Life by The Water

August 19, 2011

Water is a big part of our lives here in Nova Scotia.

Each time we leave the house we drive along the river to pretty much get anywhere. The town where we go the market and the library is one of the most historic seaports in all of Canada. And if we go to the nearest "large" center, the one with all the amenities except a good Thai restaurant and nighttime coffee shop, we drive the scenic river route the whole way. Rounding curves and dodging cyclists.

If you drive the other way you arrive at the ocean but first you pass the ferry landing where we wait in line to cross the river to visit the bakery, pick up the buying club order or visit favorite beaches.

But lately my Dad hasn't been driving to the bakery because he can take his boat instead. This summer the neighbors built a wharf. It was like an old fashioned barn raising. Nova Scotia is like that, or maybe it's just my parent's awesome neighbors.

Dad's so happy with the wharf because now he can easily get to and from his baby The Prairie Skipper.

While we were out west my parents spent two days on the water with the kids participating in a local fishing derby. Laurent's hooked. He loves the water, loves the ocean, loves being with his Papa.

I swell with familial joy at Laurent bonding this way with his grandfather. I quake in my mothering soul as my son grows his love for the sea. A boy who loves the mountains, loves the ocean. With so many adventures to be had and the world to explore there's no way he'll stay close to these apron strings (sniff).

Water is all around. It's the view out the window. The river the leads to the ocean. A boat to take fishing, a couple kayaks for people powered sport, and beaches for swimming, frolicking and freezing (this is the north Atlantic after all).

Life by the water. It's a new experience for our family. One we feel blessed to have this summer.

Hillary on Aug. 19, 2011, 12:56 a.m.

love

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Shelley R. on Aug. 19, 2011, 1:26 p.m.

I grew up on the shores of Lake Superior and although my Dad and I would hike along the shore and explore waterfalls that ran into the lake--we never went out onto the lake. My Dad wasn't a sailor. It was just this big expanse of water on the horizon that we loved to observe in its rest and fury.

But my husband loves to sail. The whole way I look at the Big Lake has changed--it's a playground, a place to relax underneath the flapping sound of sails and rigging. I can understand why Laurent has captured the passion for water, for boating from his grandfather... it's hard not to become hooked. So, may each journey on the water and each chilling dip into the ocean build more memories of blessing for your family!

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Colleen on Aug. 19, 2011, 1:49 p.m.

Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. They are a treat for us here in drought stricken Texas. I kept thinking while looking at them what a delight it would be to read Swallows and Amazons in that location.

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Its_Lily on Aug. 19, 2011, 4:49 p.m.

Love the water post. I would spend my whole life on the water if it weren't for my love of mountains, cities, trails and bike paths. Wait, that means I love the outdoors. Okay, but I do love the water and I have a kayak that goes in the water year round. Yes, even in the snow because that's the most beautiful time to enjoy being on 'top' of the water.

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Jennifer Brotherton on Aug. 19, 2011, 5:27 p.m.

I love the water. It is where I feel at peace. Any water. Big water, small water, flowing water, still water (though flowing and big is better!) :) I love the sound of water, the smell of ocean water, the sand, rocks...it's so calming!! I am jealous. O.K. There, I said it.

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Naomi on Aug. 20, 2011, 2:55 a.m.

I LOVE the water! I was once the fish of the family, and thrived off our near-weekly trips to the local pond, and almost yearly week-long trips to the Allagash and our family camp on a lake. We have brought the kids to water environments more often this summer and I do hope to share my love of the water with my kids as they grow older.

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