Black Rock Bliss

The Cape Breton sojourn is over. We departed Boularderie Thursday, kissed off by the usual fog and drizzle. Jan’s dad has serious medical issues back in Victoria; she of course wants to do what she can to help him back to normal.

A year ago my mother was in hospital, down to 85 lbs, looking no better than an even-money bet for survival. Mom looked terrific two months ago; she shines even brighter now, enjoying new friends at Edinburgh Hall in Truro, admitting she no longer misses her former digs in Halifax. Of all the elders I care about, Doris is now the least of my worries. Long may it be so.

Now we are with Don and Nancy at their Black Rock Shangri-la at the mouth of the Shubenacadie on Cobequid Bay, as fine a spot for watching the world pass by as you are likely to stumble upon. A kestrel and harrier patrol the marsh across the road, warming my birder heart. Since it is high summer Nelson’s sharp-tailed sparrows still sing from their grassy domain.

The first night I left the camper about 0300 hrs and went for a walk about the neighbourhood. The night was cloudy and perfectly still. In forty-five minutes I heard not a single man-made sound, but plenty from other creatures, most unidentifiable. I got nose to nose with a porcupine, heard a raccoon or two, a night-calling bird or three. A sudden break in the cloud cover delivered two full moons, one in the sky, a second mirrored in a puddle in front of my boots. Why hadn’t I brought camera and tripod?

Friday morning delivered something strange and remarkable: sunshine. Nephew Michael, just in from Toronto, materialized for a few hours, supplying me with something valued: good conversation about the state of the world beyond the immediate neighbourhood.

The Mahone Baysians – John, Naomi, Hannah, Sara – joined the fray yesterday afternoon. Six-year-old Sara press-ganged us into a game of Memory then whacked us at it, showing me in spades how superior a young brain is to one as antiquated as mine.

August 12 is shower night, as in the Perseid meteor shower. Moonshine obliterated prospects for a great night of dark sky viewing but never mind, the night was balmy, dry and windless. I felt like a lottery winner.

Now it is early Saturday morning. Still not a cloud in sight. Shortly we shall water up the camper and get the roadshow rolling. We have miles to go before we sleep; adventures beckon.