Day 208 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: The Look Off, Delhaven, The Bay Of Fundy, Kentville, Nova Scotia

Kentville and Area

 

Chickens greet the new day at “The Look Off”.

 

The sun raises over farm land near Canning, Nova Scotia, this is the view from “The Look Off”, a 850 foot perch that is possibly the best overall view of what the Annapolis Valley is all about. Fertile farm lands used for a variety of uses, from apples to wineries and everything in between.

A quaint rural landscape complete with horses, not normally found in Nova Scotia.

Row upon row of apple trees add geometeric lines to the landscape throughout the Annapolis Valley.

A school bus navigates along a country road, taking rural children to Canning, the nearest community big enough to have a grade school.

A red barn on red, red soil near Canning.

The Bay Of Fundy, With the Tide Receding

Carl is a Orchard Technician in the Delhaven/Canning area.

40 years apple trees once stood here, now only stumps mark where trees once produced a bounty of apples. The Nova Scotia apple industry is changing from traditions apples like Macintosh, to newer more popular apples, driven by a USA market.

A blood red sandy beach with unlimited possibilities for exploring with not a soul around, how Canadian, miles of space! I love it. We Canadians love it and it shapes us and our minds. If you look closely there’s two people walking on the beach.

With the Bay of Fundy tide dropping 27 feet these fishing boats sit on a sandy bottom, waiting for the tide to come.

Ribs from a whale create an archway on a rural property near Canning.

Lois Newcomb, has been a fixture in Canning since 1938. Lois has runs and owns a china shop in Canning since 1964. Lois was recently awarded with the “Honorary Member Of The Historical Society award” in Canning.

“I think Canada is a pretty good place, with each province having something different to offer.”

Lois recalls the olden days of ship building in Canning.

Wanye spends the day weeding a one acre plot at the “Day Lily Garden” which Wanye and his partner own near Canning, Nova Scotia. Wanye and Wanye sell Day Lily seeds around the globe.

Reporting From The Canadian Landscape

I didn’t have the heart to wake Mya and move her off my camera, so instead I photographed her, hoping the bright flash going off in her eyes would wake her and then I’d move my camera. Notice the dirt on her nose.. well both my dogs are mouser’s and will spend many hours digging up fields or forest in pursuit of mice. Its now tick season and each day I’ll pull off six ticks off each dog.

Flag Of The Day

The Cornwallis Inn is a centre piece in Kentville.

Day 207 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: Annapolis Royal, Granville Ferry, Halls Harbour, Nova Scotia

Annapolis Valley

Enjoying the Afternoon Sun In Granville Ferry

Doing Some Gardening In The Backyard

Annapolis Royal’s oldest resident

Annapolis Royal Barber Shop

I photographed “Paul The Barber” back in 1998 (left photo), and I stopped by Paul’s shop 11 years later to do a follow up photo today. Neither Paul, nor the shop had changed much in appearance. Judge for yourself.

Hand Made Shoes, In Granville Ferry.

Janel Warmington and John Gray work away on custom-made boots that will be used in a Seattle Opera. Boots made by the Hand Made Shoes have been sent around the globe, with Broadway plays being one of the biggest purchaser of their boots and shoes.

Fred Longtin cuts a pattern for a pair of boots, to be worn for an opera performed by the Seattle Opera company.

Stitching a Pair of Boots

Halls Harbour Beach

Photographing The Sunset At Halls Harbour

A Small Creek Runs Into The Bay Of Fundy

Playing Music On The Beach Halls Harbour

Cory from Halls Harbour

Johnson and Cindy

Crowd At Halls Harbour

Boats At Halls Harbour

Light Beacon on Halls Harbour

Tubs Of Fishing Bait

Reporting From The Canadian Landscape

People checking out the pictures on the van… each and everyday wherever we are, people stop and check out the mini exhibition on the van. This was probably the largest crowd I’ve seen at one time though.

