How I ended up in Nova Scotia this Summer
And how it's going...
Do you ever try to trace your current circumstances back to a single moment and how that led to a whole series of events that got you to where you are right now? I’m sitting in my summer rental in Parrsboro, Nova Scotia remembering a phone call from 11 years ago.
I was in my office at The Progress Fund. At the time, I was managing the Trail Town Program. A woman was calling from Halifax to see if I could host a group of trail advocates that wanted to visit the Great Allegheny Passage. I was ecstatic! It sounded like so much fun and an opportunity to showcase the great work we were doing. And it was. But that trip also opened up my world.
I would go on to host similar groups on other trips. (Here’s a post, Cycle Forward’s Month of Canada, I wrote about the 2016 trip.) I’ve also had opportunities to visit Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador for trainings and workshops. The relationships I built in this area also led to opportunities in Ontario (Learn more about Trent-Severn Trail Towns here.) It’s been a great 11-year exchange that has resulted in friendships, consulting gigs, and the decision to summer here.
I can still hardly believe we’re here. I keep saying it’s a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” All my current projects could be conducted remotely this summer. My wife and I were able to find someone to rent our home in Pittsburgh. Our dogs were up for the adventure. And one of my contacts here was able to connect me with the person that owns this cottage. Seems pretty “once in a lifetime” to me. But, who knows? The world has changed a lot over the last few years, resulting in more flexible work and living situations for many. I’m deeply grateful that we’re among those who have been able to make a change.
I’ll write more as the summer progresses. In the meantime, just know the scenery is breathtaking and the people we’ve met are just as kind and welcoming as you might expect. Here are a few highlights:
Events attended: A local storytelling night, a fish cakes and beans supper (takeout only), a plant/bake/book sale, a free movie screening (Buddy Holly Story, with live music before the movie), a concert in the park (a local band playing great traditional Irish tunes), a plein air festival, and TV BINGO (yep, that’s BINGO on TV). Next up are Canada Day festivities on Friday. There will be a community chorus performance, free birthday cake, a cold plate supper (something new to me), and fireworks.
Best meals: I had a maple curry pasta at The Henley House in Sheet Harbour that was outstanding! I also had a great panang curry in the town of Truro. We’ve also been enjoying lots of fish and making delicious home salads to make up for fish and chips and other indulgences.
In season: Strawberries, asparagus, lettuce, radishes, beets, and probably some other things I haven’t seen.
Weather report: Those who follow me on social media may have noticed me bundled up in a bunch of photos. This past week has been milder and I’ve been able to break out my shorts!
Newfound appreciation: High speed internet. Coverage at the cottage is spotty, although it’s getting better. I’ve spent time bopping around town working at the local library, Tim Horton’s, and in people’s homes (I’ve literally been told to “just go in - no need to knock”).
Glad I packed: My computer monitor, my warm fleece, slippers, and Annie and Penny.
Things I’m curious about: Why are the squirrels so small? How are the dandelions so abundant and what variety are they? What’s included in a cold plate supper?
Most scenic locations visited: Two Islands in Parrsboro, Advocate Harbour, Thomas Cove, and Taylor Head Beach Provincial Park. The common thread across these spots is experiencing total calm and serenity in being there.
What I’m reading: I just re-read Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World. I didn’t know when I started it last week that July 2 will be the 30th anniversary of Newfoundland’s moratorium on cod fishing.
I’m about to read Don’t Tell the Newfoundlanders and have been dabbling in a few Nova Scotia/New Brunswick travel guides.
Side trips: We’re planning a few side trips while we’re up here. We visited the Eastern Shore last week. Next month we’ll be going to Pictou on the Northumberland Shore to see a friend and attend the Lobster Carnival. We’ll also be hosting my aunt and uncle along the South Shore (Yarmouth, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Halifax). Finally, we’ll end our trip in August by visiting Cape Breton Island, Prince Edward Island, and the Fundy Coast in New Brunswick. Pinch me. And tell me when I’ve posted enough photos already. (I have some posted on my Instagram page, by the way.)
And a few photos:
