Blogger: Cynthia Bragg

I love the ocean and we're so fortunate to be surrounded by it.  There are so many places to explore and I'd been longing to get out on the water.   So on a recent Sunday trip along the Lighthouse Route, when we decided to explore the South Shore, we started our day with a nature tour on Four Winds Charters.

You never know what you'll see our Captain, Kenny, tells us of our cruise around St. Margaret's Bay.   The cruise we chose was a nature cruise and our host tells us they can see anything from birds and seals to dolphins and whales.  While I can't deny we were hoping for a few whales, there were none around on this day! However, we were fortunate to see some white-sided dolphins and a seal out for a swim.  We loved the dolphins.  We followed them for a while.  I wish I had a great picture, but I couldn't catch them jumping up long enough to have them say cheese!  You can see them on this little video if you have some patience but I'll warn you, it's quite choppy as we did a little bouncing on the waves. 

St. Margaret's Bay is beautiful, with all its many little islands nestled in amongst. Our guide identified Clam Island, the first one we approached, as a place frequented by locals for the occasional "social gathering".  We were kind enough to blow the horn as we went by!  Good morning to all, no rest for the wicked!

We enjoyed the scenery and as my daughter Claire can attest, it's great to let the wind blow through your hair.  Until you get of the boat that is!

When we came back, we decided we would see where the day would take us.  We followed the Lighthouse Route to the town of Chester, where our grumbling stomachs could hold no longer.  Chester is a lovely little village on Mahone Bay. We headed down to the waterfront there and came upon The Rope Loft, where we sat seaside on the patio and enjoyed the daily special of clams and chips.

We then continued on the Lighthouse Route, through the Town of  Mahone Bay to the brightly coloured Town of Lunenburg where I fell in love instantly.

There were many galleries, shops, restaurants and of course the Fisheries Museum, I wanted to explore them all more fully but on a Sunday at nearly 5:00, we were running out of time. 

I had a pop around to a couple of galleries while mom and Claire popped in Large Marge's for an old fashioned milk shake before a ride back into the city.

It was a lovely day and we enjoyed the drive.  The next time I plan to explore Chester, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg more thoroughly. These towns are so beautiful and there is much more to explore.  And if you follow the Lighthouse Route, there are antique shops and yard sales all along the route.  If you enjoy a little treasure hunt, be sure to plan for lots of stops along the away!