Monday, August 27, 2012

Cape St. Mary's, Nova Scotia

Cape St. Mary's, along the French Shore of Nova Scotia, is another area that we visited during our travels last week, as well as Mavillette Beach.  A grey foggy day, at times, which only added to its beauty.



My cousin Brenda and I on Mavillette Beach
  
The dunes near the beach
 
The fog made the area quite interesting


 
Mavillette Beach
 
Cape St. Mary's area, near the lighthouse
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cape St. Mary's lighthouse
 
 
 
 
Shorebird
 
 
 
When I see these old houses, I wonder what is their story
 

 
 
 
Paul and I enjoyed exploring the French Shore with Bren and Gerry.  We will go back again as there is so much more to see.  A wonderful day.
 
 
 
 
 
 


Thursday, August 23, 2012

Annapolis Valley Exhibition 2012


During our travels to Nova Scotia last week, we attended the 86th Annapolis Valley Exhibition (13 to 18 August) in Lawrencetown.  It was our first time experiencing a "truly" local country fair and it was interesting.  It sure was a different kind of life style than we are use to - horses, cows, ox pull, tractors, veggies, crafts, etc. and of course, music.
Bridgetown Fiddler
A group of 20 musicians who have been entertaining audiences for over 25 years.  They perform at churches, community halls and fundraisers throughout the Valley.

 
 
Nothing like enjoying homemade french fries outside the cow barn!
(LtoR:) Bren, Gerry and Paul
 
A view of the Exhibition grounds
 
The tractor area
 
Lots of horses, stables, etc
 
Some of the prize winning quilts
Amazing work
 
 
 
Local crafters working on a quilt
 
My favourite was this lighthouse quilt
Each individual square was a hand-painted picture by different artists.
 
 

 
Miniature Equine Obstacle Driving


We attended concerts on Thursday and Friday evenings at the John Langley Memorial Riverside Concert Stage.  Charlie A'Court gave another outstanding performance on Thursday evening but unfortunately it poured rain so the attendance was very poor - nonetheless an encore was demanded by his fans.

Friday evening was a better evening weather wise for a concert
(LtoR:  Paul, Gerry, Bren)


Friday evening we were treated to a great concert by Honeymoon Suite, a 1980's rock band hailing from Niagara Falls, Ontario, currently touring Canada.  A great performance.
Honeymoon Suite
    
Paul and I enjoyed having the opportunity of experiencing a local country exhibition and plan to attend again in the future.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Falcourt Inn, Nova Scotia


During our recent trip to Nova Scotia, we had the pleasure of visiting the
Falcourt Inn in Middleton.  We enjoyed the most wonderful meal at their Perfect Pear Restaurant and very pleasant dinner music by local artist, Frank Dobbin.  A very pleasant experience.



Veranda of Falcourt Inn
  
The Inn is located in the countryside

A view of the dining room


Spinach Salad
Poppy Seed Dressing, Sliced Pear, Golden Raisins & Almonds

Tomato, Chicken & Sausage Jambalaya
Topped with Cajun Sweet Potato Fries

Fundy Seafood Medley Pasta
Haddock, Shrimp and Mussels tossed in a White Wine Garlic Cream Sauce
 

Enjoying the music of Frank Dobbin

We hope to return to the Falcourt Inn and their Perfect Pear Restaurant on a future visit to the Fundy Shore.





Sunday, August 19, 2012

Durtch Mason Blues Festival at Truro, Nova Scotia


Last weekend Paul and I drove to Truro (Bible Hill), Nova Scotia to enjoy some blues music at the Dutch Mason Blues Festival.  We stayed at Baker's Chest Bed & Breakfast (Karn Room), which we would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lovely place to stay.  We enjoyed two great local restaurants in Truro; Murphy's Fish & Chips, where the food was equal to that of Chess's Fish & Chips in St. John's, Newfoundland, and the newly opened Sahla Thai Restaurant.  Although the weather during the weekend was very hot and, at times wet, we did enjoy some great music.  As always Charlie A'Court was an outstanding performer and this year's new find for me was Lukas Nelson (Willie Nelson's son).  I really liked his song, Frame of Mind, which I now have on my ITouch.  There were also performances by James Cotton and John Oates.


Nelly and Maarten, our B&B Hosts


Our big comfortable bed at Baker's Chest (Karn Room)


Sitting area of the Karn Room
View from our Room (with a few rain drops)
My Friday Night Concert Buddy
  
Early evening performance by The Hupman Brothers
Night Stage
Saturday afternoon performance by Shirley King
(daughter of blues artist, B B King)


Charlie A'Court

James Cotton


John Oates Band

A Sunday afternoon of music in the rain!
Us dedicated fans,
umbrellas and ponchos everywhere!
We sat through a couple of Sunday afternoon performances in the
rain but called it a day when the skies turned PURPLE!

It was a fun weekend and we hope the Dutch Mason Blues Festival will continue next year.  If so, we will be there...