Category: Travel

Posted in biographical sketch, Book Review, Travel

It’s a Small World

Posted on by maherrv

This week, I was running errands in Middleton. First stop was the Library. I wanted to learn more about the English poet, Gerard Manley Hopkins (see post A Celebration at Meier Point). The staff put out an inter-library loan request.

I checked the new books and found the biography of Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson; a huge tome, 670 pages.

After the Library, next stop MacDonald Museum’s local art exhibition. Then the Summerland Nurseries for a planter and a shrub for Mothers Day (Stewartstonian, Evergreen Azalea).

Friday, we drove through the Rawdon Hills to New Glasgow. I started to read about Elon Musk. Page 47-48 has a reference to Peter Nicholson. He was in charge of strategic planning at ScotiaBank. Musk was at Queens University in Kingston 1990-1991.

This rings a bell. At COGS in Lawrencetown, there is a stone with Nicholson’s name on it, commemorating the new building.

Also I was familiar with the work of Jane Nicholson at AIRO in Annapolis Royal. Married to Peter (see When the Science of Where Meets the Geography of Here, Through the Grapevine and Shorefast).

I look forward to the research in Lawrencetown. Plus reading the remaining 600+ pages. Today, Saturday, we drove back home for Mother’s Day.

Reference

Walter Isaacson, 2023, Elon Musk, Simon and Schuster, New York.

Acknowledgements

Edward identified the links from my earlier blog posts. He also found the cover photograph of Elon Musk. I went to COGS to verify the stone.

Posted in Book Review, Travel, Uncategorized

The Geography of Local Writing

Posted on by maherrv

Edward posted a blog ‘The Geography of Outdoor Art’. This was in our absence in New Glasgow.

We also took advantage of our geography — time spent in Antigonish. We had been recommended to stop at the Curious Cat Tea and Books in the mall. We found four books; three for Heather and one for me. Still looking to find the fourth for our luggage.

One book for Bob:
Rooting for Change: Stories of Radical Education and Transformative Change from around the World. published by People Development Ltd, Harp The People’s Press. (2025-2026) by Debbie Castle, Anuj Jain, and others.

My knowledge of St Francis Xavier University goes back to awareness of the Coady Institute.

The book starts with an excellent quote from Rumi.
“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.“

Two books for Heather:
Mary Rosé Donnelly, 2011, Great Village, Cormorant Books
Patrizia Collard, 2014, The Little Book of Mindfulness, Gaia Books.

I will let you know, when we find the fourth book.

Acknowledgement

Thanks to Edward for his previous blog post, it provided an inspiration for this one.

Posted in Art, Nature, Travel

The Geography of Outdoor Art

Posted on by Edward Wedler

As Anne and I prepare our palettes for the upcoming 2026 season, I find myself reflecting on the profound bond between geography and plein air art — painting on location.

Magic happens when we bridge the world of art and geography, as in capturing the highest tides in the Bay of Fundy.

I believe that plein air painting is much more than a hobby; it is a vital way of imprinting the landscape onto our soul. Because we immerse ourselves for a few hours into the landscape, we recall so much more. It’s not like snapping a tourist photo and moving on.

As plein air artists, we recall the July heat and wind at Long Point Lighthouse near Twillingate, Newfoundland …

the smell and sound of a violent downpour near Petit Saguenay, Quebec, or in Pakaskwa and Neys Parks, Ontario …

the brilliance of spring colours at Nova Scotia’s Lawrencetown Beach …

or the rise and fall of monster tides at Baxter’s Harbour.

Yes, plein air painting is far more than a simple outdoor hobby. It’s where we move from being passive observers to active participants. This intersection of art and geography links our creative expressions directly to our landscape.

Our interactive community map has already garnered 40,000 views, proving just how much we all crave that spatial link to our surroundings. The current 2026 map includes over 50 paint-out sites.

Close-up of our interactive Plein Air Map around Halifax-Dartmouth (click for more)

The map has become a digital bridge between traditional fine art and modern spatial exploration. Our map is viewed worldwide. Artists outside the region have contacted us to plan their visits to the region, based on the map.

I invite you to witness this connection firsthand starting May 7th at Granary Park, as the Plein Air Artists of HRM begin our weekly Thursday sessions. In the Annapolis Valley, the season begins at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens at Acadia University.

