ChesterNS.ca - Blog

WHEN'S THE COLDEST DAY IN CHESTER ?

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 02:15:00 +0000

In a while crocodile, not later alligator. That's for sure dinosaur.

LET'S GO ICE FISHING IN LAHAVE

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 03:46:00 +0000

The full moon is setting as we head for East La Have via Exit12.

The line of vehicles along the road mark the spot.

Our guide,George Hirtle leaves the shoreline on a rickety homemade ramp.

Above and below: Phil Ellwood aka The Chester Foodie braves the crossing successfully. This is a recipe for fun.

There were over 50 fishermen out on the ice.

The boring part.

George breaks through. The ice is about 5 inches thick.

Fishin' and waitin'.

Winter sunrise on the LaHave River.

In a few minutes,the smelt started biting.

The Chester Foodie still has nothing for his frying pan. He was still fishing while the rest of us were catching.

George lands his first fish.

A fisherman's eye view.

It's about dressing warm. Fashion has nothing to do with it.

This fellow had the comfort of a folding camp stool.

In about 1/2 an hour we had about a dozen of the fish.

It's time to head home after the fish stopped biting.

The bridge to shore is a little more precarious now that the tide is near it's full height.

The Chester Foodie has made it ashore with his catch to cook for another day.

Jan.31'st,The LaHave River---------------------------- Another popular winter pastime along Nova Scotia's Southshore is ice fishing. In these parts it is predominantly a saltwater sport and commercial fishery. We are going to show you the recreational side of the fishery.

The fish to catch here is the Rainbow Smelt or Osmerus mordax for all the scientists out there in web land. Ice fishing was a very popular pastime in and around Chester up until about 25 years ago when the numbers of smelt drastically decreased. It is unknown whether this was due to over fishing,pollution or ignorant participants in the Spring "Dipping Season" destroying the spawn and the habitat where the fish went to spawn . Over-fishing in the Spring is more damaging as many fish can be comfortably caught with the least effort compared to baiting a hook and pulling up a single fish in subzero temperatures.

Years ago,Marriott's Cove,Goat Lake,Gold River and Western Shore were very good fishing spots. Before that there were a few good spots in the waters immediately around Chester Village. Enough history,let's fish !

We will look at the rules and important information in case you want to try it.

The first rule is to check the ice. 4 to 5 inches is plenty for safe fishing. A little bit of a work-out to chop or bore through but safety is paramount,especially if there is a large group fishing in a relatively small area. If you aren't sure about local ice conditions,test it yourself or check with a local fisherman. George Hirtle was our expert on this trip. Another important thing to remember is to find a safe spot to get on to the ice. Tides and currents do not cooperate well with ice,especially around the shoreline.

It is always polite to check with the owner if you think you will be heading out by
crossing private property.

The second rule is to dress warm. We were out in -12 Celsius weather. With no windchill factor it was bearable but cold for exposed flesh. Layering works well for this activity. Any winter wear will work. Skidoo suits and marine survival suits are excellent.Warm footwear,headgear and handwear are important if you want to be really comfortable.

Rule 3. Fishing gear. Everything from a string and a hook on up to a $100 ice fishing outfit will work. George and Phil were using "fancy" gear while ol' captainkidd used a hand-made wooden fishing stick. We all caught about the same amount of fish.

Rule4. Bait. Shrimp;cooked or raw,mackerel pieces,blood worms and sand worms are popular. We had good results with cooked shrimp. Years ago clams and even red meat were used. Some fishermen would throw oatmeal down the hole to attract the fish.

Rule 5. The official rules. The bag limit is 5 dozen fish per day per fishermen. You cannot legally sell any of your catch. In case you were wondering, Federal Fisheries officers do patrol randomly and will show up if they suspect illegal activity or get complaints.

Rule 6. Optional notes. To make life on the ice easier,many fishermen use buckets and folding camp furniture to sit on and carry equipment. Some build custom fishing boxes on blades or runners. They are great sit on and for the storage and transportation of equipment and gear.
The keenest fishermen build "smelt shacks". These are small portable huts replete with all the creature comforts of home. From heating and cookstoves to lanterns and stereos. And sometimes even better furniture. Just to be out of the wind makes a big difference for longer stays.
Other handy items to take along are a thermos and a lunch for warm-up breaks.

And there you have it. In just over an hour,we had over 3 doz. fish between us. Just enough for a good feed. In the coming days we will show you how we cooked them.

