New Brunswick To Nova Scotia
From New Brunswick, it was almost a 300 mile drive to Nova Scotia and Jaggers Point Campground.
The drive was one of our longest travel days on the tour. Once we arrived at our destination,
we discovered there was a very nice Fundy Ferry that crosses the Bay of Fundy from St John to Digby. (We’ll get to Digby later.) The ferry takes RV’s, pets and people too. I’m sure trying to organize a ferry for 26 RV’s would be difficult, possibly impossible. But if you ever make the trip from New Brunswick to Nova Scotia on your own, I suggest taking the 2-hour ferry and relax as you cross the Bay of Fundy. Make it a fun day. Yes, it’s expensive but so is gas.
Nova Scotia, like New Brunswick, is a beautiful Canadian Province. We drove the 293 miles to Jaggar’s Point Campground and we enjoyed the scenery along the way. “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey”. What nut case said that? Mr. Emerson I presume. But Ralph, if it weren’t for the destination, I wouldn’t be on the journey! Ever think about that? Anyhow… the drive wasn’t that bad. We saw a bag piper at the welcome center.
We saw the newly soaring white birds.
We also saw beautiful views like the one below. Of course, fishing is a huge industry in the Canadian Maritimes. Photos like these are at every turn and I never tired of the view.
The day after we arrived, we loaded onto a motorcoach and toured the area. Each time we board a motorcoach, we drew a playing card to determine where we were going to sit on the bus. The higher the card, the farther back you sat on the bus and closer to the bathroom. Not really an advantage. After 3 bad draws (10, jack and queen), Pam banned me from picking the card. If we were playing poker, she would have been cheering me on. That’s what I say.
Our first stop was Port Royal. (By the time we got off the bus the tour was almost over, just kidding but close to the truth) Our guide was dressed in a costume of the period, think 1600’s when the French arrived.
The French really tried to live in this very desolate frontier year-round but the homes they built could not withstand the brutal cold. They weren’t in France anymore Toto. Think cold and unfriendly.
They separated each home to give the settlers land to sprawl upon. Unfortunately, those open spaces did not help with warmth, safety, or community. Many lives were lost to disease, a lack of food and unexpected environmental conditions. Eventually, they got it right and pulled the homes together in a square.
But the French, known as Acadians, were still ill prepared for the hostile conditions. However, the French continued to send ill-informed troops and settlers to Port Royal to doggedly maintain possession of the land. Well of course, the land and sea were important, lobstah with butter…lobstah chowder, lobstah rolls and so on.
The photo below shows a well in the actual place where it was placed in the 1600’s. “Charlotte, you get outta that well.” “But I see a quarter.”
In 1710 the British troops put the French out of their misery and took over Port Royal with very little effort. The French and British rivalry and battles were consistent themes throughout our New Brunswick and Nova Scotia expeditions.
Never Miss A Meal or a Gift Shop On a Caravan Tour
It was time for lunch. Woo hoo! We went to a small German bakery. The husband (Cook), the wife (Baker), and the daughter (Server) made the trek from East Germany as soon as the wall came down and they were free to leave. They moved to Port Royal of all places and opened a cottage bakery shop. The Missus made a little speech about the difficulties they had opening the establishment and thriving in this small Canadian town. But compared to life in East Germany, their new life was glorious.
95% of our caravanners ordered the Veiner Schnitzel. It was delicious. Wish I had taken a picture. Go enjoy a scrumptious meal next time you’re there and don’t forget the strudel.
After lunch we did a guided tour of Fort Anne.
Of Course, look what Pam found. Looks like the usual thick walled fort on the outside but wait…
Of course, Pam would find the hidden rum barrels.
We visited may forts and learned about the centuries old military battles and the incessant quest for possession of the Maritimes.
When the British captured the French settlements and forts, they required any French pioneers who wanted to stay in the now British territory to sign a document pledging their loyalty to the British Crown. Most of the French citizens refused.
So what is the most logical thing to do with that nefarious type? The British rounded up the French and scattered them about and far away from the newly created British territory. Many Acadians were sent to Louisiana, a territory controlled by France. Once they arrived at this new land, the term Acadian, was shortened to Cajun and don’t I just love that Cajun cooking? I’m not making this up.
But there was one thing that stood out for me at Fort Anne. It was this tapestry and the love that made it.
I knew you would love it. There were four panels but I thought you would get the impact with 2. Always leave ’em wanting more.
So my good blog followers, are you prepared for Lunenburg? It is another one of our favorite villages along the way. Come Along, we’re journeying there next. Wait until you hear about the best scallops I have ever eaten in my life. Ooh baby!