May 08 2008
Life Comes Atcha Fast
My mind is still playing catch up from the busy weekend. Then, I jumped right back into the work week with an exciting seminar on metadata and cataloging (holla!) and a fun night with these girls. Yep, my sissies are in town. We decided to take mom out for an early Mother’s Day. We had a night planned of pottery painting and delicious food. Unfortunately, the pottery place shut down, so we had a lovely extended dinner, a walk around the lake, and then a little frozen yogurt. Very fun. Sisters rocking the “finger guns”.
Kris and I are preparing for the upcoming Nova Scotia trip, and we took advantage
of the big anniversary sale at one of the outfitting companies. We got some sleeping bags and a tent. (the boots at right were part of the Peru purchases, but they are going to NS too!) We have plans to camp in Cape Breton, and I can hardly wait. I just hope the weather cooperates. The tent has a rain cover… but I remember some childhood camping trips where the rain cover didn’t seem to matter. Whatever happens, it will be great. I have been chatting with Ingrid, and we have some amazing plans for our visit to the southern part of the province… I have heard that the people of Nova Scotia are amazingly hospitable and friendly, and my encounters thus far prove that point. Nature, hiking, camping, photography, food and friends: this is going to be a great and memorable trip. I realize NS is seafood central, but I am hoping to find some good veggie options. Some veggies should be in season, but I could live on trail mix too 
Also, we are looking for some fun pubs along the way so that we don’t have to miss the Stanley Cup playoffs as we move around the province… any tips from my friendly neighbors-to-the-north? I hear that there is some good homegrown yarns there too… (I can’t believe I am even thinking about that with yarn glutton I was over the weekend…)
Over the past four days, I have managed to knit about 10 rows on the Laila sock. That’s it. However, it seems like a lot because the pattern is coming out so well in the beautiful green and mustard colors. I feel that I have to turn the heel before I take another photo, so the rate I am going now, that means next week.
I can hardly believe that I let my friend E talk me into this… a triathlon in August?
(ugh – heat and humidity!) It is not a “done deal” yet, but I do think it would be a good thing to try. At least, in theory. I think I love the thought of it – and the thought of Kris holding a sign for me at the finish line “GO LOLLY!” is enough to make me do it – but the real test is if I can 1) get over my neurotic phobia of open non-circulating water (eww, germs in lakes) 2) wear a swimsuit in front of a lot of people who are smaller than me 3) run a distance of any length. I am A-OK with the biking, I could do that now! (I say it so confidently, don’t I? hmm, pride before the fall) If I go through with it, I could finally have some new fodder for the Journey page!
That’s a great picture of you and your sisters. I’m jealous of your trip to Nova Scotia. The triathlon, not so much.
Wow. That triathalon looks amazing. I’m trying to get ready for a 5k, but doing the swimming also! (the biking I’d be OK with)…very ambitious! I know you can do it!
Go, Lolly, go! You can totally do that triathalon! Recently, I have been thinking about doing one of those in the next few years as well. I will be cheering you on from the other side of the world if you decide to go for it!
I don’t think you’ll have a hardtime with veggie options, at least in Halifax. I haven’t travelled much outside the city. Well I already gave you a few recommendations. You can always check farmers markets and fruit stands to make your own lunches and snacks too. Pubs are not so good for veggie stuff, but it really depends on the scale of the pub. Some are more upscale than others. Henry House might be a good pub for veggie options.
Thanks Melissa! I did write down your recommendations from Flickr
Yeah, the pubs were more for hockey and alcohol anyway…
I wouldn’t worry about finding a place to watch hockey. Most pubs and even restaurants are usually tuned in to the playoffs. You will be in luck if your team is playing a Canadian team because those games take precedence over any others going on at the same time. Have fun!
Looks like you and I will be travelling around the same time (t-minus 16 days to the wedding, and we’re leaving for France the next day)—I can’t wait to read your stories and see your photography. Your stories of the Peru trip were stunning, and I can’t wait for the next installment!
And as for the triathlon, I have only three words for you: YOU GO, GIRL! If I didn’t live so far away I’d be there with a sign cheering you on, too.
I hope you and Kris have a fabulous time in NS. I lived in Halifax for six years before moving to So.Cal.
If you’re going to be in Cape Breton, and maybe have some time, there is a fabulous hike I want to tell you about. At the end of the same road Gampo Abbey is on (in Pleasant Bay) is where you’ll find the trailhead for a 20km round trip hike to Pollett’s Cove (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollett‘s_Cove). If you google you can find some fabulous pictures. Its free to go hiking/camping on and the views are quite amazing. You can camp at the end, which is even more glorious with the horses grazing around you in the middle of no where. Be warned though, its quite strenuous. The last time I was up there, my husband and I only hiked about the first 5km before returning for the day.