For more information on The Rainbow Smelt click here

RARE SITES IN CHESTER

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 22:17:00 +0000

Jan.30'th,Chester----------------------Chester Rock exposed during one of the lowest tides of the year. Many local sailors and boaters admitted that they can't remember seeing the sight. A lone seagull has taken control of the rock.

And here's another rare sight. A group of crazed local thespians loitering on Village furniture.
It's the promotional team for the Coldest Day of The Year event on February 6'th. The cold makes some people do strange things or they could just be good actors acting strangely.

CHESTER THE LOBSTER AUCTION RAISES $450.00

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:12:00 +0000

Chester Lobsterman Blaine Bond with this years largest specimen from his catch.
This year's Chester The Lobster is a female.

Midnight/Jan.29'th,Chester------------------------The bids are all in and done and we can now give the details. First chesterns.ca would like to thank all bidders. From Holland to Ontario to the U.S.A. and those at home here in Canada.
The winner is Louisiana Pacific's East River Hardboard mill. Plant Manager Phil Ellwood placed a bid of $250.00 and directed that the money go to the Chester and Area Family Resource Centre.
Well done L.P. East River.
In another development of this event, an anonymous 2'nd place bidder ($200.00) stipulated that win or lose,their money stays in the pot. Their instructions were to split their bid between the CAFRC and the Chester Art Centre.
So here's the breakdown.

CAFRC---------------------$350.00
Chester Art Centre-------$100.00

Not bad for about a week's work.

All are invited to come down to Freda's Beach in Chester (near the Yacht Club and the Lido Pool)
and see "Ms. Chester The Lobster" set free at 2:00 P.M. today (Jan. 30'th). There will be refreshments and if we can get a fire going there will be a wienie roast too.

Based on the success of the past two auctions we hope to make this an annual community event.
So get ready for next year's auction.

And a big thank you from "Ms.Chester The Lobster" for keeping her out of the pot.

CHESTER THE LOBSTER LATEST BID AT $250.00

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 21:47:00 +0000

A local bidder now leads at $250.00 and wishes the proceeds go to The Chester and Area Family Resource Centre's Daycare Project.
There are 6 hours left to bid with bidding halting at midnight
Jan. 29'th.

LAST DAY TO BID ON CHESTER THE LOBSTER

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 10:06:00 +0000

Chester Lobsterman Blaine Bond poses with Chester The Lobster,the largest crustacean that he landed this year.

Jan.29'th,Chester---------------------You have until midnight to make a bid to give Chester The Lobster the chance to go free,back to the home waters of Chester Harbour. The current leading bid is $150.00 with the bidder's wish that the money goes to P.R.O. Kids.
Last year the winning bid was $200.00. Let's see if we can match or beat that this year and help a local charity raise some funds.
E-MAIL your bid to chesterns@gmail.com. Bidding closes at midnight tonight,Jan. 29'th,2010.
The event culminates with a beach party at Frieda's Beach,Chester. Come on down for refreshments and see Chester set free.
For full details click here

9 DAYS TO THE COLDEST DAY

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:10:00 +0000

This is no picnic. These guys are out to lunch.

Come out to the 10'th annual greatest Winter entertainment event in Chester and support a good cause.
Details to follow.............

CSS ACADIA IN DRYDOCK

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:20:00 +0000

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

The walkway to Halifax Shipyards dry dock.

The C.S.S. Acadia sits like a bathtub toy on the huge floating dry dock.

A closer view. The Acadia is 170 feet in length.

The facility is massive. There is more than enough room behind the Acadia for a similar size vessel.

Workmen prepare to pressure wash the ship's bottom.

The view from aft atop the dry dock port side wall.

Looking back from the bow.

Close up.

Above and below a worker removes a porthole.

A view of the keel and one of the blades of the large propeller.

Pressure washing the bottom.

Port side forward.

The pointy end.

Jan.27'th,Halifax-------------------In another diversion from things Chester but keeping with our nautical flair,we bring you some amazing pictures of how big boats are repaired and maintained. We wish to thank Steve Read,Shipskeeper C.S.S. Acadia; Eamonn Doorly,Museum Operations and Boat Builder and The Maritime Museum of The Atlantic.
About every 5 years,C.S.S. Acadia is hauled out for routine maintenance and inspections of the hull and other areas and equipment to ensure she is safely preserved as an interactive museum piece. The haul-out was a little delayed this year but nonetheless,the work of preserving this unique piece of Canada's marine heritage is underway at the Halifax Shipyards.

