Oak Island Resort

5 women
2 nights
1 chalet
= Good times at Oak Island Resort

On the coldest weekend of the year, we ventured along Nova Scotia's South Shore for an all "girlz" weekend. A couple times a year, my girlfriends and I book a trip away. It could be Montreal, New York, or the Aspotogan Peninsula. We're not fussy, anywhere we go we make our own fun. By the end of the weekend our sides hurt from laughing so much.

The last girls weekend was no different. We checked into a chalet at Oak Island Resort on a Friday afternoon. Cocooned from the -23C temperatures outside. The next morning, we sat next to the warmth of the fireplace, sipped coffee and watched sea smoke billowing beside Oak Island, located off in the distance in Mahone Bay. You know it's darn cold when there's sea smoke. This picture was taken from a chair in our living room.

While some of us had spa treatments, others worked out at the fully-equipped gym to be rewarded later in a refreshing swim in the pool and a soak in the hot tub. The pool and hot tub area is encased in large windows and offers a panoramic view of Mahone Bay and the marina. The sauna room was also taken advantage of, a welcome treat considering the frigid temperature outdoors.


Following our swim and soak, a couple of us stayed behind to read a book or make an earnest attempt at the Saturday crossword. One couldn't help but look up from the lounge chair and out at the gorgeous view. Later, we moved to the large fireplace off the main lobby where we read the newspaper and munched on a plate of sweet potatoe fries. Before sunset, one sole adventurer couldn't resist a walk along the shore and brought back beautiful pictures to our cozy chalet.

Legend has it that there is treasure on Oak Island. The Oak Island Money Pit, "the worlds greatest treasure hunt", is privately owned. For 200 years, men have attempted to dig through the booby traps and unscramble a secret code that leads to the treasure. Some say it's a hoax but others are adamant that there is gold to be found. There is a lot of debate as to how the treasure got there to begin with, yet alone who buried it. Maybe pirates? The islands investors work closely with the Oak Island Tourism Society (OITS), and promote the Oak Island Money Pit as a fascinating heritage site with the aim of 'securing the rights to operate guided tours on Oak Island'.

While the lure of hunting for treasure was far from our minds, we had our very own treasure in the form of friendship. A treasure that is priceless. For that, I am thankful.

For more info:
Oak Island Resort
Oak Island Treasure
Oak Island Tourism Society

By Maria

The Right Coast Nova Scotia Blog
http://therightcoastnovascotia.blogspot.com

10 Outdoor Winter Activities in NS

It's early January and already I'm shack wacky. Even though I am getting lots of fresh air as I train for The Hypothermic Half Marathon, I still want to "do" something. For the last couple days I've been suffering a mild case of writers block. A few months ago I was bursting with ideas on things to blog about. Now it's January and I'm not even inspired to clean the kitchen floor (okay, I'm never inspired to do that). I blame it on the January blahs. So, to help me shake out of it, I got a hair cut. Somewhere between the pungent smell of hair dye and purring like cat with someone playing with my hair, a thought popped into my head - write about how to get the "ick" out of January.

10 Activities to Get The "ick" Out of January- in no particular order:

1. Outdoor Photography
Yes, at this time of year we curse the ice and snow but before you reach for that shovel and ice pick, discover the beauty in the white stuff. Take a picture of it. Get close-up, and zoom in on an icicle.

The Photographic Guild of Nova Scotia motivates its members and guests with seminars, workshops and field trips for all levels of shutterbugs. Their next field trip is January 25th (Eagle Watching in Sheffield Mills).

2. Eagle Watching
January and February are the best months for viewing eagles and the Sheffield Mills Eagle Watch is where you'll be guaranteed some action. This annual event runs Jan. 24 - 25, 2009 and Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, 2009 and is in its 18th year. Near Kentville, this community comes alive with eagle watchers. There are lots of viewing areas so bring your camera a knock off items #1 and #2 from this list.

3. Snowshoeing
If you can walk, you can snowshoe. Follow these handy tips and get ready to burn a lot of calories with this safe, low impact sport. Thanks to technological improvements from the cumbersome wooden variety, you can choose to do a leisurely stroll or a full out sprint.

