Thursday, August 27, 2015

Fredericton, NB 8 /25 -28 /2015


Fredericton is the Capital of the Province of New Brunswick.  The Legislative Assembly Building was built in 1882.   The day that we visited it was pouring rain so we did not see the stone lady at the bottom of the outside dome.  Had we seen her, we would have asked our wonderful docent Alex what she was supposed to symbolize.  Regardless, the next day, with better weather, we took pictures of the outside  and we posted her just the same. 

After having our Driver's licenses researched on our visit, we proceeded into the portrait gallery. The first one shown is a painted portrait from 1806 of the Earl of Sheffield.  With being over 200 years old, we thought this was pretty awesome to see. We then proceeded up the self supporting spiral staircase, supported from the walls only, to the Assembly Chambers.  The Assembly Chambers reflected the Victorian era when it was first created.  Young Alex, our knowledgeable docent, shared with us how New Brunswick is the only province with both English and French as their official language and we saw the translator machines that were at every seat, including in the gallery.  We learned how New Brunswick also uses the Mace, like in Nova Scotia.  We also visited the Senate Chambers(within the assembly building) and like Nova Scotia, it is no longer active within the Provience.  In New Brunswick their last Senate session was held in 1892.  We have included a picture of that last session.  Alex shared with us for 1 and 1/2 hours  about the various things going on in the parliament today and within the various parties too.  Bob was so in his element with young Alex.  Alex was impressed by what Bob knew about how their process worked and about who is running and Alex was also eager to hear US stories concerning politics as well.  We all learned so much Bob, Teri and Alex too.   The Legislature is in recess until December, so sprucing and cleaning was going on when we visited.  Still it was great to see the Legislative Building.  What a fun day, while rainy,  we felt that we saw and learned  a lot, and we had a great lunch at the Blue Door, all while our truck was being serviced!  Our tour was supposed to be 20 minutes and Alex spent well over 90 minutes with us.  By the way, while we seldom put in a plug for restaurants, the Blue Door was so tasty that we returned there on our second day in Fredericton, and had the same thing to eat too! The Blue Door

Next we visited the City Hall in Fredericton.  What a beautiful building.  We went upstairs where we were treated to a view of the working of the clock ( that is seen outside) and also where the city council meetings are held, as well as 27 tapestries, all done by one person, covering 200 years of history of the area.  She was one busy lady!

From here we were off to the changing of the guard.  Not only was the changing of the guard shown but also various techniques used in the early days including bayonet training, the square and the skirmish line.

Next we were off to the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.  We had hoped to see a Dali painting they were supposed to have there, but they were in the process of changing exhibits, so we were able to view what they had on display on a donation basis only.  One of their exhibits that were on display that we did enjoy, however, was the Doc Edgerton (1903-1990) exhibit.  It was entitled 'Freezing Time' and the things he accomplished with photography in the years indicated we thought were quite amazing. Enjoy the pictures.



Legislative Assembly Building
Fredericton, NB
Legislative Assembly Building
Fredericton, NB
Earl Of Sheffield
Painted 1806 and received from England
Legislative Assembly Building
Fredericton, NB
 Staircase Looking Up
Legislative Assembly Building
Fredericton, NB
Staircase Looking Down
Legislative Assembly Building
Fredericton, NB
Legislative Assembly Building
Fredericton, NB 
Senate Chamber
Legislative Assembly Building
Fredericton, NB
Last Senate Chamber Session in 1892
Legislative Assembly Building
Fredericton, NB
Mace
Legislative Assembly Building
Fredericton, NB
Wilmont United Church
Having been built in 1851
we just had to take a picture
City Hall In Fredericton
City Hall In Fredericton
The Tapestry
City Hall In Fredericton
The Tapestry
City Hall In Fredericton
The Tapestry
City Hall In Fredericton
The Tapestry
City Hall In Fredericton
Changing of the Guard Demonstrations
Fredericton, NB
Changing of the Guard Demonstrations
Fredericton, NB
Changing of the Guard Demonstrations
Fredericton, NB
Changing of the Guard Demonstrations
Fredericton, NB
Antique Gun Firing
Edgerton 1936
Dali Photo
Edgerton
Tumblers 1942
Edgerton
One Dancer, thrown in the air for a summersault
Edgerton 1936


Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Five Islands, Nova Scotia 8/20-25/2015


Five Islands while we were here was both hot and humid, with rain as well.  We have been blessed with such wonderful weather on our Canada adventure that we did not complain.  Five islands was our last chance to once again experience the incredible Fundy Tidal Bore before leaving Nova Scotia, and Experience we did.

We also headed out one day to visit the Ottawa House.  The Ottawa house was the summer home of Sir Charles Tupper.  He was an accomplished pharmacist, physician and one of the fathers of Confederation.  The house was named Ottawa house because  Dr. Tupper was the Prime Minister of Canada whose Capital is Ottawa.The house, amazingly enough, was built in 1770. Tupper owned the house from 1871-1895.  He was an interesting fellow as is the house.  More can be read at Ottawa House for those that are interested.  When we visited the house it was undergoing renovations, but still interesting to see.  At the Ottawa house they also had a Mi'kmau display.  Their alphabet sort of reminded us of Hawaii's alphabet as in words need to be long due to the limited letters available.  

