Touring Halifax

   When I looked out at 2 am this morning we were already anchored off Georges Island waiting for the royal Caribbean to sail so we could go alongside. The extra speed and the hours that the Captain made up in the crossing allowed us to be here 6 hours early. Got to the hospital in time. We were docked by 7:30. The day turned out to be sunny and warm in contrast to the overcast skies that we has had for 5 days.

    We were to meet our friends (B & L) at 9:30 and as we walked to the statue,

Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

they were already in the parking lot. What followed was a wonderful relaxed day going to Peggy's Cove. Rather than rush around to other spots we spent the entire morning in that area. We thought that we would get there early but the tour buses were rolling in and out the entire morning. There was a Holland America and Aida ship in so it was hard to get to the Lighthouse. Instead we

Peggy's Cove Harbour

just wandered around the rocks in the area. It was close to noon so instead of going somewhere else to eat, we ordered Lobster rolls from a local vendor. The lobster was very tasty and better than the lobster that we have had on the ship. After we drove around the bay for a stop at the memorial for Flight 111 which went down in the bay. It is a very simple stone memorial and a private tour was there at the same time so we heard about how the 2 stone slabs were orientated with a third

marked to triangulate the exact location where the plane went down.

    As the afternoon moved on we returned to the Halifax waterfront and said goodbye to our friends from Highland Lakes, Florida. They are leaving for Highland Lakes this weekend! We walked the waterfront trail which has had plenty of construction since we were here 3 years ago. We stopped at the Pier 21 museum where I got some material about my mother's landing in Halifax. We had my dad's information from a few years ago. The young lady was able to find the info quite quickly considering I had a few “facts” wrong! Pier 21 bills itself as one of the 7 wonders of Canada! Finally we made our way to the ship and had – what else – a pot of tea and a cookie. Then it was time to relax before we head to New York for our Saturday arrival. All in all it was a great way to spend our last port of call. Thanks to B and L!

 

Our Friends

  We sailed out of Halifax with memories of the '60's as we passed the

landmarks. It is basically the same except I think our cabin is bigger than those frigates that I sailed on. I much prefer this ship! No work and great food.

    The evening routine followed the usual pattern, a pre dinner drink and good food. The entertainment was “Magic Unhinged which I find entertaining but Judy not so much. The illusions were very hard to see in the large Princess Theatre. Judging from the reaction of the crowd I don't think they were impressed. Then at 11 it was the balloon drop, another not so much favourite. We stayed well away from the breaking balloons! We did receive our “leaving instructions” from New York and we off the ship at 8:35 for a 4 pm flight! Still fighting colds!