Nova Scotia

Unfortunately, I missed my week camping near Halifax (I spent it crossing Maine from Quebec).  In hindsight, I should have canceled my week in Annapolis and rebooked Halifax, if possible.  There is a lot to see in the Halifax area and it was just too far to drive more than once or twice.  Also, you end up driving by Halifax to get to the rest of the island, so it would have been a good central point.  Lesson learned.  And, since my visit was cut short to just one week, there are a couple of areas I didn't get to see and really would have liked to ...  So .... another visit in my future?  Maybe.  I still need to get into Newfoundland, so maybe then.

As I was driving around the island, I headed for Mahone Bay.  When I arrived I got a surprise and the best fish tacos I have ever had - wonderful.

Mahone Bay was just opening its 23rd annual Scarecrow Festival.  Each year the town comes to life with over 250 hand-made, life-size scarecrows. The festival draws thousands of visitors each year. Highlights include special children’s activities, local craft market, book sales, BBQs, yard sales, quilt sales, music events and of course the largest antique show in the Maritimes.

It was fun to drive/walk around and look at all the scarecrows.  I'm glad I happened upon it. 

Canada's most photographed lighthouse

Peggy's Cove was definitely worth the stop.  Beautiful views, a lighthouse, and great fish chowder. What more could you want?

And I love these houses ... all Victorian and painted pretty colors.

 

The Citadel National Historic Site and the Old Town Clock.  I was lucky enough to be there during the firing of the Noon Gun (very loud), a tradition since 1857.  I also have lots of pictures of machine guns through the various wars, etc. but decided not to post.

The clock was a gift in 1803 from Edward, the British duke of Kent and then the military commander, who had a passion for punctuality. He designed the clock with four faces so that both soldiers and citizens would arrive on time.

The Citadel, erected between 1826 and 1856 on Halifax's highest hill, is Canada's most-visited National Historic Site. 

Fort Point Lighthouse in Liverpool is one of Canada's oldest surviving lighthouses

A drive through Kejimbujik National Park, both a National Park and a National Historic Site, "Keji" combines natural splendor with a rich Aboriginal heritage.



And lastly, a visit to Fort Anne National Historic Site ... the most attacked spot in Canadian history.

Heritage Tapestry- Four meticulously detailed panels depict four centuries of local history and as many local cultures.

 

Those knolls are actually nearly 400-year-old earthwork ramparts built up, in part, with rubble and blood.

I know I post pictures now and then of the red chairs. I have found quite a few of them.  Its fun to see them and most people take a selfie.  I don't do selfies, but I take a picture of the chairs when I see them.

Did I share with you the significance of them?

To celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial anniversary, Parks Canada added a little red accent to their land.  102 red Muskoka or Adirondack chairs can be found around Canada in select National Parks and Historic Sites.  They represent either a great view or a place to rest, depending on your source.