Adventures of Johnie and Roxie!
Happy Canada Day Roxie, Happy Canada Day from Bon Portage Island (Outer Island). Happy Canada Day to you too Johnie. Roxie, Bon Portage Island is West of Shag Harbour. Ohh Johnie, Shag Harbour, wasn’t that the place of the UFO crash in 1967? It sure is Roxie, there was an object that was seen crashing into the water, search for survivors was initiated but nothing was ever found. Johnie, sure is a lot of fog today, do you think it will be safe. Yes, Roxie we have made preparations for our journey we have notified friends and family of our departure and arrival. Roxie, this is a very important part of any journey because if we were to not arrive a search would begin and with any search for the missing time is of the essence. And Roxie we have the necessary navigation aids for travel on water, what with our compass and charts (maps of the water). Johnie, we made it I see the slip, let’s moore to the buoy. Sure thing Roxie. Johnie you can barely see the shore with all the fog. Yes, Roxie, you can only see a few hundred feet clearly. Johnie, Acadia University and the Nature Trust signed an agreement in 2012 protecting Bon Portage island forever. They sure did Roxie and the island is designated as an Important Bird Area. Roxie travel on water in the fog can be very dangerous as the direction of sounds can become distorted, boats, rocks can hide in the fog and your sense of direction can become disorienting. Johnie very good points, you should only travel in fog if you have taken necessary safety precautions prior to departure. Roxie lets travel up the coast to the Tusket Islands, which are a chain of islands South West of Yarmouth and some are also part of the Nature Trust. Johnie I hope we don’t run into Pirates! Pirates, Roxie, don’t be silly, pirates left the area a few hundred years ago. So, Johnie you’re saying there were Pirates here? Roxie, there sure were they hid on the many islands that dot the coast of Nova Scotia. Roxie, some say there are treasures buried on the Tusket Islands and that people have even found some over the years. Roxie have your heard of Oak Island? Yes, Johnie isn’t that a tv show? Haha Roxie, it’s more than that, it’s where some of the most famous objects in history were purportedly buried and people have been searching for them for a few hundred years. Roxie the Tusket Islands have a connection to Oak Island. How so Johnie? Well Roxie it’s not a very family friendly story, so here goes. Roxie there is a map from the 1700’s that shows one of the islands named Massacre Island. Legend has it that the slaves brought from the Caribbean and Africa to build the inner workings of the Oak Island money pit were, well, disposed of on the Island. Roxie, loose lips sink ships. Johnie, that’s a part of history that no TV show would want to report. Right you are Roxie, not very family friendly. Johnie there is the rope seal from season 5 that they have never showed opened? Roxie the only treasure on Oak Island is the TV show. Roxie it’s time to go back to Bon Portage for our Canada Day celebrations with family and friends. You bet Johnie it’s going to be a fantastic evening of story and song.
Halifax Explosion “Johnie, let’s go up through the Narrows,” Roxie asked. “Sure thing,” Johnie replied. “Look! We’re going under the MacKay Bridge!” Roxie exclaimed. “You know what that means,” Johnie said with a grin. “I sure do,” Roxie said. “Time to make a wish!” “What did you wish for?” Johnie asked. “You know I can’t say,” Roxie replied. “If I did, it wouldn’t come true!” “Look,” said Roxie, “there’s that strange rose-colored fog that enveloped our boat last time we were in Terence Bay.” “Hold on,” said Johnie. “I believe something strange is about to happen.” As they exited the fog, they found themselves on the Dartmouth side of the Narrows near Tufts Cove. “Look, Roxie! Do you see that?” said Johnie. “Yes,” said Roxie. “It looks like we’ve been transported to Halifax Harbour during the Great War.” “Look at all the little boats running around and all the activity on the shores,” Johnie observed. “Hey, Roxie, did you know that the biggest man-made explosion in history happened in Halifax during the war? It was the Halifax Explosion.” “Well, don’t look now, but I see the SS Imo, and there’s a boat steaming toward her from George’s Island. Could it be the Mont-Blanc?” Johnie barely had time to react before Roxie’s voice rose to a shrill cry. “Johnie, we have to get out of here now!” “I’m on it!” Johnie shouted as he spun the boat around in a sharp 180, racing back toward the Bedford Basin and the entrance to the Narrows. As they