All is well with our family as we make our way back from the fascinating Islands called Isle De La Madeleine. It has been a while since we wrote an update but as you can tell from the photos a lot of brilliant times have been had. We certainly loved Nova Scotia, the first day there we were picking wild blueberries on the side of the road, taking in the extraordinary views and picturesque houses. We had our first seafood feast and discovered Ruben has an insatiable appetite for mussels.
Only half a day was spent in Halifax but we managed to squeeze in a number of great experiences including entry into a mock refugee camp where we had a chance to better understand the realities faced by displaced persons and refugees. This was a valuable learning experience given to us by medicine Sans Frontiers.
The Citadel in Halifax was at its best with people decked out in their period dress and camped out for the weekend in the manner of the time. Ruben especially was entertained listening to a talk given by the highly animated “surgeon” who spoke of his work in the field and how best to amputate a soldiers leg in the quickest time possible. On the boardwalk the kids had their first taste of a sugary beaver’s tail with lemon squeezed on top, we highly recommend these.
Next we made our way around Cape Breton and had a chance to take in some great fiddle playing. The Red Shoe was a wonderful spot to stop for a pint as you can tell from the content look on Tom’s face in the photo of him there. The sunset was spectacular and that night we spent the night on a bonny beach in Inverness. For our entire drive across Canada we have been keeping our eyes peeled for a Moose, the Cabot Trail was where we finally clapped eyes on a great bull!
Our next night was spent in a not entirely bonny parking lot outside the Cape Breton Mining Museum, there the wind was blowing something fierce and we were not entirely confident that Hurricane Maria was not going to sweep us off the breathtaking cliffs the parking lot was perched on. We were weary as miners the next morning as we were taken down on a tour of the mine 800 feet under ground. Our tour guide was a retired miner who had many interesting stories to share with us. The kids and I appreciated being under 5 feet tall as the other visitors bonked their heads repeatedly.
The “Ferry Godmother” was on our side and we pulled up to the P.E.I ferry just as she was about to leave. Beaches stretched out empty of people before us everywhere we stopped and the kids had their first swim in the Atlantic Ocean!
Our furthest destination on our great Canada adventure was Isle De La Madeleine. These our some curious islands, we had never seen anything like this landscape, the number of brightly colored houses or the quirky village of La Grave on Havre-Aubert. It happened that we met the builder of a number of fully functioning trebuchets and catapults and he happily demonstrated for us how they could fire 800 feet into the bay. The demonstration turned out to be a bonding experience for Henri, Tom and Ruben, a friendship bloomed with the born and raised Madeleinot. Our adventure to the island was unequaled for having met him.
The place not to be missed on Havre Aubert is La Grave an exceptional establishment which we continued to visit repeatedly for bowls of hot chocolate and the traditional Pot en Pot (fish pie). Tom had his first taste of seal meat in a burger here and we were thrilled to hear an outstanding piano player from Montreal accompany a silent film. We got out on the water with Henri who took us to explore Entree Island. Here we climbed the highest hill (800 feet above sea level) where we surprised to find cattle who were at it’s peak. The rock formations on this island were spectacular with numerous caves that we were able to peek into from the boat. Back at La grave we shared a number of glasses of wine with Henri and his partner Manon. With some encouragement Mia played her violin with the proprietor, Sonja on accordion. Ruben was content to befriend a sweet puppy waiting at the door, draw cartoons and read his kindle, it was an outstanding night.
An now an entire change in direction!
We are heading WEST, back to Montreal, only stopping for an important meal of lobster to celebrate Tom’s Birthday in New Brunswick and to view the longest covered bridge in the world (1282 feet)!
Again we remark on the beauty as the bright fall colours and rivers pass by.
