2012 Maritimes: Day 37 - Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia

Oh boy, we've had such a busy day this Friday, July 6th that I'm going to have to really give you a Reader's Digest version. We saw a lot, took tons of pictures that this day would go on forever. You will thank me I'm sure. We toured Port-Royal, a Historic Garden, Fort-Anne, Annapolis Royal and did a Wine and Roses evening at the Gardens. It was a gorgeous day and actually turned out much better than expected.

The Port-Royal Habitation is a reconstruction of a small French compound begun in l605. It was home to one of the earliest European settlements on this continent. Mi'kmaq people lived along these shores for centuries and it was here that the French and the Mi'kmaq formed an enduring friendship and alliance. The Habitation survived until l6l3 when it was destroyed in an attack by Captain Samuel Argall of Virginia. The reconstruction was completed in l940, a milestone in the preservation movement in Canada.

Below left is a sketch of what the Habitation looked like - something on the order of a fort. They did use this design for protection as well as warmth. Top left is the main dining or common room. Top right is the court yard followed by the kitchen and Roni looking out the window of the Artisan's Quarters. We spent about an hour here looking in all the rooms and talking to the costumed interpreter.

We then drove to the Historic Gardens or "Nova Scotia's Hidden Treasure". It is l7 acres of horticultural excellence overlooking a tidal river valley. We were all in awe of the over 2000 rose bushes of every color and combination of colors. There were many other gardens with various other flowers, plants, bridges, ponds, etc. etc. - absolutely breathtaking.

This is just a small selection of pictures of the many that we took of the roses. I've never seen so many different colors or mixtures of colors in one garden. The best smelling rose was an orchid colored one like the bottom right.

I'm standing in the middle of a dogwood tree. I don't believe I've ever seen one in bloom. Saw some Water Lillies, Hydrangeas, Poppy's and Monkey's Tail (bottom right picture).

In addition to the plants were pools, replica of a l7th century Acadian home, fountains, arches and plants in various arrangements. I've got dozen's of other pictures of the gardens, but I think you get a pretty good idea of how beautiful it was.

After we ate lunch at a German Bakery - homemade soup, sandwiches and dessert using Plums, we toured Fort Anne - needed to walk off all the yummy calories. The French and the British had their colonial capitals in this area, and built several forts to protect them. From here their officials interacted with the Mi'kmaq, Acadians, and the British residents. This was one of the most hotly contested territories in North America; the site endured alternating sieges and attacks from the French and the British seeking control of the continent. The l702 earthworks are the earliest Canadian example of a Vauban-style fort. Vauban was the undisputed European fort design master of his time. Fort Anne is the oldest national historic site in Canada, designated in l9l7.

Top left picture is the Officer's Quarter's. Right of that is the Powder Magazine and bottom right is the powder contained in barrels. There were a few guns still on the grounds.

One highlight of the Fort is this Heritage Tapestry - l8' across and 8 'high. Over l00 volunteers from all walks of life and cultural background, gave 20,000 hours over 4 years to complete. Even Queen Elizabeth added 7 or so stitches to Queen Ann's garment. It consists of 4 panels, one for each century, depicting historic events, such as the Deportation, Anglo-French rivalry, the ratification of a l727 Treaty at Fort Anne and the burning of the soldier's barracks. As well as scenes creating moments of everyday life: dyke building and Historic Gardens. 95 different colors of Persian Wool was used as well as different materials such as cotton, linen, silk thread, pearls, etc. Very impressive!

Oh, I forgot something else we did today - visited the Annapolis Tidal Generating Station. The following I copied from a brochure - should you care to read it.

How Electricity is Generated at the Annapolis Tidal Generating Station:

A causeway in the Bay of Fundy is equipped with sluice gates, which are plates that enclose the water channel. These gates create what is known as a "head pond", where water levels can be controlled. When the tide comes in, and the sea level reaches the level of the head pond, the gates are opened and the water fills the head pond. When the tide goes out, the head pond becomes higher than the sea. When this difference, called "the head", is about l.8 meters or more, water flows through the turbine at a rate of 400 cubic meters per second. This cycle lasts approximately five hours. The predictable l2 hour and 25 minute tide cycle allows Annapolis to operate twice a day.

We were really impressed with the gentlemen that gave us all the info about this plant. How much more efficient this is vs wind turbines. I could be wrong, but I think he said there were only two or three others in the world - don't hold me to that - and it cost $46 million.

We finally made it back to the campground - just in time for Happy Hour - but didn't have too much time as we were off and running again to the Garden for the Wine and Roses Event. There were only but a few of us that went but we had a wonderful time drinking wine, eating hor'dourves and walking the grounds.

They had tents set up for the wine and food as well as a musician playing the sax. Just delightful. Us girls were playing and having fun around the roses. Patty, Joyce, Wendy and Roni. Of course, I had to take more pictures of the roses - note the different colors.