There is a road trip on the horizon that is one more sleep away. Over the last little while I have been creating, acknowledging, and witnessing minor miracles fall into place making this getaway possible.
This is a trip to where I was born. I have lived away for some 4o odd years and haven't visited in more than ten. I have been back numerous times but this time the journey already feels different.
On two occasions I had the pleasure of taking my daughter to my childhood stomping grounds; both summer road trips as well. Thankfully she has always been a willing traveller even when the only company was two adults.
This time Jack and I are on our own ... until we get "down home." Though not all in the same place at the same time, five of my eight siblings will be there as well. I'll miss the two sisters who couldn't come along and the brother who will be there in spirit only.
Looking through these pre-digital photographs as I pack and prepare makes me realize how much time has passed.
Summer 0f 2002 - my girl looking out at the ocean low tide
My daughter is busy working and doing her own thing this summer but to have the chance share my roots by the ocean was special to me -- as I hope it was to her.
two of my favourite people
glowing dusk on the Northumberland Strait
rugged and rocky Peggy's Cove
welcomed into a folk artist's home
maritime folk art
and other sites along the way
Our final destination is the province of Nova Scotia. The shape of the province always looks like a lobster to me, and not surprisingly, the world famous crustacean delicacy comes from the freshest, coldest Nova Scotia waters.
map of Maritime Canada
Halifax, the capital city, is a rich, nautical and musical place full of history and character (and characters)! It is also home to Pier 21. Like America's Ellis Island, Pier 21 is the gate many of those looking for a better life in Canada passed through, my ancestors among them.
The trip east to Nova Scotia and all the stops on the long drive there will sure to be fodder for stories. I haven't had much time lately for stories but I know there are some brewing already.
See you in August.
Scarlett
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Comments
Safe home, SS. I hope you and Jack have a good trip. Bring back lots of photos and good stories to tell us.
What a good feeling that is, that feeling of stories brewing. Enjoy ya man and your hermanas ~
Bo, I may have been young when I moved, but ya know... it has been said ... you can take the girl out of Nova Scotia but you can't take Nova Scotia out of the girl. Where do you think I get my attitude? ;)
LL, asia & jmac: Thanks. We're draped over a map with a highlighter here. I'm the navigator. Look out!
catch: thanks. hey, you're still here and thanks for that too.
dianaani: Will do up this east coast photo journey and think of you while I am.
damon: Thanks, hope so. Must check to see what is happening in your CA story land before I leave.
Toxic T: Yes, from one end of the continent to the other ...
l'heure Bleue: Yes, a few Kodak moments there. Those photos are ten years old but the memories -- a life time. That fellow, Barry, is quite the artist. That house is only the beginning. He has a whole museum worth of stuff!
Abrawang: Go if you get the chance! So many don't make it east of Montreal ...a different world awaits. You'd love it.
Beautiful post.
You pulled my strings for this beautiful country.Have you met Art James up there or will you meet him?
This time when visiting Canada,I have to get to the East coast.Can I count on you when planning details?
I wish you the best time ever.,with your family and all.
My heart is aching and longing to get there within this year.
Where's that crew from This Old House when you really need 'em?
See you in August, then, Scarlett.
Usually I start reading Faulkner's 'Light in August' every August 1st, and now I can watch for your report as well.
Sounds to be an almost spiritual trip.
I admire your thoughts here, and wish you a wonderful reunion.
Wondering why Prince Edward Island is less renown than
Nova Scotia?
I look forward to your words and photographs!
Lovely glimpses these. Nova Scotia has always called my name. My grandfather's family ... generations earlier came from Holland through Nova Scotia, then down through Maine ... to Boston ...
When I was little, trying to fit all the pieces together, I would tell you that I was English, Irish, Scots and Dutch ... and part Nova Scotian,
Will be thinking of you while you are away.
You photos are lovely, this piece very reflective. I guess it is the season of going back and also of letting go. Looking forward to perhaps some poetry to come. Enjoy.
Ever visit the french island there? Never knew about it until I bumped into a french fishing boat in the middle of the atlantic heading west to get home.
r.
It looks like a marvelous destination.
Margaret: I toiled with the idea of writing those words: minor miracle. I meant in the context of the human stuff, the mountains (work, getting time off, etc.) moved to make this trip possible before hand. But that sky? -- Divine in the truest sense of the word. And yes, fortunate I am, and counting my blessings.
Kim: I just saw over at Rita's place it was your natal return. Happiest of Birthdays! And thanks again for sharing your talent with us.
Heidi: Art & I chatted; he won't be there at the same time. But we may be by his stomping grounds, and if so, we'll feel his presence.
And may inquire of him at the post office and library as he mentioned. :)
Wish I had time to answer your question, JP. To Islanders, PEI is the thing, to Nova Scotians it's probably the geography that sets it apart. Faulkner in August is just right.
anna: Many connections between that part of the US and NS. If I recall correctly, I think Boston sends a Christmas to Halifax N.S. every year. Thanks for the comment, see, you & I are connected too.
Many thanks, dear Rita. Maybe we'll find a ceilidh (Gaelic for kitchen party) to join in on.
green: I still haven't answered why I was sick at the ashram. Let's just say the early early mornings, intense sitting and coming off of caffeine. I'd love to able to drive through Maine to get there but not this time -- our passports have expired. Catch you on the return. You bet ... I'll hug the spruce for you.
Bernadine: Hope you get the chance. You'd be welcomed with renown NS hospitality.
Inverted I: There is a lot of French Influence there. I have visited Cape Breton many times. I'm not sure if that's what you mean. But maybe. When I look out in to the Atlantic, I'll be thinking off you; you brave soul!
Joan: That pink house would suit you fine. Btw, we're stopping off to see "the girl" on the way too. Yay. xo
Matt: We saw a few houses like that along the way. Tales of lives gone by. If walls could talk, huh?
Jonathon: Thanks for your well wishes.
If my phone has decent reception, I'll read along the way.
We're off. Cheers!
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon they're called, just south of Newfoundland apparently. If you go there you will be in France!
Saludos viajeros ~