Lighthouses.  We visited two while here.  But it seems the lighthouses get moved occasionally, due to erosion.  

We also visited FORCE (Fundy Ocean Research Center) while here.  They are doing some cutting  edge things to harness the energy from the Tidal Bore.  In general we found that Nova Scotia is doing great things to harness both wind and water for energy.  Those further interested in FORCE we will direct to their website at: FORCE

On the morning of our move day, we were so blessed to see a local Bald Eagle.  He was so close, but we respected his home and did not approach, not wanting to spook him.  We hope you enjoy the distant picture just the same.


High Tide at our Campsite
Low Tide at our Campsite
Tidal Bore in Action Once Again-
Still Amazing
The Ottawa House Circa 1770
The Ottawa House
The Ottawa House
Five Islands Lighthouse
Lighthouse Near Five Island
What a special treat, taken from our campsite
the morning we were leaving.
Sorry the picture is a ways off, but Teri was trying to
respect HIS (the eagle's) home and not scare him.


Thursday, August 13, 2015

Digby. Nova Scotia 8/ 8-13 /2015


We stayed near Digby, Nova Scotia, catching the last day of the Scallop Festival.  The Digby Scallops are said to be preferred by chefs internationally.  For us, we had some in a restaurant and also bought a few pounds to have on the road.

The sky near Digby was so often incredibly beautiful, once the fog would lift.  

Scallop Days, were not exactly what we were expecting, but we still had a great time.  We only caught the last day, but that day was full of fun and excitement.  We watched the various Woodman Competitions (for some a first and they were both patient and encouraging with instruction), and then there were the seriously more experienced as well.  We also watched the Horse pull.  Pretty incredible, 2 horses pulling 10,600 lbs.

Next we were off to the Annapolis Valley.  Port Royal is a replica of one of the oldest European Settlement on the North American Continent (1605-1613).  For those interested, a short summary can be found at: Port Royal

We visited Fort Anne, here there was a lot of history that we have shared on our other blog postings. For those interested in reading more we suggest:Fort Anne  Near Fort Anne, is the town of Annapolis Royal where we had lunch and walked the historic streets,where some of the oldest wooden buildings in Canada can be found.  Most are either private residences or have been converted to restaurants or gift shops.

Last, while in the area we took the Ferry to Brier Island, population 210, where the kids put on life jackets and ride the school bus on the ferry to the neighboring island to go to school.  It is a relaxing and quiet town and it is where we boarded our ship to head out and see the humpback whales.  What a wonderful day to share in the lives of these beautiful creatures.  Awesome, for sure.  Enjoy the pictures.  While on Brier Island we also hiked up to the Joshua Slocum Monument.  Joshua Slocum, born in Nova Scotia in 1844, is credited with  being the first person to sail solo around the world in 1895.  Joshua Slocum 

Getting back to our campsite from our whale adventure involved 2 ferry rides (Brier Island and also Long Island).  On Long Island we hiked out to see Balancing Rock.  The hike was enjoyable, mostly along wooden boardwalks constructed above the bogs.  The last 1/4 mile, however, is a steep decline to the ocean, hiking down 250 stairs (and later back up the same) all in the quest to see the balancing rock.  It was both an easy and enjoyable hike.

Our time in Digby, though we saw a fair amount of rain, was full of fun and great memories.

Digby, Nova Scotia Sky
Digby, Nova Scotia Sky
Dry Land Log Roll
Woodman Competition
Digby Scallop Days
Digby, Nova Scotia
Cross Cut Sawing
Woodman Competition
Digby Scallop Days
Digby, Nova Scotia
Run, Saw and Split
Woodman Competition
Digby Scallop Days
Digby, Nova Scotia
Run, Saw and Split
Woodman Competition
Digby Scallop Days
Digby, Nova Scotia
Horse Pull
Pulled 10,600 lbs
Team of two horses weighing in at about 4,000 lbs.
Digby Scallop Days
Digby, Nova Scotia
Port Royal
Annapolis Basin, Nova Scotia
Port Royal
Annapolis Basin, Nova Scotia
 Port Royal
Annapolis Basin, Nova Scotia
Port Royal
Annapolis Basin, Nova Scotia
Fort Anne Powder Magazine
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
King Theater
Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia
Joshua Slocum Monument
Brier Island, Nova Scotia
Check out the boat ramp that accommodates the tides, ramp and steps
Brier Island, Nova Scotia
This has got to take skill, to tie up your boat with the change in tides
Brier Island, Nova Scotia
The Town
Brier Island, Nova Scotia
 Humpback Whale
Brier Island Whale Cruise
  Humpback Whale
Brier Island Whale Cruise
  Humpback Whale
Brier Island Whale Cruise
  Humpback Whale
Brier Island Whale Cruise
  Humpback Whale
Brier Island Whale Cruise
  Humpback Whale
Brier Island Whale Cruise
 Humpback Whale
Brier Island Whale Cruise
  Humpback Whale
Brier Island Whale Cruise
Balancing Rock
Long Island, Nova Scotia