Plein Air artists under cover but in cold, drizzly weather (Chester, Nova Scotia)

We paint regardless of the weather—whether it is a “Nova Scotia sprinkle” or a foggy morning—because we believe there is immense beauty and a unique “mood” to be captured in a storm.

For a truly world-class experience, do not miss the Parrsboro International Plein Air Festival from June 16th to 21st, held along the breathtaking Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark (drone footage video).

You will see incredible artists in action, translating the raw structure and light of the coastline into masterpieces.

Whether you join us for a session or just stop by for our friendly group critique around 1:30 pm, you will discover that there is no single “right” way to see the world.

Let’s celebrate “The Geography of Outdoor Art” together this season.

POSTSCRIPT

For anyone interested in exploring/developing Artificial Intelligence in creating a live interactive global plein air map please contact me.

Posted in Event Review, Travel

SOOF SOUP SUNDAY

Posted on by maherrv

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to attend the community gathering at Centrelea Hall. Cindy Staicer gave an excellent presentation on ‘Forest Bird Species at Risk and their Habitats’ (See also YouTube Video HERE).

Click on image for YouTube presentation

Today SOOF (Save Our Old Forests) are making a presentation to the town of Middleton. They are looking for municipal support for the Goldsmith Lake Wilderness Area (see also Saving Forests, Screening/Road Trip, and Two Meetings; Two Questions)

This grassroots action is in stark contrast to the paid advertisement, this weekend in the Chronicle Herald — “Nature Nova Scotia response to Premier Houston’s January 21 letter re: Intention to Expand Unsustainable Natural Resource Industries and Dismissal of Expert Opinion“.

My questions are as follows:
Why is the Government and, subsequently, Nature Nova Scotia using paid advertisements to communicate? Is this an attempt to impact public opinion? Likely, Yes.

What structures exist within the government to solicit informed public opinion?

Earlier on Saturday morning, it was a simple delight to walk through Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens to see the crocuses and snowdrops.

Trish Fry was out taking photographs.

Also, we had to stop at the local bookstores.

Mare Gold had a copy of Ronald Blythe’s “Next to Nature: A Lifetime in the English Countryside“. I could not resist the purchase.

Blythe died in January 2023, aged 100.

‘The finest contemporary writer on the English Countryside. Next to Nature dances with self-deprecating wit, rebellious asides, sharp portraits of fellow writers and notes of worldliness.’ – Patrick Barkham, The Guardian.

Acknowledgements

Heather and I enjoyed our busy weekend catching up with the SOOF activities. Thank you to Cindy, Nina et al. Edward added the graphics and links.

Reference

Ronald Blythe, 2022, Next to Nature. a Lifetime in the English Countryside, John Murray Publisher.

Posted in Art, Nature, Photo Essay, Travel

Footsteps East  our 5,000 km plein air journey

Posted on by Edward Wedler

Plein air art saved us from disaster — and may have even saved our lives!

A massive, cracking thunderstorm with torrential rain struck our campsite. 

At the time, we were painting about 20 km south; in Petit-Saguenay, Quebec, a fjordic region of Canada. Mountainous landslides washed out the only access road back to our campsite. About 200 campers, their tents and RVs were left stranded. They had to be airlifted/ boated out. Tragically, two were swept out to sea and lost their lives. It took over a week to be safely escorted back to camp so we could retrieve our tent and gear. What a start to our 5,000 km plein air trek through eastern Canada!

We planned to travel through landscapes painted 100 years ago by Canadian artists Tom Thomson and members of The Group of Seven — from Nova Scotia to northern Lake Superior and back — and to explore our painting styles.

In Ontario, we visited quaint towns that offered mouth-watering bakery products and parks made famous for their breathtaking topography. In Killarney we hiked “The Crack”; the most rugged trail in the La Cloche Mountain Range.

And canoed the lakes. We travelled by rail up The Agawa Canyon. In Neys and Pakawaska we painted near a WWII prisoner-of-war camp. On our return, we enjoyed camp-time with our daughter and grandchildren and painted the farmlands of Huron County.

Every day, our Footsteps East journey remains crystal clear — the squeal of soaring hawks, the fragrance of pine-filled valleys, the fresh breath of morning air along the rocky shoreline of Georgian Bay and the many spectacular skies.
 

