As we talked with our first docent, she explained what it was like to live in a fishing village next to the Fort. Life was simple and somewhat harsh at times. The main staple was cod. The method of acquiring this money crop was a fishing net thrown off a small rowboat or sailboat. The nets were all hand made using a simple locking stitch with the assistance of a small piece of wood. After watching her for a few loops, I tried my hand. At first I was all thumbs and then as I practiced, I began to see the loops appear. It was a long and tiring process and one, for which, I would not readily volunteer to make a living at. Still if I'm ever trapped on a tropical island, I might just make a net and catch fish. From the fishing hut to the main gate to the Fort was a short walk over a draw bridge with a moat below. The moat is kept dry during peaceful times. A sluice gate at the bridge controls the flow of water into the moat. During times of siege, soldiers would cross the dry moat to take up defensive positions on the far side. As they were driven back, they would retreat back across the moat, through a winding passageway and into the fort proper. The sluice gate would then be opened from the inside and the water let in. In the 1700s the gate, one of three, would remain open during daylight hours. As night would fall, the drawbridge would be raised and the fort would be closed to traffic for the night. An officer and 30 soldiers would be on duty at all times, protecting this entrance. As we passed by in a small group, the lone guard challenged us, asking pointed questions in an attempt to determine if any of us were British spies, a common problem in these troubled times, as he explained. Having passed through the gate, I could imagine the intimidating feelings of those who arrived. A narrow walkway led from the gate to the town several hundred yards away. To the left lay the bay, its waters lapping against the side of the path. To the right was a foreboding wall, stretching high above our heads. Every few feet on the wall was a firing point. These breaks in the top allowed marksmen to pour down a rain of musket fire on those unfortunate enough to be caught on the path uninvited. Behind the wall to the right, and up the hill to the highest point of the town stood the largest building within the structure. The Citadel was a fortification unto itself. This was the government center, containing the Governor's apartment, a barracks for the garrison, and the only chapel in the town. The building became the center of activity for trade and defense. At its height, over 500 people lived and worked within the walls. We were free to wander as we pleased, through the many reconstructed rooms, offices and apartments. There were storerooms and power rooms as well as sleeping quarters. In the center was a large parade field. The ramparts were dotted with cannons whose line of sight covered every possible approach to the enclosure. From here we wandered down into the town proper and visited many of the shops and homes. There were examples of the very rich aristocrats, the middle class and the sea going rowdies that hung around the docks. Every so often we would come upon a gathering in one of the buildings. Several docents would have gotten together and we either listened or sometimes joined in on conversations that would have pertained to the interests of the day. What came in on the latest ship arriving from France seemed to be the most interesting topic. There was also concern for safety as the British were always about making trouble for everyone. The Town is laid out on half a dozen cross streets. There are quite a few buildings to visit, and more are being created as time and money permit. The whole day was an experience in reliving a period which has long since passed. Going back in time is a fascination for many people and this is as close to it as is possible under normal conditions. I would put this adventure right up near the top of the "must see" list for the Maritime Proviences.

*** THE END ***

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