Another hiking trail that is pretty fabulous near Lunenburg at Cape Split. Its about 4-5 hours round trip and not terribly strenuous. The view at the end is quite amazing. The campground near there (Blomidin) is quite nice too. My in-laws live a stone’s through from there.
As for veggie options, I hear Heartwood Cafe on Quinpool is better than ever now. The Wooden Monkey seems to be getting a lot of press lately (in a good way).
Are you going to try visiting the Fleece Artist / Handmaiden people? I meant to do that last time I visited but time ran out.
I cannot wait to see you pictures. Its making me a bit homesick (for NS and Canada) thinking about all the beautiful places to visit. Nova Scotias are great people.
nova scotia? cape breton? oh, i’m so envious. i’ve always wanted to visit there, but i know that it’ll almost be like i was there as i experience it all through your eyes, words, and delicious camera work! be safe. hope the weather is perfect while you’re there.
Wow! A triathlon sounds so ambitious and impressive. Go you! I’m sure that you can do it. That picture of you and your sisters is great.
Well, I remember getting pelted with rain camping at Cape Breton in July! I used some handknit socks I bought at a craft shop to keep my hands warm! Stuff blew around a lot, as we were on the bluffs overlooking the Atlantic. It was a blast, though, a wonderful trip, beautiful area, nice people and seafood that can’t be beat. Halifax seemed pretty hip, so I’m sure you’ll find veggie places around.
Have fun.
LOTS of pubs all over NS. Even our hotel bar (Delta Barrington) in Halifax last year was great during the Stanley Cup playoffs!
Fibre place not to be missed:
- Gaspereau Valley Fibres near Wolfville (www.gaspereauvalleyfibres.com)– a nicely kept barn full of fibre goodies! Including some yarn from their own sheep…some natural, and some dyed by Fleece Artist.
- Have a Yarn in Mahone Bay was great too.
- In Halifax: LK Yarns in Halifax is nice too and I always find things there, but the other 2 are just so much richer, in my opinion. There’s a place called the Loop (I think) in downtown Halifax but I was disappointed with them. I expected to see LOTS of local yarns there, and there wasn’t much of anything when I was there…
Get yourself a Studio Rally (map http://www.studiorally.com) available at the airport and really all over the province. Lots of great artists and craftspeople on it.
Have fun in my favourite place on earth!
OH! One more thing. All yarn stores in NS have Fleece Artist seconds! Same great fibres, same great colours…they say the skeins just have an extra knot or two in them. I bought a bunch last year and haven’t found the knots yet! Great value.
I don’t think you can actually go to Fleece Artist directly…I tried with no luck. If you figure out the secret, let me know!
Oh, I’m so jealous! I’m doing home remodeling instead of vacation this year, and I so miss Nova Scotia. If you’re camping, I would imagine Blomidon (a provincial park) is a very nice, low-key park, between Wolfville and Cape Split (I don’t think I’d say it’s close to Lunenburg, though). Wolfville is a college town and has good restaurants; I would imagine it would have veggie options, though I haven’t explored it. That said, even in a supermarket, produce is cheaper and better than in the US.
Have fun!
You really must go to the Wooden Monkey in Halifax. The ingredients are local and most of the menu is vegetarian. I had the setan pita when I was there in December and it was amazing.
I’m from Cape Breton and unfortunately you must plan for the weather to be pretty crappy. The last time I was there was August for about a week and it was only sunny one day. I hope you have beautiful weather but it’s best to be prepared.
NS is a place I’ve always wanted to go!! You’ll have a great time!
And you’ve got to go for the triathalon! Mental strength and committment — the physical strength will follow.
A triathlon?! That is fantastic! A great push, L!! As for the swimsuit-other people- thing… I’m sure everyone will be fretting about their swim and won’t be looking at you. Besides, you look great (not that I’ve seen you in a suit) but you look healthy and fit from where I’m sitting!
this picture of you and your sisters is priceless!
and, another thing we have in common…..
my bf and i are planning a bicycle tour of nova scotia, newfoundland, and labrador in 2 years. the more and more i read your blog, the more we have to talk about =)
i can’t wait to hear how your trip goes! it sounds so fantastic!
Your family is beautiful!
I have a vegan acquaintance that visited Nova Scotia and she said it was wonderful! Can’t wait to see your travels!
I’m so jealous, I love NS! We were there for our honeymoon. A veggie restaurant that we “frequented” in our week there was Satisfaction Feast (http://www.satisfaction-feast.com/index.html) in Halifax. While we were there we found restaurants to be very accommodating to vegetarians and were willing to make things that weren’t on the menu for us. We had some great food on our trip.
I look forward to seeing your photos from NS! How fun!
i did a triathlon a few years ago (the danskin triathlon). if i can do it, you can do it, i’m sure! it was a lot of fun, and not too terribly hard. i’m glad i did it.