Snowshoeing in Guysborough is easy. Just sign out a pair of snowshoes (they're free) from the Guysborough Fitness Centre and then explore around the grounds of the Osprey Shores Golf Resort. I'm also told that snowshoeing is fabulous on Five Islands Provincial Park's hiking trails. While the park is officially closed for the season, no one minds if you strap on your shoes. Be safe!
For more info:
Nova Scotia trails (maintained during winter)

4. Winter Surfing
Watch them, cheer them on while standing firmly with hot chocolate in hand from the beach. This is really something to see and at Lawrencetown beach is where you'll find these brave people. Hot tub dude?
Click on the image to watch a winter surfing video (January 4th, 2009)
For more info:
Scotia Surfer
Surf Nova Scotia

5. Geo caching
Geocaching is an outdoor high-tech treasure hunting game by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches (with "treasures" inside), and then share your experiences online. If you take a treasure, you must leave one for the next person. Did you know that Nova Scotia’s first cache was also the first in Canada? Placed: Jun 18th, 2000. Today, there are 709,820 active geocaches around the world. Wow.
For more info:
Maritime Geocaching Association
Stonehame Lodge and Chalets-Weekend Geocaching Packages

6. Winter Camping
Grab your wool, polypropylene, hydrophobic, Polarguard, Hollofil, Quallofil, Primaloft, Microloft, Thinsulate, pile and fleece and do good research before you set out.
Kejimkujik National Park offers wonderful sites in Jeremy's Bay and has four warm-up shelters. In the backcountry, 8 campsites and 2 backcountry cabins are available. Call the Visitor Centre (open on weekends) for more information and backcountry reservations (1-902-682-2772). Get inspired by watching an episode of Survivor Man.

7. Sliding
I'm usually corrected when I say "coasting" but I grew up saying it on the Eastern Shore. Must be a Maritime saying. Whatever you call it, it really gets the heart rate up. It's self-explanatory, find a hill, get on something that slides and go. While it's not wise to wear suede, it sure is fun.

There are too many hills to name but for a thrill, slide down the steep hills at Fort Anne in Annapolis Royal. What a rush.

Chedabucto Bay also calls tobogganing "coasting" (so there!) and a hill curving down to a dock in Mussel Cove is a local popular spot. No need to bring your own, as a guest at the DesBarres Manor Inn you'll be provided with your own slider or coaster (whatever you call it). Nuff said.

8. Dog Sledding
Long before there were airplanes and snowmobiles, dog sled dogs were once one of the main methods of transportation in the Arctic regions. There is a lot of coordination in dog sledding. All dogs must run approximately the same velocity and be about the same size as the dog to their lateral position. Mushers have to be in good physical shape and carry tasty rewards for the dogs.

Simple sled dog commands:
"Mush!" -- Let's Go
"Gee!" -- Turn Right
"Haw!" -- Turn Left
"Whao!" -- Slow or Stop
"On by!" -- Straight Ahead
Click on the video to see one persons first dog sledding adventure in Cape Breton.
For more info:
Guided dog sledding tours in Cape Breton

9. Skiing
What's your style? Downhill or Cross Country or Snowboard? These activities will get your cheeks red and give you a good nights sleep.

For more info:
Ski Martock
Ski Wentworth
Cross Country Ski Areas in Nova Scotia

10. Ice Fishing
Handy check-list:
Power Auger- check
Fishing rod- check
Fishing hut- check
Fish finder- check (hey, isn't that cheating?)
No matter, there's smelt and trout to be found in the cold water.
For more info
Canada Adventures Guide (they do hut rentals)

More winter activity ideas:
Bay of Fundy Tourism
Winter in Nova Scotia
Authentic Seacoast
novascotia.com Winter Packages

It's your turn, what are YOUR 10 outdoor winter activities!

Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, NS

Caution: Dog lovers may experience some dog envy.

On a chilly afternoon, we decided to go for a walk around Point Pleasant Park in Halifax's south end. Following along the popular main trail off Tower Road, we turned left and headed down the hill that led us to the outer edge of the park. The outer perimeter of Point Pleasant Park measures 3.2 kilometers, making it a fantastic stroll for walkers or a route for runners. One of Halifax's great civic spaces, the park provides magnificent views of ships and yachts entering and leaving Halifax's busy harbour. Its roads and trails wind through the forest and among military ruins, rocky hills and ravines.