made their way back to the Bedford Basin and rounded the corner at Africville Park, a deafening explosion shook the air. “Hold on!” yelled Johnie. A moment later, a massive wall of water surged up the narrows. Johnie and Roxie braced themselves as their boat rode out the towering waves. When the water finally settled, they decided to head back down the Narrows to see if they could offer assistance to the injured and displaced. Along the way, they pulled several sailors from the water—men who had jumped ship in a desperate attempt to save themselves. Stunned by the explosion and grateful to be rescued, they didn’t immediately realize they were aboard a much more modern watercraft. Johnie, the devastation on the shores is dramatic—it’s as if the entire area has been flattened. Said Roxie. The explosion was so powerful that buildings were reduced to rubble in an instant, and the shockwave shattered windows miles away. Thousands lost their lives, while thousands more were injured, many suffering horrific burns and wounds from flying debris. The force of the blast sent shards of glass tearing through the streets, leaving hundreds permanently blinded. Fires raged in the wreckage, the landscape is unrecognizable—what once stood as a thriving community is now a field of ruin and despair. “Johnie, don’t look now, but there’s that rose-colored fog we saw earlier!” Said Roxie her voice shaking in anticipation. “Let’s go, Roxie,” said johnie “Here’s hoping it takes us back to our time.” As they pressed forward, the thick, swirling mist swallowed the boat. The crackling fires and the sounds of the devastated city faded. For a moment, there was nothing—just the damp, heavy fog. Then, as suddenly as it had appeared, it evaporated. The ‘shattered city’ was gone. In its place, we could see familiar sights, the bridge pilings standing steady were the first thing we saw that we knew we had been transported back to our time. “Johnie… we made it.” Said Roxie her voice a whisper.
Africville “The morning is calm, and the sun is shining brightly, with a gentle breeze out of the east,” Johnie explained. “The tide is just right for launching. There isn’t a cloud in the sky, and there are no signs of fog as far as the eye can see.” As they navigated past the breakwater at DeWolf Park, Johnie, with a twinkle in his eye, asked Roxie, “Ready for another adventure?” As they made their way through the inner basin, they saw numerous small boats bobbing on the water. “Look, Johnie,” said Roxie. “Those must be the Bedford Basin junior sailors!” “Yes, I believe you’re right, Roxie,” Johnie said, a reflective smile spreading across his face. “That takes me back to my own days as a junior sailor—learning to sail a Cadet when I was just eight years old. By the time I was twelve, I had a Laser, and I would spend endless summer days out on the basin, skipping across the water and surfing down the backs of waves.” “Hey, Johnie, do you hear that?” asked Roxie. “No, what is it?” Johnie replied. “Is that a clangor?” Roxie wondered. Johnie chuckled. “Haha, not this time! Those are church bells!” “Church bells? What are church bells doing out here?” Roxie asked, tilting her head. “They’re not out here,” Johnie explained. “Sound travels faster and farther over water than over land. Those bells are coming from a church onshore.” “Oh, the sound must be coming from the church at Africville Park,” said Roxie “What’s Africville Park?” asked Roxie. “It’s a memorial to a historic Black community,” said Johnie gently. “Africville was founded by Black settlers—many were descendants of enslaved people and Black Loyalists. They came here hoping for a better life.” “But it’s not there anymore?” Johnie’s voice grew quiet. “No, it was torn down in the 1960s, and the people were forced to leave. But this park and the church you see? They help keep the memory alive.” Today, Africville Park stands as a place of remembrance, featuring a replica of the Seaview United Baptist Church, which was the heart of the original community. “Johnie, I hear sirens—it sounds like a fire truck,” said Roxie. “I hope the church isn’t on fire.” “Roxie, it’s so dry this time of year—that’s why the province institutes fire bans during certain months,” Johnie said. “Look, Johnie! There are brush fires along the shore,” Roxie pointed out. “The good news is the church appears to be out of danger.” “Look, Roxie! There’s a fireboat putting out fires on the shore,” Johnie said. “And there’s a woman manning the hose! I know that lady—that’s Morgan, one of the new HRM female firefighter recruits!” “Toot toot!” said Johnie. “Honk! Honk!” went the fireboat.