Day 185 – Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

This Is Lunenburg

Lunenburg was founded in 1753 and was named in honour of the King of Great Britain and Ireland, (George August of Hanover) who was also the ruler of Brunswick-Lunenburg. During the French and Indian War, several small forts which ringed the town were garrisoned by British regulars as well as by provincial troops from Massachusetts. These forts were erected to protect the town from raids by French warships and from attacks by the local Indians. During the initial settlement of the community there was a short-lived rebellion called the Hoffman Insurrection.

At one time an important seaport and shipbuilding centre, the town is now home to numerous small businesses, high-tech industries including Composites Atlantic and HB Studios, and trade plants including High Liner Foods, which was at one point the largest fish plant in Canada. This plant now handles little more than manufacturing and most fishing is done offshore.

Lunenburg is the birthplace of the world famous schooner Bluenose and her daughter Bluenose II which remains an important tourist attraction in the town, her home port. Tourism is now Lunenburg’s most important industry and many thousands visit the town each year. A number of restaurants, inns, hotels and shops exist to service the tourist trade including the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.

The original inhabitants of Lunenburg (mostly Germans from the southern Rhineland, Swiss and French Protestants from Montbeliard) came during the same wave of immigration that produced the Pennsylvania Dutch. They were “Foreign Protestants” encouraged by the British to settle in the area. Many of the original families (such as the Zwickers, the Tanners and the Smiths) and their descendants still inhabit and influence the development of the town today.

I opened the door of this rustic building along the shore of Lunenburg Harbour to discover this timeless Dory sailboat workshop, wow!!!!

The fishing vessel Chockle Cap is owned and operated by Adams & Knickle Limited of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.  She is one of the company’s scallop draggers and has been plying the waters of George’s Bank and Southwest Nova Scotia for 22 years.

Lunenburg Shipyard and Adams & Knickle have been doing business for a century.  The shipyard acts as a partner in the scallop business by drydocking and maintaining their vessels on an annual basis.

The Chockle Cap is one of the last wooden fishing vessels on the East Coast of Canada and therefore requires special skills to keep her properly maintained.  Lunenburg Shipyard is proud of the partnership with local companies to keep vessels like the Chockle Cap fishing for many years to come.

This is the boat shed in which the Bluenose two was built in. The pride and joy of Lunenburg.

Dave show off a brass propeller, one of the many quality items they cast down at the Lunenburg Foundry and Engineering Ltd.

“NorseBoat” Boat builder and Designer Kevin Jeffrey

Keith, owner of the Eastern Star, is restoring this classic, 48 foot Danish wooden sailboat. Keith hopes to have the Eastern Star back in the water in May of this year, just in time for the tourism season in Lunenburg.

60 years of wood and repairs are exposed underneath the 2 inch thick planks.

Repairing a sailboat is back and neck-breaking work!

A small Dory sailboat sits on the shore of Lunenburg Harbour.

Derrik left the Lunenburg Harbour at 4am to go fishing for Lobster, and I met up with him 12 hours later with his catch. A single plastic fish tub, “not even worth going out for that many Lobster!” More and more these days it seems fishing is more of a hobby then a business. Lunenburg once had a 100 fishing boats in its harbour, now there are under 10 boats.

Full moon over Lunenburg

Paul Stephens takes a final look at his make up before heading out onto stage to do a KISS tribute at the Knot Pub. The Halifax boys put on a great show to an eager full house in Lunenburg.

KISS Tribute!!

Darren and Debbie and enjoy a night out with friends at the Knot Pub.

Boy meet girl, boy likes girl at the Knot Pub in Lunenburg.

Reporting From The Canadian Landscape

Coming from Alberta, where the largest boat you might see is 40 feet long on Sylvan Lake, it was quite a thrill to see these giant wooden fishing boats towering 40 feet in the air, wow!

Day 183 – Chester, Nova Scotia

George has played a major role over the years at the Chester Legion.

Remembering The Days Gone By

Bridge Match Down At The Chester Legion

Lisa works one day a week at the Chester Legion.

