Day Six: Truro and Baddeck

August 13, 2016

The day dawned beautiful and clear, the air cooler, the humidity low.  We left the hotel around 8:30.  Paul and Ruth Hershberger did the devotional as we drove.  Persevering during difficult times was the subject and they shared their personal stories about times that were impossible to understand, talking about how God’s faithfulness came through.  I enjoy hearing people’s own stories – I always get more out of what’s being said when real life is present.

Afterward Gloria spoke about Nickle Mines, where she and her husband live, and updated us on some of the happenings in the years since the tragic shooting there.  The world moves on but the people whose lives have been forever changed by the unimaginable actions of one troubled man must continue to live with the consequences of his actions.  Forgiveness when there is no closure, no end to the difficult days, is an ongoing decision, one day at a time.

Our first stop was at the Truro Farmer’s Market where Old Colony Mennonites sell fresh vegetables displayed like artwork. There were also baked goods, as well as rum, beer, cheese and jelly. We were told by our tour guide several days ago that Nova Scotia gives much credit to rum and beer for its very existence because of the army's use of both to bribe young men into service for their country. Although I'm fairly certain this is no longer practiced, I did notice rum and beer are frequently for sale in most tourist traps we browsed. Being a fan of neither beverage, I bought a wedge of mild Swiss Gouda and a loaf of crusty beer bread.  Since this combination called for some fine wine, I snagged a jar of Merlot Wine Jelly.  We all sampled some later, on the bus, cruising on down the road. 

We tried to see the tidal bore outside of Truro but missed it by minutes.  I had no clue what a tidal bore was; I learned it was the moon’s gravitational pull causing the rising tides from the Bay of Fundy to force the Salmon River into a backward flow twice a day.  I’ve added a link to a video on utube by someone who got there in time to see it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWumonz87rA

We ate lunch at Jungle Jim’s in Truro, a place similar to Red Robin back home, without the big franchise feel.  The food was delicious and arrived quickly but, most importantly, was served by friendly people who appeared to enjoy their jobs, and did not suggest we go elsewhere.  Yes, I'm still feeling the burn from our experience several days ago.

The Lynwood Inn in Baddeck, Nova Scotia awaited our early evening arrival.  Beautifully situated overlooking a corner of the town, the water peeking through the trees beyond, the Inn also featured a restaurant with large verandas and multilevel decks on two sides.  Even though it was cool in the evening air many of us opted to eat outside, soaking in the beauty around us.  A solitary musician serenaded us during dinner, singing songs from our era. I would have described the man singing as "an older man" until I realized he was our age. (When did we get old?) Hence all the songs he sang being familiar to us. Paul couldn't help himself: he was singing along between bites. After stuffing myself with pan-fried haddock, I joined several others for a walk to a small ice-cream establishment a few blocks away.

I turned in early; too much food and a poor night’s sleep last night and I was ready for bed before the sun was completely gone.  Paul left in search of a card game with his Rook cards in one hand and his score pad in the other.  I was sound asleep long before he came back, moaning about his severe trouncing.