For the first time since joining the Kennebecasis Valley Camera Club, I joined a group of members on a “Glamping Trip” to the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia. I went a day early in order to have time to visit some friends in the Wolfville area and to take a nostalgia tour of Acadia University where I spent summers as a child studing music with the Professors Kalejs (he taught violin, she taught piano), plus my first two years of the BA program. A lot has changed since the 1960s!
I should mention that if you want to see some of the ‘smaller’ photos in full size, just click on them.
The round trip covered 1358 kilometers.
The view from the Ridge Road overlooks a portion of “The Valley” basically from Kentville, through New Minas and Wolfville, ending up at Grand Pré. I didn’t have time on this journey to re-visit Blomidon Mountain, but I have fond memories of the magnificent views from that perch.
Sometimes even the weeds at the edge of the road can be quite lovely!
On Friday morning I started my drive ‘down’ the Valley to Annapolis Royal (AR). AR would be our home base for four days at the Annapolis Valley Inn motel on the outskirts of town. Since I had lots of time, I decided to take my friend Carol Ann’s advice and travel highway 201 – away from the main road – to enjoy a more leisurely pace and some lovely scenery. Among other places it took me was across a one-lane bridge over the Annapolis River. It was so beautiful that I had to stop and park at the side of the road to walk back to capture the tranquil river reflecting the tunnel of trees on both banks.
Although there were many lovely, well kept homes, farms and properties along my route, there were also some others that have been allowed to decay while Mother Nature began to reclaim what had been her pervue before people came along to manicure spaces. They are the interesting ones to photograph and document before they disappear.
I took a drive through Granville Ferry, Parker’s Cove and on to Delaps Cove. It was low tide and, on both sides of the Bay of Fundy, boats rest on the ocean bottom until the 40-50′ tides come in to lift them up in order to sail out to their fishing spot.
At the opening of the harbour an entire colony of seagulls roosted on a rock promintory. The raucous calls could be heard for miles, I’m sure!
Their search for food – be it fish, shellfish or garbage scraps – never ends. When one finds something, the others are quick to drop in order to try and snatch a bite from the successful one’s prize!
They are greedy!
On the other side of the cove the remains of a “sea stack” (a huge rock or pile that has been sculpted by the tides’ power) is still visible above the shore line.
Our group met in Digby for dinner and to plan our Saturday adventure. The view from our tables on the deck of the Fundy Restaurant on a clear, still evening was lovely.
The view from my motel room’s window was beautiful. It overlooked a meadow dotted with trees of all sizes casting shadows in the waning light of day.
After breakfast, we all headed for the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens. It’s a lovely 17-acre site full of fascinating plants, trees, bees, birds and butterflies, a fountain and some whimsical characters to amuse young and old alike.
Next we headed into ‘downtown’ Annapolis Royal to tour the outdoor market. There were many booths to explore with a wide variety of merchandise and foodstuffs to see, photograph and buy. As we passed the wharf near the market this old dory caught my eye.
As part of the Club’s weekend activities, we were given a scavenger hunt challenge to inspire some creativity and, for someof us, get us out of our ‘comfort zone’ by asking complete strangers to pose for us. One item on the list was to photograph an “epic beard” or mustache. I found two – a young dad with carefully trimmed facial hair who graciously offered to pose for me, and an older man demonstrating his wood working skills on the sidewalk outside a shop. He also was very gracious, letting three of us snap shots of him in action!
I did a brief detour to drive through what used to be the Cornwallis base. My husband did his basic training there (eons ago) so I wanted to bring home a couple of ‘reminder’ shots for him – you know, the “good old days” of brutal toughening up.
Not too far away I found this delightful spot overlooking a vineyard. The trees on the roadside gave me an excellent way to frame this shot of a peaceful morning scene.
Did I mention whimsy? Of course. We stopped at this AMAZING roadside eatery, Frank and Dora’s, offering the usual burgers and frieds, etc., plus a taste tempting array of ice cream creations and flavours. Diet? What diet? The whole place is decorated with amazing bits and pieces of antique “stuff” – memorabilia from another era – lots to look at and stir memories in those of us old enough to remember those times – not naming anyone, of course!
That evening our exhausted members gathered for an impromptu BBQ. Our hosts at the Annapolis Royal Inn allowed us to use their deck and BBQ and the breakfast room to cook and share our meal. It was great fun!
After gorging on a massive feast, I toddled off to bed. Fresh air, wallking lots and enjoying the company wiped me out.
Sunday morning I set off alone to drive the back roads again and then meet up with the group in Bear River. It’s a charming area, famous for looking like a valley in Switzerland, where many of the buildings on the shore rest on “stilts” rather than traditional foundations. The road through the ‘town’ passed unique shops on both sides and, of course, the home of Sissiboo coffee – something that shouldn’t be missed – it’s delicious.
Back in Annapolis Royal I wandered through the Fort. Canons everywhere, some used in the historical reenactment the day before (I slept through it unfortunately).
The area was well defended!
Following that, I went back to Cornwallis and followed signs to the “Tidal Beach” beside the base. The breeze was strong, but so was the sun. Some people took advantage of the lower tide to enjoy a picnic and a walk on the beach.
Our dinner Sunday night was back in Digby – this time at the Crow’s Nest restaurant. Before heading for the meal, I went exploring in Digby and found a lovely little park overlooking the bay. It offered seating, a gazebo and a stunning view.
Then it was another walk around the main street in Digby. There was still a lot to explore and enjoy, even as I was dragging my now exhausted feet along.
What’s dinner without dessert? We all headed back to our favourite roadside diner for ice cream treats to finish off an amazing day. The sun was getting low in the sky as we slurped our treats and then went back to the motel for some (apparently) hilarious games and to rest up before heading home Monday morning.
The Kennebecasis Valley Camera Club “Glamping” weekend was, in my book, a huge success for all 19 people involved! New friends, adventure, and photographic opportunities around every corner. We don’t have to travel to exotic locations to create memorable images – just look in our own area!
On my way home (a 5 1/2 hour + drive) I arranged to meet a relative and loved friend at the iconic Masstown Market. The parking lot was full, as was the shopping and eating area, but we managed to find a corner to sit down and enjoy a coffee and catch up on the news!
Capturing Cherished Memories 