Fall is my favorite season in Nova Scotia. But that doesn't make it easier to see summer pass by as quickly as it did.
As Mayor the passage of summer is marked by occasions and
events: Canada Day, Pride week, Natal Day, three Council meetings, and many
great community events - all fun, all important but also all-consuming.
This summer I had limited time to get away with my
family. And, truth be told, my teenage children had their own priorities. Emma
is starting at X this fall and has been focused on spending every possible
minute with her friends who it seems she will never again no matter how long
she lives. Conor has had a summer of golf, and has played close to 150 games so
far. And he is playing well.
So when we had a week to spend in leisure we stayed in
this beautiful province, experiencing some of the incredible glory of Nova
Scotia. We had a short visit to beautiful Cabot Links (where I played once, and
Conor played three times!). We had a wonderful stay at the revitalized Pictou
Lodge and the opportunity to visit some of the province’s world class wineries.
I hadn't been to Cabot Links and was anxious to see this place
that has rapidly become one of the most highly regarded golf courses in the
world. It did not disappoint. If you enjoy golf you can't help but fall in
love. Even if you don't enjoy golf, you’ll love the Links. Ben Cowan Dewar has
created something remarkable, and the new Cabot Cliffs course may be even more
remarkable.
Pictou Lodge is a place I hadn't visited in some years
and it has become a tremendous asset to our province. The accommodations and
the food are wonderful, and our whole family really enjoyed our time together.
The burgeoning wine industry is doing all Nova Scotians
proud.
With much discussion about One Nova Scotia, the most
encouraging aspect of all places is the
entrepreneurial leadership that inspires, creates and turns these businesses
into huge assets for Nova Scotia, rural Nova Scotia at that. Ben Cowan
Dewar, Brad Langille (Pictou Lodge) and wine industry leaders like Carl and
Donna Sparkes, Pete Luckett, Gerry McConnell, Stewart Creaser and the Ramey
family are living examples of how Nova Scotia can indeed thrive.