Johnies New Hat Hey Johnie want to go to Hearn Island for lunch? Sure Roxie, that sounds like a Johniefinerific idea! Roxie, where is Hearn Island? Johnie, Hearn Island is at the mouth of Prospect Bay across from the entrance to Rogues Roost and the Rogues Roost Wilderness area. Johnie, if you’re lucky during breeding season you may see puffins out and about near Betty Island which is also at the mouth of Prospect Bay. Yes, Roxie, I have seen them there and in St. Margaret’s Bay around Pearl Island. Johnie, while you might be the cutest Covid Boat in the world, the Puffin is one of the cutest birds in the world! Aw, shucks Roxie, you’re going to make me blush. Hey Roxie, like my new hat? Johnie, yes, I like your look, but that’s not a hat, it’s a life-raft. Yes, Roxie, I was just being silly, I’m trying to be safe, ‘Safety is No Accident!’ Roxie, Did you know that Rogues Roost got its name as it served as a hiding spot for Privateers. Johnie, Oh, my, that’s neat, I wonder if the Knights Templar stopped by on their way to Oak Island to bury their treasure? Roxie, That’s a story for another day!
Pirates Roxie, Johnie’s friend and companion, had already been on one adventure with Johnie and was eager for more. The two became friends after COVID. They made their way to the Terence Bay River boat launch to start their next adventure. Roxie positioned herself, as she always did, at the bow of the boat—head up, ears flapping in the breeze, and tail wagging in anticipation of the journey ahead. “The morning is calm, and the sun is shining brightly with a gentle breeze out of the east,” Johnie explained. “The tide is just right for launching. There isn’t a cloud in the sky, and there are no signs of fog as far as the eye can see.” “Ready for another adventure, Roxie?” Johnie asked as they made their way to where the Terence Bay River narrows. “Johnie, you’d better keep a good head of steam,” Roxie replied. “You can see the tide running. If our engine were to stop, we could quickly drift back up the river.” “I got it, Roxie. Yes, you should always be aware of tides before you go boating. Some areas around Nova Scotia have very fast-running tides that could cause trouble for slow-moving boats,” said Johnie. “This is the life, isn’t it, Roxie?” Johnie said. “It sure is, Johnie,” Roxie replied. “I wonder what we’ll discover today!” As they exited the narrow entrance of the Terence Bay River, they could see for miles there wasn’t a cloud in the sky nor fog on the horizon. They could clearly see the Seven Islands and the outline of Pennant Island. “You should always be prepared for weather changes on the water,” Roxie said. “Keep an eye on the sky and water—any change should be acted on appropriately.” “Yes,” Johnie agreed. “The sea can become angry without notice.” “Roxie, there doesn’t seem to be much of a sea running. Let’s go inland of Woody Island and then head out around Marrs Island,” said Johnie. “Excellent idea,” Roxie replied. As they rounded the western end of Woody Island, the wind began to shift, and thick fog with an unusual colour soon enveloped the boat. They could barely make out the silhouette of Woody Island. The fog was early similar in colour to the rose coloured northern lights you sometimes see in the sky. “Johnie, let’s go slow so we don’t hit another boat that might not see us,” Roxie exclaimed. “Great idea. I’ll throttle back a bit,” Johnie agreed. As the boat slowed, the familiar sounds of the fog—groaners and clangors—disappeared, leaving only the hum of the engine and the light ripple of water against the hull. “Roxie, look over there! There’s a tall ship—maybe it’s the Bluenose!” said Johnie. The Bluenose II sails out of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, and regularly visits ports in Nova Scotia and across North America. She serves as Canada’s goodwill ambassador and stands as a living reminder of the age of sail. “Johnie, that’s not the Bluenose,” Roxie said. “That’s a pirate ship, and she’s flying the Jolly Roger!” Before they could say another word, they heard the report of a cannon and a huge splash as a cannonball landed in the water near their bow. “Quick, Johnie, let’s get out of here! Go to starboard and head for Ryan’s Gut!” Roxie shouted. Roxie couldn’t hear Johnie’s reply over the roar of the engine as the boat lurched forward and made its way to Ryan’s Gut. “Johnie, where are we?” Roxie asked. “Roxie, I