Goin' Up the Country...

It's Victoria Day weekend...the unofficial kick off to the summer season in Canada.  It's the weekend that many seasonal tourist operations open, the weekend where many cottages are visited and the weekend that sees many flats of beer consumed (hence the reference to the "May 2-4 Weekend").

It is also the weekend where Halifax plays host to one of the largest charity road marathons in Canada; that is the Scotiabank Bluenose Marathon.  I did my part for the marathon by joining friends for Sunday brunch at the Bluenose Restaurant located just up from Historic Properties and the beautiful Halifax waterfront.  As usual this favorite Halifax eatery is busy for a Sunday morning but after a mere five-minute wait we are seated, and it isn't long until I have my coveted coffee and a fantastic breakfast of steak & eggs.  I may not have raised much for charity however I left with a full belly; we all have our own measures of success.

With the noonday sun beating down, the day was already well underway by the time we were packed and ready to jump in the car for this weekend's roadtrip adventure.  Working in the hospitality industry has its perks; one being that I have connections for accommodations and I am excited to finally visit Stonehame Chalets, located about an hour and a half from the thriving metropolis of Halifax.

We knew we couldn't ask for a better day weather-wise so we rolled down the windows, turned up the volume on the stereo (I feel it only fitting that we played Canned Heat's Goin' Up the Country) and excitedly left the city limits making our way northwest towards picturesque Pictou County.  With talk of beaches, oceans and ideal summertime meals, Kyle made the perfect suggestion of stopping into the Fisherman's Market as we drove along the Bedford Highway on our way out of the city to pick up a couple of pre-cooked lobsters to take along for the trip.  Having researched the amenities available at Stonehame Chalets we knew that our cottage was equipped with a barbeque; we now had the lobsters so all we needed for a surf & turf meal was some steak.  No hotdogs for us on this trip!

Kyle, enjoying the view of the falls at Victoria Park, Truro

It was clear sailing along Highway #102 so it wasn't long until we reached the town of Truro; the absence of RCMP cruisers on this holiday weekend made for a slightly quicker trip.  In keeping with the spirit of it being Victoria Day weekend, I thought it would be appropriate to make our next stop at Victoria Park; one of Truro's best attractions this park has great wooded hiking trails leading to some fantastic waterfalls.  Although we didn't spend much time here, it did give us a great opportunity to stretch our legs while enjoying a brief hike to the waterfall.

Our brief detour into Truro also provided the perfect opportunity to stop into the grocery store to pick up some steak, any other necessary provisions and the obligatory libations from the local "boozery" before heading back out on to the highway and making our way towards Fitzpatrick Mountain.

Once we leave the highway and get onto the back roads and as we make our way closer to our destination, we enjoy a great drive through rural Nova Scotia at its finest.  Even though it is still May the leaves seem to be out in full force and are already providing a canopy over the road as we wind our way up the mountainside to Stonehame; and with the windows rolled down the aroma of fresh cut grass and lilacs let us know that we have certainly left the city.

Our one-bedroom chalet, Stonehame Lodge & Chalets

Part of the overall experience of Stonehame Chalets is the drive to the property.  With breathtaking views atop of Fitzpatrick Mountain the spot is the ideal get-away; located only about fifteen minutes from the town of Pictou and the ferry to Prince Edward Island.  Accommodations range from rooms in the lodge as well as log chalets.  Our one-bedroom chalet is far from rustic; with all the amenities of home such as a fully functional kitchen, TV and modern bathroom, we know that we will feel at home and will be able to prepare our feast of surf & turf without any issue.

A meal fit for a King: Surf & Turf at Stonehame Lodge & Chalets

It doesn't take us long to get settled...and with the late afternoon sun beating down our thoughts soon turn towards the bountiful feast we are eager to enjoy.  I am immediately impressed at the state of the barbeque that is sitting on our deck; the grills are clean, the propane tank is full and the lighter actually works!  While I hear the barbeque, Kyle dices some mushrooms and onions that I will grill for the steak.  With a few cold beer to "wet the whistle" I grill a couple of medium steaks to perfection while Kyle arranges the lobsters, potato salad and fresh dinner rolls on the table.  It's not long until we are ready for our feast; accompanied by a glass of red wine we toast our perfect Victoria Day vacation and tear into those lobsters like a couple of Kodiak bears ripping into freshly caught salmon.

With full bellies and the evening sky turning to shades of orange and crimson, the Adirondack chairs seated by the fire pit made for the perfect place for relaxation and reflection of a perfect day.   As night fell I we decided that a small fire would be in order...as there is nothing like the sound of a campfire crackling away.  Although I never received my Boy Scout badge for building campfires I do consider myself quite capable of building a decent fire however my attempt on this occasion was dismal and I barely mustered a smouldering ember.  In hindsight the paper bag of lobster shells did not make for good kindling.  Having been watching my efforts from his deck the guy in the neighbouring chalet decided to help the situation by bringing over some kindling he had brought from home.  It wasn't long until the crackling sound of our campfire could be heard.  In talking with my neighbour I found out that he and his family had been coming to Stonehame Chalets for the past ten years; usually a couple of times per year.  It came to be no surprise that, in asking my neighbour what continues to bring him here, the attraction to Stonehame Chalets is peacefulness.  Needless to say an amazing night's sleep was had!

View atop Fitzpatrick Mountain looking towards Pictou Harbour

Stonehame Lodge & Chalets offers their guests many amenities to enjoy; the year-round outdoor heated hot tub, the seasonal heated outdoor pool, woodland hiking trails and numerous activities (such as badminton, croquet and horse shoes) lend this property to be an amazing option for a personal retreat.  In chatting with Jeff Gunn, Stonehame's General Manager, upon check out I am quick to note that guest satisfaction is of utmost importance and he and his team strive to exceed expectation.

In reflecting on our Victoria Day weekend adventure during the drive back to Halifax, we agreed that the weather, the drive, the food and the accommodations made for the perfect holiday; I am already looking forward to my return to Stonehame!