Merry Christmas from the Beach…

…just like I promised!

The sky was clear, the wind fierce which made for a blustery beach experience during the early afternoon yesterday, Christmas Eve. As soon as we opened the car door at Advocate Harbour Beach we heard the surf crashing onto the pebbles, and as we approached the access we realized that it might be too icy to walk very far.

Instead, I quickly changed plans and took full advantage of the moment to capture the scenery with the striking light reflecting off the water. I don’t think any words are necessary. The large, powerful waves crashing relentlessly on the shore would have kept me there indefinitely… if my hands didn’t get so cold!

I hope you enjoy the images as much as I loved creating them. Nothing feels better than some time at the beach or near the beach. The sound of crashing waves coupled with the sensation of the wind always drive the cobwebs from the mind!

On the way home, we veered off to check out Spencer’s Island Beach. It looked calm and like a different world. It’s hard to imagine that it’s only a ten-minute drive between Advocate Harbour and Spencer’s Island. But looks can be deceiving: as soon as I opened the door and stepped onto the beach I realize that it was much too cold to spend any time walking my usual stretch. So, I captured two quick images and jumped back into the car with a heavy heart. Can’t wait to venture out again… when it is a little warmer. It will be soon, I promise!

Enjoy your day, perhaps you are fortunate enough to spend time with family and/or friends. Or you have chosen to spend a quiet day by yourself… From the bottom of my heart, I wish you a Merry Christmas! All the best, Anna

Christmas…

2021 is entering into its last week and all the hope and confidence that it would be easier to gather and celebrate this year have dissolved into thin air…

Covid numbers are rising steadily and in fact, have never been so high in Canada. I have made a resolution: We will forge ahead, continue to be cautious, commit to staying positive and spend as much time outdoors as the weather allows. It’s a gorgeous and sunny day here, in the Bay of Fundy… We are heading out to Advocate Harbour for an outdoor “killer eggnog” tasting (as described by the hostess) and a walk on the beach.

The Christmas tree is up, gifts are wrapped, cookie packages were delivered to the neighbours along our street a little while ago and I have time to spare. A walk at the beach is the perfect way to slow down and shift gears.

May your holiday season be filled with warmth, love, family time and much joy. Merry Christmas to all and thank you for following my Fundy Contemplations Blog.

Best wishes, Anna

Click here or here for some beautiful seasonal music! Enjoy.

Morning Walk Impressions

I haven’t made much effort to go for extended walks lately, the beaches keep calling… These days I am staying closer to home and my daily morning walk with the pups offers amazing views and light shows.

From the time I close the back door and cross the deck to the views across the Parrsboro Aboiteau, I stop often to take in the views, breathing deeply and even capture the odd image when the sun pushes through the clouds just so.

The wind was strong and quite chilly this morning which made my pace brisk. After yesterday’s freezing rain I am grateful for a clear road without icy patches. The absence of snow doesn’t provide much of a backdrop for Christmas but it does not bother me. Where did the month go, never mind: Where did the year go?

These are a time for reflection, a time to take stock and the results are in. Despite pandemic ups and downs, the tightening of regulations once more and cancellations of get-togethers to keep everyone safe it has been a great year filled with wonderful vistas, amazing photo opportunities, the forging and deepening of friendships and daily blessings.

Best wishes and one more burst of energy to all as we close in on Christmas and keep busy with completing last-minute tasks. All the best, Anna

Great Village…

…a great village to explore, especially if you are into antiques and collectibles. Perhaps you are a regular viewer of CBC’s Land & Sea and caught this episode that first aired on November 21st? Perhaps you watched it but didn’t really know where this grouping of antique stores can be found. Wonder no more: Great Village is only a 45-minute drive from Parrsboro and we have stopped into the old general store nearly every time we head to Truro or Masstown Market.

