Last Postcards from Nova Scotia

In Emily and I, Travel by David21 Comments

Early morning. Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

I’m sitting in a roadside motel that redefines mediocre, just outside Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario. Since I left my family’s home on February 11, I’ve put 6500 kilometers on the Jeep, though I truly thought those kilometers would by now have me well down the eastern seaboard of the USA instead of en route back to Vancouver. When all is said and done we’ll have done 10,000 kilometers. I’ve never seen so much snow, trees, and rocks. But having a blast? Absolutely. And looking forward to rolling into Vancouver and meeting the next part of this adventure head-on? Definitely. Before heading west I had a killer lobster dinner and one more night camping at Peggy’s Cove. Before that it was a night in Antigonish making new friends with a photographer who found out I was in town via the blog, tracked me down at a motel, and woke me up, to extend an invitation to join his family for dinner and some nice scotch and conversation, not to mention a place to stay. Had an amazing evening of visiting, a great meal, and made new friends. There’s a kind of hospitality in the Maritimes you just won’t see anywhere else. Thanks, Peter!

Sunset. Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

So now we’re heading fast across this immense country, hoping to get to Vancouver sooner than later, find a place to live and start gathering the stuff to make the folks at the U.S. border happy. Some of the weather we’re encountering is tough slogging – driving snow and hard winds that have the Jeep completely iced-up by the end of each day. But enjoying the drive, especially as we cut through the land that the Group of Seven so loved to paint. Tomorrow we’ll be on the north shore of Lake Superior and I’m hoping for moody weather, if not to photograph then to simply enjoy. Live the scenery and breathe the air, then photograph if you’re so moved, but don’t drive past it without letting your heart skip a beat with wonder. 

I’ll try to keep you posted. In the meantime, here are three last photographs from my time around Peggy’s Cove, a place I’ve loved since I was a kid exploring the rocks and tidal pools.


Kelp and Ice. Near Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

Comments

  1. i keep coming back to the shot of the town of Peggy’s Cove. really clean and serene feel. thanks

  2. Your pictures are, of course, amazing, but what I’m really loving is your example of pressing on with zest, even when the road takes a totally unexpected turn. I could use more of that, myself! Thanks!

  3. “Live the scenery and breathe the air, then photograph if you’re so moved, but don’t drive past it without letting your heart skip a beat with wonder. ”
    That is excellent advice David.
    Once more… Sorry about the lack of hospitality at the US border and glad you found some in NS.

  4. So glad you had a chance to settle in with some down home hospitality! Lovely pictures of Peggy’s Cove. Safe travels!

  5. Incredible images David! You always seem to make the best of a challenging situation and I appreciate that you make time to share your journey with us. Safe travelling through the wintery prairies.

  6. As always, David, I really enjoyed seeing more of my own country through your eyes! “Redefines mediocre” – maybe. But your image transforms it!

  7. Glad your making lemonade out of lemons. It is wonderful following you on your journey, wherever it takes you. If you ever get to the states, and particularly NE Ohio, I would be glad to get together with you to talk some shop.

  8. Great story as always David. If you’re passing through Guelph, ON let us know and we could share stories about US border troubles over Scotch. Or maybe bourbon would be more fitting. Safe travels either way.

  9. Beautiful! I’m planing to go there this summer – it’s not too far for me-
    If you drive south a few hours you can be in exciting Kalamazoo 😉 not much to photograph here, but plenty of wine, or maybe an Ardberg if you’re lucky- you are always welcome here!

  10. If you decide to head to Whistler, give us a shout if you need a bed!
    Awesome pictures!

  11. Beautiful images David. I’ve never been to this part of the world, but perhaps one day… If you ever find yourself in New Mexico try to make it to Jemez Springs and look me up. Safe travels!

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