My Bit of Heaven - by Kristl Walek

[Kristl Walek]

It may therefore not surprise you that, in the end, on day 9, after having viewed dozens of properties, my heart was pulled back here, to settle down in this little spot in "the most livable small community in the world."

[Kristl Walek]

A quick visit to the Annapolis Royal Historic Garden was squeezed in between house viewings.

[Kristl Walek]

and, of course, the Rhododendron...

[Kristl Walek]

Although I did not end up purchasing this renovated 250 year old house perched on a steep hillside with an incredible view in the very picturesque nearby community of Bear River (called the Switzerland of Nova Scotia); we spent some time exploring this fascinating area.

The homes are all spotted in the landscape here and there in the hills, with the tidal Bear River below. Narrow, winding roads lead to them as one climbs and climbs the hillsides. The woods here were species rich--and we encountered a coyote while exploring.

Lunch was had in a cafe perched on stilts in the water---Manuel could not resist the lobster club sandwich....

[Kristl Walek]

Nova Scotia is the recycling leader of Canada. Less known, however, is that it also has a unique wastewater treatment facility that is one of the first in North America.

Situated here in Bear River, the Solar Aquatics Treatment Facility looks like a greenhouse from the outside. But inside, there are tanks, pipes, and a pond.

The following information on the process is taken from the internet:

The process begins in the blending tank with bioaugmentation, where bacteria are added by way of recycling of the secondary solids from the clarifier. The water is aerated to break up the solid material and convert it to prime material for the subsequent ecosystems to feed on. Sludge is not produced as in conventional treatment systems.

The 12 solar tanks (1.5 metres high by 1.8 metres diameter) contain mini ecosystems and water is gravity fed from one to the next. Inside each tank are specially selected algae, zooplankton, phytoplankton, snails, fish and plants that feed on the organic compounds in the water. As the wastewater progresses from one tank to the next, more and more of the organic compounds are removed.

After the last tank, the wastewater flows into a 9.4 metres by 5.9 metres solar pond which is 2.9 metres deep. The pond is divided into three sections with each containing the same ecosystems as the tanks, only on a larger scale. The water is aerated to help accelerate the consumption of organic material. The effluent is then pumped into a gravity clarifier/marsh where various marsh grasses provide denitrification, nutrient uptake, phosphorous removal, and final polishing and clarification. Finally, the effluent is UV disinfected and gravity fed into the Bear River.

Outside the treatment facility, Rhododendron were blazing in the sun.

[Kristl Walek]

Another contendor had this view of the Bay Of Fundy; and a near-by beach.

[Kristl Walek]

Our real estate agent, gave us one day of free time---and Manuel knew what that meant, of course---no city activities for him to negotiate in any event. As it was drizzling, he did probably hope that this would just be a nice, simple long drive, that I might be content to admire the landscape from afar. But in his heart, I am sure he knew better.

I did, truly, try to make it sound exotic---"I think we should drive across the province and explore the south shore today, so that you will at least have seen the Atlantic on this trip. There is this great park called the Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct where we might see rare birds and seals and it is described as one of the few unspoiled areas on the open ocean of Nova Scotia."

We set off innocently enough---but I think he knew what was in store for him when I started the "stop requests" when first spotting pink blooms next to the highway and needing to investigate. This turned out to be Rhododendron canadense, mostly still in bud, but some with open blooms.

An hour later we pulled into the parking lot of the park; read the signs describing the various trails leading to the ocean, and this is when I knew he wanted to say he would prefer to wait for me in the car. I tried to conceal my anticipatory excitement over the plants I might see and convinced him that the shortest trail of 4.3 km REALLY was an easy hike and off we went.

We were both awed immediately by the lichens welcoming us into this botanic wonderland. And in the rain, this was a truly magical place.

[Kristl Walek]

This is a rich ecosystem of plants; only a few of which I was able to photograph from the path.

[Kristl Walek]

When we finally reached the Atlantic, it was too misty to see the rare birds and seals-but the continued magic of the landscape kept us there for some time.

[Katherine J]

Kristl, I spent two fascinating hours seeing Your journey. Thank You!!!!

[Regelian]

Kristl,

a truly amazing piece of the planet.  My one trip to Canada (Toronto to Niagara) simply astounded me at the beauty and friendly quality of the country.  Made me want to move right on in. Wishing you all the best in your search.

[Ragged Robin]

Kristi,

Every photo, every word is a wonderful expression of your journey of discovery.  I wish you so many happy days in your new life and garden and look forward to seeing it grow 

[Kristl Walek]

Thank you, everyone....the launching stage to my new life is not quite over yet....as I am now having to deal with the practical implications of house inspection reports, etc. Sigh; if only practical and money issues didn't have to interfere with life 

[Paul T]

Wonderful, Kristl.  Another view into a totally new area of the world for me.  I look forward to seeing your new house and the development of your new garden once you have purchased your new place.  So different to boring old here. 

[Lvandelft]

Kristl, living in an area where Mitchella repens is growing, cannot be so bad, doesn't it?
I hope you found a nice house and a garden, big enough to place all your plants and even some space to extend.
I enjoyed your "search" series very much !