At many locations along the trails you'll come across feeders filled with seeds or oatmeal. Critters such as chickadees and squirrels find some sustenance in these feeders as well as from park visitors. Next time you go, fill your pockets with sunflower seeds. Look for a wooded area, stand really still, extend your hand with seeds and soon chickadees will appear and eat right out of your hand. This time of year is perfect for this because their food sources are low. Squirrels? I haven't tried hand feeding them, yet.

Because of its location, the park is exposed to the harsh elements. Just a week before we visited, there was a bad winter storm. These storms wash up sea urchins, mussels, sea weed etc. It's here where adults and children alike can crunch along as they stomp on shells. Seagulls and crows feast at low tide. It's amazing to watch them put a mussel in their beak, then fly into the air and let the mussel drop onto the ground. Natures fast food.

In September, 2003, Point Pleasant Park was devastated by Hurricane Juan. Nearly three quarters of the park's trees were knocked down and the park remained closed until June 2004. While there are still trees remaining, the park now has a very thin canopy. In some areas where you couldn't see the ocean, now you can. However, in June 2008 over 70,000 Acadian forest trees have been planted in the park, surpassing the number of trees lost to Hurricane Juan.

In the wake of Hurricane Juan, it was realized that a long term vision and strategy was needed to renew the park. A steering committee of volunteers and city staff oversaw an international design competition to set this vision and strategy in motion. In October 2008, the Point Pleasant Park Comprehensive Plan was presented to HRM Regional Council. This plan will assist in the direction, management, and operation of Point Pleasant Park now, and for many years to come.

Useful links:
History
Maps
Prince of Wales National Historic Site
Shakespeare by the Sea

Destination Guy's Frenchys

"I won't buy anything from a bin", this is what an out of province relative said when Guy's Frenchys was described to her. The idea of buying used clothing was not appealing at all to her, in fact it was appalling. The eco-conscious will say it's "recycled clothing", I say roll up your sleeves and dig in.

Recently, I went on a "Frenchys run" where we started in Digby one day and traveled along the Evangeline Trail to the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores Region the next. Through villages such as Meteghan, Saulnierville and Church Point.

6 Guy's Frenchys in 36 hours, a new record.

Here's what I got:
3 sweaters (American Eagle, Banana Republic and Aeropostale),
2 hoodies (both Aeropostale)
1 blouse (Banana Republic)
3 shirts (Banana Republic, Gap and H&M)
= one happy camper who paid a fraction of the cost for gently used clothing

There are so many diamonds in the ruff just waiting to be grabbed. Seasoned "Frenchys" goers have a particular method of how they sort through the clothing. Just like how you may have a strategy for hanging clothes on your clothesline or how you unload your dishwasher. It's fascinating to watch them but then again, there's no time to waste, there are diamonds to be found!

Most of what you sort through will be quickly passed over. Hold tight because every hour, on the hour, there is a new arrival of goods that are tossed in the bins. Clothes, toys and household items are checked over by staff many times for quality. Some items still have the original store tags on them.

What started as a small store in Digby Guy's Frenchys has expanded to 18 stores throughout Nova Scotia and New Brunswick processing thousands of pounds of clothing daily. I've heard that many girlfriends take weekend Frenchys getaways, stopping at various locations along their pre-planned route. Even travel tour companies offer Guy's Frenchys motorcoach tours.

Oh, remember that relative who said she'd never shop from a bin? They say it took her 20 minutes to convert, only after finding a designer cocktail dress. This new convert joins the rest of the evangelists.

Beautiful Nova Scotia Screen Savers and Wallpapers

If you're like me, you are always changing your desktop background. I like to change things up according to the season and for inspiring images I go to novascotia.com's wallpaper section to see images like this lighthouse Christmas one.



Here's where to look for more nice pictures like the photo above:

Winter Screensaver

Winter Wallpaper

Grohmann Knives, Pictou, Nova Scotia

On a recent visit to Pictou, I just had to take a picture of the knife jutting out of the building at the Grohmann Knives Outlet. Whenever I visit the town of Pictou and drive by this location, my question always is, "who threw this knife?"

Grohmann Knives Limited is a small family-owned business in Nova Scotia. To these guys, making knives is as much an art as a trade. Their top quality knives are produced with as many as 53 steps between starting point & finished product.

