It is so exciting to ride the
Cat to Nova Scotia. This is a special and unexpected treat. The
Cat photos are courtesy of the official
Cat Ferry website, listed at the end of this post.
Considered one of the world's super ships, the
Cat crosses the Gulf of Maine at speeds up to 55 mph, carrying up to 775 passengers and 250 vehicles. This kitty is powered by four 9,500 horsepower marine diesel engines. Am I ever glad we don't have to pay for a fill-up!
We have our breakfast aboard the ship, and in about 2 and 1/2 hours, are docking in Yarmouth, where it's Atlantic time.
As this is a one day excursion, we purchase tour tickets for a Coastal Excursion (also the name of his business) owned by Calvin d'Entremont whose motto is "We Pick Up What the Cat Brings In."
Calvin explains the Acadian heritage of French catholic farmers, who came to this land to have freedom to practice their religion. He is an 11th generation Acadian. Our first stop is this beautiful Catholic Church not far from Yarmouth Harbor.
When Calvin is not busy with tours, he is an active lobster fisherman, among many other trades. He brings us to the marina near his home in West Pubnico, to show us an example of a lobster trap. Although it is not fishing season, he closes the trap so no lobster can enter, and has permission to show tourists what live lobster really looks like.
The next stop on our tour is Le Village Historique Acadien, a living museum of pre-1920's wooden homes and buildings. The ancestors of Acadians of Pubnico came here in 1653 by their founder, Sieur Philippe Mius-d'Entremont. Calvin has a long and rich family history here.
This is also our lunch stop, and here we are able to try Rappie pie (forgive me, this probably is not the way it's spelled.)
This 17 acre village overlooking Pubnico Harbour, consists of the Charles Duon House, 1832; a late 1800's Reuben Trefry Blacksmith Shop, the Maximin d'Entremont House of 1856; an amphitheatre, Boat Shop, and Fish Store (not shown above) an early 1900's Lighthouse, Pigpen Shed, Chicken Coop, Statue of Sieur Philippe Mius d'Entremont, an Old Acadian Cemetery and the Visitor Reception and Administration Center. As our entire tour is only 2 and 1/2 hours before heading back to Bar Harbour, there isn't time to see it all. Such a shame.
Calvin calls us back to his van, and gets us back to The
Cat literally 10 minutes before we depart!
This is the only picture I get of Calvin, poor as it is. The other photos only show his hands, feet and lobsters! He gives a great tour - highly recommended.
The following pictures are taken inside the
Cat, and as we pull out of Yarmouth Harbor.
The casino isn't open until about 20 minutes after departure. It was jam packed when I walked though after this picture was taken.
I love the colors of the boats, fishing gear, buoys, nets, etc. Waterfront pictures are always fun to take. Getting the right angle on a high speed ferry is another matter.
We didn't expect so much entertainment. During our ride over, the Cat had 4 movies going, and depending which one you wanted to see, you would move to that area of the ferry.
Bob and I are content with nature. On the ride over, we spot whale spouts and see whales coming to the surface. Since they were about a football field away, we could not identify the species. Another added bonus!
For further information:
Ferry service to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEIFor further information:
Le Village Historique AcadienFor further information:
Coastal Excursion
1 comment:
Glad you had a good trip on the Cat!
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