That’s the beauty of plein air art. Every moment is treasured and fully experienced. Even better is when the journey is shared with art lovers and adventurers; locally and from around the globe.

“Little Island, Petite Saguenay” plein air oil by Anne Wedler

Our trek’s stories, artwork, videos, and interactive map are on our website at Footsteps East.

So what adventures await? 

“Footsteps Farther East” is where we tented and painted the landscapes of Newfoundland and Labrador in the summer of 2024. For 2025 it may be rural France and Ireland — even farther east.

Originally submitted to Plein Air Magazine’s “Postcards on the Road”
(now revised including images) by Anne and Edward Wedler
“A Plein Air Pair”
wedlerfineart.com

Posted in Travel

Back to our Roots

Posted on by maherrv

Despite snow on the ground, we went for our customary walk in Valley View Park. On our way back home to Middleton, we took Highway #201 through Paradise and drove past our old house, #6326.

We had noticed changes to the garage and studio. There was a sign ‘Back to our Roots’. The new owners had moved from Deep Brook, bringing their business; the making and the sale of candles.

We are encouraged to see small manufacturing moving into Annapolis County.

Having owned #6326 for the last twenty four years, we continue to return to our roots. For me, that is a journey from suburban London to the geography of Canada. That includes living in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta and BC. For Heather, the starting point was Toronto followed by Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland etc.

For both of us, the driving force has been the landscape; especially memorable has been the time in Iqaluit, Churchill, Haida Gwaii and Sable Island. Globally, shorter stints in California, Indonesia, China and South Africa.

Now, we can legitimately say, we have returned to our roots. One of these days, we shall drop in, buy a candle, to light our path.

Acknowledgements.

Thank you Heather and Edward for sharing the journey.

References

Back to our Roots Candles, https://www.backtoourroots.ca

Posted in Book Review, Event Review, Travel

Sustainable Publications

Posted on by maherrv

With a lifetime of books in the basement, I am trying to determine which ones are ‘sustainable publications’ and those categories of books that are no longer necessary.

This set me thinking about newspapers and magazines. In the category of ‘sustainable’ I would include the weekly, Bridgetown Reader, and monthly, The Grapevine.

In the online class, I would include Emergence Magazine, The Marginalian and The Oldie.

This week, we have learned that there will be a recount for the two Liberal ridings held by Zach Churchill and Carman Kerr (see Close Race).

For my last blog, I sent Edward three photographs from the Rotary Riverside Park in Middleton.

They showed the memorial tree placement,

the yoga stations

and the watch that Heather found on the trail and placed on a tree (shown circled). This is consistent with the treasure-hunting theme (see Treasure Hunting).

Acknowledgement

Heather, likewise, has a significant collection of sustainable publications. Edward added the photographs.

POSTSCRIPT
Sunrise over the Annapolis River

Posted in Event Review, Opinion, Travel

GIS Day at COGS

Posted on by maherrv

Today, Heather and I went to COGS to celebrate Esri Canada ‘GIS Day in Canada’.

The keynote speaker was Dianne Whalen, an award-winning Canadian filmmaker, photographer, author and public speaker. The topic was ‘500 days in the Wild’.

She described her experience travelling across the country on the Trans-Canada Trail. The longest trail in the world: 24,000 kilometers. It was completed over a period of six years, and included hiking, bicycling, canoeing and skiing.

It was a memorable presentation, with numerous insights into the history and geography of Canada. It is available online.

David MacLean made the GIS Day presentation available online in the AV Room at COGS. We witnessed Alex Miller, President of ESRI Canada, present the Roger Tomlinson, Lifetime Achievement award to Gord Rasmussen, City of Calgary and the Making a Difference award to Cynthia Bettio on the partnership between the community of Stouffville and the local school. Both are well deserved.

The rest of the day included ‘lightening talks’ on AEC, Land Management, Public Safety and Health, Transportation, Utility and Emergency Management, Climate Change and the Environment.

The most shocking aspect of the day was that Heather and I were the only live audience in the AV room. Dave MacLean was available to discuss any technology issues. Everyone else at COGS was, by definition, online. This raises the question. At what point in the learning environment can be totally online? In which case, what is the future of a small college in rural Nova Scotia?

