Nova Scotia - Articles - Zimbio

GAS PRICES DROP IN HALIFAX - $1.402/L vs $1.321/L

Thu, 25 Jul 2008 14:47:00 GMT

posted by goodcarbadcar
Regulation of gas prices skews this story somewhat. In the east coast Canadian province of Nova Scotia, the government maintains a system that avoids sharp increases or sudden decreases in the price of gasoline. Nevertheless, you'll find few complainers today. Waking up to see Petro-Canada, Ultramar, Shell, Irving, Esso, and Superstore signs displaying $1.321 per litre rather than the $1.401 per litre the night before isn't such a bad thing. For your information, if currency changes are ignored, this drop in gas prices translates to a $0.31 drop in the price of a US gallon of gasoline.
But what does it really mean? Assuming an empty tank, here's what the difference in gas prices mean in the short term. Did you fill your empty tank last night? What would you have saved by waiting?
-----
70.10 - cost, in Canadian dollars, to completely fill the empty tank of a new Honda Civic in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 24th/2008
138.80 - cost, in Canadian dollars, to completely fill the empty tank of a new Ford F-150 in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 24th/2008
66.05 - cost, in Canadian dollars, to completely fill the empty tank of a new Honda Civic in Halifax on July 25th/2008
130.78 - cost, in Canadian dollars, to completely fill the empty tank of a new Ford F-150 in Halifax on July 25th/2008
1.02 - savings garnered by the owner of a Honda Civic if s/he waited until July 25th/2008 to fill their tank if it was already three-quarters full
2.01 - savings garnered by the owner of a Ford F-150 if s/he waited until July 25th/2008 to fill their tank if it was already three-quarters full

It's not chump change - certainly not spread over the course of a week, month or year. The figures above prove that being aware of the changes and waiting until morning would buy multiple Tim Hortons fill-ups, too.

Cunard Cruise Opportunities in 2009 and 2010

Wed, 22 May 2008 17:30:00 GMT

posted by curvygalcruises
Ok my faithful Cunard blog readers, I know I've been bad about posting lately. A very good friend lost her Father recently and, I've been doing my best to be there for her but, I'm back to blogging and want to shake things up a bit. So this is a reminder that Cruise Freek Forums is hosting several wonderful group cruises on Cunard, and, today I'm going to review each of them.

4th of July in 2009

Announcing Cunard Queen Mary 2 - 4th of July Cruise 2009 with fireworks in Boston Harbor

Departing: July 1, 2009

Returning: July 6, 2009

July 2009

Wed

New York, New York

Depart 6:00 pm

New York, New York		Hide Details
	New York, New York, also known as “The Big Apple,” is an incredibly diverse and active place. Consisting of an intricate patchwork of neighbourhoods, each with its own character and history, yet one neighbourhood blends into the next; Lower Manhattan with the New York Stock Exchange, Battery Park and South Street Seaport; Chinatown; trendy SoHo and Greenwich Village; Little Italy; The Lower East Side, one of the most densely populated places on earth; Chelsea; The Flat Iron District and Gramercy Park; Midtown West and the Garment District; Midtown East and Murray Hill; The Upper West Side and Morningside Heights; Central Park and its 843 acres (341.1 hectares) of paths, ponds, lakes and green space; the Upper East Side; and Harlem. In New York, there are always things to see and explore: From world-class museums to breathtaking skyscrapers, from vibrant neighbourhoods to parks and gardens. As they say, it is the “city that never sleeps.”

Thu

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean		Hide Details

Fri

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada		Hide Details
	The capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Canada’s Atlantic Provinces, Halifax was once Great Britain’s major military bastion in North America. The beautifully restored waterfront buildings of Halifax’s Historic Properties recall the city’s centuries-old maritime heritage. Stroll the waterfront, and you may find Nova Scotia’s floating ambassador, the schooner Bluenose II, tied up to Privateer’s Wharf, just as old sailing ships have done for over 200 years. Halifax is also the gateway to Nova Scotia’s stunning scenery, including famous Peggy’s Cove, where surf-pounded granite cliffs and a solitary lighthouse create an unsurpassed scene of rugged natural beauty. Drawn by the superb harbour, the second largest in the world, the British established Halifax as a naval base in the mid-18th century. The city’s strategic position on the Atlantic proved even more valuable as a base for fishing the rich banks of the North Atlantic.