Joseph has lived in Chester on Walker Road for 48 years. “My wife and I built this house 49 years ago, its been a good home to us.”

Lawrence Sawler named his grocery store “Glyda’s ” after his wife 28 years ago. Lawrence tells me times are hard for the grocery store business. With the sky-high expenses, Lawrence isn’t too sure how much longer he’ll be in business.

Glen is a woodsman in the Chester area.

Alec holds his bunny “Max” tight, on a walk on the trail system in Chester. Alec has had his bunny for four years now, but this was the first walk the two have taken together.

One of two stone bridges still in use in Nova Scotia.

Random Photographs

Reporting From The Canadian Landscape

I’m primarly a people photographer, and I’m new to shooting landscapes and nature. When I spotted this rotting apple half way up a tree in a bird’s nest, I considered climbing the tree, but I feared that the branches would break causing both damage to the tree and myself. Always the innovator, I rigged up a mono pole, put the camera on a self timer and stuck it up into the tree pointing it the best that I could at the bird’s nest.

Some characters just touch your heart. Lawrence is a struggling grocery store owner. His story and soft gentle way really struck a cord with me, and the staff wanted to take a photo of me with Lawrence.

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 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 153 of a 365-Day Portrait of Canada: La Malbaie, Saint Hilarion and Saint Urbain, Quebec

La Malbaie is a municipality in the Charlevoix-East Regional Country Municipality.  It is situated on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River, at the mouth of the Malbaie River.

The name La Malbaie, from the French for “bad bay”, was given to this region by Champlain, when low tide left his ships high and dry in the bay. For a time, the village was named Murray Bay, after British governor James Murray.  The development of tourism in this area is said to date back to 1760, when the Scottish seigneurs John Nairne and Malcolm Fraser began receiving visitors to the region at their manor.

We have seen a number of crosses on hills in Quebec. This cross in La Malbaie really stood out and was visible from many places in town.

It was a nice sunny day in La Malbaie to take the dogs for a walk. This area would be just gorgeous during the summer months.

A region long known for its hospitality and a beautiful landscape, Charlevoix is the perfect marriage of nature and culture. To cater to growing popularity, the original Le Manoir Richelieu hotel was built in 1899 and featured 250 rooms atop the cliff of Point-au-Pic, overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River. Unfortunately, disaster struck in the fall of 1928 while the employees were closing the hotel for the winter. A fire completely destroyed the propert. A month after the disaster, the task of rebuilding the hotel was given to Canadian architect John Archibald, who designed it in the style of a French castle. The new hotel was inaugurated in June 1929.

The Front of the Manoir Richelieu

Details of the Inside of the Manoir Richelieu

Even in the off season, the hotel was bustling with people.

The Church in St. Hilarion – I liked that the little angels were holding light bulbs to illuminate Jesus at night.

The town of St. Hilarion is a little hilly town near the Laurentians, like many of the small Quebec towns that we encountered on this trip.

Baie St. Paul is situated on the delta of the Gouffre River. It is known for its art galleries, shops and restaurants. Baie Saint Paul is where the Cirque du Soleil originated back in the early 1980’s and the location of the first show “La Fete Foraine de Baie Saint Paul” was there in 1984.

One of the Cute Houses in Saint Urbain

Richard Legault has been living in his yurt for over two years, and he has been fabricating yurts and teepees for nine years. He has invented the Witente (a hybrid of the teepee and yurt) and they are becoming a very popular option for people interested in affordable housing. The recession has not hurt his business whatsoever. In fact, he says that it has helped as many are interested in getting away from huge mortgages and debt. For more information on his products, visit www.witentes.com.

The Yurt Ceiling Lets a Nice Light Into the Space

Richard’s own design, a cross between a teepee and a yurt.

Snow Shoes in Quebec are called “Raquettes”

This is one of three dog sleds that came ripping around a corner, we had to quickly hit the snow bank to dodge being run over.