Thursday, 9 November 2017

Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia: Stay Off the Black Rocks

  
   Being home to the most well known light house in the country, and fierce waves, Peggy's Cove holds a unique beauty that cannot be compared to any other place in the world. For such a small province, with the population that we have, Peggy's Cove is a well known tourist destination to folks all over the globe. She is a day trip made by thousands every year. You will know that you have arrived when that lighthouse comes into view, sitting atop a large rocky mountain. A village of multi-coloured old homes, gift shops, lobster shacks, and fishing boats are sprawled beautifully along the Peggy's Cove Road. The sights you will find here are truly like that of something you would see in a movie set on the coastal shore about fishermen and their lifestyle. As you drive up the Peggy's Cove Road, be sure to stop for ice cream at the parlour if it's in the summer time. When the cold temperatures set in, during autumn, then you can step into the main gift shop and restaurant called the Sou' Wester'. Here, you can enjoy the best fish and chips and lobster tail around for a decent price. You can even catch and clean your own lobster and they will cook it for you! When you taste the lovely fish and lobster native to Nova Scotia, you will be experiencing the heart of our culture at it's finest. 


   

   As you approach the top of Peggy's Cove road, and enter the parking lot, "Stay off the black rocks" is what you will read on the numerous signs leading up to the larger-than-life boulders; as well as the red and white lighthouse that can be seen for miles, next to which you will undoubtedly begin taking hundreds of photos. At this time, I will share with you some excellent safety tips to keep in mind when you visit this extraordinary destination, whether for a day trip, or a night away.
  The closer you come to the large white rocks that are perfect for climbing, getting photos on, and watching the water, you will see plenty of signs that depict a guy dancing with the waves. Do not be deceived. This guy is not, in fact, dancing with the waves. He is dying. Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic. You will notice that the rocks become darker in colour as you walk nearer to the water. This discolouration is caused by the water making it's way up onto those rocks. The darker the rocks that you are standing on, the more danger you're in. Many times, folks have gotten too close to get that perfect photo, to say they did it, for bragging rights, or what have you. Sometimes, those people were locals to Nova Scotia (And should have known better), and sometimes, they were exploring on vacation. Please do not mistake the unadulterated and seemingly calm beauty of Peggy's Cove for a completely danger-free venture. It can be, but only if you respect how powerful she can be. While it is almost certain you will see gorgeous white waves crashing against the rocks, numerous times, a rogue wave that could not have been predicted came and swept people away. For the most part, it is because they were too close to the water. That perfect photo is not worth putting yourself in danger for. The calmness of the deep blue at Peggy's Cove can be soothing to the soul. She can also be ferocious and unpredictable. While I completely recommend this spot for a day long adventure or even a weekend getaway during the summer, many have lost their lives due to unsafe venturing, for their breathtaking photo-op. If you are going to explore this charming haven, I encourage you to stay on the white rocks, and out of the danger zone.
Peggy's Cove being mildly ferocious
I would like to just say, that we are not nearly as close as we look in that photo. There was a zoom button on the camera. However, this is a very mild example of what Peggy's Cove is capable of.

   While I haven't personally stayed the night in a motel in Peggy's Cove, after doing some research, I would recommend the Clifty Cove Motel for the view. Staying at this motel, you are in an ideal location to enjoy all the benefits and offerings Peggy's Cove has to make your vacation a perfect one. As you may have seen on my Facebook page, I posted some photos of the Swiss Air 111 memorial. It is about half a kilometer from Peggy's Cove and I encourage you to visit. A little further down from the memorial, is a museum. It is actually a house painted to the likes of Peggy's Cove, but it has been turned into a museum. The gentleman that runs this place wrote a fantastic story called "Peggy of the Cove". It comes in a children's book, and a book for adults. Admission is free and there is lots to look at, as well as a small gift shop to pick up a copy of this beautiful story for the young person in your family. The location is hard to miss as the mural on the house is huge, and very well done. 

Visit Peggy's Cove. The lighthouse is a cultural Icon in Canada. It symbolises everything Nova Scotia, and when people from all over the world set their eyes on it, know what place they're looking at. It is beautiful in every way, and will have people envious that they didn't go with you. 
This is one destination that belongs on your bucket list. 

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