OMG- the wind can get cold in Canada!

Should have been a clue!

Today we were able to make a port stop in Point Breton ( Louisbourg Fortress)

Its a very small town in the Islands but at one time is was very important to the French. The exporting of the area’s cod provided France with most of its fish for eating. The fortress ( more a fortified settlement than strictly a military defense) was French, then US militia,then given back to France and then back to Britain…. Quite the jumble of owners. It was torn down completely to the ground by the British  and in 197osomething, the Canadian Government decided to restore it exactly as it was in its peak era 1744…its a remarkable renovation of only about 5% of the full size of the area. Its a success story that helped bring the Canadian economy back to life, as out of work coal miners and other workers in the 70s when there was 25%unemployment in the area, were retrained as masons and their job was to restore and rebuild the stone fortress. 

 

 Walking towards the King’s Garisson passing the guard house

One side of the Garrison

The guard house

Inside the garrison. The wall held cannons pointing to the sea. ( the fort was totally unguarded from the back… that proved to be a big mistake.

A corral for the governor’s sheep. The interesting part of this restoration is that the National Park went to Versailles and found over 700 pages of plans, inventories and excellent sources of documentation to help them recreate the 1744 fortress. The Governor’s rooms in the Garrison were furnished with as close to match as could be found. The following are a few pictures of what we saw:

 

 

 This was a cloudy overcast morning and you can see exactly how much light was in each room. I would die here from no sun in the fall and winter!

Inside the garrison was the chapel, the only place women were allowed in. In the out buildings women were fine but not in the Garrison. 

The beauty of this park is the complete reenactment. These people are completely in character and don’t break that much. They are all very well versed in what their character would do and say in 1744-45. Even asking them a modern day ?they will put it into the context of 1745

  

One of the fortress gates 

One of the buildings has been dedicated to showing the First Nation and its presence in early settlement. This young man was a wonderful basket weaver and I enjoyed talking with him about his craft. 

By the middle of the tour the grey skies had decided to break open and start raining on us.. so now we had rain,cold,wind .. it’s amazing how fast my interest in touring is gone when the weather turns..

And here we have the first sighting of penguin grouping behavior ( and we’re not even in Antarctica yet😂)

Waiting for their tender to return to their ship.

Back on board we discover a new puzzle has been started. Seems a worldwide hobby is putting jigsaw puzzles together.. this one is 5000 pieces and was put together by another group of passengers on a Antarctic cruise in February over a 7 day period- looks like the gauntlet has been thrown by our passengers. I walk by the table daily so am taking a pictorial diary of the progress 

With that, I’m heading to a warm shower and a nap.. vacations are hard work.

I thought yesterday I was in a foreign country.. Today I know Im in a foreign country

 

Quebec City! Awaking this morning with the sun peaking through the clouds and the dock workers busy with their cranes and front loaders filling the ship up for the next phase of the voyage. It was a constant activity for most of the entire day!

Our morning will begin with the included tour, a bus ride around the important parts of Quebec City.

For a feeling of European culture, visit Quebec City.  Everywhere the architecture confuses your mind to think”ah! Europe is lovely…. Except its North America!!

We drive by houses and stores in the old Town

I have no idea what most of these building are for, but I certainly enjoyed looking at them.

 

Above is a sculpture of books.. something about having knowledge at our hands 

Lots of sidewalk dinning

It doesn’t show well but this light yellow building is curved.

One of the old city gates between lower city and Upper city

The oldest house in Upper town

More European architecture 

Look closely, there are giant lampshades covering the city lights surrounding the area of the Museum of art.

A view of the river and some fall colors

can you tell Im always looking for city art?

  Im forever amazed by the fascinating artwork we’ve seen world wide.

The classic well known symbol of the city sits high in the Up town. The Le Chateau Frontenac. When we woke up in the morning it was one of the first things we saw high on the hill. It is included in every picture of the city.  It was Never used as an actual chateau, it was always built to be used as a hotel. Dignitaries, Royalty and the very rich have all stayed there. 

It is certainly worth the hype! 

Front entrance

Impressive!

The main lobby 

A huge terrace encircles the Chateau. From there you can see all of the lower town area and even the ships coming into port.

 More artwork, old and new!

After a walk around the chateau and terrace we drove out of town to see the Montmorency Falls. Even though this falls seems smaller compared to Niagara, it is over a hundred feet higher. 

A small waterfall and Autumn color on the way to the Falls. Walking along the boardwalk towards the falls

Closer

Closest!

The obligatory selfie.. Im working on getting everything important in the picture!

There was a cable car up to the top of the falls and this guy…

Heading back into the city we saw more fall colors.

Lower town walking

Again, European city feel

 

My first wildlife sighting

Afternoon tea

Wanted to bring this one home for Jody and Val  but Al said it wouldn’t fit in my suitcase.

A European walk back to the ship.

Evening drinks while watching the sunset over Quebec City