Scrape, shiver....mutter...

Upper Kingsburg, NS

Nov. 15, 2013

I haven't been taking many pictures lately, here's a typical winter morning scene.  I'm one of the few maniacs looking forward to the snow on Sunday.  Now where did I put my ski boots?........

Smokenator 1000 Beef Brisket

Thanks to my new Smokenator 1000, I am able to get the kettle temperature below 250 F, welcome to flavour country!  If you have a Weber bbq, pick up one of these muthas!

Brisket begins

The finished product.  

I smoked the brisket with oak chunks I dug out of last year's firewood pile.  Don't believe everything 'purists' say, the smoke did not impart a bitter or weird flavour.  I was very pleased with the results, check out that smoke ring!  I'm glad I planned ahead and had the brisket marinating in the rub for 24 hours, great flavour.

When the recipe says 7-8 hour cooking time, they ain't kiddin'.  I smoked it for ~5 hours and had to finish it in the oven.  Lesson learned.  

Lunenburg Bike Barn Cyclocross Race #2 at the MARC

The switchback starts to fill up with early race leaders in the first lap. 

All photos Dec. 1, 2013 @ the M.A.R.C., Dayspring, NS

 Still more room at the top....

Almost full of riders!

I decided to play around with capturing speed blur shots for the rest of the race, here are some of my better results:

Shawn Marshall, race leader for many laps, finished #2.

 Not sure if the smiles were due to the early stage of the race or the fact that the labyrinth/spiral/vortex race feature was gone.

Shane Eno with his eye on the prize.

Jack be nimble....

Glad I lucked out and got two racers in this shot.

Jack be quick....

The aftermath of the race.  Mild temps made for slicker conditions than last week.  I witnessed a couple spills during the race but luckily nothing serious.

What's on this weekend? One Breakfast. One Luncheon. One Supper....and a craft market.

A bit of this, a bit of that on this weekend, take your pick.

I'm most excited about the always excellent Halifax Crafters Society Holiday Craft Market!  It takes place tomorrow and Sunday and is NOT TO BE MISSED:

Breakfasts

November 30, 

Royal Canadian Legion #23, Lunenburg, 

7:30-11:30 a.m. 

Adults $8; ages 5-12, $4. 

Takeout available for pick-up $8.50. 634-4215

Teas/Luncheons

Saturday, November 30, 

Annual Christmas Luncheon and Silent Auction. 

Middlewood United Church Hall (just past Exit 16, Highway 103)

12 noon - 2 p.m., . 

$8. 

Menu: Chili, various soups, clam/ corn chowder, rolls, pie, tea/ coffee. 

Entertainment by the Uke Mates.

Suppers

December 1, 

Annual Seafood and Corn Chowder Supper. 

Riverport Fire Hall. 

4- 6 p.m. 

Adults $12, children $6, under 5 free. Cakes for dessert.

Lunenburg Bike Barn Cyclocross Race - Nov. 24th

(all shots from Dayspring, NS, Nov. 24)

Racers gather at the start line while Al and Tobias sort out last minute details. ^_^

Cyclocross, wut?  File under: it's big in Europe, especially....Belgium?  This was my first cyclocross race and it won't be my last.  Cyclocross races typically have many short laps and what seemed like a short race duration.  They also feature technical course sections, forcing racers to slow down as they navigate tight hairpins/switchbacks and other interesting elements like this pinwheel/labyrinth:

Did I mention dismounting?  You heard right, it wouldn't be a *cross race unless riders were forced to get off and push their bikes up steep sections.  The sawpit in the background is usually a soupy mess of sawdust but on this race day it was looking pretty frozen:

Those that managed to ride up the steep section had a slight speed advantage on the exit, which I hope my 'speed blur' attempts convey:

To add insult to injury, there was a stair/step section and this lone obstacle which forced all riders to dismount and carry their bikes.  I was hoping for an epic bunny hop over this one but as far as I could tell, no takers that afternoon:

Riders will return to the MARC next Sunday, Dec. 2nd for another cyclocross race.  The course makes for great viewing as a spectator and by all accounts the racers liked it too.  Even the pinwheel.

See you at the MARC!

