The capital of Nova Scotia since it's founding in 1749 with a current population of 396,000. This area has the highest number of post-secondary institutions per capita in North America- we are talking College Mode. At first Bubs felt a little out of place with all these young folks but hey he and Pleep checked out the Wooden Monkey and Toothy Moose and ran into his favorite Canada Beer- Alexander Keith and it was all a ok.
And AMEN, the rain finally stopped. I am sure it was Sis singing "The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow" all night. Good job Sis. We have been lucky therefore spoiled as the vast majority of our travels we have had nice weather. I tried to tell Mr. Grumpy Pants just because it's raining doesn't make the area any less fun or beautiful. He never bought that idea- so today I am happy to say Sis's wish came true and Bubba got his sunshine back. How does the weather effect you when you are on holiday??? What do you do if there is bad weather?
We started the day watching a boat race....wow how about those colorful sails. And Bubba so loved the Collins Court. I knew he had some Judge and Jury in his DNA- and not in a good way. Pleep suggested when we get back to Boca that we paint the door to the garage just like this for Bubbala. Good idea Pleep- he can hold court out there and not in front of the TV watching Fox.
KC loved the bus - SO HIM. Off we went on a city tour...picture perfect weather and an interesting tour. And naturally at every stop the Bus Driver found Bubba and Pleep siting in his seat begging to relieve him for a stop or two. Pleep had the hole bus cheering "BUBBA BUBBA". After the third stop, I had to beg the bus driver to not kick us off the bus and give us one more chance. Yeah, he said, I heard about the Collins from the Border Guards. Whewww with one more chance we were on our way...the Halifax Harbour area is active and lots to see and eat! Quite a bit of restoration of the old buildings going on as well. Next stop...
This one had us looking up- hey Bubba what is that up on top of that building up ahead?? Snipers in Halifax? As we got a bit closer, low and behold they were volunteers repelling down the side of a building to raise money for Easter Seals. Yooza! Of course Pleep needed no encouragement and begged Bubba to give it a go. No thanks Pleep, did enough of that craziness in the EST 6 day training 20 years ago. I am complete and ever so transformed. "It's all you Pleep my man, hop on the back of one of the brave." Of course I begged him not too but there's no telling that darn monkey anything- a Collins trait. And yes he made it down safe and sound. Good job for the Easter Seals Pleepster! And remember it's Whale Watching not Whale riding......
Citadel
Next stop a National Historic Site of Canada operated by the Parks system, where Halifaxs historic role as key naval station in the British Empire is commemorated. The music and pageantry of the kilted 78th Highlanders and the precision of the Royal Artillery bring history to life as you step back in time to 1869. The firing of the noon gun scared Sis but Pleep couldn't get enough. He insisted on his own kilt and was sure he would be one of the few in Boca wearing one.Titanic Cemetery/J Dawson
Titanic- a part of Nova Scotia's unique marine history. As we know on April 10, 1912 the Titanic left on her maiden voyage with over 2200 passengers and crew on board. 4 days later she struck an iceberg south of New Foundland. She sank in 2 hours and 40 mis. Just over 700 survived in life boats were rescued and taken to New York. The White Starline Company then commissioned Canadian vessels to look for bodies in the area of the disaster- they recovered 328 Titanic victims. Many were buried at sea but 209 bodies wee brought to Halifax and buried here. There are 3 rows of headstones shaped like the hull of a ship . And yes, there is Jack Dawson's. After the movie Titanic was released (the last time) the cemetery became a popular spot with tourists. The cemetery area for the victims was quite run down so the city refurbished the Titanic area and today it is still a big tourist attraction.
And to end a perfect day a stop off at Durty Nelly's for a pint. Pleep couldn't resist asking the Shriner's too play Happy Birthday in honor of George Heidkamps 80th Birthday. Of course we'll do it for ya Pleep. Georgie Boy is well known around many parts for tipping a can or two. I think Pleep sang the loudest. And yes these folks are about the friendliest and most helpful we've encountered. On a Friday at rush hour in the rain at an intersection Keith paused the car and out of a car next to us jumps a man- OH NO BUBBA IT'S A CAR JACKING!!!- on no help. Help? He said he could tell we were a bit lost and could he help? And he took the time to make sure we found the right road etc. Just like in Boca....right. LOVIN THE SCOTIANS!