After sailing many days, excitement grew as we neared our journey's end. Joy filled every heart that contemplated a new adventurous beginning. Few suffered discomfort from the motion of the sea. "Aye, a fair weather trip," said the sailors. Captain Smith commented on the fortune of gentle breezes, sunshine and ideal conditions during our long voyage. Jolly crew members entertained us with fascinating tales about the captain's seamanship. Often times incredible odds challenged but he always conquered. Over forty years experience brought respect and confidence to this hearty but gentle seaman. Everybody anticipated a safe passage even though this was the season storms might arrive without warning. Flying spray washing over the deck was reason enough for the captain to order all passengers below. Though everyone was anxious to remain on deck, we knew he was thinking only of our safety.

Motion sickness, "commonly known as "seasick" began taking its toll. Confined in that bunk area was far from pleasant as some began throwing up. The stench along with unbearable vomit sounds caused my stomach to became squeamish. A lantern, our only light source, swung back and forth from the ship's motion. Hypnotized by its swinging intensified my nausea so I tried closing my eyes while remaining still as possible. That was supposed to help from getting sick. But it was to no avail. Of the dozen or so passengers in our area, only a few were blessed with iron stomachs. Soon strong men and delicate ladies began asking for buckets. My parents wore a strange look on their faces. Their flesh seemed to have weird greenish color.

Rescuers wrapped me in dry wool blankets. Oh how I longed to be warm. Every inch of my body was shaking and shivering while teeth chattered violently. The excited crowd rushed......Mary just held me while neither of us said anything for some time. Finally I asked if....Mary told me this was her husband, John. I was shocked when I looked into his face

As I mentioned earlier, a post office, church, school and general store were located in each village. Keep in mind getting teachers to locate in isolated communities was no easy task. Occasionally trustees had to take whoever was available or have no teacher at all. Here are some amusing tales that actually happened at school. Not all took place at Peggy’s Cove but are from the bay area. Often Jimmy liked to entertain the students by showing off. One of his favourite tricks was to get Miss Herman try putting him back in his seat. As she took hold of him At the Seabright school, David Boutilier, that would be Uncle Willie’s nephew, had a bad habit of whispering. Try as she might, the teacher couldn't’t get him to stop. After repeated attempts, she said enough is enough, David, you come here. Then she made him sit under the desk where normally her feet would be. Being bored, David started thinking. He remembered the jack-knife in his pocket, took it out, and quietly.