Digging the South Shore of Nova Scotia

On the edge of the "Money Pit" -- Oak Island, Nova Scotia

South Shore Cove, Oak Island

Tomorrow wraps up our wonderful two-week vacation in Nova Scotia. It has been such a blessing to be here to share this time with Tristan and with new friends in Bridgewater. We are also grateful for the time we were able to enjoy with Aaron's parents who visited from Prince Edward Island.

One highlight for us was the opportunity to join a tour of the famous Oak Island in Mahone Bay. Although we had heard of treasure hunting stories on the island twenty-years ago when we first started to serve in Nova Scotia, we had never ventured onto the island. Now with the breakout success of the History Channel reality show, "The Curse of Oak Island", tours have been sold out all summer long.

We are very grateful to our friend Rick who was able to help us join today's group.

Erica and Tristan at the swamp

Whether you are a fan of the show or not, the tour is great fun and will no doubt have you hunting up past seasons. Oak Island is a beautiful place so the walk alone is worthwhile, but the mystery is captivating. As we crossed the island, we were able to see the main dig site, historic digs, ancient landmarks, the infamous swamp, and some secrets that will be revealed in the upcoming season of the show. There were no photographs allowed in these sensitive areas, but we will be tuning in for this new season.

Our tour guide, Charles Barkhouse

Friends here on the South Shore will recognize our guide and local historian, Charles Barkhouse. He is a fantastic storyteller and was a fun and engaging guide. Charles works with the Friends of Oak Island Society whose volunteers make the tours possible.

Fellow fan Catherine McKinnon leading us in "Farewell to Nova Scotia"

Growing up in the Maritimes, we were no stranger to singer and entertainer Catherine McKinnon, but it was a surprise to meet her on our walking tour of Oak Island and to discover that she is also a fan of the show. It did not take too much coaxing from Charles before she was leading us in song. Singing "Farewell to Nova Scotia" from the banks of Smith's Cove was incredible. 

Charles, Rick, and Gary

Before we left, we had the joy of meeting Rick Lagina and Gary Drayton from the show. What a fun experience. The entire Oak Island team seem to be genuine and kind people. 

With Tristan at The Knot

After the thrill of geeking out on Oak Island, we had a relaxing day with Tristan in Lunenburg and Bridgewater. We are so thankful for our new friends and gracious hosts Bill and Elizabeth Boutilier who have opened their home to us and treated us to such an incredible time. 

Cracking the safe in record time at the 

Bridgewater Think Tank Escape Rooms

Taco Night with the Bridgewater Baptist Youth Group

We have also had wonderful times with our family of faith at the Bridgewater Baptist Church. It has been such a rich two weeks with a special concert, church picnic, youth group events, and times of getting to know people.

We are truly blessed to have had this time together and we are excited to be back!