Lighthouse Preservation News Updates

Here I go again on another rant about the possible demolitions of many of our Lighthouses, all across Canada. I am pleased to hear that 155 petitions have made their way to Ottawa so far INCLUDING one for our beloved Peggy's Cove lighthouse here in Nova Scotia, but that's still a very small amount compared to the 970 that are on the chopping block.

Here is the most recent article I've come across on this topic, there are already some very opinionated comments from unhappy people all over the country that this is happening, and they should be!

I will definitely be following the action right to the deadline and I'm sure I'll be back with my final rant when deadline comes and be awaiting to hear news on the petitions that do get what they want, need AND deserve! In the meantime, I am going to continue to plan my summer of visits and get to as many lights as possible, and all you Lighthouse lovers out there should think about getting to visit some as well!

Safe Travels Everyone.

~Jenn

Another early START.....

Here's another thing I have been excited to start doing and couldn't wait any longer! I needed a trip to the beach. Since we were already half way there due to other engagements, once they were over with and it was a beautiful day I thought "what the heck?" and drove the rest of the way down the french shore to Mavillette Beach.

There were lots of sand drifts on the boardwalk and stairs leading down the the beach, as well as on the hills behind the rocks. It was very clear that the long winter months were windy ones and things just weren't meant to stay in their rightful places.

It was a great day on the beach.... still a lil cool (I didn't expect perfect conditions, it is still April afterall!), but it wasn't too windy..... it was just right to take an evening stroll in a light sweater. The waves were small, the tide was just on it's way out, the sun was shining bright.... a great way to end our day out and about.

I know this post isn't very "Lighthousey", but this is one of my favorite places in Nova Scotia, and it really is one of the hidden gems of the province. See my poorly drawn arrow on this picture below?? Well that tiny spec of a structure you see underneath it is the Cape St. Mary Lighthouse, so there... I got a lighthouse in here for ya after all! LOL

I hope you have been able to enjoy this lovely weather we've been having, if not, I hope you are at least planning a trip out to capture your own idea of beauty around you where ever you are.

As always, Happy & Safe Travels

~Jenn

The Lighthouse Cuts Deadline is Quickly Approaching!!!

It breaks my heart whenever the topic of Lighthouse closures comes up. Especially with the way the Government has been demolishing important structures of our history, I fear for the future of a lot of Lighthouses not only in Nova Scotia, but across the entire country. I am especially partial to the ones here in Nova Scotia. Lighthouses are a point of interest to many people all over the world, and as a province who depends on the Tourist season we NEED these things that draw so many here kept "alive" so to speak. Here is a link to my original post back in 2010 when the topic first came up http://nslights.blogspot.ca/2010/06/lighthouses-are-diing-breed.html and Here is the latest news release about the topic ( http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2012/03/08/ns-save-lighthouses-petitions.html)

Now it has been posted for sometime that there are opportunities to save some of these lights by applying to have them made Heritage Sights and save them from being demo'd, unfortunately it is quite a process, a lot more than just making a petition and gathering some signatures.

Right now there are more than 60 Lighthouses on the list in Nova Scotia alone, and only 14 are on the list to be saved so far. The deadline is May 29th, 2012, and that day is quickly approaching. If anyone is interested in learning more about what it takes to save a lighthouse, or if you are interested in helping out there are a few links below that can help educate you of the process and what is already going on.

• Parks Canada - Heritage Lighthouses of Canada - Petition Process
• Active Lighthouses Declared Surplus - Heritage Lighthouses of Canada
• Inactive Lighthouses Declared Surplus - Heritage Lighthouses of Canada

Anomg those that are on the these lists some that have yet to be nominated are: Black Rock, Prim Point, Cape St. Mary, Cape Forchu, heck even Peggy's Point is on the list of Active lights on the chopping block!! Peggy's Point is one of the MOST photographed structures in the WORLD!! Isn't that worth saving!?!?! Now I would think most of these listed above already have paper work in progress (or at least I hope) but can we really be sure?? On the inactive list, one that hits close to home is the Bear River Light. I just find this all mind blowing and it really sets me off.... I wish I would win the lottery or something and use the money for good and help save as many of these beauties as I could!

Here is the list of Lighthouses that has been nominated so far:

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/progs/lhn-nhs/pp-hl/page01.aspx

I am not writing to single anyone out or make anyone feel bad, I only hope I can help build some awareness and if I'm lucky help a Lighthouse... or 2.... or 10 in this final push to the deadline.

Thank you so much for reading! If there ever was a time to get out there and plan your trip to see some of these amazing structures now is the time.... some may not be around much longer. You can see a nearly complete list of the Lighthouses of Nova Scotia and their individual history and location of each one at Lighthouse Friends dot com.

~Jenn

Another Revisit.....

Yes, I went out and did another revisit this evening. After my last adventure out at Sunset I really wanted to try and get some night time photos of a Lighthouse serving it's purpose.... LIGHTS ON!

I didn't have to go far for this one. The Prim Point Lighthouse is a short drive away from home (10 minutes tops), and I thought this was the perfect one to go to to put my camera and it's nighttime setting to the test (after all if it didn't work this night I could always go back out the next). I must say, I was pretty impressed with what I was able to capture... next time I'll remember to bring the tripod so I can get a steadier shot.

