Fake Rocks

Don't be fooled by these rock impersonators...while they may look like inconspicuous mini-boulders, they are, in fact, styrofoam.

Location: Bra d'Or Lake, Iron Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Details: These fake rocks can be found washed up on the shore of the Bra d'Or lake in Iron Mines, N.S. Turn onto the Orangedale Road from the Trans Canada highway, and take the first road on the left. There is an access point for the shore at the end of the road.
Submitted by: anonymous

Error 20221 (future date of birth)

In case it's difficult to read, the error box in the screen capture below reads:

The page at https://www.securesuite.net says:

The date of birth you provided occurs in the future.
Please make sure you are attempting to enter your
correct date of birth. (20221)

Embarrassing, perhaps, but a good reminder that ridiculous mistakes can lead to pretty lovely things.




Location: online form; date of birth request
Details: This particular piece was first experienced while checking out of the online store at tigerdirect.ca. I guess that many credit cards now require an added security process online. It was in going through this process that I mistakenly typed the current year as my year of birth, and my birthday is later this summer. The computer kindly reminded me that it's difficult to make a purchase in utero (much less to be approved for a credit card).
It will be interesting to see how many such forms yield a similar response.
Submitted by: aislinn thomas

Sky on Ground (Cheticamp, NS)

Sky can often be found on the ground in these large ocean-side puddles at the roadside lookout on the Cabot Trail outside Cheticamp, NS on the west side of Cape Breton island. I especially recommend going as the sun sets.

Location: St. Joseph De Moine, just south of Cheticamp, Nova Scotia
Details: When driving along the Cabot Trail, keep an eye out for Joe's Scarecrows (somewhat of a destination in itself). If my memory serves me correctly, the lookout is just south of Joe's.
Submitted by: Anonymous

Fake Rocks (Iron Mines, NS)

I lived for some time across the street from the Bra D'Or Lakes outside Whycocomagh in Iron Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Finding access to the waterfront was a constant project for me. Those I knew who had waterfront property had a veritable marsh between their yard and the shore. The simplest solution involved walking along the Trans Canada to an access point a short distance from the Orangedale Road where I lived. This, however, proved highly dissatisfying. The solution involved making friends with some other neighbours, which, I suppose, is usually a good idea anyhow.

When I finally reached the shoreline, I happened upon a series of fake rocks. I say fake rocks, because the weathered styrofoam blobs briefly fooled me. I don't think I've ever seen fake rocks before, but I imagine that there must be others out there.




Location: Shore of the Bra d'Or Lakes, Iron Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Details: Firstly, make friends with the Fergusons, or someone living on Ferguson Point Road (it's a private drive). It is just past Ashfield Road--known fondly to some as the "yuck" road--off of the Orangedale Road (exit 4, Trans Canada Hwy 105), and is about 1 km from the Trans Canada. Secondly, follow the road to its endpoint, and thirdly, follow the somewhat overgrown trail to the shore. Walk along the shore a few meters east to find the fake rocks.
Submitted by: aislinn thomas

Bridge Street Bridge

This is one of my favourite spots. I never wondered why it was that one of the main streets in Sackville was called "Bridge Street." Even so, I one day learned the answer to the question I never bothered to pose. At the westernmost end of Bridge Street is this old bridge, quite intact and serviceable except for the fact that it is missing its middle.
Besides being interesting in its own right, it's a great place to from which to take in the mudflats of the Tantramar River and the surrounding marsh.


Location: Western end-point of Bridge Street, Sackville, New Brunswick
Details: Instead of following the curve of the new street that leads to the Highway, keep going strait until the road ends at a small embankment. Walk around or over the embankment to access the bridge.

Blank Sign (on the East Lake Ainslie road)

I came across this sign while on an exploratory bike ride during my first weeks in Cape Breton this spring. Unlike some other blank signs I've come across, this one seems to show some clear signs of having once said something. I can only guess what that might be.



Location: along the East Lake Ainslie road
Details: Coming from the Trans Canada (Hwy 105), take the turnoff for Hwy 252 (between the Irving station and Vi's Restaurant at the flashing amber light in Whycocomagh). Continue along the road as it becomes Hwy 395 (i.e. don't follow the 252 turn-off for Mabou). The sign is on the west side of the road, not far from the turn-off.
Submitted by: aislinn thomas

Bernardi Precast

Bernardi Precast is a business in the East side of Guelph, ON that specializes in cast concrete forms, including railings, balusters and a stunning assortment of creatures (mythological and otherwise). Their sculptures occupy a large lot that can be seen from the road in a semi-industrial area of town. It's a surreal view at any time of day.



Location: 412 Elizabeth Street Guelph, ON
Details: Located on Elizabeth between Victoria and York. Not far from the foot long hot dog restaurant. To get there by public transit, you can take the 4 York Rd. The Perimeter bus also has a stop nearby.
You can visit their website at: http://www.bernardiprecast.ca/
Submitted by: aislinn thomas