Well we had a time!

What a time we had!

August 24, 2013

So, first things first.  We arrived en masse at the Point of View Cottage in Louisbourg.  Amazing view of water and sky and overlooking the Fortress of Louisbourg.  Can’t say enough about the accommodations!

Then off to the Fortress, with just a few minor mix-ups. We had to go one mile………  We did not arrive together.   Suffice to say the whole lot of us would be very poor caravan participants.

Pause for shameless promotion : For those who may not know, we are  celebrating Louisbourg300, a grand fête marking the 300th anniversary of the founding of Île Royale — known today as Cape Breton Island —  and its capital, Louisbourg. There has never been a better time to experience history coming to life at North America’s largest historical reconstruction

We gathered at a Wigwam to participate in a ceremony and story-telling.  A Mi’maq Elder spoke about the long history between the First Nations and the English and French.  It was an inspiring tale of the generosity of the First People.  He also told the Legend of the Eel and then invited us into the Chapel for a feast of baked eel and beef stew. We were treated to period music and costume.  The whole event was awesome.

Hosting the event was Chip Bird, Superintendent of Louisbourg.   We were also joined by the CEO of Parks Canada, Alan Latourelle, and several members of the audit committee including Dave Steuwe.

At the dinner, I had the opportunity to rekindle my friendship with Catharine Arsenault.  You never know who you might meet 🙂

Next up, a quick tour of the grounds.

We then hustled over to the concert grounds to prepare for the evenings entertainment.  First  up was JP Cormier.  Holy smokes can that man play a  guitar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twenty feet from the stage!

Of course we were on our feet for Matt Anderson!  Jim Gourlay remained un-phased while the Pow Wow’s inappropriately fan-girled Matt.

For those of you who may have never heard Matt before, here he is singing So Gone Now.  Last year he won an international blues competition in  Memphis.  He’s the real thing.  Yes he is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1nz5tZckSA

We were then treated to an amazing fireworks display.

Stragglers were rounded up and we headed back to the Point of View, where we imbibed and discussed deep important things.  At least they seemed so at the time.

August 25, 2013

The next day we headed out to Seal Island for breakfast.  The Cedar House Restaurant and Bakery is a must stop.  There was literally a line-up to get in.  Very worth the wait.  After an awesome breakfast we proceeded down to the St. Anne’s Look-off on Kelly’s Mountain to have a group photo.

In order, The Pow Wow’s : Ella, Michele, me, Mary, Linda, Yvonne and Katharine and then Devon, Jim, Evan, Danielle and Dorianna.   Magnificent!

From there, half of the crowd headed off to the Right Some Good Festivities, and Michele and I accompanied our offspring and their friends around the Cabot Trail.  Every time I see it I find it wonderous.  Go again and glory in the views.

Michele and I parted ways with the kids at Cheticamp and headed off to Inverness to stay at the incredible Cabot Links.   Ben Cowan-Dewar and his wife, Allie, have created the only golf course ever to have been featured on both the front page of the Travel Section and the Sports Section of the New York Times.  It has the distinction of being Canada’s only true links course.  So, worth the visit.

This morning Michele and I walked down to Inverness beach, such and amazing piece of heaven here in Nova Scotia.

The Chicks tour has kicked off with a bang.   Many, many thanks to Mary Tulle for the incredible week-end!

More news to follow. ♥

(Most of the photos in this post are courtesy of Evan Furey)

Advertisements