East Coast Trip 2015: North Sydney, Nova Scotia - July 24

North Sydney, Nova Scotia - July 24 - 27, 2015

July 24, 2015

We had a rather smooth sailing, as the winds weren’t too bad. There was a little bit of chop from time to time and had to watch our step some.

After showering, we went to get a bite to eat before the boat docked. That was supposed to happen at 9:30 a.m Newfoundland time, which after the ½ hour time change, ended up actually being 9:00 a.m. Bev was particularly anxious to see “the boys”. As it turned out they made it through quite well, except for the fact that they didn’t eat and signs of having thrown up during the night. We don’t know if the motion bothered them, or if they just “missed” us.

We got off the ferry quickly, and were at the park by about 10:00. We all have pull thru spots which makes it nice. However, still no TV, no WIFI at the site, but we do have cell service.

We had the day to get settled in, then we drove around the area and found a grocery store. There is a “Hobo Stew” dinner tonight. This is where we all bring a can or two of something to add to the pot. We wanted to get some diced tomatoes and black beans to add.

After we got back to the RV Park, Bev found out that there is Wifi Service in the Office and Information Center, so she spent a few hours catching up on email, and updating the blog. Poor Stan still didn’t have TV, but got the TV to work for the DVD’s that we bought, so he watched “Dumb & Dumber”

At 5:30 p.m. we needed to bring our contribution for the dinner, so that it could be added to the pot. Then we returned at 6:00 p.m. for the dinner. It is amazing what a wonderful soup it ends up being. Yum. After dinner, we were pleasantly surprised that Mike, one of the members of the group, plays the guitar and sings. He was great and we all had such a good time.

July 25, 2015

The day started at 9:00 a.m. with a bus tour to the Fortress of Louisburg, where we had a guided tour. The fortress was an 18^th century French fortress. Unlike a fort, a fortress was a civilian community as well as military. There were people in costume of the era. There were men in wigs, women in hoop skirts. They also had demonstrations for the children that came to the fort, letting them wear hats, and march around – real hands on learning.

It was a huge place that had many levels of housing. The military men lived in a barracks that had three people to a bed. One would be on guard duty while the other two slept. They did not have a very good life – rations were scarce and pay was low.

In contrast there were some large houses and apartments for the higher level families. You could tell which level you were viewing, not only by the size of the rooms, but by the size of the gardens. The wealthy didn’t have to worry about planting big gardens, because they had plenty provided for them.

We were able to see a demonstration of the fife and drums, muskets, and cannons. We also got to see the “iron collar” in the street, where people that were punished had to be chained for a period of time.

People “actors” in costume where in the various buildings such as the artillery forge and bakery, telling about the working and living conditions during the time the fortress was open. To Bev’s delight there were animals – goats, sheep, turkeys, chickens, geese & birds in nests under the eaves.

There was also a lace maker - they are able to make about 1 inch of lace an hour.

Lunch was served in the Hotel de la Marine. It was served family style and very tasty.

Once we got back on the bus, we traveled to yet another lighthouse – Louisbourg Lighthouse. Stan was beside himself with excitement. NOT If he never sees another lighthouse or garden, he won’t be too disappointed.

Lace Making Demonstration

Turkeys at the Fortress

One of the two goats

Cannon Demonstration

Bird nests under the eaves

July 26, 2015

Another day on the bus – we left the park at 8:00 a.m. returning at 6:30 p.m.

We had a guided tour along the Cabot Trail – a 185 mile trip. There were a lot of beautiful views of both the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the west side and the Atlantic Ocean on the east side. We went through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It was nice to be chauffeured, since the roads were narrow. The bus driver did an amazing job.

Stan was particularly excited about visiting Flora’s Gift Shop in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, were the first thing in the door was a demonstration of how to hook rugs. Of course, Bev was fascinated. She did resist buying a kit to make a hook rug sampler.

We had lunch at a restaurant in Pleasant Bay. There were many motorcycles on the road. There were men and women of all ages. The weather was nicer than it has been, so wasn’t too bad.

Continuing on our travels, we went to the Les Trois Pignon Museum. It was a collection of items that were all collected by one woman, who never married, and donated them to the historical society before going into a nursing home. They also had demonstrations on hooked rugs – this time Bev didn’t resist, she decided to try making a sampler – a lighthouse – what else?

There were rugs on display that were amazing – especially considering the amount of time it takes to make just one square inch. There were portraits of US Presidents, Canadian Dignitaries, and religious pieces.

We took a tour of St. Peter’s Church in Cheticamp, Nova Scotia. For the small community, this is an amazing church. It even has a tomb of the original priest buried in the lower portion of the church.

We got to stop at another lighthouse. The bonus at this stop is that they had an ice cream shop in the lighthouse. As though lunch with dessert wasn’t enough, we all had ice cream.

The last stop of the day was at the Keltic Lodge. This is a hotel, golf course, gift shop – it also had restrooms, which is great since we had a bit of a drive back to the RV Park.