Fort Anne – under siege – from the rain

Water, water everywhere, even in sunny Annapolis Royal.  Wow, who could believe it?  But enough is enough and I took a quick spin around Fort Anne after work today.  Followed the perimeter path – mostly, except where there were puddles (just a few, really!).  The walking is easy…unless you climb up and down the walls, ramparts and ravelins.  I only did once…to bring you this photo:

The lighting was just wonderful to catch the contours of the  fortifications;  fortifications which date from the early 18th century and are based on the French military engineer Vauban‘s style – a star shaped fort.  In fact, the plans for the fortifications at Fort Anne were reviewed by the great engineer himself, submitted by Delabat, engineer at the fort,  for Vauban’s approval.

Although the earthworks are worn down and rather pastoral in appearance today, evidence of the cannon embrasures is still evident throughout the fort, as here on the south ravelin.

If you are interested in the specific terms for the fortifications, wikipedia has an introduction.

And if you are interested in photos of Vauban’s fortifications try flickr for Vauban forts in France and here for more of Fort Anne.

Water, water everywhere – frozen at Fort Anne

The ice was just wicked today.  No path in town was safe.  At Fort Anne National Historic Site the perimeter walking trail is always open, but not maintained in winter.  So on a day like today its worth checking out, but beware!  I made the trek around for the wonderful view of the river, the Annapolis River.  And actually it was a good walk as long as I followed the path  - on the grass beside the path.  Usually this is a very quick walk, about 15-20 minutes.  Today it took a bit longer, what with sliding over ice and climbing a few ramparts.

This walk is just right for a busy day when you want to get out and do a few errands at the same time.

For a great view of the Annapolis River stand on the edge of flag bastion and look down, down river – west towards Digby.  Today we could just make out Goat Island, but on a clear day you will be able to see Digby (or its lights at night).

Standing on the edge of the flag bastion you are about 20-25 feet above sea level, see the shore below.