June 29, Halifax, NS

We traveled 250 miles to Halifax today.

The next day we all loaded up on a bus for a tour of Halifax. Unfortunately, it was pouring down rain and pretty cold. Our outdoor stops were a bit hurried but it was still a most interesting day. We visited the City Park, which they say (on a nice day) i

s THE place to go for meditation and getting in tune with nature. All of the Maritimes provinces take great pride in their cities, communities and parks. Every place we've visited has been immaculate. No trash on the grounds; lawns are all neatly cut; gardens are pristine and colorful.
We visited the cemetary where over 100 of the victims of the Titanic were laid to rest. This was truly a heartbreaking sight. Until you've actually seen something like this, you can't imagine the reality of such a tragedy. The grave stones are arranged in a semi-circle and resembles the bow of a ship. There were little children's graves as well as those of entire families. The ship sank off the shores of Newfoundland and many vessels, including fishermen's boats, from Haifax responded to the distress call from the Titanic. The Carpathia was the first to reach the scene and rescue people from the lifeboats.
Here's our group, standing on a platform outside the Citadel. Still raining! The guard won't let us in - says we look very suspicious! smile

Our new friends, Sam and Margaret, took us to Salty's for lunch. This is where I ate mussels for the very first time, 15 years ago and I LOVED them. We had a wonderful "anniversary" dinner together.

There are a lot of festivities going on this week because THE QUEEN, yes, Queen Elizabeth is here. We had quite a thrill as we sat in our bus at a street corner. Her motorcade drove right by our bus. Of course it was dark and raining, so we didn't get a look at her but we all waved -- you know the Queen wave. I took a picture of the motorcade but you can't even tell what it is, so I won't bother to post it. .

There are a number of large ships in the port. She was there to bless the fleet on their 100th year celebration. There was also a large Pow-Wow of the Mi'k Mac Indian tribe who are the First Nation People of Canada. They were commemorating the Baptism of their first chief.

Here's Joe, scouting out one of the tour buses that carries tourists around the city and harbor.

There were lots of security people all over the place, including these mounted policemen. I thought they were pretty cool.
.
It has been an amazing day! CHEER-Y-O