Picking bakeapples at Gooseberry Cove, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

This summer, my grandfather and I went to Gooseberry Cove to pick one of his favourite treats, bakeapples.

Also known as a cloudberry, this yellow-orange fruit resembles a raspberry and is part of the rose family. These berries grow on boggy land in the cold northern climates of Canada, Scandinavia, and Siberia, as well as the Arctic Circle. As they ripen slowly due to the climate, these berries have an intense flavour and sweetness, tasting almost like honeyed apples. This may be why they are called bakeapples in Canada!

Because they grow in boggy areas, my grandfather says "if you plan to go picking bakeapples, wear boots!" Trust me, you're bound to get your feet wet.

Gooseberry Cove is located on the eastern part of Cape Breton, halfway between Louisbourg and Main-a-Dieu. The morning that we went, the fog was just starting to burn off and we were surrounded by lots of little butterflies. One settled down near me while I had my camera in hand, so I snapped its picture.

Louisbourg Encampment, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia

This summer, I attended the 250th anniversary of the second siege of the Fortress of Louisbourg. The event took place July 25-27 at the national historic site and featured battle reenactments, tactical demonstrations, costumed volunteers and an 18th century fireworks display.

My family and I attended the evening battle re-inactment and tactical demonstration. Among the gunsmoke, the French and its allies defended the Fortress against the invading British troops. During the 2-hour demonstration, the fog began to roll in off the Louisbourg Harbour, creating an eerie effect that made me feel like I had been transported back in time to witness the original event.

Following the battle, we stayed to take in the 18th century fireworks display. Due to the fog, we didn't see the fireworks take off, but rather witnessed the full effect of the exploding colours.

That Dutchman's Farm, Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

This past spring, I took a trip to visit That Dutchman's Farm, located in Upper Economy. The moment you step out of your vehicle, you will be astounded by the numerous species of animals, as well as tempted by the mouth-watering cheese made on site.

Heritage farm animals, such as Highland cattle, sheep, turkeys, Guinea fowl and peacocks wander around the property. Also available are woodland nature discovery trails, which lead you to a spectacular view of the Bay of Fundy.

The farm also produces a "Farmstead Gouda", a heritage cheese that finds it's roots in the Netherlands, going back to the Middle Ages. Their featured cheese is Dragons' Breath Blue, delicious served with crackers, apples and pears. During this trip, I picked up four bottles of their spreadable cheese, known as smeerkass, with flavours such as pepper, garlic and smoked.

Louisbourg Lighthouse, Louisbourg, Nova Scotia

The Louisbourg Lighthouse is a great place to visit. Not only is this the site of the first lighthouse in Canada, but you also get a fantastic view of the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site on the other side of the harbour.

The lighthouse seen in this photograph is the third one to be built on the site. The original lighthouse was built by the French and began contruction in 1730, a 70 foot circular tower made of coursed rubble. A fire broke out in the tower in September, 1736 and the original structure was damaged beyond repair during the second siege of Louisbourg in 1758.

A second lighthouse was built on the site in 1842, a 2.5 storey wooden building that also served as a residence for the keeper. This lighthouse was destroyed by fire in 1922.

The third and current lighthouse was built the following year, a 55-foot white concrete octagonal tower. It was automated in 1989.

The foundations of the original and second lighthouses still remain. A small picnic area is found just before the lighthouse, with a lovely view of the fortress.

New Boston Falls, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

One of my favourite places in Nova Scotia is located on an off-the-beaten-track trail, located near New Boston in Cape Breton. It's a place I like to go to when I just want to sit and relax.

Known as the New Boston Falls among my family, this waterfall is a sight to behold after a lot of rain. It's also beautiful to see in the Fall, when the leaves have started to change colours.

A note of caution, though; be careful if you want to take photos from the base of the falls - the hill is very steep and slippery!

Welcome Message

Hello everyone, and welcome to my blog! Here, you will find photos and information regarding places that I know and love, found around Nova Scotia.

Please enjoy and please feel free to post your own comments.

-Laura