Halifax, Nova Scotia.

After a restful and unplanned day at sea yesterday (Sunday) we had a great (casual dress) evening ……

….. and here’s us just finished dinner and looking casual (the glass has water in it!)

Today we docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia for a day where the sun blazed down on us from dawn ’till dusk.

It was our first time in Canada, and something James has been eager to do, what seems like, a lifetime.  Halifax has some amazing history, the first fact being that it is the birth place of Samuel Cunard (1787 – 1865) founder of the Cunard Steam Ship Company.

It’s also Canada’s principle naval base and on the waterfront is moored HMCS Sackville – the last Corvette and now Canada’s Naval Memorial.

We spent a good time walking along the marvellous waterfront boardwalk enjoying the sunshine ……..

…… and admiring both the cleanliness of everything on land and clearness of the water.

Lunch was taken in The Split Crow – originally named the Spread Eagle, it was established by John Shippey who was granted the first licence to sell liquor in Nova Scotia (New Scotland) on July 17th 1749.  It was also the scene of a fight which resulted in the first ever murder charge in Nova Scotia.

We walked up to Citadel Hill where we could get a good view over the city.  The site here, between the green and the river, was the scene of the largest ever man-made explosion prior to the first atomic bomb!  Nearly 3000 tons of explosives on the French munitions ship “Mont Blanc” exploded when the ship caught fire after colliding with another ship. It flattened most of the city, killed 1600 people, wounded 9000 and left 6000 homeless.

The town clock was built by Edward Cornwallis to keep everyone on time. He also ordered a canon to be fired at noon every day and it hasn’t missed a day in 200 years.

The town gardens, like everything in Halifax, are immaculately maintained …….

….and some of the older buildings are a perfect delight.

We had about six or seven hours ashore to enjoy this lovely city but once back on board “Arcadia” the decks filled up quickly with passengers enjoying the last of the sunshine …….

…… and, of course, the sail-away party!  James, Brian and Judy having fun!

As we cleared the dock the pilot boat raced up behind us (in true North American style!) to deliver the pilot on board and to see us safely out of the port and back into the Atlantic Ocean.

It’s been a brilliant day in a lovely city and a perfect introduction to Canada for us.  We will now travel further northwards to enter the St. Lawrence Seaway and make our way down to the great city of Quebec on Wednesday, so a full day at sea tomorrow!