Absolutely do not miss taking a walk on the Skyline trail! It is near the western side entrance to the park, and it was amazing! Eleven moose sightings in one short morning walk! You guys are going to have a great time. How are you getting to Nova Scotia? If you are taking the ferry from Bar Harbor, I can give you the local’s lowdown on a bunch of veggie eatin’, beer drinkin’ options there…
Love the sisters shot!
I’ll be interested in reading about your NS trip when you return. I have yet to visit that end of my own country (we’re talking about either doing that or a cruise, jury is still out)!
Have fun on your trip!
your trip sounds like fun! and i’m sure you’ll do great on the triathlon. good luck with training!
Have a fabulous trip, Nova Scotia must be like a beautiful place. And about the triathlon, just try it if you’re excited about it (and you do sound excited
. I’m totally with you on the non-circulating water phobia, just imagine that lake getting cleaned by big bottom feeders every night.
Nova Scotia is beautiful. My husband and I spent a week camping and traveling around there about 10 years ago. I found the people to be spectacularly nice. Halifax is a great, walkable city. Per the camping; we really enjoyed it, but were unprepared for the level of mosquitoes there! Bring a serious arsenal of repellant with DEET (ugh) and hope for a light breeze, as that kept them down to a bearable level. Otherwise it was a joy.
Driving around the area, on the Cabot Trail, I think, there was a terrific cafe called The Clucking Hen, which had billboard ads for miles and miles before one actually reached it, anyway, they had yummy soups and teas.
Don’t feel you have to turn a heel before you show us more colorwork!
i understand your anxiety about the bathing suit thing, but i’m absolutely positive that there will be plenty of people bigger than you. anyway, whatever you decide, think how great you would feel after you accomplish such a thing.
and nova scotia sounds like a wonderful trip. the camping, not so much. let’s just say that i’m not a happy camper.
That trip sounds great! But missing the playoffs does not. R and I would definitely be the kind of weirdos who would schedule our vacation around the Cup
Specs: our thoughts were why not watch the Cup playoffs in hockey land? Seems pretty authentic to me!
No, no, no. No falling!
NS IS a wonderful place. NB too.. but I’m a bit biased, growing up in NB. Make sure you bring some nice warm clothes, the maritimes are typically pretty chilly in May.. Things start to heat up near the end of June. You’ll likely see a lot of fresh spring foliage, and maybe even some cherry or apple blossoms.
I took a visit to Gaspereau Valley Yarns a few years back.. it was really lovely. charming little store, in the barn of an old farmstead. It sits in the hills off of the Anapolis Valley, outside of Wolfville.. a little far away from Cape Breton, but a nice day trip. And I think well-worth it.
Enjoy your trip.. and keep up the lovely stories and photo’s.
I wouldn’t worry about the hockey – I haven’t been in a bar that’s NOT playing the hockey when it’s on in years, and even though the Oilers didn’t make it this year (sigh), all the games are still on. Now that we’re later in the playoffs, there’s not even much schedule conflict!
And going to Canada during the playoffs is much easier to schedule around than going to the UK! My family and I went to Britain during the Oilers cup run two years ago – we never IMAGINED that a trip in JUNE would mean missing the Oilers in the freaking Stanley Cup Finals. (Keep in mind that the Oilers getting past the first round is the usual cause for celebration around here.) So we all chipped in and paid a fortune to get the North American Sports Channel at our friends’ house in England. Skipped going to York to watch game 7, too! (Sigh.)
The key to the rain cover on the tent is making sure that it’s extremely tight and not touching the tent anywhere – anywhere it touches, the water will wick through. If it’s not touching, you’ll stay dry!
Love the sisters pic!
I was going to warn you that everyone is going to try and make you eat fish and lobster while you’re in Nova Scotia, even if you tell them you’re vegetarian. I guess it’s like going to Alberta and saying you don’t eat beef — people look at you as though you have three heads and green skin . . .
There’s one place in Yarmouth where you can get a really good vegetarian meal and that’s Little Lebanon. It’s our favourite restaurant! We’re definitely taking you there!
And I was going to ask you if you want to stay at our house? We have a nice finished basement with the most comfortable futon — it’s yours if you want it! We also have a big backyard if you prefer to tent (but really, why tent when the most comfortable futon is indoors?).
Eeeee! I’m excited!
Wow. What a good looking family!
As for the triathlon, “Go, Lolly!”
Hoping to see you again, soon.
Oh my you’ll be near ‘Anne of Green Gables’ territory! Maybe bring it as some summer reading?
What a great picture of you and your sisters! Good luck with the triathlon if you go for it. You’re a brave girl!
Wow, this is a busy week full of some of the best things: fiber, family, food and planning for an exciting trip. I hope you had a fun time with the fam, the pics are great.
