March madness ...?

……. Certainly not today.

Anyone who knows or remembers me from the past will recall my dislike for winter. Today marks the second full day of spring but in reality it felt like a frigid snowy day from the depths of January or February, certainly not what I expect late March should be. The “should be” comes from growing up in Scotland where my internal senses for late March is firmly set to a default of daffodils, green grass and buds on the trees.

As I journey through this new chapter I am learning much about myself and the environment in which we have chosen to live. Now that we are entering our fourth season here in the South Shore we have found that each new season has been better than the last. Yes, even winter has been great and a positive delight, so this week’s slight intrusion into spring by the cold season is OK and certainly has my approval …!!!!

During my last life I did truly hate winter, but I now believe that had more to with my environment and the circumstances within it. Today, while out on one of our wanders I actually began to feel some regret that very soon the sparkling ice and beautiful white accents of winter will soon pass to be substituted by the next season known for its growth, rebirth and rejuvenation. I suppose, like we have experienced already the coming season will be good and perhaps even better than the one we are leaving. Some folks from my past will find this incredible that I now draw comfort from the fact, it is only nine months until winter arrives again with its unique brilliance, beauty and characteristics.

Below are some pics from today’s pleasure trip. The church shown in the last two photos is St. John Evangelist Anglican Church constructed during 1903 on Bell Island. It is located down a bumpy gravel road where it was built almost on a cliff edge with a beautiful view of the LaHave Islands. The province of Nova Scotia has hundreds if not thousands of churches. Most of them are small white wooden structures. In some locations you may actually find two or three of them in the space of just a few hundred yards. So far on our wanders we have not seen many or in fact any folks attending church, perhaps that’s because services start far too early on a Sunday morning….!!!!!

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cherry Hill Beach

Cherry Hill Beach is a hidden gem, located just down the road from Crescent and Rissers Beaches. It offers a direct route to happiness via its empty vast curve of fine grey sand, exposed water and endless sky. A wonderful beach for a good long wander with fantastic rocks for exploring.

In bright sunshine and a cool brisk south east wind, the tide was on its way out. The mostly flat rocks at one end of the beach had a scattering of glowing ice chunks probably deposited there during some recent storm.

Another great beach wander with some local wildlife on show, see the snail trail .....

Some may say it's a dreich day

“Dreich” is a Scottish word used to describe the weather as wet, dull, gloomy and dreary or any combination of these. Indeed, today was wet, windy, overcast and very misty, but provided an absolutely marvelous and wonderful day at Crescent Beach and the LaHave Islands.
The wind from the south was aggressively driving the sea towards high tide, the rain was horizontal and the mist was thick but appeared static in all the surrounding activity. This natural combination seemed very familiar to me, but unfortunately a familiarity I have not seen or felt for almost four decades.

I remember very well as a young laddie during many great visits to the West Highlands of Scotland being excited about and loving days just like today, with the roar of the ocean, the rain and mist often beautifully mixed with the sweet smell of ground peat which was always amplified in the dampness. In such “perfect conditions”, I often wandered with my dad along beaches or climbed over rocks or stood on hilltops looking out and loving every moment of it.

Today I had a moment with feelings which led to emotions I have not felt for far too many years. The “perfect conditions” took me back to those wonderful days from my past, the rain soaking me through, the wonderful ocean smells and the high winds. Sadly he is no longer here to share this with me, I know my dad would have loved it today, the splendour and gift that is the South Shore ~ I miss him …

For all the natural rage on Crescent Beach by comparison the inlets and coves on Bell and Bush Islands were placid and unruffled, a perfect day, in fact one of the best, which finished up nicely at the LaHave Bakery.

Oh yes I forgot to mention, somebody lost their boat house ….



Where's my dinner ...?



  Billy sitting waiting for his favourite ~ boiled potatoes.