Day 230 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: The Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is hard on brakes, suspension and gas!

Not many fishermen fish on Sunday, but there were a few boats out in the waters this morning.

Donald MacIassic

Can you believe that I stopped at the MacIassic’s place just to take a photo of the barn, and ended up having Lobster bunch?

Good thing I dressed up for Sunday brunch!

Donald and his beloved “Shylow”.

Putting Shylow in the stable.

Faces Of The Day

Blessing of the Boats in Dingwall

Once the boats have been blessed, they parade out of the harbour and circle around and come back to the wharf.

A young boy looks out at the deep, dark sea.

The Rusty Anchor Restaurant

A young girl follows her father up the driveway.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Mya catches a nap after doing the dishes.

Day 229 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: The Cabot Trail

McPherson’s Cemetery

A man in his yard with his barking dog near Bay St. Lawrence.

Young Evan

Faces of the day, Cabot Landing

An early morning talk on the beach at Cabot Landing.

Breakfast in their home away from home.

Wharf at the Bay St. Lawrence

Steaming into port with the first day’s catch of Lobster…today would normally be the season’s biggest catch, however many fishermen were less than impressed with their haul.

Allan re-hook’s his fishing line with brand new hooks.

Hines the Fisherman

A father and son take in the sights and sounds down at the Bay St. Lawrence.

Sorting the Day’s Catch

Heading home after a day of fishing on the Bay St. Lawrence.

This young boy was out helping his father fish.

Two Thumbs up!

Joe “Buck” has been collecting moose and deer antlers for over 23 years.

Meat Cove is at the northern most tip of Nova Scotia.

Meat Cove

A room with a view!

Day 168 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Annapolis Royal is located in the western part of Annapolis County. Known as Port-Royal to France until being renamed in 1710 by Britain, the town is located in an area that claims to have the second oldest continuous European settlement in North America. The community is situated at the western end of the fertile Annapolis Valley, nestled between the North and South mountains which define the valley. The Bay of Fundy is just over the North Mountain, 10 kilometers out of town, and the Annapolis Basin forms the waterfront for this historic town. Directly opposite Annapolis Royal on the northern bank of the river is the community of Granville Ferry. 

Buffleheads break through the still waters of the Annapolis River. 

Golden Morning Light in the Annapolis Basin

The town of Granville Ferry sits nestled in the hills across from Annapolis Royal. 

Nova Scotia Scenic Moment

The Ryan Royale 

The crew of the Ryan Royale fixes their gear and gets ready to head out for some more scallops. 

Lighthouse in Annapolis Royal

A local enjoys a stroll by the water on the wooden walkway in Annapolis Royal. 

Downtown Annapolis Royal is home to many small businesses and brightly-colored historical buildings. 

Fort Anne National Historic Site of Canada is Canada’s oldest. It is a present-day reminder of a time when conflict between Europe’s empire builders was acted out on the shores of the Annapolis River. It offers a sweeping view of the beautiful Annapolis Basin from the centre of Annapolis Royal. 

The Fort Anne Museum exhibits highlight the history of the fort.

Fort Anne

As the focal point for French and British settlement and as the seat of government of Acadia and then Nova Scotia, Fort Anne National Historic Site played an important role in Canadian history. The site was the scene of numerous battles as France and England fought for control of North America in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Both imperial powers considered the conquest of this fortified site as the key to domination of the part of eastern Canada known by the French as “Acadie” and by the British as “Nova Scotia.” The site has been fortified since 1629 when the Scots who came to colonize “Nova Scotia” (New Scotland) built Charles Fort. After the colony reverted to France in the 1630s, French colonists replaced the Scots. Their leader, Charles de Menou d’Aulnay, built the first of four French forts, possibly incorporating parts of the Scots’ fort. Two make-shift forts succeeded d’Aulnay‘s fort. Then, in 1702, the French began construction of the Vauban earthwork that still stands to-day.

These hills are an example of Vauban fortifications.

Historic Fortification in Saint Anne

Once a sight of conflict, strife and war, children now run free on the battlefields. 

Dean and Tyler play frisbee on a brisk day in Annapolis Royal. 

Mirror Moment

These gentlemen acquired some vintage horse tackle to use as decorations from the auction in Lawrencetown. 

Dale and Ervin

Kathy runs the A.J. Meats and Grocery store in Lawrencetown. Not only does she sell delicious homemade pork sausages, but she also makes a mean banana bread.

This mural in Windsor sums up the flavor of the area. In 1878, Windsor was officially incorporated as a town. Its harbour made the town a centre for shipping and shipbuilding during the age of sail. As the port of registry for the massive wooden shipbuilding industry of the Minas Basin, Windsor was the homeport of one of the largest fleet of sailing ships in Canada.

Built in June 1750 by Major Charles Lawrence, Fort Edward protected the route from the new capital, Halifax, to the Annapolis Valley.  It was garrisoned by the British army until the 1820s. The blockhouse at Fort Edward is the oldest blockhouse in Canada, and one of the oldest buildings in Nova Scotia. It is a National Historic site of Canada. 

Fort Edward

Day 166 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: Ferry Ride From Saint John, New Brunswick to Digby, Nova Scotia Aboard the Princess Of Acadia

This way to the Ferry…

The Princess of Acadia has a Starbucks in the Rising Tide Cafe, a Little Mates Quarters for kids, the Fundy Grill restaurant if you’re hungry and the Sea Breeze lounge if you’re thirsty. You can watch a movie onboard, play in the arcade, or try your luck on the VLTs. You can even hook up your own laptop to the internet, or surf free-of-charge on the Ferry’s computers. It’s a pretty cushy three-hour trip, but it can be a bit rocky, so you may want to bring some Gravol if you get nauseous.

The Princess of Acadia leaves the Saint John Harbour at 9:00 a.m., bound for Digby.

The van is loaded, and we are ready to go!

Phyllis passes the time with a crossword puzzle.

2nd Officer Kevin Arsenault

Steward (1) Brian Cousins

QM (1) Carven Chamberlain

Captain Oral Hamilton

The captain watches the ferry pull up along the 60 foot high pier. The tide at the Bay of Fundy can rise as much as 30 feet.

Two Longshoremen wait for the ferry to dock.

Flags are stored on the bridge, and each flag has a meaning.

Tying up the ferry.

Departing the ferry from the vehicle deck.

Canadian Flag on a Fish Farm, Digby, Nova Scotia.

Day 164 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: Saint Patrick’s Day in The Historic Town of Saint John, New Brunswick

A huge SAINT JOHN sign hovers over the city reminding everyone of how unique and special Saint John is.

Saint John Harbour  

Downtown Saint John

Market Square

An aging mural depicting Saint John is worn and weathered, much like the 100’s of historical warehouses and residental buildings in the downtown core. Many of which date back 200 years. Saint John is saturated in history, character and characters.

The Saint John Harbour boardwalk was busy with pedestrian traffic with temperatures of plus 6!.

Fort Howe sits atop a hill just North of the downtown core.  

Cairn by Fort Howe

Details of artwork in Market Square park.

Francoise-Marie Jacquelin and Sieur Charles de Menou d’Aulnay are two French historical figures that play a key role in Saint John’s history. They are carved in wood and stand down by the waterfront beside Market Square.  

Market Square Interior / The Marco Polo was built in Saint John.

Coast Guard Lighthouse by the Water’s Edge

Scallop fishing boat returning to Saint John harbour.

Some of the only houses to survive the 1877 fire which gutted most of downtown Saint John.

North Side Neighborhood

Shopping Centre

Scultures and historical monuments are throughout Kings Square, which takes up an entire city block in downtown Saint John.

Outside of the City Market

 The original Saint John City Market (named Country Market and held in the open air) was located at the foot of King Street at Market Square. It is open year-round Monday through Saturday. 

Vendors at the City Market in the heart of Saint John.

Helena sells her paintings at the City Market. 

Cinemas, like the Drive In’s, are becoming fewer and fewer with the population renting movies and using the internet.

The Kings Square Cinema is across the street from Kings Square Park.

Flags of the Day

Is it Ground Hog day today or is it St. Patrick’s day?

We spotted this furry friend on a visit to Fort Howe Park in Saint John, which is situated on a hill top overlooking downtown.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Saint John!!! This musican was on the way to play the Irish drum at a St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

A group of 20 Saint John businessmen showed up in a Hummer limo to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a local pub.

Even the butcher at the Market Square got in on the St. Patties fever.

Friends meet at O’Leary’s for some St. Paddy’s Day fun.

Waitin’ For Some Friends

Working on St. Patrick’s Day

Cheers! Welcome to Saint John! 

A worthwhile message to heed at any time of the year! 

Day 162 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: The Historic Town of Saint John, New Brunswick

Has spring sprung in Saint John, New Brunswick?

Saint John has a wealth of historical and heritage residences throughout the city. On every corner of Saint John stands an architectural marvel in need of attention, restoration and protection from the elements.

There are a few addresses that include a 1/2…not sure exactly what this means?

