Appreciation For My Own Backyard

I have been very slack on blogging lately, so I thought I would try and get back in the groove in November. The problem was I couldn't think of anything to post about... As luck would have it, it is NaBloPoMo November, so lots of other people are trying to jump-start their blogging. BlogHer shared a list of prompts and I am going to join in on the days where I can't think of anything else to blog about.

The prompt for November 2 is:

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? 

Windsor Sunset

Is it sad that I am not entirely sure if given the chance I would move out of Nova Scotia? It suits me. I like living near the water, the quietness, and the natural beauty. There are other places I would love to visit, maybe stay for a while, but I have never had a burning desire to move. That's probably to my disadvantage and might not always be practical because my province is dying, but a person can hope, right? And share pictures...

The Look-off

Windsor 

Hall's Harbour

Driving down the highway...

Clouds

Shot over the water.

Yarmouth Light

Tree Frame

Hall's Harbour

Peggy's Cove

I could go on for a while...

Touring Nova Scotia - Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Cove was officially founded in 1811 and is blessed with interesting folklore surrounding its name. Some people claim it was was named Peggy's Cove because it is located in St. Margaret's Bay and Peggy is a nickname for Margaret. My favourite story, though, is one of a young girl who was the sole survivor of a shipwreck on Halibut Rock. She was too young to know her name and they local inhabitants named her Peggy. She went on to live there and the Cove became 'Peggy's Cove' in her honour. There are other stories, but this one has always been my favourite. It is not the name that draws people there, though. It is the beautiful natural landscape and the famous lighthouse that graces them.

The current year-round population of Peggy's Cove is about 35. As a result it is a small fishing town that manages to keep its charm despite being a popular tourist destination. While we were there we saw them restoring a fishing boat:

Just walking through the Cove is both picturesque and quaint. We enjoy parking at the beginning and strolling through. Here are some of the sites you see along the way:

Older Style Homes

Fishing Boats

Water, fishing shacks, and lots of sky.

Traces of the Past

Traces of Their Livelihood 

Water

Lighthouse

We took many pictures! This was just our more recent visit, too. If I went back over the years I would find lots more pictures to share... Peggy's Cove is one of our favourite places to visit. I hope you enjoyed this presentation!

Touring Nova Scotia - Shore Club in Hubbards

On Friday we went to the Shore Club. It is located in Hubbards, Nova Scotia and is considered 'the last of the GREAT Dance Halls!'. It was built in 1946 by Roy Harnish and continues to be a family run business today. It started out as a place for Lobster Dinners and then dance the night away and 60 years later, that tradition continues.

Inside the Shore Club

Every Saturday during the summer you can go and enjoy a traditional lobster supper. It draws crowds from all over. Then, you can stay and enjoy that nights band if you so choose.

The stairs leading into the Shore Club. (Unfortunately I couldn't get far enough back to get the whole effect.)

From the website:

For a taste of true Maritime tradition—great food and fun—The Shore Club in Hubbards has served up the best in Nova Scotia hospitality for more than 65 years.

Known for its fabulous Lobster Suppers and as Nova Scotia’s Last Great Dance Hall, The Shore Club dishes out scrumptious seafood and live entertainment that draws thousands of visitors and loyal patrons, who yearn for a hearty meal and fun dance floor music.

On the night we were there, it was the one karaoke show of the year. We knew the host, so it was the event we chose to attend and the first time I had been there. The place has a great atmosphere and a look to it that really captures the sea-faring coast and history of this province. There were nets on the ceiling and great artwork everywhere. If I had planned this post ahead of time I would have taken more pictures. Next time!

The Guy singing

If you view the history on the website, though, you will find that the Shore Club's history goes back even further. It involves a post that the Harnish family bought from the US frigate Chesapeake. The pot was 100 years old when it was cleaned up and used for the first lobster supper down on a beach in Hubbards. As the weather was constantly affecting things, though, the club was eventually built so they could move things inside. You can read an more in-depth history here.

All in all, a great taste of Nova Scotia History...