traveltales: BAY OF FUNDY

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

BAY OF FUNDY

Digby and Bay of Fundy

Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada is home to the world’s largest scallop fleet. In 1783 Admiral Robert Digby led a group of loyalists, by sea from the states, and settled here. Fishing is the major industry in this small seaside village of 2300 residents. Scallops are the symbol of St. James. Scallops live in the ocean, and clams live in tidal basins.

The Acadian coast runs 70 miles up the west coast of Nova Scotia from Yarmouth to Digby. Homes along the coast are colorful and we were told, “Fishermen are frugal people and they frequently use leftover paint from their boats to paint their homes.”

The area of the Bay of Fundy has extreme tides and at low tide all the fishing boats sit on the bottom of the bay until the tide returns to float them again. The record tide is 52-feet. More water pours into the bay than empties from all the rivers in the world combined! To the residents of Digby I suspect this fantastic tide becomes routine after awhile, but for the first time visitor it is a pretty fantastic and awesome sight to watch.

The town’s shipbuilding heritage is evident in the Trinity Anglican Church. Built in 1878, it is thought to be the only church in Canada built entirely by shipwrights. Their unique handiwork is shown in the laminated arches, braces and hand-wrought ironwork so common in ships built over a century ago.

Digby is a quaint fishing village which we enjoyed strolling around. Except for the church and a few shops there is not a lot for the tourist to do in town. We had a delicious lunch at a restaurant located over a store front. It provided a nice view of the harbor. The service was good and the atmosphere rustic. I enjoyed my first caribou burger which tasted just like a good hamburger. I couldn't resist the rhubarb and strawberry pie--a childhood favorite!

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.