After a few days exploring in the La Have Islands we moved into the “hub”, the La Have Bakery, passing Covey Island Boatworks and Fort Point as we entered the La Have River. The Bakery is a lively fun spot, and with everything from fresh pizzas to fresh eggs there is not a better dock to be tied to in Nova Scotia. All for the reasonable price of 50 cents per foot. You have to be careful with water though, along the La Have everyone is on a well. There’s also a crafts co-op selling the many products, instruments, carvings, glass, leather, that the local artisans and artists make. The Dory Shop on the pier side builds both boats and furniture. There is a gallery space and skateboard builder on the 2 upper floors.
From there we spent several lazy days going up river 20 miles to Bridgewater at the head of the La Have, it’s the only town we’ve ever been in where there are loons downtown! It’s also a much different climate, inland by 20 miles the temperature soared to over 30 degrees, out in the islands it can be as much as 10 degrees cooler. Bridgewater has excellent provisioning and services, access to downtown and the mall is a just short walk from the water. There are many graceful old maple trees and clapboard and shingle homes.
The La Have Yacht Club down river just before the bakery and ferry dock has the perfect blend of climates of up and downriver. We came in on race night with a dozen boats in a race against the diminishing evening breeze and out going tide as well as one another. It’s a friendly club situated in Pernette Cove, they have fuel, water and a small bar and restaurant.
We’ve just spent another day walking and exploring “La Have” after returning to the bakery, there is a beautiful walk up the forested hill to the old school and then onto Dublin Shore 6 kilometers away. Heading back to Mahone Bay today.
