Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Bicycles, Whiskey and Yarn

Bicycles, whiskey and yarn in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia-what a great day!

Early this morning we emerged from the ocean fog as we approached the Halifax harbour (Canadian spelling!). Jim had arranged with an outfitter that rents bikes to meet us in front of the Halifax Westin with 2 bikes shortly after 9 AM. And just as planned he (Dana) was waiting for us with 2 hybrid bikes and 2 helmets. We set off to explore some of Halifax and the surrounding area. Our first destination was Point Pleasant Park where we biked on lots of gravel trails. We visited some old arsenals that were part of the Halifax Defense Plan and we enjoyed the various views of the harbour area. From there we went up and around one of the little cove areas and continued riding down the arm of the cove past Purcell's Cove. We stopped to tour the York Redoubt, another feature of the Halifax Defense Plan. Again, we had some beautiful views of the area. We returned on the same roads we went out on with lots of ups and downs on the road. We returned to the city area in search of a couple of yarn stores that had been recommended to me on Ravelry. The first one was called LK Yarns and I had a wonderful woman help me find some local yarn (FiberArtist) that came as a kit for sweater. This yarn store was on a side street with several other shops and restaurants so we had lunch at the little Italian place next to the yarn store. The guy in the restaurant gave us directions to a liquor store where I could begin my search for brother Bob's 18 year old canadian-made whiskey. Once again, there was a very helpful man in this store, who was able to locate us a bottle of what we wanted at another store, when he only had the 12 year old stuff! So off we went to liquor store #2 and sure enough we got what we came for. So Bob, we need to talk about a "Sauce for Sauce" trade! Maybe I really need to talk to Joanie about that!

With the whiskey securely wrapped up in Jim's raincoat inside his daypack, we rode on the The Citidel, another military landmark in Halifax. From reading this blog, you might think I was some kind of military history nut! We arrived at the Citidel in time to see the changing of the guard and a demonstration of bayonettes and rifles. And, of course, there were wonderful views of the city and harbour.

With the bikes due back in a half an hour, we made one last stop at another yarn store, where I found a couple of things that will remind me of our wonderful time in Halifax. We returned the bikes right at 3 PM and Jim decided to go for a quick run while I searched out this library where I could have free internet access.

We were once again very lucky with the weather. Yesterday, after a mostly sunny and completely rain-free day, as soon as the ship left the Saint John Harbour, we were in the fog again. As we look out to the ocean, we see an impressive bank of clouds awaiting us when the ship departs.

Tomorrow is another day at sea as we head back to NYC.

So I will do a wrap-up with photos when I get home.

Hope all is well.

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