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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the story behind the name?
Deborah Tupper and Jane Morrigan, original operators of The Mermaid
and The Cow Campground beginning in 2001, fell in love and became
partners several years ago. We decided to name the campground in
honour of our union, using our most-beloved animal icons (since
we are animal lovers) … the mermaid and the cow. Deborah’s
mermaid … lascivious, a symbol of transformation and representing
the nearby wild and beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Having made her living
for sixteen years here on this farm, milking a herd of beautiful
Jersey cows up until the Fall of 1995, Jane has a true love and
appreciation for the "bossy" cow. The cow is also a symbol
representing agriculture and the beauty of rural Canada. As an "odd",
or "queer" couple ourselves, it made perfect sense for
us to imagine a love affair between the sea and the land…The
Mermaid and The Cow!!
Despite the fact that Deborah and I broke up in 2005, I continue
to honour the memory of our love...and I like to think that the
love between The Mermaid & The Cow will last forever...
Read the poem Jane wrote...
Why did you decide to establish a campground
"especially for queer folks, queer families and queer-friendly
folk"?
My hope and dream is to create a relaxing camping experience for
members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited,
and questioning communities; their families and queer-positive heterosexual
friends. A place where people can enjoy holiday time in a beautiful
atmosphere where they are valued and respected.
The Mermaid and The Cow Campground is a place where couples don’t
have to worry about showing affection, don’t have to worry
about harassment, ridicule or danger….a safe, respectful and
supportive environment awaits you here!
The Mermaid and The Cow Campground is also a place where lesbian
and gay parents can bring their children, and enjoy holiday time
together without fear of scorn, judgement or discomfort.
What kinds of animals do you have on
the farm?
This summer, there are 5 beef cows, named Temple Grandin, Elvira
Kurt, Elizabeth May, Kitty and Jambi and their calves. Other cattle on the farm include Buddy,
Michele Jeanne, and Hillary Clinton; a Belgian
mare named Nellie McClung (jointly owned by Jane and "hiker"
Maggie next door); a pony named Rosie the Rivetter; 22 free-range
laying hens of various heritage breeds; and a pride of 7 cats, named
Jonah, Sadie, Tiger, Gemini, Pickle, Leonard Cohen, Jackson and Simon.
Jane has been working with farm animals for more than 40 years,
has an M.Sc. in Animal Behaviour, teaches a course in Animal Welfare at
the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC), and operates a consulting business called Integrity Livestock Services specializing in animal welfare training. As a farmer, teacher
and biologist, she is pleased to make your holiday more enjoyable
by answering any questions you or your children might have about
the animals here on the farm.
What amenities do you offer?
- Respect for you as a member of the LGBT community and as a person
- Freedom to "be yourself" in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere
- Spacious campsites equipped with firepits and picnic tables
- Clean, non-gender specific modern showerhouse with flush toilets
- Above-ground swimming pool and large deck located next to showerhouse
- A brand-new spacious screened-in gaYzebo for gathering with friends and getting away from bugs and rain
- A cabin with a view, equipped with bathroom and kitchen
- Community campfire each weekend night in the centre of the campground
- Several miles of marked trails for hiking and observing wildlife
- Lesbian and gay themes lending library...novels, magazines,
trash, deep, funny
- Dogs on leash are welcome
- Washer-toss, horse-shoes and badminton/volleyball
- Beaver pond on property, where numerous bird and waterfowl species nest and sing
- Firewood and ice are available to purchase
- Wireless high-speed internet access on the premises
- Tame farm animals in the nearby pasture and in the barn
How do we find you?
The Mermaid & The Cow Campground is located
on Rt 256 in West Branch River John, Pictou County, Nova Scotia,
13 kms west of Scotsburn, 12 kms south of River John and 18 kms
east of Earltown. If you need directions, please don't hesitate
to she-mail me, or call 902-351-2714
GPS Co-ordinates: N 45.64167 / W 63.01556
ShE-mail
me for directions from Halifax, Amherst
Brochure 2010 (PDF,
155 kb)
What are the campground rules?
Respect others’ dignity and privacy, and observe the following
rules: dogs must be leashed and picked up after; noise levels kept
to a conversation volume after 11PM during week days and midnight
on weekends (Please Note: Loud,
drunken behaviour at The Mermaid & The Cow Campground is unacceptable.
You may be informed that you are not welcome
to return to the campground if this occurs); enter the
pool area at your own risk; pool closes at 10 PM; do not enter barn
area; do not litter (including cigarette butts and beer caps), and
please clean up your campsite area before leaving.
Local area interests, eateries and adventures:
- Sugar Moon Farm - Maple
Products and Pancake House, Earltown
- A working sugar maple farm and woodlot, producing quality
food in a manner that supports local agriculture and community,
and respects land and water.
- Birding
Sites of Nova Scotia - Pictou County
- Carvers Coffee House, Pub &
Studio - Pictou town
- Espresso, desserts, light meals, licensed deck and patio,
very dog-friendly
- Coastal Spirit Expeditions - Sea Kayaking Tours, River John
- Offering day tours, multi-day tours, special tours and professional
instruction
The aim of The Mermaid & The Cow Campground
is to create a relaxing camping experience for members of the lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirited, and questioning communities;
their families and queer-positive heterosexual friends.
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