Sat

Boston, Massachusetts

12:30 pm - Midnight

Boston, Massachusetts		Hide Details
	Hailed as the “Cradle of American Independence,” Boston is filled with historic sights - it was America’s first great city. In the 19th century, Boston was rightly described as the “Athens of America.” Today this city of 600,000 retains its vitality, combining historic districts with revitalized urban centres while remaining faithful to its venerable roots. It is a city every American should visit at least once. Follow the Freedom Trail along three of the most historic miles (4.8km) in the country. See the site of the Boston Tea Party, trace the route of Paul Revere’s famous ride, and stand on the bridge where Minutemen fired the shots heard “‘round the world.” In the old Charleston Navy Yard you can see the USS Constitution, the nation’s oldest commissioned warship. The capital of Massachusetts, Boston, is a city of extraordinary beauty, boasting historic buildings, narrow cobbled streets, numerous parks, and a distinctive skyline.

Sun

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean		Hide Details

Mon

New York, New York

Disembark

PRICING:

Prices are PER PERSON

Category D5	Inside	$1318.85	$100 On-board Credit
Category D2	Inside	$1366.85	$100 On-board Credit
Category C2	Outside	$1562.85	$100 On-board Credit
Category B5	In-Hull Balcony	$1575.85	$200 On-board Credit
Category B1	In-Hull Balcony	$1717.85	$200 On-board Credit
Category A2	Deluxe Balcony	$2002.85	$200 On-board Credit
Category A1	Deluxe Balcony	$2097.85	$200 On-board Credit
Category AA	Britannia Club Balcony	$2560.85	$200 On-board Credit
Category P1	Mini-Suite Balcony	$3190.85	$200 On-board Credit
Category Q6	Suite with Balcony	$3855.85	$200 On-board Credit
Category Q5	Suite with Balcony	$4330.85	$200 On-board Credit

Space is very limited. Please reserve early to avoid disappointment. Additional categories may be available, please call for prices and availability.

ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND INCLUDE ALL PORT CHARGES, TAXES, GOVERNMENT FEES AND FUEL SURCHARGE AS ADVISED. AIRFARE, SHORE EXCURSIONS, INSURANCE AND OPTIONAL PRE/POST CRUISE HOTEL PACKAGES ARE AVAILABLE AT ADDITIONAL COST.

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION BOOK EARLY AND SAVE!!

25% of Cruise Fare

FINAL PAYMENT DUE BY April 1, 2009

Exclusive Amenities include

$100.00 OBC for inside/outside
$200.00 OBC for Balcony/Grill
Invitation to private cocktail party
Pre-cruise information packet
Invitations to private group onboard functions and exclusive, handcrafted shore excursion experiences

As the group grows there is the chance that extra OBC will also be awarded so tell your friends!

PRE-CRUISE PACKAGE You also have access to our exclusive pre-cruise NYC City package starting at just $289.00pp/dbl

Includes 1 night at the Library Hotel
-Breakfast included, Cocktail reception, complimentary internet and all day snacks.
Transportation to Dinner at Bobby Van's Steakhouse*
Transportation to Spamalot*
Transportation back to hotel.
Transfer and luggage assistance including all taxes and gratuities to Queen Mary 2 the next morning.

* Represents additional charges for these activities

About Ambiance Travel:

We realize that sometimes doing business on the Internet can be risky and that's why Cruise Freek Forums is proud to have Nina Van Harn, owner of Ambiance Travel, as our official travel agent for of our 4th of July cruise aboard Queen Mary 2. Ambiance Travel is a Virtuoso affiliate agency.

What is a Virtuoso agency? Virtuoso is an exclusive network of travel agencies who serve the most affluent, well-traveled individuals worldwide. Out of over 30,000 travel agencies in the USA, just 300 are Virtuoso agencies and membership is by invitation only! Virtuoso travel specialists have an average of 20 years of experience in the travel industry and are certified with the Institute of Certified Travel Agents.

Additionally, Ambiance Travel is a Cunard Commodore Agency. This means that Nina Van Harn has completed an extensive training program offered exclusively through Cunard Cruise Lines. The Cunard Academy focuses on White Star Services and the Cunard fleet.

Lastly, you can rest assured service from Ambiance Travel does not end when you book your cruise. From start to finish Ambiance Travel is there to assist your needs and, Nina Van Harn will be on-board the 4th of July sailing of Queen Mary 2 and, she will be in New York City for all the pre-cruise activities escorting those who choose to participate in the fun.