What's on this weekend? Eggs 'n bacon! Christmas teas and coffee parties! Pasketti!

Chilly mornings are now the norm, so head on over to your nearby church/fire hall and warm up with cheery faces and some home cooked grub.

If I get my act together, I'll be heading over to Maitland for their annual Christmas Tea for the best tea in Lunenburg County.  

Stay warm everybody!

Breakfasts

Saturday, November 23, 

Newfie Breakfast, 

Chester Basin Legion. 

7:30-10:30, 

Menu selections and take-out available.

Saturday, November 23, 

Firemen's Breakfast, 

United Communities Fire Hall, Cherry Hill. 

8- 11 a.m. 

Adults $7, 5- 12 years $3.25, under 5 free.

Sunday, November 24. 

Mahone Bay Legion, 

9 a.m.- 1 p.m. 

$8 adults, $4 children, 5 and under free.

Teas/Luncheons

Saturday, November 23

Christmas Tea and Sale,

Springfield Baptist Church 

2 - 4 p.m., 

Adults $5, children 12 and under $2.

Saturday, November 23, 

Middle LaHave Cemetery Christmas Coffee Party. 

Lutheran Church, Upper LaHave. 

10:30 a.m-1 p.m., 

Crafts, bake table and Christmas basket draw. 

Adults $7; children $3.50.

Sunday, November 24,

Annual Christmas Tea,  

Maitland Community hall, 

11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. 

Salad plate. All proceeds for upkeep of hall.

Wednesday, November 27

Coffee Party, 

Riverport Community Centre. 

11- 1. 

Sandwiches, sweets, beverages, bake table, 

Adults $7. Sponsored by St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.

Suppers

November 23, 

Pasta Supper, 

Wesley United Church, 22 Drew's Hill Road, Petite Riviere. 

4:30- 7 p.m., 

$10.

Choice of 3 pasta dishes, garlic bread, salad, semifredo (dessert). 

Newfoundland: Trout River Pond

Trout River Pond

Gros Morne National Park

Trout River, NL

June 17, 2013

If Google Maps is to be believed, 'technically' the body of water in the foreground is Trout River Small Pond.  If you are thinking, "that's a lake, not a pond!", welcome to Newfoundland.  Where lakes are ponds and ponds are.....I have no idea.

Newfoundland: Woody Point Deadhead

Woody Point, NL

June 15, 2013

Not that kind of deadhead, silly.

Newfoundland: The Tablelands

Gros Morne National Park

Woody Point, NL

June 16, 2013

I'm in a Gros Morne state of mind these days so here's another shot from this summer's trip to the rock. I'm surprised I've not posted more shots from The Tablelands, this is only the start.

This boardwalk is one of the 'official' walks into the tablelands, though you can ramble anywhere you want to if you so desire.  I hear that this bowl is a magnet for backcountry snow lovers, packing boards and skis for a rip down the slopes.

Nothing says ultramafic rock like the peridotite found in the tablelands.  One must experience this place first hand to truly get a sense of how other worldy this landscape looks and feels.  

Newfoundland: The Road to Tickle Point

Tickle Point

St. Paul's, NL

June 20, 2013

It seems like such a long time since we walked out this rocky road to scope out the fishing shacks of Tickle Point.  You can see a bank of fog lurking in the distance, it disappeared as quickly as it arrived.  Thick and grey.

What's on this weekend? Christmas Teas! Breakfasts, of course! Roast Beefs! Turkey! White elephants!!!

Another weekend packed with choices.  If you get a chance to frequent a Christmas Tea, I recommend them.  No better way to get in the mood for the season than tiny sammiches, egg salad and squares.  Oh, and I'm sure plenty of cute decorations too!

Breakfasts

November 9

Hebbs Cross Fire Department, 

7- 11 a.m. 

Homemade baked beans, eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, toast, tea, coffee, juice.

Price $7, children $3.

Saturday, November 9, 

St. Martin's Anglican Church Hall, Martin's River.

7- 11 a.m.,  

Scrambled eggs, pancakes, hash browns, baked beans, bacon, sausage, toast, tea, coffee, juice. 

Adults $7, children 5- 12 $3, under 5 free. 