When my sister got married and received a set of Grohmann knives as a present, I grew to realize that these are superior knives. In fact, they are the only knives I use in my kitchen. Nothing cuts my homemade bread better.

I often take advantage of the blade sharpening clinics that take place in various parts of the province.

Next time in Pictou, take a free factory tour. It's a "cut above the rest" (okay, I couldn't resist!)

Making a Nautical Rope Wreath in Halifax, Nova Scotia

A few years ago, I took a nautical rope wreath workshop at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The museum holds these workshops every November and if you're interested, you'd better sign up early. This rope wreath is really known as the "Turk's Head Knot".

So, this past weekend, with a good set of instructions in hand and 100 feet of 1/2 inch Manila rope, my sister and I made rope wreaths. I had the rope cut into 25 foot lengths (to make 4 wreaths). This rope smells wonderful but it can give you splinters that's why many people wear garden gloves. Manila rope is relatively easy to find, after a couple phone calls I found it at the Army Navy Store on Agricola St. in Halifax. It was a whopping 26 cents per foot :)

Once you stumble through the first steps of weaving the wreath starts to take shape. These step by step instructions guided us and working on the floor is best so you can spread out. Your knees will likely complain.

After about 15 minutes, here is the end product. I quickly moved on to finish the other three wreaths and then started looking around my fathers garage. I was on a roll. Interestingly enough, my father is sweet on collecting rope. Eureka! I made three more wreaths made from rope that, at one time, was tied to lobster traps. To me, this only adds more character.

Check out this video on You Tube for step by step instruction on how to tie a Turk's Head Knot:


If you live in Halifax, you can sign up for a workshop at the Maritime Museum.

Tidal Bore Rafting on the Shubenacadie River

A couple weeks ago I had the wonderful opportunity to go tidal bore rafting.

Tidal Bore Rafting in late October?

Yes! We wore survival suits :)

According to Wikipedia a Tidal Bore is "is a true tidal wave (not to be confused with a tsunami)." This wave comes from the Bay of Fundy (flowing in one direction) and meets the Shubenacadie River (flowing in in the opposite direction).

Picture this, you're in a power boat and you are heading full speed into a 10-20 foot wave STRAIGHT ON. While you're very instinct would be to flee, you are powerless as this giant wave splashes over you. No sooner can you say "let's do it again" the boat operator is turning around to go just ahead of the wave then turn around to ram into it again. Pow!

What is really eerie is just before the wave approaches, you can see and hear it coming like a locomotive up the river. First you see a ripple and then one minute later there is churning water all around you. All this while gigantic bald eagles are watching you from the trees along the bank. Silently laughing at the silly humans.

Before you knew it, it was time to go back to the dock, step out from the boat onto the muddy shore and then tear off the survival suits. The feeling was exhilarating and I can't wait to go back during the summer months on a 4 hour excursion that includes a bbq and mud sliding.

Here's where to get further info:
Shubenacadie Tidal Bore Rafting Park

Bay of Fundy Tourism Information:

novascotia.com

Bear River Vineyards

Within Bear River lies a sleepy vineyard-on the outside at least. Bear River Vineyards is quickly emerging as one of Nova Scotia's most adventurous wineries. Chris and Peg Hawes have a beauty on their hands. The wine store and tasting center is located within a barn structure attached to their home.

The winery produces 6 wines in total, with the 2005 Baco Noir being their best seller. My personal favorite however is Isoceles, a blend of Baco Noir, Marechal Foch and (yummy) Pinot Noir. Bear River's Red Eft, a Rose, came a close second.

The wine tour takes one's curiosity through a warm cellar and winemaking room, filled with the sweet smell of yeast and pulverized grapes. This was by far the most informative, interactive wine tour that I've ever been on. Chris took us through the entire process; from aspirations for his winery, through to his winemaking processes and objectives as a vitner.

We were fortunate enough to see and smell the process; a vat of Pinot Noir was fermenting in Chris' "workshop". He is the only vitner in the province gutsy enough to grow the 'heartbreak grape', nicknamed so due to its high-maintenance character. There was also a vat of Marechal Foch, aged only 7 days. We were lucky enough to get to taste this concoction. Though a newborn wine, this batch hold a lot of promise.

