The south shore of Nova Scotia is known for its picturesque small towns where fishing is still an important part of local economies, and for its historic buildings, artist galleries, restaurants, surfing beaches and resorts. [All photos Max Vollmer, Click on any image to enlarge]
Le Have galleries along the waterfront.Westcote Bell Pottery in Le HaveLarge ceramic jar with iconic images of Nova ScotiaArtwork, Le Have
On Sunday, Karl, Stephi and I had dinner at the historic White Point Inn. Beaches there and nearby attract surfers from as far away as Halifax when the waves are good.
Karl and his surfboard at Stephi’s house in Le HaveWhite Point Inn dates from 1928.Karl and Stephi checking out the surf (??) at White Point.
I stayed in the Dockside Hotel in Lunenberg Sunday night with a room overlooking the harbor. Lunenberg was founded in 1753 by German immigrants and is known for its lobster fishery and its colorful historic Old Town which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sunrise over Lunenberg Harbor from my room at the Dockside Hotel.Lunenberg lodges and restaurants on the waterfront.Lunenberg waterfront.Harbor and the Atlantic Fisheries Museum (on right). The historic Cape Sable side trawler moored (center}.The Atlantic Fisheries Museum. Bluenose II moored on the left.Power and sail exist side by side in this working port.Steel hull 3-master.Lobster traps on the dock..Life is better on a boat. Is it?
The Old Town streets rise steeply from the waterfront. Homes facing the harbor date from the 1700’s and 1800’s. There is no shortage of churches including St. John’s Anglican Church of Canada, founded along with the town in 1753, and built in the second half of the 18th century.
Steeper than it looks!Bright colors prevail.Entry doors receive a lot of attention.Hilltop home built in the 1700’s with two interior chimneys serving four fireplaces on the 1st and 2nd floors for heating.From the streets on the hillside, you look down to the water.Fine old homes dating from the earliest years built for ship’s captains and Lunenberg’s prosperous families.St. John’s Anglican Church of Canada.Founded in 1953, built within the first quarter century of Lunenberg’s settlement.The LaCloche Jessen bell in front of St. John’s.A reminder that the town has been home to shipbuilding and fishing for going on four centuries.
Black granite pillars on the dock at the waterfront bear the names of ships and their crew members, based in Lunenberg, lost to the sea. The first name recorded is from 1898, but no doubt unknown others preceded him. The losses drop dramatically after the 1970’s with modern boats and communications. The last local crewman lost at sea was in 2016.
We lost Stan Rogers, Canadian singer songwriter, in 1983 at age 34, but not before he left us memorable songs from the Maritimes. A Stan Rogers music festival is held each year in Halifax in his honor.
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly… this is my way. (Anonymous)
Max Vollmer, Click on any image to enlarge]