Pre-Cruise Hotel and Activities Information:

While Cruise Freek Forums group cruises NEVER forces socialization, we do offer fun and interesting packages for those who are interested. For those who wish to take advantage of the Pre-Cruise package in New York City, here's what you can anticipate.

Accommodations at The Library Hotel. The Library Hotel is well situated on Manhattan's East Side, located at 41st Street and Madison Avenue. This boutique hotel is themed after the Dewey Decimal System and features over 6,000 books in it's private library, all at your reading disposal. Your nightly rate includes breakfast, all day snacks, complimentary Internet access, and, a cocktail reception. Rates begin at just $289 per person, based on double occupancy.

Please note that The Library Hotel is a smoke-free environment.

For those arriving two days or more in advance we have the following daytime activities planned for Tuesday, June 30, 2009:

Baseball game at the new Yankee Stadium - ** Pending 2009 Schedule** - If the Yankees are out of town, a Mets game or another sightseeing option will be made available
Shopping in Manhattan

Dinner at Bobby Van's Steakhouse and Evening Performance of Spamalot. Bobby Van's Steakhouse is a traditional American grill, combined with the classic elements of a first-rate steakhouse. Run by the same four partners who have been awarded Tom Horan's American Top Ten Steakhouses in each of the past three years, the Grill caters to those seeking the legendary Bobby Van's Porterhouse as well as lighter dishes such as pastas, salads and fish.

After dinner at Bobby Van's it's off to the Shubert Theater for an evening of laughs with the Broadway hit Spamlot - a musical lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

On-Board Activities:

As already mentioned, Cruise Freek groups never force socializations, however, if you are so inclined, many of our group members are already in the planning stages of on-board activities including:

Dinner or Lunch at Todd English
Cocktail Party
Pub or Cabin Crawl

You are invited to join Cruise Freek Forums and contribute your ideas for our on-board activities!

Ready to Book?:

Contact:

Nina Van HarnAmbiance Travelhttp://ambiancetc.com/default.aspx ph: 616-405-6950
fax: 866-762-2907
email: Nina@ambiancetc.com
A Virtuoso Affiliated Agency

Christmas 2009

CUNARD HOLIDAY CRUISE 2009 - JOIN US

Announcing Cunard Queen Mary 2 Holiday Cruise 2009

Departing: December 20, 2009

Returning: January 4, 2009

December 2009

Sun

New York, New York

Depart 6:00 pm

New York, New York		Hide Details
	New York, New York, also known as “The Big Apple,” is an incredibly diverse and active place. Consisting of an intricate patchwork of neighbourhoods, each with its own character and history, yet one neighbourhood blends into the next; Lower Manhattan with the New York Stock Exchange, Battery Park and South Street Seaport; Chinatown; trendy SoHo and Greenwich Village; Little Italy; The Lower East Side, one of the most densely populated places on earth; Chelsea; The Flat Iron District and Gramercy Park; Midtown West and the Garment District; Midtown East and Murray Hill; The Upper West Side and Morningside Heights; Central Park and its 843 acres (341.1 hectares) of paths, ponds, lakes and green space; the Upper East Side; and Harlem. In New York, there are always things to see and explore: From world-class museums to breathtaking skyscrapers, from vibrant neighbourhoods to parks and gardens. As they say, it is the “city that never sleeps.”

Mon

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean		Hide Details

Tue

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean		Hide Details

Wed

Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Grand Turk Turks & Caicos Islands		Hide Details

Thu

Road Town, Tortola

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Road Town Tortola		Hide Details
	Once known as a hideaway for pirates and freebooters, the British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.), are today a lure for sun worshippers and yachtsmen alike. Constant trade winds along the Sir Francis Drake Channel make for ideal sailing conditions, while the secluded beaches, incredible vistas, and friendly inhabitants make the islands a wonderful place to visit. Tortola, the largest island in the B.V.I., is home to Road Town — the islands’ capital. Browse the many small shops, enjoy a drink at a harbour café, or simply relax on the spectacular beach at Cane Garden Bay. The island’s mountainous terrain makes for fabulous views — on a clear day, you can glimpse the U.S. Virgin Islands. For a real treat, take a ferry across the channel to Virgin Gorda — home of the famous Baths. At this unique beach, gigantic boulders create secluded coves and form picturesque grottos.

