We traveled back to the east coast of Nova Scotia starting our day by returning to Horton Landing to see it at low tide. This is the actual site where 2100 Acadian’s were loaded onto small boats and taken out to the larger ships. It was chilling to stand there where so many lives were changed, most to never see their land of birth again.

We left Horton Landing and drove two hours south to Canada’s first historic site, Fort Anne. The fort was star shaped typical of construction during the 1600’s. The fort protected Annapolis Harbor off of the Bay of  Fundy. After visiting the Interpretive center and Museum we walked the grounds looking at the Black Hole (ammo storage structure) and the new ammo bunker built in 1708 when it was discovered that the Black Hole was too wet. Harbor views from the parapets were stunning.  One of the coolest things we saw was the original Royal Charter written in 1621 giving the geography the name Nova Scotia.

We left Fort Anne and traveled 30 minutes to Port Royal Habitation, a recreated French 17th century compound.  The recreation is all hand hewn based on detailed plans from France. The actual structures took up about a 1/2 acre but were very interesting.  A Mi’kmaw Indian craftsman was demonstrating drum making, porcupine quill work and a children’s game.  He was very interesting to talk to.

After leaving Port Royal we stopped at a power generation station that uses the movement of the tidal surge to run the turbines.  The station manager gave us the tour which was excellent.  He also pointed out a tall pole outside that had an osprey nest on it.   Baby ospreys were patiently waiting a parent to bring food.  They and we were rewarded  as we watched one parent bring a large rodent or fish and fed it to the young birds.