead.
Arriving home I see Tommy approaching
I think he’s forgiven me for putting him on a plane all the way from England.
I think he likes it here as much as I do.