The 2008 Pinot Noir Harvest
Thousands of yeast cells having, as Chris described:
"a big farting party."

Touring though the facility, Chris showed us his Power Room. This winery is the only one in the province to use Bio-Diesel, Solar, and Wind energy to fuel its operation. From a sloping facility, enabling a gravity-fed winemaking process, through to Photo voltaic solar panels, supplying energy for all the winery's bottling equipment, Bear River Winery truly embodies the word 'green'.

Just harvested Chardonay grapes awaiting their turn to become the winery's
Greater Yellow Legs Chardonnay.

Bear River Winery is also embarking on another 'first'. It is, not only the sole Pinot Noir producer in the province, but also the first Nova Scotian Winery to attempt production of Gamay Nouveau. Here they are, clinging to the vine to suck out the last bits of sugar.

Gamay Nouveau

Though my first impressions of the winery were warm and tingly ones, they quickly changed to excitement and anticipation for the wines to come. Many thanks to Chris and Peg for their warm hospitality and enthusiasm. They have a wonderful facility and great product, which makes Bear River Vineyards a one to keep your eye on.

Visit Bear River Vineyard's website at http://www.wine.travel/

The French Basin Trail

It's funny. For the past 5 years my family and I have visited the town of Annapolis Royal and it wasn't until this past weekend that I realized how much there was to explore. Don't gasp when I tell you that I have YET to visit Port Royal National Historic Site. I told you not to gasp!

For the past few years, while driving past the Tidal Power Interpretive Centre, I've always noticed people walking along a marshy wetland. Well, on an overnight trip to Annapolis Royal this past weekend we went on a hike there. It was along this marshy wetland that I discovered its name, the French Basin Trail.

Basically right in the town of Annapolis Royal, the French Basin Trail is a 45-minute walk around a Ducks Unlimited wetland. Home to several species of ducks, at least one pair of Great Blue Herons, a family of muskrats and, if you're lucky, foxes. The well-maintained gravel trail around the marshland leads into an old Dominion Atlantic Railroad line railbed/trail that goes east or west as far as your feet will take you.

Along the trail were decorations hanging from trees or lying on the ground made from pine cones, birch bark and other natural materials that were a hit with the squirrels and birds. I was told later that these were made by art students at a local school.

Next time I visit the area, I am definitely taking along my running shoes. With no hills and lots of scenery, this trail is a runners dream.

To get there: In Annapolis Royal, drive along Saint George Street until you see the set of traffic lights (Historic Gardens will be on your left), turn onto Prince Albert Road then drive 300 meters and turn right onto the gravel parking lot.

More info:
Annapolis Valley Vacation
Annapolis Royal Recreation

SNOWSHOE LUNCH-WALKS
Each Wednesday 12:15pm (January – March)
French Basin Trail
Shoes available
Info: 902.532-3144

OUTDOOR SKATING & WALKING
At the French Basin Trail & pond: watch for the skating sign in the parking area (green indicates skating; red - no skating).

Pomquet Acadian Trails (Sentiers Acadiens de Pomquet)

Last weekend, my family and I made a quick visit to the village Pomquet. Located on the Northumberland Shore, this area was settled in 1761 by Acadians and it is one of the friendliest places in Nova Scotia.

We hiked a series of trails that led us through the Monks Head Provincial Park Reserve. The trail started just behind Chez Deslauriers, an Acadian historic site overlooking the magnificent expanse of Pomquet Beach. There are five trails starting with the Beach trail and ending with the Coastal trail. These trails (with the exception of the Coastal Trail) shoot off the main trail to their own loop. We decided to hike along the main trail along the coast.

The trail led us through a field, a wooded area and along the rocky shore of St. George’s Bay that offered stunning views of Cape Breton from across the water. Every now and then we’d have an opportunity to look (from a safe distance) over the edge to see the cliffs below. These cliffs are rapidly eroding and many well posted signs reminded us of this.

The only animals we encountered were two friendly red squirrels, very cute to see as they were as curious about them as they were about us. What weren’t so cute were Poison Ivy plants that were scattered along the outskirts of part of trail. As long as you steer clear of them, there would be no problem. We discovered cranberries along the shore were abundant and ripe for picking. Note to self for next fall: bring a bag.

