Halifax, Nova Scotia

Day 33

Monday

Halifax, Nova Scotia aka, New Scotland (Canada)

The approach to Halifax harbor, the second largest harbor in the world, was made under clear sky with light sea and warm breeze. This port was settled in 1749 and has made its' mark in history with (among many other things) the graves of many Titanic victims, serving as the origination point for many trans-Atlantic convoys of both world wars, and the great explosion of 1917.

After coming in through the narrows we passed the battery/fortress island on our left, made a great U-turn and pulled up to the cruise ship terminal, securing at about 0730 starboard side to town, our side to the channel and the battery island. A piper appeared and played a few tunes while we were snugging up to the pier.

Soon after tying up we joined the shore stampede down to the gangway and out to the street to meet our guide Donna. Our new friend Foghorn Barb was on the same trip. Our trip today took us along the south shore heading westerly. On the drive I noticed RV's and campgrounds so made a mental note to perhaps come here by RV some summer and explore more.

Our first stop was in the town of Mahone Bay (settled 1754) which sits on the end of a bay. Although tempted by a grocery store and a hardware store, we just poked around in a local shop then walked a few blocks along main street before having to dash back to the bus. This town reminded us of Bayfield and Nisswa. During the summer this town is alive with shopping, casual dining on seafood specialties, boating and music events.

On we went to the larger town (pop. About 2300) of Lunenburg and hit the pavement at the top of a hill for a walking tour of historic buildings. Some buildings, which are private homes, date back to the 1700's. The St. John's Anglican Church (1753, 1872, 1892, 2001 ) is a fascinating structure added on to and rebuilt a few times, most recently restored after a great fire in 2001. This church is now a UNESCO site and is on the National Historical Register and part of the Provincial Heritage program.

The Academy

Lennox Inn B&B 1791

St. Johns

Interior of St. Johns

A short walk down the street took us past more old houses with fascinating architecture and colorful paint jobs. These old homes reflect the wealth brought by the successful seafaring industry of the 19^th and early 20^th century. At the bottom of the hill was the harbor, once home to the famed schooner Bluenose, the likeness of which is on the Canadian 10 cent coin. A replica, the Bluenose II was in harbor today, having just returned from a trip up north. She is the symbol of Nova Scotia and its ambassador to sea ports. She leads the parade of tall whips when they gather in Atlantic Canada.

After traipsing aboard I visited with a couple of the crew and briefly examined the equipment, running and standing rigging as well as eyeing the condition of everything. She is in beautiful condition.

the Bluenose

The schooner Bowdoin

looking back at the waterfront from across the bay

another example of interesting architecture

With our friend Barbara we munching down on lobster rolls and lobster tacos there on the wharf outside the museum and in front of these great sailing vessels. Back on the bus and a scenic trip back to Halifax. We trooped aboard at 1540, 10 minutes late but before absolute-be-on-board-or-the-ship-leaves time. 1600 The piper was playing a farewell salute and we slipped from the pier. Tied up ahead of us was the Holland America ship MS Veendam and as we passed her the ships exchanged long blasts from their horns. Decks of both ships were lined with waving passengers.

new bridge and nearby coast guard vessels

Noon report: I didn't get the position, other than we were tied up at the cruise ship terminal in Halifax. At 1630 the temperature was at 72. Humidity at 96%. Sunsets at 2007. We have 379 nm to go to our final port, Boston. Total distance this voyage is at 8,514 nm.