I love these photos, and love how this Lighthouse looks in the dark (well, almost dark). It has given me a new appreciation for what they were made to do for us.... they are more than just a pretty picture waiting to happen.

This goes to show you, how old things.... things you've seen a whole bunch of times, can always seem new in a different light.

Good Night from Digby, NS

~Jenn

Getting Started with the 2012 Season!

It's here! It's here! My 2012 adventure season is FINALLY here!! Well, it's almost here...LOL It is only March, so still a little early yet to be taking road trips to the cool shore lines of Nova Scotia, but we have had some real beautiful days this month so it's been really hard to contain my excitement and to keep myself from heading out there.

Today, I started the season off by going to one of my Favorite Lighthouses.... one that I visit every year, not just because it is nearby, but because it is a really nice spot to spend some time and of course, it's also a great looking Lighthouse!. It doesn't matter how many times I visit the Gilbert's Cove Lighthouse, I can never seem to take enough pictures, and with as many pictures as I do have, it's hard to believe I can continue to get some that look different from all the others.

It was getting close to sunset before I decided to take the drive down... really I was so tired from spending the week-end at home that I just HAD to get out and do SOMETHING! There were a few other people who had the same idea, but it wasn't too busy, after all it is still 'pre-season'. It was kind of nice seeing this Light at a different time of day.... really should've stayed longer to see it lit up, maybe another time.

I am so happy to have been out at a lighthouse already, now if I can just get on route to see some different ones that would be GREAT! I think I have made my decision of which way I'd like to go this year. Yes I still hope to finish off the Annapolis Valley, at the very least I want to see the Margaretsville Lighthouse near Middleton, it's not the closest of the 3 left. What I REALLY hope to be able to do is get to as many on the South Shore as possible. I could take a long week-end and pack the kids up, start in Yarmouth, work my way around... spend the night at a few campgrounds.... it could be really FUN! Plus there are other things that would be great to see and do.... I've been wanting to take the kids to the Fisherman's Museum in Lunenburg for a few years now, would be neat to go see the progress they are making on the rebuild of the Bluenose II, hit the Ross Farm Museum in New Ross, go find some geocaches.... whatever we can find to get in to. I have BIG plans, just need to figure out how and when to make the plans a reality.

So here's to hoping I can get some new and interesting stuff on here for you all to read about this year. :) Hope some of you are able to get out and have your own adventures this year!

Safe & Happy Travels
~Jenn

Travel in the Comfort of your own home?????

Ok, I have a new favorite thing.... I discovered a website called "Nova Scotia Web Cams".... how come no one ever told me this was here before!?!?! I'm officially addicted! I love it!! It is an awesome way to see places all over the province LIVE right from the comforts of your own home! Now mind you everything looks WAY better in person (just sayin' from experience), but it really is a neat place to go to check things out.

Already, I have a few favorite cams from the list. One is the cam set up in Digby over looking the Wharf.... now I see that view at a side angle from my own home, but it is kinda neat to check it out now and then, it's actually one of my favorite views in NS to photograph (not just because I live there either LOL) There are also some beautiful sunrises there every morning, so if you're ever up early check it out!

Of course the one in Peggy's Cove looking out at the Peggy's Point Lighthouse is another favorite of mine. That place is just breath taking and I could stare at that light all day, whether it's a rough sea day and the waves are crashing high, or it's a calm evening and you get to witness the stunning sunsets that sets behind her, you'll enjoy what this cam has to offer. I try to watch the Sunset there as often as I can :)

Another neat cam, actually it's a set of cams, are the ones set up so that you can see the progress that is being made on the Bluenose II. It's just kinda cool to check on once in a while to see how things are progressing.

My favorite web cam in the list.... the Lobster Cam in Halifax Harbour! How cool is it to be able to watch live footage under the sea?? Ok, maybe not so spectacular for some but I sure enjoy it. I've seen all kinds of things in the lobster trap, fish, Urchins, a lot of Starfish, and yes I've even seen a LOBSTER! imagine that! LOL Anyway, it's fun to keep an eye on.

So yea, it's a lot of fun looking through these cams, and they've got a lot more being put up this year, I'm interested to find out where. Not to sound like an advertiser or anything, but it's a great tool to "try before you buy", you know, take a look before you plan your trip; but I wasn't kidding when I said all these places look better in person, so you should really check them out. :)

Happy & Safe Travels

~Jenn

Quick Update & More Crafty Shares

A new year is here! Thank goodness! I have to say, as far as fun adventures 2011 was pretty much a huge let down, that's not to say it was bad, that's not to say it wasn't a fun filled year (cause it was), I just didn't get to see any "new to me" Lighthouses and that was a tad disappointing I must admit.

Now that the new year is here, I am getting excited for spring, and am already trying to decide what I hope to be able to do this year. I know it would be nice to be able to complete the Annapolis Valley with the 3 Lights I have still yet to see, after that I'm not sure which direction I'd like to go... I still have a few months to decide before I need to get going on the list.

For now, I'd like to share some more Scrapbook pages I've managed to complete in the past few months of previous visits.