Fri

Cruising the Caribbean Sea

Cruising the Caribbean Sea		Hide Details

Sat

Willemstad, Curacao

8:00 am - 2:00 pm

Willemstad Curacao		Hide Details
	In the days before the canal, the Chagres River was the vital artery used by travellers transiting Panama. Conquistadores shipped Incan gold down the river on its way to the coffers of Spain; 49ers followed its course in their quest for the goldfields of California. Board your air-conditioned transportation for the 25-minute drive to the river, passing en route the Gatun Locks, the massive lock gates themselves, and the spillway that controls the flow of water in Gatun Lake. Board your motor launch for an approximately 40-minute cruise up the river into the heart of the tropical forest. Disembark and set out on your hike. As you travel a path through the forest, your guide relates facts about the rain forest ecosystem and points out sights of interest. Keep an eye out for monkeys, toucans, sloths, anteaters and iguanas. After your walk, board your transportation for the return trip to the ship.

Sun

St. George's, Grenada

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

St. George's Grenada		Hide Details
	Grenada is the Caribbean’s “Isle of Spice” — one of the world’s major producers of nutmeg, mace, clove, cinnamon, and cocoa. Indeed, the fragrant aroma of spice seems to envelop the island’s emerald hillsides, tropical forests, and sun-drenched beaches. Grenada is truly a feast for the senses. Americans, of course, may remember the island from the 1983 U.S. military intervention. Over two decades later, Grenada is again an ideal vacation spot. No building here may be built higher than a coconut palm. The majority of hotels are small and family owned. St. George's Harbor is a picture-perfect postcard of an idyllic Caribbean anchorage.

Mon

Bridgetown, Barbados

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Bridgetown Barbados		Hide Details
	Barbados is one of the few Caribbean islands solely colonized by one nation. No wonder Bajans describe their country as being “more English sheself,” that names like Worthy and Hastings abound, or that you will find a Trafalgar Square. But look around and you know you are not in England: Rich and fertile tropical fields meet a glistening, azure sea. The soft pastels of old chattel houses blend with the vibrant reds, oranges and greens of roadside fruit stands. In short, Barbados exudes a charm all its own. Perhaps it is due to Bajan culture — that celebrated blend of English tradition and the African heritage brought to the island by slaves imported to work the sugar plantations. The resultant mix makes a potent brew flavouring every aspect of island life — from music, dance, and art to religion, language and food.

Tue

Castries, St. Lucia

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Castries St. Lucia		Hide Details
	Nestled below the Pitons, twin peaks rising over 2,600 feet (792.4m) above the azure waters of the Caribbean, St. Lucia is an oasis of tropical calm. The island’s capital of Castries is a town of charming, pastel-collared colonial buildings, home to some 60,000 souls. Yet despite its peaceful setting, St. Lucia has a turbulent and colourful history. Fierce Carib warriors overran the peaceful Arawaks in the 9th century. The first European settler, Francois Le Clerc, was a French buccaneer. Le Clerc’s countrymen followed in his wake, establishing the town of Soufriere in 1746. Sugar was the lure, sugar was king — within four decades some 50 plantations flourished on the island. And St. Lucia became part of the Caribbean’s 18th-century trade triangle of sugar, slavery, and rum. Today this beautiful island welcomes visitors drawn to its exotic tropical landscape, superb beaches, crystalline waters, and colourful marine life.

Wed

Roseau, Dominica

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Roseau Dominica		Hide Details
	Lying between Guadeloupe and Martinique is the island of Dominica — an unspoiled Caribbean paradise. The vibrant, rich rain forest is home to rare birds, including sisserou and jacquot parrots. Streams tumble down mountain slopes and thread fertile valleys on their short route to the sea. Dominica is also home to the last Carib Indians. When Columbus made landfall on his second voyage of discovery, this fierce tribe managed to keep the explorer at bay. And while the island proved a lure for both British and French planters, Dominica somehow managed to escape the trammels of civilization. This former British possession, independent since 1978, today lures tourists from around the world with its unspoiled beauty. As the islanders fondly say, “Apres Bondi, c’est la terre” — “After God, it is the land.”

