July 21, 2016 Port-Royal, Nova Scotia

Today's adventure was a visit to Port-Royal, a very early French colony in North America.  It is on the Annapolis River in Nova Scotia, which was a desirable spot because of the inland harbor.  The original Habitation was built in 1605 and settled by Samuel D. Champlain, Francois Grave Du Pont and Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Monts, and then a replica was constructed 1939-1941.  It was a fascinating look at life in the early 1600's in Nova Scotia.  None of these pictures do it justice, but you will hopefully get the idea.  This was the beginning of the Acadian people, who were ultimately kicked out by the English for not swearing an oath.  (that's the short version.....)  Take a look at the link for Port-Royal, it's quite interesting.....

One of the things we learned was the close relationship between the Mi'kmaq native peoples and the French colonists.  The Mi'kmaq people are still here and are working at restoring their culture after years of suppression.  Visiting their museums and cultural centers was also fascinating.

Birchbark canoe. and trade pelts.

Common room where people gathered to eat and hang out.

Uh - what's that gray hat doing in there?

Bed of Pierre Dugua, Sieur de Monts (boss dude) at the Habitation.

Inside the bed canopy.

Sleeping loft of all the artisans and workers at the Habitation.

Decorated buffalo hide on the wall, pelts on the chest.

Wine and storage cellar.

The courtyard.

View from the shore.

And around the corner on private property, we saw this small woodpile......