We Were There ... and There Will Never Be the Same!

     Wow! That was a great mini vacation. When I headed for the city to pick up Lu on Saturday morning it was apparent the weather was just going to be nasty the whole weekend, but we were going anyway. There was an annoying mixture of fog, rain, steam and intense humidity the whole way down but we arrived in Lunenburg without incident. Our first stop was the Ironworks Distillery on the corner of Kempt and Montague. This was worth the trip alone. Such a neat little place, simply revamped from the old foundry structure. It still looks the same outside, and they kept the old beams and floor, deeply pitted from the burns of hot metal. It's a cottage industry and they can't make enough to supply the Liquor Commission, so they only sell their products at their site. This is a pic of their still. They were working on a batch of rum while we were there. After a bit of sampling, Lu and I both decided on a bottle of cranberry liqueur, which was intense, a bit tart and very tasty. 

    We didn't have any luck trying to get into the annex of the Mariner King's Inn to see the mural by my cousin, Deborah Taylor. It's a private establishment and was locked up solid. I was a bit disappointed, but due to the sweltering heat and humidity, I decided not to try another plan and just hit the road for Liverpool. Lu had brought along snacks for the road so we didn't need to stop for lunch. Liverpool was just as hot and sticky. Between light rain showers, we managed to pick up some groceries and refreshments and headed over to visit with Deb, who, with her wonderful husband, Chuck, were waiting for us with open arms!  It's hard to describe the down east hospitality at it's best, but for the next twenty four hours, we were treated like royalty. (Sorry Liz .. sucks to be you!) They made us a wonderful supper and had their guest cottage all made up for us. Deb had even cleverly installed a tarp and huge patio umbrella over the door and patio area which created a dry place for all of us to enjoy the day, as it was far too stuffy inside the house. We were totally spoiled. Yes it rained, but a good time was had by all. Our friend Loran even came up to spend the evening with us. I'm sure the neighbors were relieved when we departed the next day and headed for Loran's, out on White Point, where it rained so hard we couldn't even get outside, so we watched the soccer final on television and got a great takeout of seafood from a local eatery. 

        Just before we headed back to the city the next morning, we stopped at Summerville Beach. The weather had cleared, but there was still some fog laying around and the water there was icy cold! The air there was a bit too cool as well, but refreshing after the stifling heat and dampness. Neither of us were going in the water though.  It was so cold I wouldn't have been surprised to see an iceburg offshore ... if one could see that far through the fog. Well, in spite of Mother Nature, we had a great time. Our drive back was pleasant and we both enjoyed a visit to a Vietnamese grocery store in Rockingham, before declaring the weekend officially over.  We're already planning our next weekend away as we had such a good time. A big thank you to our hosts: Deborah and Chuck Taylor in Liverpool and Loran MacLeod in White Point. When are you coming to visit me? 

It's Finally Going to Happen

     I have finally been able to make some  plans to visit the South Shore. I've only been trying to do this for two months now, and one thing or another has popped up and prevented me from making the trip. Whether it's been visiting relatives, visiting friends, art sales, social events or other folk's commitments, there's just been so much going on, that I couldn't get away. 

     I just confirmed with my housesitter, so that save me from dragging the dog along with me. My friend Lu is coming with me. Our first stop is Lunenburg. We want to check out a new distillery there as well as pop over to the Cranberry Annex of the Mariner King Inn  to see the mural by my cousin Deb. We'll grab ourselves some lunch there as well, before heading on to Liverpool. 


Once in Liverpool, we're going to be staying with my cousin Deb at her home and gallery. 

     On the second phase of our trip, we're going to be spending some time at White Point. No, not at the famous Lodge, but might as well be, as we will be enjoying their beach. On of my dearest friends lives practically on the golf course there and it's just a short skip over the fairway to the beach at the Lodge, only we'll be at the far end of the beach;  the Lodge being at the other end. All we need now is good weather.