The Acadia is an old hydrographic surveying and oceanographic research vessel having served the Hydrographic Survey of Canada and its successor, the Canadian Hydrographic Service.

C.S.S. Acadia was in active service for over 5 decades from 1913 to 1969. She was commissioned for military service twice as H.M.C.S. Acadia for the Royal Canadian Navy during both World Wars. She is the only ship still afloat that served the Navy in both World Wars.
Acadia is also one of the only vessels still afloat known to have survived the Halifax Explosion.

C.S.S. Acadia is now a museum ship tied up at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. With original engines,boilers and almost original accommodations, the C.S.S. Acadia is one of the best preserved Edwardian ocean steamships afloat in the world today.

We hope you enjoy the photos of a ship out of its element. It is not everyday that you can see how this kind of work is done up close.

It is also a good illustration of Nova Scotia's shipbuilding facilities and expertise.
An important part of our heritage.

For more information on C.S.S. Acadia click here

GUESS WHAT AND WHERE : A SNEAK PEAK AT OUR NEXT STORY

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 06:00:00 +0000

Another interesting break and diversion from things Chester. Coming soon.

SUNSET : Wed. Jan. 27'th, 2010

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 03:14:00 +0000

The view from the the tip of Simons Point and the mouth of Halfmoon Cove.
Photo: courtesy of S. Soward

Another reason why some folks take a day trip to Chester. With warm sunny weather and temperatures over +6 degrees Celsius,this sunset was the ending to a perfect day in Chester.

10 DAYS TO THE COLDEST DAY

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:59:00 +0000

THE POSTER

THE USUAL SUSPECTS OUTSIDE THE VENUE.

DETAILS TO FOLLOW...............................................

F0'C'SLE P.R.O. KIDS CURLING FUNDRAISER

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:40:00 +0000

The ice awaits as a few teams practice.

Joe Doucette is an enthusiastic first timer.

Andrew Barss came from Lunenburg to play.

Members of Team Barss sweep their stone along.

A Chester Skip watches his opponent's throw.

Andrew Barss gets a little coaching from an experienced curler.

Two of the younger teams pose for a group shot.

The PRO Kids display gives information about the program.

P.R.O. Kids Coordinator Cossette Howlett has good reason to smile with the success of the event.

Jacob Sharp gets ready to throw.

The winners pose with Jackie Bremner and Cosette Howlett.

Jackie Bremner thanks the participants as Joe Doucette looks on. Jackie was the moving force behind this great event. A big thank you to Jackie.

Jan. 23'rd,Chester---------------The new owners of the Fo'c'sle Tavern in Chester sponsored a curling bonspiel as a fundraiser for P.R.O. Kids. P.R.O. Kids is a service dedicated to ensuring recreation opportunities exist for children and youth who would not ordinarily be able to afford the cost of participation. The Program is administered by the Chester Municipal Recreation Department.
The key organizer of the event was Jackie Bremner. She got 63 eager and able participants to sign up for the event. There were 64 spots. Not bad,Jackie. The field included everyone from rookies to serious and experienced curlers. It was mainly a fun event but here was a little friendly rivalry and a competitive air about the rink. Each team got to play two ends and a unique scoring system determined the winners.
After the game, everyone retired to the Fo'c'sle for prizes and refreshments.
The event realized $1291.25 for P.R.O. Kids.
Based on it's success,there will likely be another event next year.
There is also a golf tournament planned for this summer.
In case you were wondering,P.R.O. Kids stands for Positive Recreation Opportunities for Kids.

THE BEST BACON IN THE WORLD

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:51:00 +0000

Butcher Wayne Oulton removes the skin from a full slab of bacon,

and slices away to fill an order for 8 1/2 pounds of the cornerstone of a hearty traditional breakfast.

Jan.23'rd,Martock------------------After checking out the Biathlon event, we continued on in search of our quarry. Oulton's Martock Glen Apple-Wood-Smoked Bacon. Men go crazy over it. Women love it. Pigs die for it. Eggs and toast just aren't the same without it.
It's Oulton's Martock Glen Apple-Wood-Smoked Bacon. The best bacon in the world !
And it's made right here in Nova Scotia.
Support local farmers and producers and buy local.

