In May 2011, after four years of life on McNutt's Island, we moved to Montreal. This blog remains, though, as a (sort of) daily record of our time on the island, and a winding path for anyone who would like to meander about among its magical places. For additional perspectives and insights I recommend Greg's book, Island Year: Finding Nova Scotia (2010), and my Bowl of Light (2012). I'll continue to post once in a while. If you do want to read this blog, one option would be to begin at the beginning of it (which is, as we all know, in blog-world, at the end), and read forward, concluding with the most recent entry. It's a journal, really, so it does makes more sense if you read it that way. But, you know, read it any way you like.

Friday, August 13, 2010

island destination

We're having a string of glorious days here. Everybody who had been thinking of visiting McNutt's Island aboard Brown Eyed Girl decided that yesterday would be the perfect day to come. We kept getting emails and phone calls from various people arranging for a picnic lunch, or a ride to the lighthouse, or afternoon tea. We had never made so many lunches at one time, or had so many people for tea. I think it was a dozen picnic lunches and a dozen for tea. I only have six teacups with matching saucers, but nobody seemed too upset with mugs.

By the time they gathered back here for tea beneath the oak tree, they had explored the lighthouse grounds, admired the wild sheep, looked at birds, examined the old guns and discovered the ghost barracks at Fort McNutt. After tea they hiked off again to the government wharf to meet Brown Eyed Girl for the trip back to Shelburne.

Brian and Stephen won the prize for the most adventurous mode of transportation. They kayaked across the western channel from Carleton Village, then kayaked completely around the island before arriving at our dock for lunch. It took them about three hours to go all the way around the island.
It's funny to think about McNutt's Island becoming a bit of a tourist destination. It's so off the beaten track. Because of that, though, it does appeal to a certain kind of intrepid and cheerful soul.

2 comments:

Hazel said...

McNutt's Island appeals to my hubby and I! I've been reading your blog for quite a while now but only just discovered the Brown Eyed Girl and the tour to the island. We're so excited!

We're travelling from Ontario in September to go birding on Brier Island and revisit some old favourite places in Nova Scotia. The 15th of September works with our schedule, and we're hoping that you will be there that day. We'd do the whole bit, lunch and all.

I must find out if we have to book ahead for the Brown Eyed Girl.

If it all works out, it will be wonderful to meet you and see your life on McNutt's Island. ;-)

Cheers! Hazel

Anne Yarbrough said...

Hello Hazel! I don't have a way to reach you, but if you email me I will reply there. My email: anne.yarbrough@gmail.com. Thanks!