Five years ago when I was obsessively researching anything and everything about Bear River, Nova Scotia, I happened upon a photo of ‘Fred’s Hole”, the local swimming hole that is part of the network of streams that feed into Bear River. I couldn’t wait to see it, but when we finally did, it was too cold to swim.
On the second day of our move to Bear River, we visited Fred’s hole but for whatever reason, we hadn’t made it back there until today.
It is a beautiful, magical spot, surrounded by trees. It feels ancient and mysterious. The water is the colour of tea because of the high iron content in the rocks.
Lest you think that Bear River is completely perfect, I have to tell you that we saw poison ivy on our last visit which I am very allergic to. But last night at a dinner party, we were told that the pathways to the water are well worn and not to worry.
It’s been really hot here lately – 30 Celsius plus for the last 2 weeks, so today we decided to take the plunge!
Larry's turn.
Although everyone who has ever lived in Bear River has probably swam at Fred’s hole, this is one of those unmarked places, down a dirt road where you are guaranteed to only run into a few other folks, if any.
The water was cool, but not cold. This surprised me because there is the constant rush of a babbling brook that feeds the pool of water and which drains into another brook that eventually feeds into Bear River. I think that the exposed rocks over which the water flows are warmed by the sun and in turn warm the water, because surprisingly, the water rushing in from the brook was warmer than the swimming hole water.
The ancient rocks glitter with quartz and warm the water.
When you come to Bear River, ask anyone for directions. You won’t be disappointed!
The flower harvest.
After our swim, I cut a bouquet of flowers with every intention of painting them, but I got sidetracked at the sight of lots of pretty looking fallen apples at our place.
Apple trees are laden.
I picked up a basket of them and cut up all the good pieces and made the most delicious Apple Crumble. In fact, I’m eating a piece of it right now as I write this.
Fallen apples.
It’s been a wonderful day what with flowers and desserts and swimming in a magical place.
Tomorrow Hurricane Bill is supposed to hit Nova Scotia. But somehow I think that’ll be an anticlimax compared to swimming at Fred’s Hole. After all, it took us 5 years and then an 11 minute drive to finally get there.
8 responses so far ↓
Patchmaker // August 23, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Fred’s Hole looks wonderful; enjoy!
How did you fare with Hurricane Bill? Nothing much here except a heavy rain, and it seems to have passed now.
Maggie
emilybee // August 23, 2009 at 10:36 pm
WOW! It looks like a magical private pool! Those huge rocks are AMAZING. And the water is the colour of tea! And look at those apples + flowers + Mutti!
Bear River is amazing! Thanks for sharing these secret places. 
emilybee // August 23, 2009 at 10:37 pm
ps. Mike was really worried about the hurricane warnings for NS!
Audrey T // August 25, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Here in Britain we are due to get the tail end of your hurricane and the skies are beginning to look very dark and threatening. After such a wet season we are used to disappointing days but live in hope for September. I guess that September is your special time in Bear River, I do hope so.It is hard to believe but ,together with my grand daughter and her lovely Mum, we shall be in Bear River in three weeks time.We are looking forward to meeting you and Larry and all those kind friends who I met two years ago. Love to you all. Audrey.
Barbara // August 25, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Hi Flora,
This post is so incredibly beautiful. I am so glad you are having a wonderful time. Miss you way too much.
xoxoxoxoxBarbara
Flora // August 25, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Hi Maggie!
Hurricane Bill missed us. We just had some winds and much-needed rain. Thank goodness! I’m glad it by-passed you too!
Emmy- Aren’t those huge rocks startling! It feels like a giant placed them there! Although the water looks really deep, it’s actually mostly just up to your shoulders.
Flora // August 25, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Audrey, it is strange to think that our weather systems will cross that vast ocean and still have an impact.
Your wonderful son was here today making shelves so that I can finally unpack all of our dry goods. Photos to come. I can’t wait to meet you Audrey!
Flora // August 25, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Barbara, thanks my dear! I miss you too! I can’t wait to see you on TV (again) with your wonderful portrait.
xooxxo