Along with their bacon,Martock Glen Farm has an incredible selection of meats of all kinds. From beef,poultry,lamb and goat to venison,yak,rabbit and emu. Any quantity you want.
If you can't get there yourself,they deliver to Chester on Wednesdays and some of their product is available in local shops and stores.

EASTERN CANADIAN BIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIP : MARTOCK

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:33:00 +0000

Athletes are gathered in the starting area in front of the range.

A pair of mascots are dressed the warmest for the sub zero temperature.

On your mark,get ready !

And he's off !

Another competitor pushes off.

#10 leaves the blocks,

and is well under way.

The rest of the field waits.

One of the masters heads out in fine form.

The targets.

#10 is off on the next leg after shooting in the prone position.

Shooting in the prone position.

A standing shooter.

Aim and fire !

Fine form.

Murray Wylie,Sport Leader,Biathlon Nova Scotia poses after the interview. He is the chief organizer for the sport in Nova Scotia. He has been on the job for the past 6 years after retiring from the Navy.

The advertising "sweet spot" in the sport. Next time you watch a Biathlon event on T.V. watch the frame closely and you will see why.

Graham Lindsay confers with Murray Wylie. Graham is the Technical Delegate for Biathlon Canada and traveled from Ontario for the event. He is the top official overseeing the event.

You're looking at over $32,000.00 worth of fire arms.

The range is within the "Zone of Silence". Athletes and coaches cannot communicate here. It is only when they are outside of this area that tips and advice can be offered and accepted.

The Truro team's "Gun Caddy".

Snow making at Martock.

The New Brunswick Junior Team enjoys a tailgate lunch in the late morning sun.

Jan.23'rd,Martock-------------------------For a little break from all things Chester,we are off to the foothills of the Annapolis Valley in search of 'The world's best bacon !" and to check out a boost to the launch of an amazing sport in Nova Scotia. The Biathlon. Most of us in Chester know Martock as the place to go if we want to ski or snowboard. But there is another winter sport debuting at Martock. It involves skiing and another element,shooting. As a sport in Nova Scotia,the biathlon is in it's relative infancy but not for long. With a new range and courses built at Martock for the 2011 Canada Winter Games, things are about to change for the keen skiing marksman. Along with the infrastructure,there is also an enthusiastic and dedicated group of volunteers behind the sport in Nova Scotia.

The event this weekend at Martock was the Eastern Canadian Championships. The event attracted 53 athletes,17 coaches,60 volunteers and support staff and about 100 spectators. There were men's and women's divisions. According to Murray Wylie of Biathlon Nova Scotia, Martock will become the base for training and events in Nova Scotia, giving amateur and professional athletes alike a modern and first rate facility. Mr. Wylie wanted to stress that the organization needs volunteers,especially for the 2011 Winter Games. Biathlon Nova Scotia will provide and pay for all the training if you would like to get involved.

For more information check out the following links : www.biathlonns.ca

www.canadagames2011.ca

www.careerbeacon.com/canadagames2011

CHESTER BIDDER LEADS AT $150

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:42:00 +0000

It's day two on our Lobster Auction and a hometown bidder has carried the day with a $150.00 bid to go to PRO Kids if they win the auction.

BENEFIT DANCE FOR LOCAL FIRE VICTIMS

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:27:00 +0000

Come out an enjoy a fun event for a worthwhile cause at the Chester Basin Legion this
Saturday night.

CHESTER THE LOBSTER AUCTION UPDATE

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:19:00 +0000

It has been an exciting first day for our annual Chester The Lobster Auction here at chesterns.ca.
The first bid early yesterday morning came out of Holland at 10 Euros. That's about 15 Dollars Cdn. Then we had a U.S. bidder in for $50.00. And then an Ontario bidder came in at $100.00 and is the leader so far. There is still over a week to go so hang in there and keep bidding.
In other news,Chester The Lobster became a star in the local print media. More on that later as we do not wish to scoop the paper on that story.

GOING NOWHERE FAST

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:18:00 +0000

Jan. 21'st, Chester---------------This unfortunate trucker got stuck on Chester's King St. at the intersection of Union St. after making a morning delivery in the heart of The Village. A freshly ploughed street and a little bit of warm sunlight provided the ideal conditions to stop this 18 wheeler in it's tracks. Even pedestrians had a hard job to stay on their feet. After a short wait for a giant wrecker,the big rig was on it's way.
While DOT was on top of snow ploughing, a little sand would have gone a long way to prevent such an incident like this.