Last year, only days after we signed on the dotted line to finalize our home purchase, we stopped in and found an old sewing cabinet. By adding wheels and a stainless steel top we have the best kitchen island we could have ever imagined! The narrow profile fits the small kitchen perfectly. Thus started our love affair with Great Village Antiques…

We stopped into Great Village Antiques last Monday, one last time before they close on Christmas Eve till sometime in April. We were not disappointed: It wasn’t crowded, the individual dealer areas were a little bare, so we didn’t get too overwhelmed. Best of all, almost everything was on sale. I found a Blueberry Cookbook I have been eyeing for some time, a Christmas songbook with sheet music, an elephant salt and pepper shaker and the treasures above. The antique basket is waiting for a gentle rub down with a damp cloth. Otherwise, it is in very good condition. The muffin tin (a super bargain at $ 8) will join the cake tinklGFBFP;[

A few weeks ago we found the perfect coffee table, an elegant piano bench that is the correct size for our smallish living room. We have been quite successful in completing our furniture line-up for our home thanks to Great Village Antiques. Colin has found a few antique weaving shuttles and perns along the way that are adding to his weaving tools in his studio.

Hope you enjoyed this little introduction to our favourite antiques haunt… One never knows what we come across next. These cups drew me in a couple of months ago. They are by no means antique but I struck a great bargain! They were $ 15 for both and when I did some research online I could not find them for less than US $ 35 each plus shipping…

We wish the owner Cees and his staff some relaxing downtime over the next few months. We can’t wait for the 2022 season! Best wishes to all, Anna

Soley Cove

Soley Cove is located in Lover Economy, Nova Scotia and about a 20-minute drive from home. We regularly pass the access road but most times the tide is out or we are in a big hurry to get somewhere.

Yesterday afternoon, on our way home from Masstown Market, the tide was in and the weather was perfect for a quick side trip to check out my favourite sea stack on this side of the Bay of Fundy.

Enjoy my quick roadside photos of my favourite vista along the Minas Basin. Happy Tuesday. May the sun shine on your endeavours today to illuminate the way. Best wishes, Anna

Just before Sunset…

…the beach at Diligent River never disappoints.

The light was magical with and the Minas Basin calm, a perfect setting for a small pre-Christmas get-together with friends.

Happy Sundaay, everyone. Best wishes, Anna

Chocolate Waves…

Last year, a friend was surprised about how “dirty” the waves looked on a blustery day. It is perfectly normal for these waves to appear dirty. When one thinks about it: the wind drives the waves and these waves, as they roll to shore, pick up sediment and sand. The waves at the Bay of Fundy are often tinted pink from the sandstone deposits at the bottom of the sea that erodes a little more with each wave.

Happy Saturday! Stay safe and enjoy some outdoor time, Anna

After the Snow…

…followed by rain yesterday afternoon this morning’s sunrise was once again overwhelmingly beautiful. The changes took place within a few seconds and I count myself fortunate to have been outside walking the dogs to witness the golden glow.

As I stepped close to the edge of the Aboiteau the maple leaves close to my feet caught my attention with the golden sunrise filtering and intensifying their colour. It was one of these exhale moments where all one can say is “Ahhhhhh”.

Wishing everyone a beautiful day. Filled with sunshine and hope, Anna

Putting Parrsboro, NS on the Map…

A couple months ago I visited the newest B&B in Parrsboro and I fell in love with this from the gound-up renovated and well-appointed inn. Here is a link to the previous post showcasing each room and elaborating on individual highlights. At the time of my first visit Heidi, the owner with a vision, mentioned that she was looking forward to the Christmas season. I promised then that I would pop over and capture the Pleasant Street Inn in its best seasonal “light”.

I passed the Inn after sunset several times over the past couple of weeks and I could not help but slow down and take in the inviting outdoor light display, a preview of what would await inside…

The Inn is the only year-round Bed & Breakfast option in Parrsboro. Once you step through the door it’s hard to imagine why you waited so long to check in! The decor is warm, inviting and very soothing. The weight of outside stress literally lifts off one’s shoulders upon entry and you cannot help but get immediately drawn into the well-appointed kitchen to sink into the comfortable couch for a pre-dinner drink or afternoon coffee before taking the luggage upstairs to one of the dreamy rooms. It’s easy to imagine claiming a spot at the island and/or dining table for one of Heidi’s delicious customized breakfasts. Thoughtful seasonal touches add a touch of luxury to make a stay at the Pleasant Street Inn even more memorable.

The curved stairway leads to the well-appointed rooms upstairs. There are plans for additional, more accessible rooms to be built in the future. So don’t dismiss this Inn just yet!

There have been a few additions in the guestrooms since my last visit: Each room now boasts its own fireplace to add more comfort and coziness. Who can resist pulling up a chair next to the fire to curl up with a book, or lounge on the bed to watch a movie? And then there is always the view over the tidal river of the inner harbour.