Thu

Basseterre, St. Kitts

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Basseterre St. Kitts		Hide Details
	Jagged volcanoes soaring above azure and turquoise seas, dense rain forests in myriad shades of green, rolling fields of sugarcane — welcome to St. Kitts. Along with its neighbour, Nevis, St. Kitts presents an exotic landscape more common to Polynesia than the Caribbean. The islands’ terrain, rich soil, and climate made them ideal locations for raising sugarcane. St. Kitts and Nevis, in fact, were the crown jewels of the Caribbean. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Spain, France and England vied for control of the islands, with the English finally winning out in 1787. Today, British and French heritage is evident on both islands. Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, boasts fine, restored colonial buildings. Impressive Brimstone Hill Fortress — called the Gibraltar of the West Indies — is one of the most impressive fortresses in the Caribbean.

January 2010

Fri

Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas		Hide Details
	The US Virgin Islands are America’s paradise, offering an easygoing blend of island ways and American practicality. St. Thomas, capital of the island group, offers every imaginable sport: snorkelling, golfing, hiking, and sailing. Just a few miles (kilometres) away lie St. John and Virgin Islands National Park. Stunning mountain scenery, crystalline waters, and white-sand beaches with palms swaying in the breeze — the US Virgin Islands are truly a slice of paradise.

Sat

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean		Hide Details

Sun

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean

Cruising the Atlantic Ocean		Hide Details

Mon

New York, New York

Disembark

PRICING:

Prices are PER PERSON

Category D5	Inside	$3996.34	$100 On-board Credit
Category C2	Outside	$4352.34	$100 On-board Credit
Category B5	In-Hull Balcony	$4424.34	$150 On-board Credit
Category A2	Deluxe Balcony	$5754.34	$150 On-board Credit
Category A1	Deluxe Balcony	$6228.34	$150 On-board Credit
Category AA	Britannia Club Balcony	$7509.34	$150 On-board Credit
Category P2	Mini-Suite Balcony	$8034.34	$150 On-board Credit
Category Q6	Suite with Balcony	$13449.34	$150 On-board Credit

Space is very limited. Please reserve early to avoid disappointment.

Additional categories may be available, please call for prices and availability.

ALL PRICES ARE PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND INCLUDE ALL PORT CHARGES, TAXES, GOVERNMENT FEES AND FUEL SURCHARGE AS ADVISED.

AIRFARE, SHORE EXCURSIONS, INSURANCE AND OPTIONAL PRE/POST CRUISE HOTEL PACKAGES
ARE AVAILABLE AT ADDITIONAL COST.

DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT INFORMATION BOOK EARLY AND SAVE!!
25% of Cruise Fare

FINAL PAYMENT DUE BY SEPTEMBER 20, 2009

Exclusive Amenities include

$100.00 OBC for inside/outside
$150.00 OBC for Balcony/Grill
Invitation to private cocktail party
Pre-cruise information packet
Invitations to private group onboard functions and exclusive, handcrafted shore excursion experiences

As the group grows there is the chance that extra OBC will also be awarded so tell your friends!

PRE-CRUISE PACKAGE
You also have access to our exclusive pre-cruise NYC City package starting at just $289.00pp/dbl

Includes 1 night at the Library Hotel
-Breakfast included, Cocktail reception, complimentary internet and all day snacks.
Transportation to Dinner at Rosie O'Grady's*
Transportation to Radio City Music Hall for "Christmas Spectacular"*
Transportation back to hotel.
Transfer and luggage assistance including all taxes and gratuities to Queen Mary 2 the next morning.

About Ambiance Travel:

We realize that sometimes doing business on the Internet can be risky and that's why Cruise Freek Forums is proud to have Nina Van Harn, owner of Ambiance Travel, as our official travel agent for of our Christmas and New Year's cruise aboard Queen Mary 2. Ambiance Travel is a Virtuoso affiliate agency.

Lastly, you can rest assured service from Ambiance Travel does not end when you book your cruise. From start to finish Ambiance Travel is there to assist your needs and, Nina Van Harn will be on-board the Christmas and New Year's sailing of Queen Mary 2 and, she will be in New York City for all the pre-cruise activities escorting those who choose to participate in the fun.

Pre-Cruise Hotel and Activities Information:

Please note that The Library Hotel is a smoke-free environment.

