Angel Jake at the RBC (Rainbow Broadcasting Corporation)

Angel Jake at the RBC (Rainbow Broadcasting Corporation)

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

More Nova Scotia: Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove

Before we go back to our regular programming, Mom wanted to tell you about two unique coastal towns just a short drive from Halifax.


The first is Lunenburg, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. German and Swiss immigrants settled the area in the 19th century -- and UNESCO recognized it as an outstanding example of a planned European colonial settlement.

Lunenburg is also honoured to be the birthplace of Canada's famous racing schooner: Bluenose and her descendant, Bluenose II. Bluenose II wasn't in port when we were there, but other much smaller sailboats lay at anchor.The town is filled with brightly coloured houses. This mural -- inside the restaurant where we had lunch -- bacon-wrapped local scallops -- shows the town's waterside, which includes a popular fishing museum.

And here a few samples of the actual houses, with their unusual colours. It was raining, but looking at them made it impossible to kvetch at the weather.

In addition to their uncommon colours, many houses sport a variety of ornamental details.
And some pay tribute to the fishing industry that is still a mainstay of the community.

Churches of all denominations adorn the landscape. This striking Presbyterian church speaks for itself.
Between Lunenburg and Peggy's Cove is Mahone Bay -- not as brightly coloured as Lunenburg and not as unique as Peggy's Cove, but with fun shops and lovely views.
On the way into town, we spied this florist shop with pumpkins on the roof.

On the way out, we caught a glimpse of Garnet McPhal. We stopped to ask who she was and how she got there. It seems that the site once housed a folk art shop, where Garnet took up residence. Although the shop is long gone, she's still there and folks come by every so often to give her a touch-up and make sure her speckles and blue eyes are still in place.
And then we found Peggy's Cove, with its stark lighthouse and breathtaking granite boulders. The town dates back to 1811 and, at its peak, was home to 300 people.Today, no more than 50 people live here -- but a steady flow of tourists, artists, and photographers keeps the community going.

This church calls itself the heart of the community -- so different from the one in Lunenburg!

These are a few of the bare houses that nestle against the granite boulders, which are reputed to be some 40 million years old!

And this is the lighthouse. The Canadian Navy used it as a radio station in World War II. It's now automated and doubles as a post office in the summer.

An awe-inspiring place. Spare. Timeless.

16 comments:

Barbara said...

My grandfather was from Saskatchewan, but I've never been. I've always wanted to go to PEI and Halifax, and now that I've seen your pictures, if I ever did go, I'd certainly have a hard time leaving!!

WFT Nobby said...

What a lovely place. But it does seem that 'New Scotland' has the same weather as 'Old Scotland'....
Toodle pip!
Bertie.
PS Extra points there for mentioning the age of the granite!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Oh how Mom would love to get there some day!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

Gus said...

What a stunning example of diversity. Probably couldn't find two towns with such outstandingly different characters if you drove another three thousand miles! Great photos. Tell DogMom and DogDad thank you for sharing

gussie

The Boston Lady said...

I absolutely love those houses of many colors/colours. Thank you for sharing the beautiful sights you have taken in during your trip - I would love to go to NS one day. Was born in Montreal, lived in Toronto, never made it to either Canadian coast while there. I hope to ride that train that goes across the whole country one day and see it all! Ann

Molly the Airedale said...

Now mom wants to decorate our roof with a zillion pumpkins!
That last picture is just breathtaking!
What an awesome place!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Lorenza said...

My mom has her mouth wide open after seeing all those beautiful pictures!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Scooter said...

Hi
Very pretty and cool buidlings. Yes, those are some bright colored houses!!
Thanks for sharing

wags
jazzi

Angus said...

What a great trip.

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

What beautiful pictures. Our Mom has a friend from Nova Scotia. She has always wanted to go there.

XOXO
Lilly, Piper, Carrleigh and Ruairi

TwoSpecialWires said...

GREAT photos! We looked at those of Lunenburg today, on a morning colored much like the one when they were taken ... the light is beautiful and makes the radiant colors so rich. We are sooooo glad your people shared these pictures with you, and us. That's one of the nicest things about blogging ... all the part of the world we get to see, through the eyes of friends.

xxoo
Jake and Fergi

Martha said...

How very beautiful! Very picturesque - we loved the coloured houses and the quirky things - like the fisherman in the garden!
The church was awesome. We think we would have liked to visit there too.
love
Martha and Bailey xxx

Kari in Alaska said...

I just love the colorful houses!

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

Peppy Sheppys said...

WHOA! That's a cool place. More interesting than here where we are the only attractions. Our ma ape loves the bright houses.

Sheps w/Pep

fromsophiesview said...

HI...thanks so much for this thorough view of my fair province...well done!
I'm your newest follower.
Cheers!

KEY WEST COLLIES said...

Love the pictures of the brightly colored houses. Seeing them made Dad start humming that song that was banned for a short while during the Vietnam Era. You know the song, the ticky-tacky house song. BOL

Essex & Deacon