Donald

Postal Worker in Saint John

When I asked Mark if he used gel or mousse for his hair, he stated: “I use school glue.” 

It takes a whole lot of people to run a city. On the left is Craig, he has been a crosswalk attendant for seven years.

The McKee For Keys shop has been in business for 75 years. 

Business is still good, even with the recession. 

Lori is the queen of multi-tasking. She runs the counter, cash register and cooks! 

Burt and Kelly were a couple of friendly faces at the snack bar.

Doorway of the Chipman Hill Suites, circa 1860.

Happy Family on the Streets of Saint John

“Since established in 1855, the business of W.H. Hayward and his brother-in-law O.H. Warwick has grown and prospered. Located initially on Prince William Street near to the noble post office one can see from the picture on the left the name “W.H. Hayward”. The company relocated from Prince William after the great fire of ’77 to new spacious premises on Princess Street. Today, the owners, fifth generation of the Hayward family obtain the finest of English and imported China gifts and tableware in the tradition of the founder.“ 

Hayward and Warwick on Princess Street

David Hayward is keeping the family business alive. Hayward and Warwick has been a pillar in Saint John for over a hundred years. 

Mother and daughter shopping at Hayward and Warwick. 

Hayward and Warwick has a China Museum Beside Their Store

Saint John Local

Resident of Saint John

Statues in King’s Park

Proud Canadian, or in need of curtains?

Wiring Nightmare

Oil Tankers on the Bay of Fundy

Day 161 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: The City of Fredericton, New Brunswick’s Capital

Fredericton Geometrics

Leaving to walk the dog from her Fredericton home.

Working at the Coffee and Friends Cafe

Air Canada pilots and crew checking into the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Fredericton.

Randy unloads a back hoe in downtown Fredericton. Monday morning he will start digging up the frost out of the ground.

Fredericton City Hall

Bishop John Medley arrived in Fredericton on June 19, 1845. 40 year-old Medley immediately set about planning for construction of a magnificent new cathedral. The Cathedral was modeled after St. Mary’s, in Snettisham, Norfolk. Today, the two cathedrals bear remarkable similarities to each other. The architectural style, imitating from another building, is known as “Revived Gothic”. The cornerstone for the new building was laid on October 15, 1845 by Lieutenant Governor Sir William Colebrooke.

The service of consecration marking the official opening of the Cathedral would not take place until August 11, 1853, almost eight years later. The tower of the Cathedral was the last major part to be constructed. The original plans called for a twin tower design, but soaring construction costs led to the choice of a single tower. The original design was published in the Illustrated London News in 1849. On July 3, 1911, lightning struck the Cathedral and the resulting fire gutted the spire and destroyed the choir when the bells melted and fell to earth. It took over a year and $100,000 to rebuild the Cathedral. On August 12, 1912, Bishop Richardson led a rededication service for the restored building. The newly constructed spire rose to 198 feet. In 1983, the Cathedral was declared a National Historic Site by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. The year 2003 marks the 150th anniversary of the Cathedral completion in 1853.

Christ Church in Fredericton

Lighthouse on St John river

At first sight, you might think this clump of grass high up in the tree is last year’s bird nest. On closer examination, you’ll notice the grass is stacked from one direction- from left to right. This was caused by last year’s flooding of Fredericton and the grass marks the high water point. There is already talk in Fredericton of flooding this year, with just 14 cm’s less snow than last year. In one month’s time the story will unfold with the spring melt.

Red Clock in Walkway in Fredericton

An amazing century-old rock building houses the York-Sunbury Museum in downtown Fredericton.

People Enjoying a Saturday Skate in Fredericton

We were surprised to see a Swedish flag flying up top of a building in Fredericton. I stopped and asked some folks, who had lived there their entire lives, but they didn’t know.

So we strolled over to read the business list on the outside of the front doors. As it turns out, it is one of the 11 Swedish Consulates in Canada.

Security from the Legislative Assembly Building

This surprisingly impressive museum overlooks the waterfront and is home to an extensive collection of British paintings, including works by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Constable, and Turner. Antiques buffs gravitate to the rooms with period furnishings and early decorative arts. Most visitors find themselves drawn to Salvador Dalí’s massive Santiago El Grande, and studies for an ill-fated portrait of Winston Churchill. Stop by to find out what’s currently on display.

Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Fredericton Legion – New Brunswick flag flying at half mast for a fallen soldier in Afganistan.

Friday night dart night has been going on for 20 years at the Marysville Legion.

Steady and Focused.

Winning Second Place!