Parque Natural Mexiquillo

7.30.2013

Fortress of Louisbourg

Construction began in 1720 and by the mid-1740s Louisbourg (45.892288, -59.985550 ) was one the most extensive and expensive European fortification in North America. The original fort extend east and sout from the reconstruction to Church Cove and the point.
 It fell to the British for the second time in 1758 and was systematically destroyed by British engineers. 


A model of what the fort looked before it's destruction.

20% of the original city has been faithfully restored using original documents and building foundations.



Not only are the buildings, furnishings, dress and food correct for the time, so are the farm animals.


There was festival this weekend and reinactors from all over Canada came to add life to the buildings. Here is a fisherman and his wife. 



Linda being challenged by the guard at the city gates. Asking how she at arrived, she replyed "by cart". He then queried how many horses pulled her cart. Linda said 480. The guard surmised that Linda must be a woman of high status and allowed her to enter. 




The governors residence and offices.



The soldiers had the lowest social status. There were three men assigned to each bed. One was always on duty. I guess hot bunking did not start with nuclear submarines. The furnishings, clothing, and weapons are correct for the time, but I don't think this soldier sex is correct for the period.  


This lady was fantastic, weaving lace while carrying on a conversation with us.


Louisbourg's one percenters


Recent arrivals from Europe set up camp along the waterfront and peddle their wares.


The book binder. He likes to rebind old bibles.

Maker of carved candle boxes


A young apprentice.




Punishment for a thief

This man stole a bottle of wine.


Into the stocks

Reading the chages and the sentence of two hours in the stocks. His sister pleaded for his release and promised he would never steal again. The villain was released. 



The govener had the yellow Frederic Gate built to impress disembarking passengers.

Living room of Louisbourg's third most important citizen, the town engineer. 


A mechanical device to turn roasting meat before the fire. 



His office. The documents he created help in accurately rebuilding the town.

Playing a waltz on the harpsichord. 


Dancing in the engineer's parlor.

This was the best historical experience I have ever had. If you wander this way, be sure to stop by.


7.23.2013

Cabot Trail II

The coast is just spectacular. Every turn reveals an even more exciting vista.





Camped at Pleasant Bay, NS  (46.83019, -60.80033)



Linda and Patricia watching for Pilot Whales

Thar they blow.

Captain Russell did a terrific job of finding the whales and getting us in close. 





Camped at the harbor, Bay St. Lawrence  (46.99878, -60.46188) 


Down to the docks for fresh Snow Crab. 


The captan is picking out four nice ones for us. $3/lb



The gal in blue is recording the catches weight. This is done for all the boats and when the quota is reached, the season is over. It lasts about 1.5 to 2 weeks. 


Cleaned crab

Ready for the feast


The crab was fantastic. Paul thought the Snow Crab he had had before was bland and did not expect much. He was pleasantly surprised, saying it was the best crab he had ever eaten. We all thought it was better than lobster. 


Patricia, Paul, Linda and me.
As far northeast as we can drive. (map) After 8 fabulous months, it is time to head home. What a great group of traveling companions.





Up and down we go. Several of the grades are 13-15%


Days end in yet another stunning spot. (46.21123, -60.59387) The Mackerel are running and you do not need a license for salt water fishing in NS. Walked a few step out my door and caught dinner.