“They’re getting sick already”

Things to avoid in Westport, NS on Friday, July 12, 2024

“They’re getting sick already” was the message received by our whale-watching tour operator as we confirmed our own reservation for later in the day. A tour currently on the water called in saying they were experiencing heavy swells with strong headwinds; there had been few sightings earlier in the day; and the vestiges of Hurricane Beryl remained active offshore.

While disappointing, I had absolutely no interest in getting seasick myself. A few years ago Kathie and I experienced a marvellous whale watching adventure in Newfoundland and Labrador. At the time I did not have the right photo gear, but now, fully equipped, I looked forward to another photographic adventure. Alas, it was not to be, though fortunately Westport has other tourist opportunities available.

From a chance encounter with a newfound friend in the ferry lineup, to affable shop staff, and in greeting folks walking on the street (everyone greets everyone here) the mood was relaxed amidst ebbing and flowing Nova Scotia fog.

From an online community timeline one learns that initial settlers arrived here in 1769 followed shortly after by United Empire Loyalist families from the newly established United States of America. A Baptist church was constructed in 1799 (Baptists are well represented throughout this part of Nova Scotia with a seminary located in Wolfville) followed by an Anglican Church in 1840 and a Church of Christ congregation established in 1859. Electric lights appeared in 1929 with paved roads in 1960.

A 1976 groundhog day “perfect storm” gets special mention as does the restoration of the Big Meadow bog in 2016.

Community spirit thrives here, no less so than with a lighthouse restoration project. We bumped into a bake sale in support of the restoration of the Peters Island Lighthouse. For more information on the project email here. (They don’t seem to have a website yet.)

On now to the show. The full set of images is archived here, but I include some samples with comments below. Enjoy:

I was told that the tide goes out far from shore here. Yep, it sure does.

Note the wood strapping is applied at an angle, likely to protect the structure from the strong outgoing Bay of Fundy tides.

The sign at the dock said,” by invitation only.”

No maritime photo collection is complete without a derelict clinker rowboat.

Ahoy boys.

The owners could not agree on a colour. So . . .

Some beautiful homes here; and they’re affordable.

In sum, sometimes things don’t work out as you hope. There is always/usually a Plan B. Go with the flow; innovate; turn around 180 degrees and see what you might have missed. No whales for us today, also no seasickness. If we return one day there may be whales. Just not to see today.