Every turn one makes affords the discovery of previously unseen treasures. Heading down the stairs to the main floor provides a new angle to admire details of the decorations on a narrow ledge.

Are you ready to book your room but not sure what to do in Parrsboro this time of year? Don’t let winter keep you away. Parrsboro is located in the heart of the UNESCO designated Fundy GeoPark. The natural history of this area is fascinating. The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world (up to 54′), countless beaches, each with its own special features to discover. The road between Parrsboro and Advocate is nicknamed “The Mini Cabot Trail”. You have to drive it to confirm the claim!

If you have a warm jacket make sure to pack it. The wind can be fierce but the beaches are definitely wide open and devoid of people! And what could be better than a warm Inn to return to for a hot shower or bath and cozying up to a fireplace in your room…

Hope you enjoyed today’s special feature of the Pleasant Street Inn ready to welcome guests over the holidays and year-round! Book your room soon and tell Heidi that Anna sent you.

Morning Colour

Today’s sunrise was picturesque for lack of a better description! My images were captured in the span of thirty minutes from when I first stepped outside to when I returned from walking the pups.

I stopped often, held my breath… trying to drink it all in! Magical moments worth sharing with all of you… enjoy!

Best wishes for a memorable day, Anna

Winter Winds…

What an amazing sky we woke up to this morning. After a night of strong winds and some rain, the winter wonderland from two days ago has completely disappeared. But with a vivid sky like this which photographer and nature observer will protest too much?

Such clouds, ranging from pale to nearly charcoal grey with the sun pushing through enough to magically illuminate the edges. My camera was there, in my hand, ready to capture the struggle of elemental forces asserting themselves in the sky above.

Wishing everyone a warm Sunday. May you find time to rest up and enjoy a treat or two during this busy Advent season. Best wishes, Anna

And this was yesterday…

…Ice was flowing on the Ferrels River at the bottom of our back yard. A rare sight indeed but mesmerizing non-the-less. I think it means that winter is here and even the Bay of Fundy gets some ice the odd day.

It has warmed up since yesterday and the ice has disappeared completely. The sky is overcast and the light flat. How fortunate was I to capture flowing ice yesterday morning? The light was magical and the frozen slush made the sound of crystal glasses touching when making a toast at a special dinner party.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend. May you capture the magic in your heart, Anna

A Perfect Spot…

I love to travel along the Bay of Fundy roads catching glimpses of the vast body of water. It is especially gratifying when the light is as special, just like in the slideshow above. It was about 4 pm and the sun was at the perfect angle where grasses and weeds were bathed in a golden glow highlighting their best attributes.

When the sun slips behind the trees and I am able to capture it peeking out between branches my heart skips a beat… These are the moments that make my day, they literally illuminate my week and cast everything into that special golden light.

Enjoy the images overlooking the Minas Basin from Two Islands just outside of Parrsboro. This look-off is one of my favourite stops. The views never disappoint, even when the weather is less glorious…

Best wishes for a grande day, Anna

Layers and Texture…

Sunday presented us with some beautiful sunshine and during a short drive, we stopped to take in the view toward Blomidon across the Minas Basin. The reflection was mesmerizing and the way the sun illuminated the edges of the clouds was worth capturing in the image above.

We had stopped in a little clearing and I recalled the last time I had been there: the trees had intriguing lichens and their bark was peeling in layers that captured my attention. I tried to make images then but was unsuccessful. With the new iPhone camera, I was going to give it another try… and I think you will agree: the bark layers and textures are beautiful. I never have to go far or look hard, nature presents beautiful subjects that are ours to capture and to share.

Wishing you a sunny day. Happy Tuesday and best wishes, Anna

Study of Contrasts

Saturday morning, December 4th… the sun brightly shining in a brilliant blue sky I was struck by the contrast presented by Mother Nature: There were still apples hanging on the tree across the street from where I was walking, two small maple leaves had emerged from the tip of a branch while at the same time brown maple leaves were frozen in time in an icy puddle. I cannot remember observing such occurrences in nature before. Is it climate change? Or is this normal for the microclimate we live in, here in Parrsboro? Thoughts to ponder and investigate further…

Happy Monday, everyone! May your week be filled with joy and quiet anticipation for the season, Anna