In Darling Lake, NS, We Played “Washer Toss” Which Had Nothing To Do With Maytag® Or Whirlpool®!

Witness firsthand Judy’s determination and concentration as she tosses a flat hub washer painted yellow across the playing field and into the box. The game is called “Washer Toss” and it’s a combination of Horseshoes and Corn Hole, played with washers. If I were to utter the game name, “Washer Toss”, what comes to mind? Did any of you think about the hardware item called a washer? Or did any of you think about a Maytag clothes washer? Would it surprise you to learn that when I first heard the term “Washer Toss”, I did not think about the hardware item?  Nope, that’s not exactly where my head was. I thought that these people, these Canadians, got together on a Friday afternoon to toss Maytag and Whirlpool washers around - For FUN - while betting on the outcome! These are some mighty strong people, or this is a very strange game. Upon further clarification I was informed that these were really 3” hub washers weighing about a pound, being tossed into a box.  Boy, was I relieved! 😅 We laughed quite a bit afterward. Judy and her teammate, Raymond, made it to the semi-finals before being eliminated by the team who won the entire $20 pot. We had so much fun with these oh so friendly, seasonal campers.

This was our second visit to Darling Lake, and the exchange about the game described above actually happened on our first trip in 2017.  We were so limited in what we could see on our first trip, including being able to participate in the Friday night “Washer Toss” game, that we vowed to return.  And now we have, and this time with a weeks’ worth of time to get to know some of the towns along the southern Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. First and foremost is the town of Yarmouth which in the early 20^th century was the gateway to Nova Scotia. The establishment of the Yarmouth ferry terminal and the start of the Yarmouth-Maine ferry service in 1956, solidified its status as a gateway for tourists and goods between Nova Scotia and New England.

Much of what was just recited was learned while we visited the Yarmouth County Museum, a National Heritage Conservation award winning museum and archive run by the Historical Society.  What a treasure trove of interesting artifacts.  There is an extensive collection of painted pictures of sailing vessels, as well as an over 8 foot tall, 1^st Order Fresnel Lighthouse lens that could throw a beam of light nearly 10 miles into the Atlantic. We have visited many lighthouses in our travels and seen several Fresnel lenses but this is the only 1^st Order lens we have ever seen. It’s a technology that dates back to1822. 

Yarmouth County Museum had a couple of interesting peripheral historic presentations that we made time for. Ahh, the benefit of having time without a particular agenda. Down on Killam Wharf lies Killam Brothers Shipping Building. Here we found a remarkably preserved 1800s Shipping Office which played a major role in the financial growth of Yarmouth and the area. The shipping office remains largely unchanged since the Killam Brothers ran their fleet of sailing vessels from this office in the 1800s. There are unique displays, including the original half model of the 1861 ship “Research”, complemented by the story telling of its “Voyage of Many Rudders”.  Also on view are ledgers and daybooks from the 1800s and early 1900s. This was a very interesting side attraction.   

Have you heard of the Fuller Brush Company? Founded in 1906 by Alfred C. Fuller, the company achieved remarkable success through its door-to-door sales model and earned a reputation for quality products. The Fuller Brush Company remains in operation to this day. Notably, Mr. Alfred A. Fuller maintained a summer residence in Yarmouth, featuring a beautifully maintained English rose garden. The Yarmouth Historical Society now offers guided tours of this well-preserved home, which includes original garments, tableware, and linens. Judy and I were impressed by the company's legacy and chose to experience the door-to-door presentation ourselves.

Port Maitland Beach & Miles of Soft Sand

Occasionally, mother nature gives us an ideal beach day. On such days, we gather our beach chairs & umbrella from the loft, pack a lunch, snacks, and sunscreen, and travel to the beach. After researching, Judy suggested driving a few miles north to Port Maitland Provincial Park. What a great choice. Here we found a wonderful mile long sandy beach, with changing rooms and a bathroom easy walking distance from both the beach and the parking area. It may just be the incredibly great weather we were experiencing, but this beach was gorgeous.  The beach was so large it was impossible to feel crowded. This area of Nova Scotia is also part of the Bay of Fundy, and therefore subject to a 14-foot difference between low & high tide.  At low tide the beach really opens up as the tide retracts, exposing over 2 football fields of soft dense sand to stroll along.  It was a great beach on a fantastic beach day.

Leif Erikson Park with Cape Forchu Lighthouse

If you were to search the internet for the best sightseeing attractions to see in Yarmouth, most certainly a visit to the Cape Forchu Lighthouse would appear on the list. The Cape Forchu Lighthouse, located in Cape Forchu, NS, is known for its distinctive "apple core" design and its role in guiding mariners for over 180 years. The lighthouse sits on a rocky headland within Leif Erikson Park, which provides walking trails and scenic ocean views. We spent a lovely early afternoon walking the trails and getting some of the best views of Yarmouth harbor.

Yarmouth is also the location of the Nova Scotia Firefighters Museum. The Firefighters Museum presents the history of firefighting in the province. The museum contains a variety of antique fire engines. The upper level displays older, manually operated fire equipment, while the first floor houses newer horse-drawn and steam-powered firefighting apparatus.

Firefighters' Museum of Nova Scotia

I recognize that I have shared these sentiments in an earlier blog post, but they are worth reiterating: "We meet the friendliest people on our travels." This aspect genuinely stands out as one of the greatest pleasures of our journeys. Whether it be encountering people at the campsites, or meeting people on one of our many walking tours, there’s always someone new to start up a pleasant conversation with. Now you may be inclined to think it’s because I’m

such a “chatty Cathy”, but I can assure you that you would be wrong…, sometimes.  Here is the scenario. Judy and I are sitting at our picnic table after having dinner outside the RV.  The sun is setting over Darling Lake, the warm breeze is keeping the bugs away, and there is a group of fellow campers walking slowly back to their campsites up the hill. Immediately, salutations are exchanged, and then one of the group stops at the table to talk with us. Where are you from? How long are you here? These are some of the opening questions that lead to longer exchanges. Mack, as we learn his name, is carrying a bottle of Disaronno liquor that he has recently come into possession of. And he wants to share. We grab our little green glasses, and we partake.  Even Judy.  But then we ask Mack, “Have you ever had Peanut Butter Whiskey from Tennessee?”  The answer is obviously, NO.  Then Judy pours a round of her favorite whiskey, and Mack loves it! So much so that he takes a picture of the label for future reference. Mack shares some ideas for excursions and sightseeing in Halifax, our next stop, which we dutifully record for future investigation. Eventually Mack bids us goodbye, wishes us to have safe travels, and hopes to see us again if we ever choose to camp at Darling Lake again. But not before we snap a quick selfie just to prove it really happened as we tell… the Rest of the Story.