Proceeds: St. Martin's Church

Teas/luncheons

Saturday, November 9,

Christmas Tea. 

All Saints Lutheran Church, Newcombville,  

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

White elephant, craft and bake table. 

Adults $7, under 12 $2, under 5 free.

Thursday,, November 14, 

St. Joseph's Christmas Luncheon. 

St. Joseph's Parish Centre, 100 Queen Street, Bridgewater. 

11 a.m.- 1 p.m. 

Variety of delicious homemade soups and sandwiches.  Choice of desserts from fancy sweets to fresh fruit salads, tea and/ or coffee. 

Price $10. 

White elephant and craft tables with a Christmas Basket Raffle.

Suppers

November 11,
Remembrance Day Banquet Roast Beef Dinner
Lunenburg Legion Branch #23  

6 p.m. 

$12.50/ person. Members and guests welcome. 

Tickets may be picked up at Legion bar. Phone 634-4215

November 9, 

Roast Beef Supper, 

United Baptist Church, Mahone Bay. 

4:30 - 6:30, 

Mashed potato, turnip, carrots, peas, gravy, coleslaw, pickles, rolls, tea, coffee, juice. Cake for dessert. Adults $12; children 5-12 $6; under 5 free. 

Books, fancy work and bake tables.

Saturday, November 9,

Turkey Supper, 

Epworth United Church, New Germany,  

4- 6 p.m. 

Adults $12, children under 12 $5 and under 5 Free.

The Big Ex: Musik Express

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

Colourful ride lit up at night?  Check.
Over sized toy in hand of onlooker?  Check.  
Carnie yelling, "Do you want to go FASTER?!?".  Check.  
Kids full of carnie food on the verge of puking?  Check.  

Just another night at the Ex.

The Big Ex: Ox Pull Spectators

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

A mix of gents taking in the ox pull competition at the 2013 Big Ex.  Mr. Lunenburg County is in this shot, can you spot him? ;-)

What's on this weekend? Breakfasts, roast beef, turkey, corned beef & cabbage and PIE!

Another weekend packed with grub options.  Take your pick and do your best to stay dry, wet weekend com'n!

Breakfasts

Saturday, November 2,

Pinehurst Hall,  

7-11 a.m.

November 2,

Country Breakfast.  

Chester Basin Fire Hall. 

7:30-10:30 a.m., 

Various menu selections.

November 2,

St. Norbert's Parish Big Breakfast 

Central United Church Hall, Lincoln Street, Lunenburg. 

7:30- 11:30 a.m. 

Eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, toast and pancakes with juice, coffee and tea. 

Adults $8, children under 12, $3.50

Suppers

November 2, 

Italian Night Dinner, 

Mahone Bay Legion, 

4:30 - 7 p.m. 

Advance tickets $10, Mahone Bay post office or phone Cathy 624-8723.

Sunday, November 3, 

Roast Beef Supper, 

East Port Medway community hall, 

4-6 p.m. 

Adults $10, children 12 and under $5, under 5 free. 

Take-outs available. Gluten free.

Sunday, November 3, 

St. Andrew's Anglican Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner, 

noon- 2 p.m. 

West Northfield Community Centre, 227 Feeners Corner Road. 

Adults $12; under 12 $2.

Wednesday, November 6 

Turkey Dinner with Pie

Trinity United Church, Rose Bay,

4:30- 6:30 p.m.),  

$12 Adults; $6 Children; under 5 free, 

Takeouts, call 766-4752 or 766-4398.

The Big Ex: The Truth Hurts (especially if you're dead)

4-H Barn

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

This was one of my favourite 4-H projects on display at this year's Big Ex.  I see that the judges agreed.  

The Big Ex: What are YOU Lookin' At?

The Big Ex Poultry Barn

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

Yikes, I didn't recall getting the look I received from this bird at the time.  Looking at it now, I think I'm lucky I didn't get pecked through the cage!  

I love the markings on this bird's plumage.  I wish I had taken a picture of its breed/name.  I'm going to guess it's a Wyandotte.  Feel free to correct me. 

The Big Ex: Planet....something

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

'Nuff said.

