Alma & the Fundy National Park

Truro Best Western Motel was a treat after our long day that included Shubenacadie Wildlife Park. We had a great night, followed by the best breakfast I had had so far. Graham wasn’t feeling too well however so even his freshly prepared mushroom omelette didn’t go down well. Thankfully he improved as the day went on and in reaching the charming fishing village,
of Alma - "The Home of the Highest Tides in the World" - he was able to enjoy his chowder for lunch. We then drove into Fundy National Park. Our day ended at Chateau Saint John, a stylish hotel just off the freeway.
The city of Saint John has a long and fascinating history. This from a brochure on its deep history:

“The geology of Saint John is about 1.2 billion years old, and it was once connected to Africa. This land, the Wabanaki (Land of the Dawn), is the traditional territory of the Wolastoqiyik. The tribal groups belonging to
the Wabanaki confederacy are Maliseet, Mi’kmaq, Passemaquoddy, Penobscot and Abenaki. The first European to explore this area was Portuguese explorer Estavan Gomez who, in 1535, identified a river on the east coast as the “Rio de la Buelta” (River of the Return).” Then came the French, the English, and finally the Loyalists from the American Revolution. They established the city. In 1877 a fire destroyed much of the city including 1600+ homes. Today it’s a really interesting amalgam of various architectural styles. From the same brochure:
“1) Georgian, 1785-1840 - This style is a simple, confidently dignified rectangular block with a carefully balanced facade.
2) Greek Revival, 1800-1880 - This style emphasized the classical proportions of Greek temples as symbols of the stability and optimism of this Colonial expansion period.
3) Gothic Revival, 1825-1880 - This style emerged as a rebellion against the stricter formality of earlier classical styles. It embraced many of the features of medieval cathedrals.
4) Italianate, 1850-1890 - This style also emerged as a rebellion against the stricter formality of earlier classical styles. It embraced many of the characteristics of Italian farmhouses.
5) Second Empire, 1860-1900 - This style, which is also called Mansard, imitated the latest cosmopolitan building fashions in France.
6) Queen Anne Revival, 1880-1915 - This style is vivacious and uninhibited, with each home having its own unique features, but all using asymmetrical massing. Towers or turrets are common features.”
Fascinating huh?Read more