October 19 - Exploring Near Halifax

Chester

Leaving the trailer at our campsite we drive along the Nova Scotian coast. We think we'd like to take the ferry to Tancook Island and spend a few hours there. BUT, just as we pull up to the ferry landing we can see the boat chugging out into the bay. Just missed the darned thing. So, on to plan B. We drive through this tiny town admiring the old and gorgeous homes all beveled glass, long driveways and waterfront views. It's said to be one of the wealthiest communities in the province. 
We watch an older woman swimming in Mahone Bay. The water has got to be quite chilly. Must be a long-time routine. Her husband keeps watch from the beach. 

There are some unique shops worth a look, but nothing we need to buy. We meet a gentleman who tells us Tancook Island isn't worth our time. Maybe missing the boat was a good thing.

Nova Scotia Highland soldier by famous New York sculptor , J. Massey Rhind

Mahone Bay

Just beyond Chester we stop to stroll through the village of Mahone Bay. It's filled with art and crafts shops and galleries. We spend a pleasant hour browsing. There are 3 distinctive churches located on the bay. Each one a heritage site. 

Three Spires

Lunenburg

A short drive further down the coast is Lunenburg. The entire town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (the entire town). We’re told it’s the only one in North America with that designation.

We take the horse and buggy tour to learn what we can about this unique seaside village.

Many buildings sport a Lunenburg bump. The “bump” is an enlarged usually 5-sided dormer that extends (or bumps) out over the eaves. Mainly they project out over the center of the house and the front door, but we see some in the back of the house too.
Fishermen painted their boats the same color they painted their houses. This practice used up excess paint and also allowed townspeople to identify boats as they sailed into harbor. The town is so colorful it is nicknamed "UNESCO fresco". 

Canon Hitching Post

Several homes have crooked doors and/or crooked windows constructed purposely to illustrate that only God is perfect.

Saint John’s Anglican Church has 10 bells. They have been rung by the same woman for 40 years. On July1, Canada Day she plays "Happy Birthday". There are 6 churches in Lunenburg providing worship services for just 1400 people.

There's a film crew at work blocking one of the main streets. They're producing Locke and Key, a suspenseful graphic novel series written by Joe Hill, (that's the pseudonym chosen by Stephen King's son). The story takes place inside a fantastical New England mansion, and this is the perfect setting. Fun to watch them maneuver with lights and mics.