THINGS I LOVE ABOUT WHERE I’M FROM: THE WEATHER

Okay so I know that I sort of abandoned the Natal Day inspired posts for a few days.  Sorry about that.  I am currently traveling outside of Canada and believe it or not, I had some last minute panicking packing that got in the way of my final posts.

When I drove from Montreal to Nova Scotia a few weeks ago, I realized that there is something oddly comforting about the East Coast weather (for me at least).  There wasn’t a drop of rain on the entire drive until I crossed the Nova Scotia border.  It was definitely an ironic happening but it also felt sort of right that as soon as I saw the flags, it started pouring.  I know that I will sound crazy in saying this, but I really do love the gloomy, wet weather that is characteristic of Nova Scotia summers.  Obviously consecutive weeks of rain are not my ideal, but it just wouldn’t feel like home if it didn’t look like this some of the time:

However, this might be a little too much:

Pretty crazy huh?  It was a wild thunder storm!

Yikes!

I know that all of my out-of-province friends will laugh and mockingly lovingly say, “well Nova Scotia is sooooo beautiful in the fall” which is how most of us compensate for the summer weather out east.  Maybe it’s because I only spent five days at home, or maybe it’s because the heat wave in Montreal was not enjoyable for me, but the cooler temperatures and dark skies were a welcome change. 

Maybe a little bit strange, but certainly one of the many reasons why I love where I’m from.

PS - In all fairness, we did have a beautiful long weekend.  Sunny skies and warm temperatures.  See, it’s not all bad.. 

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT WHERE I’M FROM: TRAFFIC DELAYS

This one speaks for itself.  It’s always good to expect delays when driving by Sullivan’s Pond.

It's ironic because someone sent me this picture last night after it happened to them, and then it actually happened to me first thing this morning.

Whenever this happens I can’t help but laugh.  It’s just one of the many reasons why I love where I’m from.

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT WHERE I’M FROM: DRIVING

Driving in Nova Scotia is something unlike driving anywhere else.  Everyone on the road is friendly, pedestrian conscious and basically, never in a rush (sometimes this is to a fault – fast breaking for pedestrians who are not in crosswalks has certainly been the cause of a few near accidents for me but once I’ve been here for awhile, I get back in to the swing of things).  It is such a change from driving in a big city like Montreal, where I pretty much go in to a near anxiety attack every time I have to drive downtown.  People rarely honk at you for taking too long to park or accidentally getting into the wrong lane here.  It just seems like drivers have a slower, more relaxed pace.  I’m not saying it’s better or worse, but it is definitely different and is usually a welcome change for me.  It’s nice to feel like you can take your time if you want to.

One thing I will say is that big city drivers are definitely better at parallel parking.  Sometimes it’s hard to find parallel spots here because people have parked willy nilly down the street.  Those Montrealers sure know how to pack in the cars like sardines!

Another thing love about driving here is being able to turn right on red.  This isn’t allowed in Montreal and it always takes me a few days to remember whenever I’ve been away.  I’m going to plan my routes so I can take as many right turns as possible (kidding .. sort of). 

THINGS I LOVE ABOUT WHERE I’M FROM: NATAL DAY

So obviously one of the things I love about where I’m from is Natal Day.  Today was absolutely amazing! This year’s Natal Day was full of great weather, fun events, community spirit, and most importantly, great friends.

The road race was tough but fun as always.  I haven’t been running much lately so I’m sure I will pay for it tomorrow.  It was so fun just to participate though, and I saw a lot of people that I hadn’t seen for quite awhile.  It’s always a great feeling to take part in something with 1000+ other people who are all smiling and having a good time.

I learned that the Natal Day road race (this year was the 105^th annual) is the 3^rd oldest race in North America (yikes – I think I’m remembering the announcer right .. correct me if I’m wrong people).

Here are some action shots of the start line ..
Some people were not smiling so much at the finish line .. 

Three words:  Love the kilt

This is me and my mom .. she and my dad came down to cheer on the runners.   Don't be alarmed ... that is a participation medal .. not a you-did-really-well sort of medal.

The road race is fancy and high tech these days.  Check out the cool timing chips that we got.

The first annual Natal Day Knockout was a great success.  Junior and Senior paddlers lined up against each other in a series of elimination-style 100m sprint races for cash prizes.  It was really exciting and fun to watch.  I participated but was knocked out fairly early.  Congratulations to all of the champions, finalists, and participants.  Also, a big congratulations and thanks to the organizers of the event.  It was such a success and I cannot wait to see how it grows over the years.

This is one of my teammates Jill getting in the zone for her big 100s!

Just some regular ol' Natal Day prize winners!  All finalists, all champions in my opinion :)
Jill, Genny, Pierre, Jon, and Connor

Tight finishes in the men's kayak event

Women's kayak

Every Natal Day there is a fireworks show on Lake Banook.  This is such a cool event because the lake isn’t particularly big so you get to be pretty up close and personal with the fireworks.  I love that everyone comes out for these and that young kids and older folks alike enjoy the show.  It was a perfect night for them, and I have to say that there were some pretty fancy fireworks this year.  This girl was impressed!

Obviously these pictures are not-so-hot, but I tried.  I have come to the conclusion that fireworks are best enjoyed in person.

All in all, great Natal Day!  Just one of the many reasons why I love where I’m from.

HAPPIEST OF NATAL DAYS TO ALL

Today is the day.  After Christmas, this is certainly in the running for being my favorite day of the year.  Yes, that’s right .. it is Natal Day in Dartmouth, NS.  In some provinces, the first Monday of every August is called Natal Day (some provinces call it Heritage Day or name the day after their province), but for every province it is a civic holiday.  Natal Day in Dartmouth is an amazing celebration and is a wonderful opportunity to go out and enjoy a variety of events in our community.  Check out this link for a list of events.

I am up extra early this morning to run the 105th annual Natal Day Road Race.  I always brave the alarm and go out for the run.  The route covers my favorite neighbourhood (downtown Dartmouth) and is always really fun.  It grows every year so grab a coffee and come cheer on the runners.

Here I am bright and early getting ready for the run.  Isn't this a great shirt?  It is a vintage 1984 Natal Day Road race t-shirt that was given to me by the Russell family many years ago.

 Later today I will also compete in the first annual Natal Day Knockout.  This is a really cool sprint competition being held on Lake Banook for the local canoers and kayakers. 

Don’t worry .., I’ll be filling you in all day to let you know how awesome Natal Day is!

I’ve also been inspired to share with everyone all of the wonderful things about the place where I am from.  In honor of Natal Day, I will be posting about my favorite things in Dartmouth this week.

Stay tuned and have a wonderful Natal Day, Heritage Day, British Columbia Day, or just a great long weekend in August! :)