Sappyfest 8: Shotgun Jimmie

Sappyfest 8

Sackville, NB

Aug.3, 2013

One of the highlights of this year's Sappyfest was Shotgun Jimmie's set.  If you see him playing in your area, do yourself a favour and check him out.  Great stage presence, consistently well crafted lyrics, he's a solid live performer.  He did not disappoint that night!  Here's hoping that Sappyfest comes back next summer, fingers crossed!

What's on this weekend? LOTS OF EVERYTHING!

Holy smokes, what a lineup of Fall food festivities!  I'm a little overwhelmed by the list, hard to take it all in.  Basically, keep your head up this weekend and you will find a breakfast, tea or supper that suits your tastes!

Have a great weekend everyone.  Hunting season starts today so don't forget those blaze orange hats/apparel if you are heading out into the woods.

Breakfasts

October 26, 

Royal Canadian Legion #23, Lunenburg, 

7:30-11:30 a.m. 

Adults $8; ages 5-12, $4. 

Takeout available for pick-up $8.50. 634-4215

Saturday, October 26, 

Newfie Breakfast, 

Chester Basin Legion. 

7:30-10:30

Menu selections and take-out available.

October 26, Breakfast, 

Blandford community centre, 

9- 11 a.m. 

Adults $7, youth $3.50, under 5 free.

Saturday, October 26, 

Firemen's Breakfast, 

United Communities Fire Hall, Cherry Hill. 

8- 11 a.m. 

Adults $7, 5- 12 years $3.25, under 5 free.

Sunday, October 27. 

Mahone Bay Legion, 

9 a.m.- 1 p.m. 

$8 adults, $4 children, 5 and under free.

Teas/luncheons
Saturday, October 26,
Harvest Soup/ Chowder/ Chili Luncheon and Bake Sale. 

Grace Lutheran Church, First South,  

11 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. 

Assorted desserts. 

Adults $8, children under 12 $3. 

Takeout orders 521-9096

Saturday, October 26, 

Harvest Luncheon, Wesley United Church, Petite Riviere, 

11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. 

Soups, chowders, biscuits, pumpkin and apple pies with ice cream. Bake Table, White Elephant Table and Silent Auction. 

Adults $9; children $4; under 5 free. Proceeds for U.C.W.

Wednesday, October 30,

Anniversary Fall Harvest Coffee Party & Bake Table,  

Riverport Community Centre. 

11- 1, 

Sandwiches, sweets, beverages. 

Adults $7. 

Sponsored by St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.
October 31

Fall Luncheon, 

West Side United Church, Pentz, 

11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Adults $8, children $3. 

Takeout order 688-1340, 688-2631

Suppers

Saturday, October 26

Annual Turkey Supper, 

North Brookfield hall,

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. 

Adults $12, children 5-12 $6, under 5 free. 

Sponsored by the W.I.

October 26, 

Pulled Pork Sandwich meal, 

3- 6 p.m., 

Parish hall, Mahone Bay, 

$10 adults. Take-outs available. 

In support of Dump the Dump.

October 27

Soup and Chowder Supper,

Branch LaHave Community Hall, 1758 Lower Branch Road. 

4- 6 pm. 

Adults $9; children 5- 12 $2; under 5 free. 

Proceeds for St. James Lutheran Church.

October 27

Hebbs Cross fire dept. Corned Beef and Cabbage Supper,

4- 6:30 p.m. 

Adults $10; children 5- 12 $5; under 5 free. 

Includes dessert, tea and coffee. Everyone welcome.

Sunday, October 27

Oktoberfest Sauerkraut Supper,

Forties community centre, 1787 Forties Road, New Ross. 

Sauerkraut, sweet pickled pork, mashed potatoes, dessert, 

4- 6 p.m. Doors open at 4 serving starts 4:30. 

Sponsored by Canadian Heritage. Local entertainment. 

Adults $11, 5-12 $5.50, under 5 $2.50. 

Call 689-2612 for information.

Sappyfest 8: Long Shadows

Sappyfest 8

Sackville, NB

Ah, Sappyfest.....how I miss thee.   

Shot this one while waiting for scrumptious fish tacos from the Everyday Food Truck.  