don’t know, but I think that strange fog we entered transported us back to the Age of Sail,” Johnie replied. “That was some kind of fog, wasn’t it, Johnie?” said Roxie. “It sure was,” Johnie agreed. “Quick, Johnie, let’s head for Rogues Roost and find a place to hide,” said Roxie. “Right you are, Roxie. Let’s go,” Johnie said. Rogues Roost, between Prospect Bay and Terence Bay, was a hiding place for rum runners and pirates back in the Age of Sail. They would hide there from the privateers of the day. “Johnie, I see a cave. Let’s hide out there for a while,” Roxie suggested. “Good idea,” Johnie agreed. “Don’t worry, Roxie,” Johnie said. “We’ll be safe here. Let’s see if we can find any clues about when we are.” “Johnie, look at this! It’s a map—maybe a treasure map!” Roxie exclaimed. “This is a map of Oak Island. Could this be the famed Oak Island treasure map?” Johnie wondered. “Johnie, since we’re back in the Age of Sail, maybe we can find the true location of the Money Pit,” Roxie said. “Johnie, can we go to Oak Island and look for the Money Pit?” asked Roxie. “We sure can,” said Johnie. As they exited the cave and made their way back out through the entrance to Rogues Roost, they could see the pirate ship off in the distance, searching for them. “Johnie, let’s go to Cub Basin and follow the narrow passageway to Otter Island. Surely the pirate ship can’t follow us—there’s less than a meter of water even at high tide in one section of the passage,” said Roxie. “Right you are, and I’m glad we have your local knowledge on our side,” Johnie replied. As they rounded the eastern end of Roger Power Island, the wind began to shift, and the same rose coloured thick fog soon enveloped the boat. They could barely make out the silhouette of Ryan Island. “Johnie, is this the same fog that brought us to this time? Let’s hope it brings us back to our time and away from those pirates,” Roxie said. “Yes, Roxie, I’d like to go home,” Johnie replied. As they motored up Ryan’s Gut, the fog cleared, revealing the houses and cottages dotting the island, and the familiar sight of Haliburton House on the eastern end of Ryan’s Island. “Roxie, it looks like we made it away from the pirates and back home,” Johnie exclaimed. “Johnie, you’re not going to believe this, but the map came back with us through the fog!” Roxie said. “Oh wow!” Johnie exclaimed. As they made their way back to the Terence Bay River boat launch, Roxie’s tail wagged with excitement. She couldn’t wait to tell Hunter about their incredible journey—and maybe, just maybe, they’d go after that treasure one day. For now, though, Roxie was happy to be home, with Johnie by her side, ready for whatever adventure might come next. “Roxie, where is our next adventure going to take us?” Johnie asked. Roxie said gleefully, “I don’t know, Johnie, but I bet it’s going to be Johniefinnerifict!”
Where there’s smoke there’s fire. Roxie want to go on an adventure? Sure thing Johnie, where are we going today? Roxie, I don’t have a destination in mind let’s just see what the day brings? Sure thing Johnie some of our best adventures come as a surprise. Johnie, What a wonderful day it is not a cloud in the sky, but there is a strong breeze. Yes, Roxie it’s been dry for weeks with very little rain. Roxie, I see some clouds over the land, but they do not have the same colour as other clouds we’ve seen. True, Johnie they are brown. Yes, Roxie what could be causing the clouds to be brown? Look Johnie there is a water bomber filling its water tank from the ocean. Roxie, there must be a really big fire somewhere nearby, they don’t bring out the big water guns unless they are truly needed. Roxie, Canada has one of the biggest fleets of water-bombers in the world. They use the CL-415 which was the first airplane designed as a water-bomber. Roxie, warming climate trends are creating more chances for forest fire, but people still are the main culprits when it comes to causing them Yes, Johnie through carelessness or lack of common sense. Johnie, I hope no one gets hurt. Me too Roxie, but someone always gets hurt during a forest fire, wildlife are scattered and habitats are devastated. Yes, Roxie, but from the ashes comes rebirth and some of the first things to regrow within weeks of a devastating fire are ferns. Roxie, next spring the animals will start to come back and they will give birth to their offspring and the cycle will continue.