This was a wonderful easy to moderate level hike with amazing views.


How to get there?
Pomquet is a 20 minute drive from Antigonish. Follow the 104 hwy (east)and watch for the large Pomquet sign.
Map

Pomquet Beach

Between a rock and a soft seat

Economy, Nova Scotia

Today, I decided to venture off the Trans Canada Highway and meander through the communities of Bass River and Five Islands on my way to Parrsboro. Route #2, "The Glooscap Trail", hugs the coast of the Minas Basin. This area is known for its powerful tides, courtesy of the Bay of Fundy. This is a route where drivers wish they were passengers so they can fully appreciate the scenery.

I knew that I just had to pull over, somewhere, anywhere. So just outside the village of Lower Economy and just before Five Islands Provincial Park, I turned left at Soley Cove Road. This windy gravel road, led past farmers fields to a large guard rail. Now, one knows a of popular spot when you notice the car tire prints from the hundreds of cars who also stopped there before you.

After soaking up the beauty of the Bay of Fundy, I jumped back in my car and drove about 500 meters to a dead end. It was also where a funky coach was sitting in a field. As a friend often informs me, it must've been "good garbage week". Because for someone, this couch would be a real "find".

I like to think this couch is saying, "enjoy the scenery, with the comfort of home".

Paradise, Nova Scotia

Ever been to Paradise?

Well, I can say that now I've been to Paradise. I was there long enough to snap a picture. I can't say that I felt any different during my brief visit. I didn't feel any sense of euphoria, I didn't burst out in exultation. Certainly didn't hear angels singing. But maybe that was because thirty minutes before I reached Paradise, I got a speeding ticket. Wouldn't it have been interesting to get one in Paradise? I would've framed it.

You should go. Take your time. I know I will.

How to get there: Paradise (Nova Scotia) is on Trunk Highway #1, (Evangeline Trail) about 7 minutes outside Bridgetown. Take exit 20 off Hwy 101 and take a left if coming from Halifax or a right if coming from Yarmouth.

Download: Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley Driving Guide (4.41MB)

Fall Harvest at Halifax Farmer's Market

It's that time of year again! I love autumn. It's my favorite season actually; the leaves start to change colour, I take out my warmer sweaters, and put that extra blanket on my bed. It's also my favorite season because of the Fall harvest!

As per usual, my day at the market started with a trip to Julien's bakery for a phenomenal baked good. I got a delightfully flaky pastry with a creamy custard on the inside and sweet, juicy apricots.

Happily, Brian Boates was back at his post with apples and cider today, his first day back since the summer season. Though I'm eagerly anticipating the return of my favorite, Cortland apple, I got a bag of Gravenstein, newly added to Slow Food Nova Scotia's "Ark of Taste" for endangered culinary products. I'm a firm believer in the 'apple a day' superstition...normally, I tally it up to about three!

At Ted Hutton's spot, I bought an interesting carnival squash, eggplant and cute little pattypan squash. I foresee a rich veg stew in my future! That makes two newbies added to my culinary repertoire as I've only eaten eggplant, never cooked with them.

I also got a tub of Hutton's grape tomatoes. It's funny, that until about a year ago, I didn't even really like tomatoes. Now, these things are so good, I eat them like popcorn! Sprinkled with salt and pepper! They're little snacks that burst in your mouth.

York ReDoubt... No Doubt (Part 2 of 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. Doors kept popping up. I guess it is a fort after all and it's supposed to keep people out.

So, here's my collection of doors. What's behind door #1?



What's behind door #2?



What's behind door #3?

The Red Shoe Pub

The Red Shoe pub is certainly one of the busiest, and probably THE most popular eatery in Cape Breton. What is it about this place? There must be something in the water here; you can't turn around without tripping over a musician. The two sweet boys behind the bar were fiddlers and guitarists, whose cousins were musicians, whose siblings were musicians, and, well you get the point.

We weren't famished so we decide to split an order of The Red Shoe's nachos. These aren't your regular nachos however. The base of this dish was deep fried, waffle cut potatoes, a lovely alternative to tortilla chips. These were topped with spicy seasoned beef, sweet peppers and onions, all nestled beneath a melted three-cheese layer. They were served with sour cream and salsa $9.50.

