Foggy, rainy, windy and 6C. Greg even had to change out of shorts. Not daunted by the weather we went searching for a Starbuck’s. Fortified by our first sip or two we headed off to revisit the Fortress of Louisbourg. We both have been there before but it had been a few years and they are doing ongoing work at the site so we knew we would see something different. The waves were pounding on the shore and we could imagine what it would have been like in the 1700s.
The original fortress, constructed between 1720 and 1740 was one of the most extensive and expensive fortifications ever to be built in North America and one of France’s key centers of trade and military strength in the New World. The Fortress changed hands many times France-England- France- England etc. The fortress fell into ruin but thanks to committed people the site has been designated a National Historic Site and an exciting and entertaining lesson in history.
The work is ongoing and is the largest reconstructed 18th century French fortified town in North America, the site features over 50 buildings covering 4.9 hectares (12 acres) with both men and women in period costume who reflect the full range of society from 1744. Period homes, exhibits, and theme centers line the streets, as well as along the waterfront. To learn more about the Fortress of Louisbourg (click here).
One of the things we found amusing was staff trying to integrate 2 goats into a herd of sheep (or this is what it appeared they were doing). The sheep formed a semicircle and bleated and stared at the goats and gradually pushed them backward. Reminded us of what humans do when someone who is different comes along. There are pros and cons to visiting sites like this off season. Cons: not all venues are open yet. Pros; no crowds and the staff have much more time to provide more detail and in-depth answers.
After visiting all the sites that were open we then went and visited a light house a few Km away. It is now fully automated but did have a lighthouse keeper up till 1990.
“Always two there are, no more, no less”.
On our way back to North Sydney we stopped at Gaslight for an early supper. Greg had seen the sign on our way past it to Louisbourg. They were advertising potpies.
It seemed like a perfect day for some home made comfort food. What a great place. The atmosphere was warm an cozy and gave you the choice of table and chairs, higher counters with stools, or very comfy big armchairs. All the staff were very friendly and took time to greet us. Not being able to decide if we wanted beef or chicken we ordered one of each and then shared.
The cookie selection included a super chocolate cookie sandwich filled with a sweet filling and had a surprise chocolate Oreo cookie in the middle. Wow! Three cookies in one! The oatmeal coconut cookie was to die for.
To satisfy the thirst we had a Fortress Fog Latte and a Royal Tea Latte, both of which were terrific. Okay, so this reads more like a food blog than a travel blog, but why not? Why would you travel and eat at chains that you can eat at while at home, when you can experiment and find fantastic little jewels like the Gaslight. Besides it was near the corner of Martha (my mother’s name) and George (grandfathers name) . Figured that was a good reason to stop also. We were lucky as we had the opportunity to talk with Bryden who owns and runs the Gaslight. Unfortunately, for us, fortunately for Bryden, business was busy and we couldn’t talk for long. So, if you are in the area, make sure you stop in and try the potpies and a cookie or two.
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I like the lacemaking. Always wanted to learn that.
You are having an amazing vacation.
Lace making looks like it is really complex