Halifax, Hailstones, but no Halibut Bones!

Monday, August 04, 2014
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
We are in Halifax to pay tribute to Andrew and Catherine's parents. Also in attendance are Catherine’s husband, Nigel Ware, and close family friends. A beautiful Indian red granite bench, thoughtfully designed and engraved, graces the churchyard overlooking St. Margaret’s Bay—an elegant remembrance of Frank N. Wood (1921-2005) and Elsie H. (Bridle) Wood (1919-2013)—"Gone from sight but always in our hearts". 

 Halifax’s interesting history unfolded over the next few days as we explored the area
The Immigration Museum at Pier 21 and the Maritime Museum located on the tastefully redeveloped Halifax Waterfront provided an abundance of history.  A critical piece of information came from a pleasant and helpful young woman at the Maritime Museum front desk. She gave me the name of her husband’s favorite barber and marked on my map driving directions to his shop. We were in for a treat when we walked into the shop. The sign on his mirror said: “Phat’s Barbershop. The Wealthy Barber Prices: Haircut--$17.00; One side only--$9.00. The best lousy haircut in town. Come back soon.”  Phat had us laughing our sides off, but we also learned about how he migrated to Halifax from Vietnam years ago to make a better life for himself and his family. Phat may not be a true "Haligonian", but his heart is in the right place! Andrew decided to get the full haircut to save a few pennies and his reputation!  

The weather sparkled with sunshine when we headed out to Peggy’s Cove . As we neared the cove, clouds filled in and almost blocked out the view of the iconic Lighthouse. Welcome to Nova Scotia. The fickle weather seemed to change minute to minute. Peggy’s Cove appears to have stopped in time. The photogenic fishing boats, crab trapping paraphernalia, small harbor, pier, sheds, and colorful cottages are a visual treat. This unique environment has been designated a preservation area, and it is still an active fishing community.

Further west along the south shore, Lunenburg is known for the famous Bluenose fishing schooner (depicted on the Canadian dime).  Built in 1921 it brought in record catches and won the prestigious International Fishermen’s Trophy many times. Today the replica Bluenose II is operated by the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and is based out of Lunenburg. The outstanding museum features life in a fishing community and commemorates the rich fishing heritage of the Atlantic coast of Canada. Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is definitely worth a visit .

We followed the coastal highway, stopping for photo ops for you-know-who, and made our way to Queensland Beach. Locals and tourists alike filled the sandy beach, but I’m sure only true Nova Scotians braved the water.

From Queensland Beach we made our way back up to St. Margaret’s Bay. Black clouds formed overhead and the sky darkened quickly. One minute we were in sunshine and the next in a heavy downpour! It rained so hard that we pulled off the road into a parking lot to wait it out. Joining us were two other cars and a tour bus! The rain increased and then suddenly turned into HAIL! Unbelievable! 

Please click the link below for Nova Scotia photos:

https://picasaweb.google.com/104590044281989964656/20140804HalifaxNS?authkey=Gv1sRgCI-J2PSWk8-9fg#

We're not home yet!  We'll be in Vancouver, BC....look for us at the top of Whistler Mountain in the next TravelPod!

             

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