Water, Wind, Waves ... Whales???

I believe yesterday I referred to today’s major event as a “whale watching cruise”. Today I would like to re-phrase that as the “searching for whales adventure”.

Feeling rather spoiled after being served a lovely breakfast in beautiful surroundings, we headed out to the most easterly point of Nova Scotia on a narrow isthmus called the Digby neck. The more we were surrounded by ocean, the more we were surrounded by fog. Two ferry rides later we arrived at Brier Island, apparently famous for whale watching tours. The entire island is four miles long and two miles wide (why did they not describe it in kilometers???) but due to fog we saw very little of it at one time! Still, armed with the brochure comment that “some of the best whale sightings have been in foggy conditions…” away we went. The fog only got thicker. We kept going for so long that I half expected to see Scotland’s shores peering out of the mist at any time. Finally we stopped and everyone was told to be very quiet and listen for the whales’ “blow” and then we would go find them. No luck. This process repeated itself about four more times, with the wind picking up, salt spray whipping over the sides of the boat, and some rain falling. Eventually, after 3 hours, we were told that we were returning to land, with the great news that we would all get free passes for anytime we wished to return. No problem since we live just around the corner. Ah well, it’s just one of those chances a person takes.

As I wobbled off the boat, drenched, cold, and with the worst bad hair day anyone could imagine, I said to Rob, “Just look at that girl waiting for the next cruise (and I use the word lightly, and tell me that doesn’t look like Marcy Norman from church.” Then…. “Marcy?.... What are you doing here???” Same thing as us apparently. It was absolutely hilarious to see how surprised and excited she was to see someone from home.

By the time we got back to Digby (about an hour and a half) it was 26 degrees, hot and humid. I couldn’t believe how I could be so cold, and then so hot. After my stomach settled down (Believe me, lunch was not an option after that ride. I am NOT meant for the sea, and I have a whole new appreciation for all those Atlantic fishermen) we toured a nearby ‘artsy’ village where many building are built on stilts because of the dramatic Fundy Tides.

The final pictures on today’s blog are 1) Rob’s new idea for renovations – re-doing old fishing vessels, and 2) the next in the series of historic cannon photos, as requested. (See what happens when you comment???)

Off to Lunenburg tomorrow. I wonder how many restaurants there will be called the Bluenose. No matter what we do, I’m fully expecting to meet one of our next door neighbours.