Totally-Hooked Rug Hooking Escapades: July 2010

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Main à Dieu (Hand Of God) Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Main-a-Dieu is a picturesque fishing village situated on the east coast of Cape Breton Island, in Nova Scotia. Translated from the French meaning "Hand of God", there is also a belief that the name may have evolved from the Mi'kmaq (First Nation Peoples) "Mendoo" or "Mundoo" referring to the spirit of evil, possibly referring to the number of shipwrecks in the early years.

Fishermen arrived here shortly after the founding of Louisbourg, and later settlers were of Irish, Scottish and English descent. A Roman Catholic Church was begun in 1817, and took a number of years to complete. Schooling existed as early as 1846. Fishing continues to be the main industry, however this suffered a decline in the early 1980's.

Another beach to explore; and as you can plainly see there is no one to be seen. The coast is rugged and the beach looks as inviting as the many others we have explored. I wonder just how far we can walk on this beach. Sunshine, ocean breezes, and good company is what it is all about these days.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Beach Beach Beach!!!

As the fog burns off and the morning welcomes the day, the amazing ocean breezes invite you to take another walk on the beach. Let's go!

See, it's really really worth it! A lovely walk along the rugged ocean's edge. The smell of the fresh clean ocean air fills our lungs and gives us a great start to our day. Have a good one!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Cape Breton Beach Adventures Continue....

Another amazingly wonderful beach with big waves and lots of good sand. This is in another little town close by called Louisbourg, Cape Breton , Nova Scotia.

This is the same beach shot in the opposite direction. It holds fond memories for me as I played here as a small child. We would body surf on the waves in the glacial waters and we would build gigantic sand castles in the 'good' sand.

The coastline here is very rugged and the waves can be quite strong with a rather surprising undertow. Being here is so good!

Good night all. Here is the sky from last night. It was spectacular. A sign of the heat we all felt all day long today. Lazy hazy days of summer. Love it!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Gabarus Visit Continues......

Another blissful day on the beach. As you can see we were able to walk for ever. So rejuvenating to be here breathing in this clean fresh ocean air!

The sky changes here dramatically. Fog can blow in and out. Sun can appear and disappear; lately though it has been HOT. I love it all!

Waiting for a bite to eat. These seagulls look so beautiful in their natural environment.

Lobster fishers are done for the season. Traps have all been pulled out of the water as of the 15th of July here. Now it is time for CRAB - my personal favorite.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Village Life....It's a Beach!!!!

One of our favorite beaches to visit when we are here in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. It was deserted the day we were there. The ocean breezes were blowing and the sun was shining. We were in heaven. We walked (Sophie runs - puppy bliss) the beach which seems to go on for miles and miles.

Here is a shot of the same beach in the opposite direction. This is blissfully healing for me as well. It seems as though stress falls off my shoulders as I walk along and take in the extraordinary forces of nature. The therapeutic sound of the waves crashing and the smell of the salt water floating in the air add to the whole experience. I am so grateful to be here!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Another Beautiful Day in The Village of Gabarus

The sometimes huge sprinkles of color all along the roadsides from the naturalized lupines are quite something to witness; a sea of color. Sadly, however the lupines are almost finished for this year.

The wild roses along the sides of the road here are spectacular. The smell is intoxicating. It seems that these rose bushes are everywhere here in this small village.

Here is a beach at the end of the road in the village. There is a boardwalk or breakwater that prevents (mostly) the high stormy tides from coming into the village. I went for walk here this morning with Sophie. We were alone on the beach as is often the case here and on many of the other beaches in the area.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Beauty.... Even in The Fog

Gabarus, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

Doesn't this look like a painting? We are here visiting my family. It is an exquisite little fishing village on the south east coast of Cape Breton Island, part of Nova Scotia. Indeed, even in the fog this place is enchanted, peaceful and a lovely place to escape from the rat race for awhile.