Nova Scotia - Day 5

Day 5. September 29, 2022.

Today would be a bit of a longer day of travel, but we saw sights that surprised me. I guess I now know why Nova Scotia means New Scotland.

The morning began as normal, but this time packing up our stuff to head to the next location. We had a Merci chocolate bar, and our receipt was left for us by our host. Our first stop was breakfast. We heard about a place that served breakfast, so we backtracked to Portside Lounge and I had the best pumpkin spice French toast I have ever eaten. Marcie got the same but couldn’t finish her portion, so extra for me.

Our first destination was Cape Forchu Light House. It is a lighthouse like no other. The light house sat high on a rocky hill and is at the bottom of Nova Scotia. I remember looking out at sea and thinking that if a boat went straight, it would not hit land until the Bahamas. There was a visitor center (closed) and walking paths around the place. There was even a pole with destination markers on it. Everywhere from Russia to Africa to different states in the USA. We climbed the rocks, took pictures of the lighthouse, then moved on.

Port Maitland was our next stop. A small little beach like many we had already seen. So, we hastened on to my most expected location. But before we got there, we had a little surprise. Heading to Cape St. Mary, I spotted a pull-off overlooking the ocean. There were a few cars there, but enough room for us. As we parked, we could see before us 4 surfers trying their best to surf the 1–3-meter waves. They all got up, but not for long. The sea was not very forgiving. I took a few pictures and then, to my right, I noticed a motorcycle with a surfboard attached to its side. I shot that too.

A few miles down the road, we could see it from where we were was Cape St. Mary Light House. A tiny and not really impressive light house. So why was I so excited? This little light house stood on top of cliffs. Not a little hill, but massive steep cliffs. The typography was so different from previous places we had been, and therefore, I imagine Nova Scotia was referred to as New Scotland. The logs with thick rope running through them a WARNING DANGER signs, were there for a reason. A fall would surely mean death. I gingerly walked to the cliff’s edge and took pictures of the spectacular cliff walls below me. My stomach quivered, being so close to the edge, but the white cliff wall on one side and dark razor sharp protrusions on the other side were worth the risk.

We stopped and ate at Seashore Restaurant and Blue Rock Lounge. I had the special (club sandwich) and Marcie had chicken fingers. We backtracked a bit and visited Smuggler’s Cove in Meteghan. There is a place to walk down to the water and see a cave across the cove that used to be used to smuggle Rum by pirates back in the day.

Our next stop was Gilbert’s Cove Light House. Marcie and I walked inside, and I sounded the foghorn. Marcie climbed to the top (I was too big to fit), then we headed to a wonderful town of Digby, Nova Scotia. This is where we would again stay for two nights. Come From Away is a lovely Bed & Breakfast that overlooks a small bay that opens into The Bay of Fundy. We were met by our host Joe and soon saw Kermit, his Golden Retriever puppy. Kermit was a hit with all the guests, including Marcie.

It was later in the day so we walked down to the angler’s Wharf and ate at Dockside Restaurant. I was super hungry, or the meal was that good, but I had the best chicken penne Alfredo in my life. After eating, I asked a woman what the boats were fishing for, as that wharf was full of 20+ large fishing vessels. She pointed out that the orange one was hers and her husband’s and that in a few weeks they were all headed out for lobster. We chatted a bit more, then walked down to the wharf to see the sights.

One last point I want to make. The picture above is a couple I stopped and chatted with. In the top right corner, you will see a gull. Before we reached them, we saw that gull (or another one) swoop down and take a fish from the man. I asked him and he said, “yeah it swooped down and got the fish on my line. Yesterday we had one take my wife’s fish from her cooler.” I told him they were being watched at that moment. “He laughed and said I am ready,” pointing to a stick he had placed next to his leg. It was a good day!

Until next time,

Tim (Kilmer)