The east coast weather welcomed us with its typical fog and
drizzle, interspersed with actual rain. The Halifax car rental welcomed us with
“Oh, but we don’t have a car for you yet”.
For us, setbacks merely give us opportunities to experience what we might have missed otherwise. Like meeting the young and friendly doorman that gave us a place to stash our luggage, and the little deli/café on Hollis St. where we grabbed a late breakfast. Not to mention the walk in the rain, sans umbrella, to downtown Halifax.
Our ride, once it arrived, was a late model Jeep. It seemed that all six cylinders strained to get up the steep hills of Halifax, and we headed towards the home of our nephew, relying on memory for the address as this was our first visit. Seems our memory was just a little bit faulty. Good thing no one was home next door.
It was four days before the sun came out to stay. By then we knew how to get to Costco, the Superstore, and Home Depot. Oh, and the liquor store, of course. After the rain stopped, we also found a great walking trail. All uphill from where we were staying. But a steep hill at the start is a very good warm-up for a long walk, and a great way to cool down on the way back. This multiuse trail is a smooth pathway along the hydro lines. It could get very busy in the mornings when we were walking, and was long enough that we only saw one end – after 45 minutes we turned around.
With the brighter weather we explored the Farmers Market
down by the waterfront, checking out the fresh produce, jams and lambs. If we
had known in advance, we wouldn’t have eaten breakfast before coming. There was
an astounding variety of food vendors at the market, and would we have stayed, we
could have eaten well for days.
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One midweek day was spent at Peggy’s Cove. I couldn’t imagine coming on a weekend. The parking lots were full, and the roads blocked by walking tourists. The iconic lighthouse was surrounded by a steady stream of sightseers, large white rocks, and the colourful homes of the town. The restaurant next door served up treats such as fresh fish and chips, seafood chowder, and lobster.
We joined the other tourists walking the main street and dodging tour buses. We discovered a bas-relief carving of the fishing lifestyle chiselled into a 30 foot stretch of solid granite. We also discovered why the tourists blocked the street. There are no sidewalks in Peggy’s Cove. I guess the 35 year-round residents don’t require them.
While the sun was shining, we also took the time to visit other
spots. Halifax Gardens is set out on one
full city block and filled with flowers and unusual trees. And an ice cream
shop perfect for a hot sunny day. Point Pleasant Park was much bigger than we
gave it time for. We took a stroll along the ocean and I dipped my toes into
the sea at the beach. Gosh, we really need to stay longer another time.
The two week stay was finished off with a Ghost Walk in the Halifax downtown core, and the requisite family lobster dinner.
This is the east coast, after all.
W
