Out and About in Springtime

Hibernation has ended! Time to get out of the burrow and look at the tiny wonders in the world around you. Here are a few things we noticed over the Easter weekend.

It was cool and drizzly in Kentville’s Miner’s Marsh park for our Sunday morning walk, but we were cheered on by a chorus of bird song.

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Red winged blackbirds have returned and several varieties of duck dabbled or dived.  A single pair of Canada geese floated by dipping their heads in the water and raising their tails in what we imagined was courtship behaviour. Moments later they confirmed our speculation.

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I was amused by the multi coloured, dog poop bags spilling out of a bin; defining dog walkers’ limit of effort.DSC03588

And at the entrance to the park was a particularly charming, free book box.

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On the way out of Kentville we stopped to admire St Joseph’s Catholic Church that is on a high bluff above the marsh and a river named after the founder of Halifax.

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We don’t remember visiting the 1898 church before because surely the shingle work is unforgettable.

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The surfaces are fascinating and off putting at the same time, a bit like reptile skin.

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On our way back to Halifax we made a detour into the Sackvilles to visit another church, St John’s Anglican.

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Built on a hilltop in 1829, it speaks of the roots of a community, long before suburbia blossomed round about.

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The graveyard beside the church contains impressive monuments for the Uniacke family who would have passed by on their way to their country seat, now the  Uniacke Estate Museum Park. In fact the view from the highway, as you travel to the Valley, must look a little like it did in the Uniackes’ days.

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Although now there are a few more buildings in the foreground (like the bus terminal).

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From the churchyard there is a distant view of the towers above Bayers Lake Big Box World. Looks just a bit like an Italian hill village, if you squint?

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Postscript

On Good Friday I was out planning a route for my Jane’s Walk and noticed how beautifully the Library and surrounding buildings were illuminated.

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I was particularly aware that The Mary Ann apartment (on the left) appeared to be wildly overdressed. This reminded me of Coco Chanel’s commandment: once you’ve dressed, and before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take off at least one accessory.

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About the author

Stephen Archibald

It’s Stephen Archibald doing the noticing. I’m a huge fan of Nova Scotia’s material culture and cultural landscapes. Twitter (@Cove17 ) made me realize I could share what attracted my attention (perfect for my very short attention) and I’m gratified when folks enjoy my content. Pleased to meet you on the internet.

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