You wouldn't guess that, seen from a distance, this tiny village fills to overflowing when the busses and cars bring sightseers, many of whom then also walk down the center of the narrow roads. At 10 AM, Ken referred to the heart of town as "Disneyland on Steroids!" It wasn't always this way...
Tragically, it was the 2 Sept 1998 crash of Swissair Flight 111 off this shore that put the beautiful images here on all of our television sets. I recall, even then, sitting transfixed as the news of the plane was reported as it tried in vain to reach Halifax. I knew nothing before then of Peggy's Cove as reporters stood before the towering lighthouse (not seen here, off to the right). I never come here that I'm not moved by the plight of the passengers and crew and what the fishermen in this little town were called upon to do that night.
There will forever be a sad legacy tied to this serene beauty where people still come to pay their respects and leave flowers and notes at the memorial site, set apart from town, and near to where I stand.
Gorgeous picture and fascinating story. We are well versed here near Boston with the story of the Halifax Explosion - since N.S. Still sends us a giant Christmas tree every year in thanks for Boston's aide in 1917 - but I don't think I thought about this tragedy being in the same area. Such a beautiful area to have seen so much tragedy....
i felt badly that i wasn't able to pay my respects to the flight 111 memorial. but then again, a yearly visit (if not more) will be part of my future sojourns. we were discussing that we sort of had dismal planning for this trip, but we learned some things on logistics, etc. we definitely shall come back. a most excellent shot, i must say!
It wasn't that busy when I visited many years ago. But I suspect it is like many of my favorite places in Maine which have become overcrowded with tourists.
Lovely image and great title, but how sad that this little town is known for such a disaster. It reminds me a little of the 1988 Lockerbie disaster in Scotland, when Pan Am Flight 103 was blown up by Libyan terrorists and came down, landing on the village. 270 killed on the flight, and 11 people on the ground. Miracle there weren't more killed on the ground. Nobody had heard of Lockerbie before then. Sad but true.
@jamibann Thank you Issi, yes, so VERY like that! In the case of this crash, it's been surmised the the pilot dropped the plane into the sea rather than risk crashing in Halifax. As a result, this quaint stop-over is now a tourist destination. One has to wonder how it's affected the lives (in many ways) of the local, small populace. It's not a town that's set up shops with tourist trinkets.
What a moving tribute. Seeing this, it makes that horrific night alive, and conveys what it must have meant for that small village and their residents to be called on.
A beautiful location Louise and a great shot to represent the village. Yes, it was a tragic event and will always be part of the history of Peggy's Cove.
September 30th, 2015
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