Highland Village

 August 20, 2023

Linwood Harbour CG site 11

Linwood, NS

The two-legged took another ferry ride today...without me.  It was a short, few minutes ride as they crossed Bras 'dor Lakes at Little Narrows on hwy 223.....and at no charge.

There is a ramp on both ends: one to load; one to unload

Cars loading - 3 lanes of 5 cars in each lanec

Cars disembarking the ferry

The control tower is attached to the ferry

The destination for today's adventure was the Highland Village also known by its Gaelic name, Bailenan Gaidheal 

 

The village is made up of a collection of buildings that were moved onto the 45 acres of land with the purpose of telling the story of the Gaelic Scotland people who, due to  socioecomonic changes, bravely left their homeland and all that they had known, to to make a new life in unknown Nova Scotia.  

The first building at the top of the hill was a typical dwelling on the Island of Scotland in 1770's to 1830's. 

 

Thatched roof one room dwelling

We were invited in by the wife who told stories about her neighbors who had decided to seek a better life in Nova Scotia.  They could no longer pay the rent on the property they resided on.  They sold off their animals and household items to have enough money for passage on a ship heading to Nova Scotia and what they hoped would be a  better life.  The wife drew us right into her life with her tales.

As we departed the dwelling, we walked further up the hill to farm/barn area.

The next dwelling depicted a home in the new location of Nova Scotia 1770's - 1850's.

As we progressed through time, the square footage increased in the homes. No longer were we entering a one room dwelling.

The views from the village were impressive as you looked down upon Bras 'dor Lakes.

Do you see the rising draw bridge preparing to allow a sailboat with a tall mast to pass thru?

On to the church

There would be no nodding off on the uncomfortable benches within!  

Once again we move forward in time.

And the village also had a General Store

 and a Schoolhouse

Now we have entered 1925

The Highland Village Museum was well done with 'performers' in period dress to assist in taking you back in time and sharing the story of the Gaels.

Another ferry ride back with...yes...an ice cream 'happy hour' break on the way home at Farmer's Daughter.   I wonder if I'd like ice cream?  The two-legged sure seem to enjoy it!

Today was definitely a history day, taking us back to 1770's.  But the day was ended in a modern way with a game and dog treats.  

Life is good here in Nova Scotia...

I'm Chloe