The contrast between Diane Whalen’s description, insights and experiences travelling through the Canadian landscape, and our experience visiting COGS was palpable. What is the value of gathering people into the same (virtual) location, and comparing their sense of Geography?

Posted in Common Place, Travel

Joining the dots

Posted on by maherrv

Edward responded to my earlier blog post (Passport Renewal). He recalled David Bowlby and Allison Maher (no relation) who owned Dempsey Corners farm.

Photo taken by Edward of Dempsey Corners farm several years ago.

Apparently, Allison was a supporter of the Ride the Lobster unicycle relay race event. Bowlby more recently worked at the Kentville Research station. Allison is a local author.

This week, I contacted Celes Davar. He has been instrumental in Experiential Tourism (see my post, Nisoge’katik), including Food-Art-Nature (FAN) in Kings County.

My interest was whether FAN fare extended into Annapolis County.

Today we planned to go to the Wolfville Farmers Market. We had forgotten that, at this time of year, Wolfville is hosting Christmas Craft Markets. So, quickly, we diverted to Canning to enjoy the ambience of the ArtCan Cafe.

In particular, I enjoyed the exhibition by Bryson Chisholm, “I have always been here before”.

Afterwards, we took the back road to Berwick, then home to Middleton on Highway #1.

In contact with Dave MacLean at COGS, I learned that next week is Geography Awareness Week and Tuesday will be GIS Day.

From CORAH, I have learned that COGS will be hosting a used book sale at COGS. Perhaps, I can donate a couple of full boxes.

Finally on the theme of ‘joining the dots’ Edward queried OpenAI Chat GPT on a conference “Beyond the boundaries : Reimagining Nova Scotia” at COGS for 2025.

It came back with ten topics.

  1. Geography as a Tool for Health Equity
  2. Decolonizing Geography: indigenous knowledge and land stewardship
  3. Geospatial Technology and the Future of Smart Cities
  4. Climate change through a Geographical Lens
  5. Reclaiming Geography for Political Discourse
  6. The Geography of Education: mapping access, equity and opportunity
  7. Reimagining geographies of Work in a digital age
  8. Cultural Landscape: mapping arts, identity and place
  9. Geopolitics and the global supply change
  10. Spatialize Justice, rethinking equity in urban and rural contexts.

Acknowledgements

Edward for joining the dots. Dave for an update on COGS Geography Awareness Week. Heather for sharing lunch at the ArtCan Cafe. Celes for the link to the Food-Art-Nature newsletter.

Posted in Creative writing, Travel

Country Diary

Posted on by maherrv

I found the following quotation in the latest issue of The Guardian Weekly.

As the ferry returns to Corran, my gaze lingers over Loch Linnhe’s glassy surface.

“These peninsulas take the water between thumb and finger / like women feeling for the smoothness of yard goods.” Wrote Elizabeth Bishop in her poem, The Map. While she didn’t mean precisely here, between the water’s sheen and my revised grasp of local geography, I can see exactly what she meant.”

This resonates with me on several fronts. I enjoyed the reference to Elizabeth Bishop (EB). It brings to mind the efforts of the Elizabeth Bishop Society of Nova Scotia and Great Village. It also reminds me of Elizabeth Bishop House and the archival guide to her life in Nova Scotia by Sandra Barry (see my posts One, Two Three, Two Conversations, and Reading Where We Live)

Second, the reference to EB brings to mind the role of West Dalhousie in the life of Ernest Buckler (another EB).

Here we are connecting Scotland (the West Highlands) and New Scotland i.e. Nova Scotia. We are also connecting the sense of place, across both sides of the Atlantic.

On Fridays, Heather and I are able to attend classes at CORAH. For Heather, it’s Chair Yoga and for me it’s Mens’ strength and fitness. These opportunities for ‘rural aging in place’ contrast with the distractions/frustrations of a mixture of online learning and global politics.

Reference

The Guardian Weekly 25 October 2024, p.62. Country Diary Ardnamurchan, West Highlands, Scotland, UK by Mary Montague.

Acknowledgements

Sandra Barry is a cornerstone of the Elizabeth Bishop Society of Nova Scotia. Edward Wedler added the graphics and links. Heather Stewart shares my ‘sense of place’ across the two continents.

Postscript.

From my perspective, the blog is, in its own way ‘A Country Diary’.