Louisbourg National Historic Site, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia(Laura - Part 2 of 8)

My friend Laura took these great shots during the Louisbourg Encampment (July 25-27). You can see the lone French captain in dark blue, and all the British invaders encroaching on him. I just love this shot in the fog, because it really makes the event seem real to me.

The Louisbourg National Historic Site put on this encampment as part of the 250^th anniversary of the second siege. During the second siege the British took over from the French. This is when the fortress was destroyed back in mid-1700s.

Today, you can visit this magnificently restored fortress in Cape Breton from May to October. Depending on the day, the French or the British may be in power, but you will be sure to experience how these fort dwellers lived in the early 1700s.

This second shot was taken from across the harbour and featured the modern-day Louisbourg Lighthouse. It's the fourth lighthouse built on this site, and you can see the ruins of the other three if you look closely. This working lighthouse site is oldest in North America.

Cape d'Or Lighthouse, Fundy Shore, Nova Scotia(Laura - Part 1 of 8)

My friend Laura tells me that the Cape d'Or Lighthouse is an excellent destination for a day trip from Halifax. Nestled on the Fundy Shore in Cape d'Or, the lighthouse sits on a jagged cliff with a beautiful view. Apparently, it's a great work out walking back up the hill to the parking lot.

Laura tells me there is a quaint Lightkeepers Kitchen and Guest House on site where you can rest and relax and listen to the waves crashing into the cliffs.

The day Laura visited for lunch, among other tasty treats on the menu, fresh biscuits, homemade seafood chowder, and homemade minestrone were the crowd favourites.

Lawrencetown Beach, Nova Scotia

My favourite beach for surfing in Nova Scotia is Lawrencetown Beach in the Halifax Metro Region. On Nova Scotia Tourism's YouTube channel, I found this great Lawrencetown surfing video:



Sometimes Steve and I go there to body surf, or we'll rent a board from one of the local surf companies for the afternoon. There are lifeguards on site, so I feel pretty safe while I'm there. The water tends to be on the cold side, so I usually wear my wet suit.

You can find Lawrencetown Beach using the map below, and you can inquire about board and wet suit rentals, as well as lessons, at any of the local surf shops on the way to the beach:


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Halifax International Busker Festival, Nova Scotia (Part 2 of 3)

And now for la pièce de la résistance...

My friend Lang also introduced me to another club of Halifax, Nova Scotia jugglers called the Blue Nose Jugglers. This troop gets together to practice on Saturday afternoons at the Halifax YMCA.

The video below features Blue Nose Jugglers, Mike, Lang and Josh (from left to right), in a classic three-person, nine-club pattern. You'll notice that Mike in the middle is working twice as hard to feed both Lang and Josh:



To check out more busking in Halifax in early August, check out the Halifax International Busker Festival website.

Halifax International Busker Festival, Nova Scotia (Part 1 of 3)

Every year, I check out the Halifax International Busker Festival on the waterfront in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Since the Busker Festival is coming soon, from August 7 to 17, I though I'd try to encourage you to check out some street performers with a couple of videos.

My friend Lang introduced me to a group of local buskers called Circus Circle. These well-coordinated gurus get together weekly to practice on Thursday evenings. Check out Neskie juggling balls with his eyes closed for approximately three seconds:



In this video, Melissa dazzles us juggling three clubs:

Oaklawn Farm Zoo, Aylesford, Nova Scotia

I just love Oaklawn Farm Zoo in the Annapolis Valley. I go there every year to see the lions and tigers and bears... Oh my!

The zoo is located in a village called Aylesford. From my home in Halifax, it only takes about 1.5 hours to drive door-to-door, and it is well worth the trip.

Two years ago, I timed my visit later in the afternoon at feeding time, and I got to kiss a bear!!! Actually, the poor bear had no choice but to kiss me in order to snatch the mint between my lips. =)

Rissers Beach, South Shore, Nova Scotia

My friend Mike sent me an email with these adorable shots of his family and friends at Rissers Beach on the South Shore of Nova Scotia.

I love Rissers Beach. I worked there as a lifeguard during high school. I was stationed at a fresh water beach in the Annapolis Valley, and I chose Rissers for a couple of beach exchanges to get some experience at and ocean beach.

Although it depends on the season, the beach usually has very few rocks and beautifully fine sand for miles and miles. The waves are typically small and the water deepens gradually, making Rissers a great beach to visit with small children. You can even follow in Mike's footsteps and plan a family weekend at the nearby Rissers Beach Provincial Park. I hear Mike's family and friends had a fabulous time.

Rissers Beach is close to LaHave and Bridgewater. Every time I visit, I make sure to plan a stop along the way at the LaHave Bakery. There are always lots of tasty treats on display to help me prepare for a lovely picnic on the beach.

York ReDoubt...No Doubt Part 2

While on a recent visit to York ReDoubt National Historic Site, I couldn't help but notice a pattern that was emerging as I snapped pictures. There was something about doors that kept popping up. I guess it is a fort afterall and it's supposed to keep people out.

Well, here is my collection of doors.

What's behind door #1: A stone wall

What's behind door #2?: A lighthouse at McNab's Island

What's behind door #3?: Your imagination

Joggins Fossil Cliffs, Fundy Shore, Nova Scotia

Have you heard that the Joggins Fossil Cliffs on the Fundy Shore of Nova Scotia near the New Brunswick boarder were recently designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site?

Fossils found in these cliffs provide the best geological history record in the world of life in the coal age, 300 million years ago.

To celebrate, I'm happy to feature these shots taken by my friend Laura on her last visit to the Joggins Fossil Centre. The centre shown in her first photo features displays of fossils found in the area, including the fossil of the oldest known reptile, Hylonomus lyelli. There is also a video display of the history of Joggins and the discovery of the fossils, hosted by an animated land snail, Dendropupa vetusta, whose fossil caused dissension in England regarding the theory of evolution.

Laura's second shot features a fossil found along the beach near the Joggins Cliffs. According to her, specimens like this can be found along the rugged shores, but she asks us to remember that you must not take them home! Also, she cautions us to be careful not to get to close to the cliffs, as the eroding rock may fall at any time.

In Laura's third photo, can you spot the fossilized tree branches?

Halifax Club Luncheon Theatre, Nova Scotia

Until early Fall, the Halifax Club is serving lunch, afternoon tea, and high tea with a twist.

I checked out one of this season's theatrical luncheons, and I was delighted to experience hilarious interactive performances, dating back to the 1800s. The Cunard family wowed me with their dated outlook on the world. For example, when I took out my digital camera, I got some pretty funny looks. They had never seen the likes!

We were served delicious tea, sandwiches and squares while we watched the performers tell stories about the goings on in Halifax at the time.

From time to time the actors engaged the audience. All of the tables were brimming with happy participants. It was a wonderful way to clear my head over lunch and take in some Nova Scotia history.

Blomidon, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

I remember when I was a little girl and my parents took me to run around the mud flats in Blomidon in search of various sea critters.

It was lovely to recall these fond memories when my friend Mike sent me these photos of his family trip to Blomidon Provincial Park. Isn't this photo of Mike's little guy with the tiny baby crab too cute for words?

Blomidon Provincial Park is situated in the Annapolis Valley on the shores of the Minas Basin near Canning and Wolfville. This breathtaking park features picturesque landscapes, high tides and cliffs, and a 14-km system of walking and hiking trails.

There are also many other thing to do nearby. For example, you can stop at the Blomidon Look-off to take some photos of the Annapolis Valley on your way to hike Cape Split.