Dan and Vicki Coyote Travels

Great Villages, Great Forts and Great-Grandfathers

Friday, September 30, 2016

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Great Villages, Great Forts and Great-Grandfathers

For us … around every corner … new places, new experiences and new foods. Poutine is a dish unique to the area … French fries, cheese curds and gravy … and… actually good. Picture taken at Governer's Pub and Eatery in Sydney, Cape Breton.

The Fortress of Louisbourg

The Fortress of Louisbourg is a National Historic Site of Canada and is the location of a one-quarter partial reconstruction of an 18^th century French fortress and supporting town at Louisbourg on the east side of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. This one has materialized from the ground fully grown … originally destroyed by conquering forces. Captured by British colonists in 1745, it was returned to the French in exchange for border towns in what is today Belgium. Not having the communication resources we have today and not knowing that the French had legal right to it … was captured again in 1758 by British forces, after which its fortifications were systematically destroyed by British engineers. Its two sieges, especially that of 1758, were turning points in the Anglo-French struggle for what today is Canada.

Partially reconstructed in the 1960s and 1970s, the fort using some of the original stonework, which provided jobs for unemployed coal miners. … entirely from excavated foundations, 1000s of letters, drawings, painting and architectural drawings found in Quebec and France. This photo is of the reconstructed village next to the Fortress.

For us the most amazing role was the peoples of the 18th century who inhabited this place. They graciously transported us back in time to share what it was like to live and work here. Pictures say more than words here with a French Friar and a French Friar.

Heritage and Discovery

The travels from here out focus on longings to connect with my personal heritage ... Scottish and French. What I knew was that both my father's parents were born in Nova Scotia … specifically Digby. What I discovered was amazing. Grandfather was actually born in Denmark, Nova Scotia and Grandmother was born in Meteghan River, Nova Scotia. It was with great delight that we hopped around the western slope of NS, checking out genealogy centers and graveyards … learning more and more about my ancestors … actually meeting cousins with the same last names.

There was so much to absorb and it needs to be written and organized. If anyone, (not including immediate family) with the surnames Forbes, Langille, Boudreau, Mingo or Cameron are interested, let me know you would like a copy, as I will be sending the collection of information to our family only.

Halifax

A visit to NS needs to include Halifax and although driving around any large city is a hassle, we learned in advance that parking anywhere was $3.00 CAD an hour or $16 a day. We accidentally discovered a secret way to park for $3 a day! Driving around Halifax was not something Dan wanted to do, so we headed up to the hill to tour the Citadel first. We parked there for $3 which was good until 5:00 p.m. Therefore, from the Citadel, we walked the six blocks down to the docks and back much later … seeing a good bit of the city as well as the boardwalk and the Citadel. In the picture you can see where we walked down to the shoreline of the city.

The Citadel

The Citadel is on the hill above Halifax. The Citadel was so well built to protect Halifax Harbour that it was never attacked. A six pointed star surrounded by a second wall and all dug into the top of the hill … this fortress was impregnable. Amazing construction and crafty planning by the British. There are displays and tours and a load of enactors to interact with. These fellas are really tall. I’m not that short.

The artwork in the city of Halifax was incredible. These pictures are from the Halifax Boardwalk. The street musician is playing a gaelic harp.

The street art is also amazing.

Halifax West KOA

We need to mention the best campground we’ve ever found. Of all the campgrounds in North America that we have seen ... this is far and away the most enjoyable, the cleanest and the most beautiful and we wished we could have been here more than two days. Upper Sackville, Nova Scotia Campground Halifax West KOA