FIRST BID ON CHESTER THE LOBSTER IS INTERNATIONAL !

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:26:00 +0000

We have an opening bid of 10 Euros from a buyer in Holland. Let the auction begin in earnest.

CHESTER THE LOBSTER IS BACK

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:27:00 +0000

Chester Lobsterman Blaine Bond shows off his largest catch of the year.

Chester The Lobster,actually Miss Chester The Lobster that is, is just a little bit lighter than last year's participant in our little event. We estimate around 7 lbs. Blaine will be weighing the crustacean shortly.

Jan. 19'th,Chester-------------------Here we go again folks. It is time for a little fun with what has become an annual event here at chesterns.ca. It is a little later this year due to weather and fisherman's luck. Before we continue,we must thank local Fisherman and Aquaculturalist Blaine Bond for coming up with the idea 2 years ago. Our regulars may recall the details but we will give you the dope again as to how our LOBSTER AUCTION works.

This is an online event only. You may bid on the lobster as often as you wish. The highest bid wins. The lobster and the proceeds from the auction will be donated to the charity of the winning bidder's choice.
Individuals,groups,teams and businesses are welcome to bid.

Last year Chester was set free at Freda's Beach. We at chesterns.ca and many of our followers hope that this will be a tradition and the beginnings of a small yearly event or festival in the Village of Chester. On Sat. Jan. 30'th we will hold "The Release Party" at Freda's beach with a bonfire and refreshments. Last year we had over 40 people on a week day. If you want some fun and a day at the beach in January come out for the Beach Party and see a real live lobster up close.

HOW TO BID:

E-mail your bid to chesterns@gmail.com
At the end of each day we will post the latest high bid under a photo of "Miss Chester The Lobster".
Bidding will close on midnight January 29'th,2010.
"The Release Party" is Jan.30'th,2:00 P.M. at Freda's Beach in Chester.
All are invited.

HELP FOR HAITI BENEFIT

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 23:35:00 +0000

(Click on poster to enlarge)

THE STEEPLES OF CHESTER

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 03:42:00 +0000

Chester United Baptist Church,King Street.

Saint Stephen's Anglican Church,Regent Street.

Saint Augustine's Roman Catholic Church,King St.

Saint Peter's Lutheran Church,Commons Road.

Jan. 17'th,Chester--------------------It was a sunny Sunday morning and the sun shining on the steeples inspired these photos. For more information on the churches featured here you can find it in our links section. The buildings are well kept in good repair. A tribute to their congregations and the strong community spirit that Chester is noted for.

CHESTER BASIN BENEFIT BREAKFAST

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:58:00 +0000

The first 150 people are seated just after 8:30.

The Chester Breakfast Club was out in full force to support the cause.

Two of the key organizers of the event were Don Wright and Rita Kuhn. Here they are organizing a take out order.

The coffee and juice server's station was a busy spot.

Chester's Town Crier,Gary Zwicker purchases raffle tickets to aid the cause.

Jan.16'th,Chester Basin---------------From 7:30m a.m. to 12:30 p.m., over 600 people came out for a pancake breakfast in support of the Mosher family who lost their house in a tragic fire about a week ago. Sources tell us that over $7000.00 was raised. Among the volunteers working at the event were 10 cadets from Bridgewater and students from Forest Heights Community School. The breakfast was held at the Chester Basin Legion Hall.
There are more events planned to help the family.

LORDLY HOUSE IN HIBERNATION

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 02:43:00 +0000

At the corner of Central and Regent Streets,Lordly Manor is wrapped in tarpaulins to protect it during the winter months. It has been a milestone year for the old house as the Chester Municipal Heritage Society began to restore and rebuild it last summer.

SCENES AND VIEWS

chesterns@gmail.com (captainkidd) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 01:30:00 +0000

Above and below: Jan.16'th sunrise off Moland Point at Goat Lake.

The home of the Bluenose Class Sloop. The old Barkhouse Boatyard is at the left.
The previous sunrise photos were taken near the utility pole on the right.

Above and below: How it looked on a hike to Kill Devil on Gold River Saturday afternoon.
These photos were taken at The Cumberland stillwater.

Sunday,Jan. 17'th sunrise from Freda's Beach.

The best seat in The Village around 2:30 p.m.this after noon.