The name 'The Red Shoe Pub' came from a tune by Cape Breton fiddler Dan Rory after local shoe-maker Angus McEachern coloured a pair of his shoes red with Sherwin-Williams paint. The story behind the name emphasizes the community's abundant history and its colourful citizens. The Red Shoe does have a certain old time atmosphere, but the tunes, the food and the staff are all up to snuff.

The pub's entertainment schedule is available online at
http://www.redshoe.com/

The Red Shoe Pub
11573 Route 19
Mabou, NS

902.945.2996
Open June 1st to mid-October

York ReDoubt... No Doubt (Part 1 of 2)

As often as we can, my husband and I organize "family days". We like to create adventures wherever we go. Since we haven't been to York ReDoubt, we knew this would be cool place to check out.

So we pried the kids off the computer and followed the well marked signs along Purcell's Cove road to York ReDoubt National Historic Site (which was about 15 minutes from the Armdale Rotary).

Once there, we quickly paired off to explore the rooms of the fort on our own. By the way, this is THE perfect place to play tag or hide and seek!

Built in 1793 by the Duke of Kent to defend Halifax from invasion from the French, the walls of the fort are rock solid. To get to the other side of the fort, you can walk through a long tunnel to get to the other side. York ReDoubt is part of the Halifax defense complex comprised of Citadel Hill, Prince of Wales Tower, Fort McNab and George's Island. I'm told that, back in the day, they all communicated to each other using an elaborate flag system.

After going through a tunnel that takes you to the ocean side of the fort, we discovered many hiking trails. As we walked along, we noticed a cruise ship leaving the harbour, a bunch of blackberry bushes that were bursting with berries too early to pick (darn!) Along the way by daughter collected burrs that, unbeknownst to me, were secretly placed all over my back.

One trail led us to York Shore Battery, an abandoned WWII Command Centre where you can still explore around the rooms and all but climb onto the grass roofs. There is also an informative display panel explaining the role the facility had during its operation. One of them was keeping a watchful eye on German U-Boats that floated just outside the Halifax harbour. A giant underwater gate ran from here to McNab’s Island that kept the U-Boats out and our ships (and city) safe from attack.

The walk back to the car was another adventure. A shortcut to connect onto the path to the tunnel, ended up being a steep crazy climb. We happened to arrive at the tunnel entrance just in time, because the park attendant was about to lock up for the night. I am glad we took the shortcut.

Annapolis Tidal Generating Station(Laura - Part 8 of 8)

The causeway in Annapolis Royal is home to the only salt-water Tidal Generating Station in North America. Nova Scotia enjoys the unique opportunity to harness power from the highest tides in the world on the Bay of Fundy shores.

For more information, or to visit the interpretive centre, visit the Nova Scotia Tourism Website.

Age of Sail Museum(Laura - Part 7 of 8)

My friend Laura had a fabulous time exploring an East Coast treasure called the Age of Sail Museum, located in beautiful Port Greville, Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. This kewl museum features two floors of exhibits to demonstrate the rich heritage of the Minas Basin timber and shipbuilding industries.

For more information, check out the Port Greville website.

Pier 21 Canada's Immigration Museum

A place that is very near and dear to my heart is Pier 21. It's a museum/interpretive centre/art gallery located along Halifax's waterfront. In 2007, it was voted one of Canada's Seven Wonders in a national contest.

It was at Pier 21 where 1 million immigrants, displaced persons and war brides first stepped foot on Canadian soil between the years of 1928 and 1971. To these people, every day was Canada Day. Canada was a country of hope and promise for a better future.

This National Historic Site was lovingly restored and re-opened with national fanfare on July 1st, 1999. I had the privilege of working at Pier 21 for 4 1/2 years. I've never worked in a place where I was so inspired and so moved. It instilled in me a strong pride in my country and it's immigrants. Cause, when you think of it, we are all immigrants (with the exception of First Nations, such as the Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq).

We all have a story to tell and Pier 21 is all about stories. Some are poignant, of surviving the holocaust and weeping for joy when finally arriving in Halifax to start anew. It was always nice to see them, years later, return to the new Pier 21 with their families. The emotions of that day of arrival are still very raw and sometimes there are tears. I recall one day a man stood quietly alone, looking pensive, after a very long time, he knelt down and kissed the floor.

That's my Canada.