Nothing to add about NS except that I hope you have the best time and I can’t wait to hear about it.
Oooh, triathalon, very ambitious! You should talk to Chelsea about it. That would be difficult to commit to, but imagine how you’ll feel if you accomplish it.
Lolly, you continue to inspire. If you do decide to try to tri, I’ll be cheering you along with the rest of your readers.
What a great Three Sisters shot. When my sisters and I get together (also three of us) whatever we do is prefaced by “Three sisters” – so it goes something like this…
Three sisters getting a pedicure! Three sisters shopping! Three sisters taking a coffee break! OK – you get the idea. We also had a formal picture taken of the three of us in one of the hubby’s white work shirts. Just three sisters in white shirts. It’s still my favorite picture. I highly recommend it as a gift to your Mom. I know she’ll LOVE it.
Cape Breton is my favourite place in the whole wide world. You MUST go to Meat Cove. I know, I know, it doesn’t sound that inviting to a veggie girl like you, but it’s the most beautiful, rugged place. Go to the very end of the gravel road for a breathtaking view. You may see some whales. I have every time I’ve been there. Great place for a windswept picnic.
I also highly recommend Baadeck Yarns!
Have a great time! Say hello to Ingrid for me. She’s a wonderful person to hang out with.
Hi Lolly, DO THE TRIATHLON! Go read my recent post, “Bobbi”. What a true inspiration! My daughter is doing her first one tomorrow. (I’m more nervous than she is). Don’t worry about the run…there are all sorts of tricks to get you through it, like run 4 min, walk 1, etc. Do it!
Hello Lolly,
I have been following for blog for a couple of months now… but I was so excited to see that you’re visiting Cape Breton! I have a lot of family there and still spend my vacation there every summer. It’s such a great place…. so beautiful, and the people are so great.
I have a suggestion though — you should come to Newfoundland sometime! It’s pretty great here — the icebergs are on their way down now this time of year. http://www.cbc.ca/cp/Atlantic/080501/t050143A.html
Love the blog !
- Kmh
Are the boots vegetarian? Jimmy and I are taking these little backpacking classes at a local outfitter, we wanna get into that some more, a little less car camping, and I’ve been looking for some good non-leather boots!
Cape Breton – our favorite place (we hope to retire there in a couple years). If you drive the Cabot Trail, you’ll go through Baddeck, and you MUST stop at Baadeck Yarns (see Yarn Harlot’s review of the shop from Aug.31, 2004). They have Fleece Artist yarns (first quality) in unique colorways commissioned by the shop owner, Pat Fields. I stock up whenever we visit. And try the Waters Edge Gallery cafe – they have a yummy curried lentil soup and some other vegetarian choices. Have a wonderful time – the people really ARE warm and friendly.
I’ve been wanting to go to NS for a while now… someday when I can afford a real vacation. Have fun camping! It’s one of my favorite things to do. Also, do not think that making a judgement call and spending a bad-weather night in a hotel is a cop out. You don’t need to prove any points!
I’ve lately been considering a triathalon myself… only for me, I’m terrified of the biking. Riding with cars (even if only for training) is something that I’m really not comfortable with. Maybe we can both get over our fears!
oh the trip sounds wonderful – Nova Scotia is on my own travel list.
a friend of mine does tris and she’s been trying to rope me into one for years – so far I’ve resisted – but only because I seem to sink when I am supposed to be swimming and I don’t get along with my bicycle LOL
As for the tri, go for it
Oh, wow, Lolly, a triathlon? I hope you do decide to do it! I had thought about getting into triathlons back when I was a serious marathoner who swam a lot for cross-training…the only part that scared me was the biking, because I’m so terrified of crashing. Now I wish I had done one when I had the opportunity, because my running days are over (because of my connective-tissue problems…at least I can still swim!). But I will be thrilled to hear about your triathlon adventures if you have them! And I’m happy to share running advice even if I’m not doing any running myself these days. Good luck!
Do go to Baddeck Yarns in Cape Breton. It’s a fantastic little shop. While in Halifax LK Yarns is a must, you can even get New Brunswick’s best export, Briggs and Little, there as well. Across the harbour in Dartmouth is where Lucy Neatby keeps her shop, Tradewind Knits.
As for food, the Wooden Monkey is oh so good for sit down food, and pizza corner if you just need to grab a slice and go (KOD [ King of Donair] has the best vegetarian slice in the city, in my opinion) There’s also some really great sushi places that do veggie sushi really well (Hamachi being my pick). I hope you have a fantastic visit to the maritimes. It’s been a little cold up here lately but we’re all hoping with all of our hearts that it gets warmer soon.
I love seeing pics of you and your sisters – reminds me of me and mine – the girls! I’m glad you had a great time.