Backyard Wrasslin' Ring

Conquerall Mills (?), NS

Oct. 13, 2013

I wish I could have seen this backyard wrasslin ring in its prime.  Now, it's just a rusting, rotting relic.  From what I can tell from the road, the 'floor' looks like it's made of old mattresses.  Heck, it looks like it even has turnbuckles!

I've meant to take a shot of this spot for a while now...it's been there for over 10 years.  This spot always sketches me out.  I rolled up, took a couple quick shots and got the hell out of there. If I'm feeling brave, I might try to get a better shot of it down the road...for now, this will have to do.

Fall foliage sunset

New Cumberland, NS

Oct. 13, 2013

A gorgeous end to a fine Fall day.  That's an old steam powered shingle mill in the distance.

Found in an attic: Canuck Charcoal Briquettes

South Shore, NS

Oct.13, 2013

Found this gem in the attic of an old house.  

Hirtle's Beach Sunset Gold

Hirtle's Beach

Kingsburg, NS

Oct. 10, 2013

I was looking for waves but all I found was this amazing sunset.  What a rip off! ;-)

What's on this weekend? Thanksgiving!!

Looks like a gorgeous weekend ahead of us, happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Breakfasts

October 12

Hebbs Cross Fire Department, 

7- 11 a.m. 

Homemade baked beans, eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, toast, tea, coffee, juice.

Price $7, children $3.

Saturday, October 12, 

St. Martin's Anglican Church Hall, Martin's River

7- 11 a.m.,

Scrambled eggs, pancakes, hash browns, baked beans, bacon, sausage, toast, tea, coffee, juice. 

Adults $7, children 5- 12 $3, under 5 free. 

Proceeds: St. Martin's Church

Teas/luncheons

Thursday, October 17. 

Fall Luncheon, 

West Side United Church, Pentz

11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Adults $8, children $3. 

Takeout order 688-1340, 688-2631

Suppers

Monday, October 14, 

Thanksgiving, Dinner & Supper, 

Forties Community Centre, 1787 Forties Road, New Ross. 

11:30- 1:30 and 2:30- 4:30. 

Traditional Turkey dinner with all the trimmings, dessert, tea & coffee. 

$11 adults, $5.50 5-12 years, under 5 $2.50. 

Call 689-2612 for information

The Big Ex: Mr. Lunenburg County

The Big Ex

Bridgewater, NS

July 26, 2013

Lunenburg County's very own big shot, Italy Cross & Middlewood Fire Dept. canteen fries in hand.  If you listen to CKBW birthday announcements, you know this regular caller!

Mack Attack

Riverport, NS

July 27, 2013

One of my better hauls of the summer....reminds me I should hit the wharf again to see if there are any Fall run mackerel around.

Riverport: Kraut Point Wharf

Kraut Point Wharf

Riverport, NS

July 31, 2013

Every time I head out to the wharf for some mackeral fishing, I often wonder about the origins of the name.  I guess it's either kraut, as in sauerkraut or it's kraut, as in Sgt. Rock shouting, "take that, you dirty kraut!"  Hopefully the former and not the latter.  

How Cold is That Ocean?

Not that cold.

A tolerable 17.5 C at Hirtle's Beach this evening.  The water is warmer than the air. 

Bliss.

Sappyfest 8: Step Right Up!

Sappyfest 8

Sackville, NB

Aug. 3, 2013

This collection of carnival games was a fundraiser for Struts & Faucet.  At first their were adults in those booths but eventually they were taken over by kids...except for the 'Shot in the Dark' booth which involved a toy gun.  That one had an adult in it all weekend. ^_^   

It was hilarious to watch the kids hustle the passing crowds, trying to get them to play their games.  The kids are all right!

2013 Atlantic Hand Mowing Championships: Hay Stacking

Ross Farm

New Ross, NS

Aug. 25, 2013

One of several contestants trying their best at the hay stacking competition.  It was a very hot day at Ross Farm, I'm sure being showered in scratchy hay didn't help matters.

The winner was judged on the weight of hay lifted as a percentage of their body weight...hopefully no one went crazy and tried to drop a weight class to win this one! ;-)  I watched several people hoist ~ 50 lbs of hay on their best attempts.  No small feat!

