Monday Morning Musings

Posted on September 15, 2014 under Monday Morning Musings with no comments yet

Frank sporting his 60’s look

When you get older, the “wow” experiences are few and far between, unless you count getting out of bed a wow experience. I do ! I attended a book launch on the weekend in Inverness for my good friend, Frank MacDonald. It was one of those days that I would have cheerfully stayed at home. You know how it goes. You commit to going to an event and when the day arrives, the forces of nature collide and the last thing you want to do is jump in a car and travel for an hour and a half.

Frank’s book, “Tinker and Bell” is the saga of two Cape Bretoners who head to San Francisco in the 60’s at the height of “hippiedom.” Not sure if this is a word but, what the hell, you know what I mean. When I received the notice of the launch, it was advertised as a “beach party.”

We gathered up our granddaughter ,Alison and hit the road. I was tired before the wheels even got moving. I figured this to be an endurance test and was already contemplating the moment my head would hit the pillow later in the evening. We arrived at the parking lot at the beach in Inverness. It was full. The road into the beach , bisecting the Cabot Links golf course, was lined with vehicles. It was sunny, a perfect temperature and a slight breeze.

As we headed to the beach, I noticed a lot of people dressed, well, like hippies. As we got closer to the beach, we came to a second parking lot and this was roped off, no doubt for dignitaries. Dignitaries of sorts. The lot was full of vintage, period cars and trucks. A long lineup had already formed ,to purchase Frank’s book and have it autographed. We headed down to the beach with Alison and could hear music.

On the beach, four musicians, four of Cape Breton’s finest rockers, we’re belting out Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride.” The vibe was absolutely amazing. I watched the most amazing display of guitar playing I had seen in years…maybe ever. Brian Doyle was amazing and for one tune, “Spooky”, none other than Scott MacMillan, stepped out of the crowd and did some licks.

I thought I died and went to heaven. The afternoon should have been called “The Magical Mystery Tour.” As I stood and watched the spectacle, I thought of all the transplanted Maritimers living out West who ache to be back home to be a part of these special gatherings. You simply could not reproduce this anywhere else on the planet.

… And there was free coffee, tea and oatcakes. It was easily the best two hours of the summer. I put a video on my Facebook page of the band. Check it out.

I had many other things to share today but I had to tell you about the beach party.

Coming up here on Wednesday, and in this week’s Casket, is a profile of the Waffle Wagon. I can make connections with just about anything. Nicole and Alexandre are two people who aren’t going out West. They are trying to make a go of it in Antigonish where they want to raise their family. The story is not about their delicious waffles but about their willingness to carve out a living here. Like most of us who call Antigonish our home, they want their kids to be immersed in the local culture. Stay tuned for “No Waffling.”

Have a great week.