Truro

    

The Truro Library. A lovely building

     Our first weekend trip out was to a town called Truro in central Nova Scotia. It is known as the Hub of Nova Scotia as it is located at the junction between the Canadian National Railway, running between Halifax and Montreal, and the Cape Breton and Central Nova Scotia Railway, running between Truro and Sydney.

The camper beside us was from France. The family travelling
must have had their camper van shipped over 

     The first night, we stayed at "Camp Wally". There were about 7 RVs of all sizes in the parking lot of the local Walmart. Apparently Walmart is not only the place for camping essentials, its also the best-kept "secret" in free overnight camping. Many Walmart locations across the country allow RV campers to stay overnight for free in their parking lots. There are no hookups for electricity or water but it is a good place to stop for a night.  As a courtesy always ask for permission from the store manager. The parking lot seemed to be safe (safety in numbers) and well lit.

We visited the Truro Farmers' Market. Lots of good produce.

     

     Truro is one of the best locations to see the tidal bore, which happens when the incoming tide rolls over an outflowing river. Click here to see the tidal bore. It is amazing to see this 10-inch wave just roll in and cover the river bed, although I thought it would have been larger. That was just my expectation but it was still outstanding.

Al waiting for the tide to come in

Camera ready

The tidal bore rolling in.

The river is half way full now.

     Victoria Park is a beautiful and well-used park. It is a 3,000-acre natural woodland urban park in the center of Truro. This is the description given on the Nova Scotia tourism website: "Now more than 130 years old, Victoria Park is a 3,000-acre treasure in the heart of Truro. The beautiful and dynamic urban park boasts incredible natural features, including a dramatic steep-sided gorge, a winding river, cascading waterfalls, and a stately old-growth Eastern Hemlock forest. The park offers visitors endless recreational, cultural and leisure opportunities. These include hiking, photography, birdwatching, picnics, family gatherings, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, swimming, baseball, cultural events, live music, tennis, cycling and more." I was very impressed with the number of people who were at the park, spending time with their family, dogs and nature.

     As we were walking along a path, past a field where many families were picnicking, a single deer ran out from the forest and ran around all these families to the other side of the field and back into the forest. Many of the families did not even notice the animal cross through their area. Unfortunately, it was so sudden and the deer was so quick, I did not get a photo.

A peaceful stream along the path.

Jacob's Ladder is a 175-step climb. I thought it would be a "breeze" to climb
but it is very steep. Although we made it to the top, I was breathing hard.
A good challenge!

Looking down from the top of Jacob's Ladder

There were many stairs so up and down we went
to get to some of the beautiful water falls

One of the many waterfalls in the park

Al and I at the first of the waterfalls

I love looking for the beauty in nature.

Here are a few examples.

     Every Sunday the town holds the Victoria Park Summer Concert Series. Hundreds of people attend and enjoy an afternoon of music. We returned to the park to catch one of these concerts. We heard the music of Alycia Putnam and family. Wonderful toe-tapping music.

     We were told by many that when you go to Truro, you must eat at Murphy's Fish and Chips Eatery. Well, we did and it was delicious! We would highly recommend you drop by if you are ever in Truro.

      The Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre celebrates the area’s Mi’kmaq heritage and Glooscap legends. Glooscap, an Abenaki word for “man from nothing” was the first human, according to the legends, that was created out of a bolt of lightning in the sand, and remains a great figure that appears in many of the Mi’kmaq myths.  I was impressed with the innovative multimedia presentation of the rich history of the Mi’kmaw people, as Glooscap guides you through their trials, tribulations and triumphs. Exhibits include ancient artifacts; stunning quillwork and beadwork; and a giant statue of the legendary Glooscap. They had some beautiful artwork in the form of cards and posters. Of course, I bought a few cards for my scrapbook.

A giant-sized stature of Glooscap stands outside the centre

Some quill work on baskets

We learned a few words in Mi'kmaw

A carved totem pole

Beautiful art work.

     All in all, we had a great weekend. We saw some terrific natural areas, learned about the historical culture of the area, heard great music and ate tasty food.