Dinner at Rosie O'Grady's and Evening Performance of the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Rosie O'Grady's is a wonderful steak and seafood house that is a Theater District fixture and offers a dinner menu for nearly taste and budget, and, it will be a wonderful start for our planned evening out. After dinner it's off to Radio City for an evening performance of the annual Christmas Spectacular. The Christmas Spectacular has been running for over 75 years and features Santa Claus, live animals and, of course, the world famous Radio City Rockettes. The show is approximately 90 minutes in length. Pricing will be made available sometime in 2009 for these two activities.

**Depending on timing we will be offering photo opportunities at Rockefeller Center either before or after the show. Rockefeller Center is just steps away from Radio City Music Hall.

On-Board Activities:

As already mentioned, Cruise Freek groups never force socializations, however, if you are so inclined, many of our group members are already in the planning stages of on-board activities including:

Dinner or Lunch at Todd English
Cocktail Party
Pub or Cabin Crawl

You are invited to join Cruise Freek Forums and contribute your ideas for our on-board activities!

Ready to Book?:

Contact:

Nina Van Harn
Ambiance Travel
http://ambiancetc.com/

Phone number: 1-616-405-6950
Fax number: 1 (866)762-2709
E-mail: Nina@ambiancetc.com

For more information visit the dedicated website for this sailing: http://www.cunardholiday2009.makeswebsites.com/

Plus don't forget to put your name on our email opt-in lists for:

Cunard European Cruise - we are going to attempt a double transit!

Queen Elizabeth Inaugural in 2010

Why Nova Scotia Is A Favorite of Mine

Thu, 6 Jun 2008 23:05:32 GMT

posted by downeast

So, why do I enjoy Nova Scotia so much? One of my top reasons obviously is the beauty of the landscape - but that is true of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island. Hmmmmmmmm, so if not scenic beauty then what makes Nova Scotia different? Look closely at the photo below and you will see one of the features that has impressed me about Canada and Nova Scotia. Check out the roads and sidewalks in the photo …………..

They look like the street sweeper just went through town. This is Digby but the same is true of most of the villages we visited. Clean, very clean, no cigarette butts, no flying napkins, no coffee cups, nothing, thats right, nothing. How can that be? I am not sure but it reminded me of walking around in Disney World but I never saw anyone with a broom and dustpan on a rod.

We drove hundreds of miles of highways and country roads - and winter is not that far behind us - and we saw very few pieces of trash along these roads. I was completely amazed by how clean everything was/is.

Look at the docks shown in the last post - they are CLEAN! No, junk, ropes, old lobster pots, etc. lying around. Someone obviously spends their nights sweeping roads, docks, and sidewalks. Seriously, the whole country is clean!

Tomorrow I will share more reasons I enjoy Canada and Nova Scotia so much…………

Nova Scotia - How Much Time Do I Need

Wed, 5 Jun 2008 23:54:43 GMT

posted by downeast

As I said in my last post I strongly suggested people visiting Acadia National Park not try to include a brief trip, via the Cat Ferry, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

And, as I said in my last post, I am not suggesting people not visit Nova Scotia. On the contrary, by all means I strongly recommend a visit (or more) but I also strongly suggest it not be a “day trip” as part of a visit to Acadia! Nova Scotia deserves a full fledged visit of its own. In fact, like Acadia and Downeast Maine, Nova Scotia can easily command 2 or more lengthy visits. I will explain why I feel this way over my next several posts.

Parker’s Cove Nova Scotia - Annapolis Valley Area

Shown above is one of many small fishing (lobsters) villages that dot the southern coast of Nova Scotia. This small harbor was created by man-made rock and cement jetties that jut out into the Bay of Fundy. Thirty foot tides and strong winds create an interesting and sometimes very hostile environment, even though it is on the Bay side of the island.

Stay tuned for more photos and first hand experience with Nova Scotia …..

Why I Enjoy Nova Scotia

Sun, 9 Jun 2008 02:00:50 GMT

posted by downeast

Another reason I enjoy Nova Scotia is the friendly people and the really slow pace - it allows me to completely relax. My last visit was during May of this year, the weather was great - cool and crisp nights and comfortable shirt sleeve or light jacket weather during the day. Just like Maine and many other states Nova Scotia has its share of black flies and mosquitoes, but the almost constant breeze along the coast kept them from showing themselves.

Hiking, biking, sea kayaking and many other outdoor activities are easy to enjoy in relative solitude. I like just sitting and soaking up the peace and quiet and beauty all around. Nova Scotia is a great place to slow down, relax, and soak up the beauty all around you. Do it, you will be glad you did!