Shadowy Barn on a Shadowy Planet

Upper Kingsburg, NS

Aug. 30, 2013

I managed to capture a nice late summer long shadow on the 'ole barn a month ago (or so), happy with the results!

Discover Thomas Raddall Provincial Park

Thomas Raddall Provincial Park

East Port L'Hebert, NS

Camper's Beach

Sept. 1, 2013

If you haven't discovered Thomas Raddall Provincial Park, you are missing out.  The staffer at the front gate summed it up well, "pretty much every trail leads to a beach".  She was not kidding!

A short stroll from the walk-in tent sites leads you to this pristine piece of paradise.  Looks like some windsurfers have figured it out!

The day use beach is gorgeous as well, we spotted piping plovers the last time we visited.

The park closes for the season October 14th, don't delay.  It's worth the drive to East Port L'Hebert!

Lower Rose Bay: Vivacious Viburnum!

Lower Rose Bay, NS

Sept. 7, 2013

These colourful berries are ripening all over the place.  Take a look in a ditch on your next drive and you'll probably spot one or two.

Viburnum Nudum (or wild raisin, as it is known locally) is easy to find in the fall as the berries ripen and start to turn purple and begin to resemble raisins.   

Viburnums are a great native species to plant in your yard and provide an important food source for birds that feed on fruit like the gorgeous Cedar Waxwing!

Check out this informative post which has some great images of the berries in the various stages of ripening.

American Mountain Ash Promenade

Lower Rose Bay, NS

Sept. 7, 2013

Somewhere between Rose Bay and Kingsburg, you'll see this nice row of American Mountain Ash trees along the road.  Gorgemouse!

When life gives you lemons....

Lunenburg, NS

Sept. 16, 2013

Glad to see the 'plaza peelers' are making good use of the speed bumps installed in the Lunenburg Community Centre parking lot.  

Some people see a speed bump, others see a makeshift 'brake stand'. I'm sure they make a lovely smell as they get melted by spinning tiyahs. ;-)

What's on this weekend? Breakfasts! Variety Supper! Art show!!!

This weekend is heavy on breakfasts (nothing wrong with that!) and light on everything else. 

That being said, the First South Anglican Church Fall Variety supper is happening this Sunday.  Protip: skip lunch, expect at least a 30 minute wait and try erryding on the table!  Here's a review from 2010 for an idea of what to expect.  If you are lucky, you will spot a scene like this.

Don't forget the corned beef and cabbage supper next Wednesday, so goood....

If you are in the Lahave => Broad Cove area, check out the Petite Palette 2013 group art show!

Breakfasts

September 21, 
New Germany Legion, 
7-10 a.m. 
Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Beans, toast, hash browns, juice, tea, coffee.
Adults $7, children 5- 10 $3, under 5 free.

Saturday, September 21
Firemen's Breakfast, 
Petite Riviere fire hall,
8- 11 a.m. 
Full menu. 
Adults $7, children $3

September 21
Riverport and District Firemen's Breakfast, 
usual menu
7:30- 11:30 a.m., 
$7 adults; $3 children 6- 12; children 5 and under free.

Community Events

Sept. 20 - 29
Petite Palette 2013
A multi venue event, Hwy 331: Lahave, Petite Riviere & Broad Cove
40 artists' work showcased at various locations.
Event poster here.

Suppers

Sunday, September 22,

Fall Variety Supper. 

Grace Lutheran Church, First South,  

4- 6 p.m. All welcome.

September 25, Wednesday, 

Corned Beef and Cabbage Supper, 

Italy Cross, Middlewood and District fire hall, 

4- 6 p.m. Take-outs available, pick up only. Adults $10; children (5-12) $5. Proceeds for ladies' auxiliary.

The Life of a Northwoods Trailblazer Sure is Tough

Just looking at my old little guy makes me tired.  I found him in a random box in the attic at my mom's house.  

A quick search online found the playset.  If you stumble across any Adventure People figures at a yard sale, pick 'em up!  Sets include such exciting things as 'Wild Animal Safari', 'Super Speed Racer' and 'Daredevil Sports Van'.  There are some nice pics of the figures and sets on this site.