June 19, 2011 Downtown Halifax

Didn't get out until 9.30am this morning. No hurry as just doing downtown Halifax. We first went out to the Titanic Grave site, photos below. The weather wasn't looking too bad to start. We then went down to the Citadel and just started to climb the hill and from no where we heard thunder then lighting, and then very heavy rain. Ran back to the car as quite scarey being out in the lightning as thunder was now right above us. Felt better once back in car and started to drive downtown determined to see the area. Thunder still above us and very heavy rain as shows in first photo.

Had a wonder through the graves some had names but many unamed just had a number.  Yesterday as I mentioned went through the marine museum and learnt a lot about the sinking of the Titanic. Halifax was called upon to help with the resue as they were probably the closest and had ships in the harbour ready to assist for the search of bodies. April 12 1912.

                                         Rows of graves

A special memoral to the unknown child about 2 years old. Very sad that nobody ever knew of him. You would think that somebody (family) would know that he was on the ship.  Very sad.

Georges Island just out in the harbour from downtown waterfront. It was first armed with cannons in 1783. But more recently the Island played a minor role in the defence of the harbour in World War 1. and a submarine net was erected on both sides of the island to prevent enermy submarines entering the inner harbour. During World War II an anti-aircraft unit was stationed there. They were the last soldiers to serve on the Island.
Dave and Jen you will be interested that Papa and Pops brother Des  did the latter part of their training during the war here in Halifax.

                                            Inside the Brewery.   

Pier 21  where immigrants were first processed for entry to Canada. Note water on streets. Just after the big thunder storm.


At this stage we had decided to go to the farmers market which was inside to shelter from the storm. And amazing when we came out the sun was shining. So pleased as I wanted to walk along the water front,  as yesterday only saw it in the sea fog and rain.

 

                                    Along the downtown waterfront area very nice .

                   
 Theodore the Tugt boat, takes children aboard and I think it possibly takes children out for rides on the harbour. It was Theodore's 11th birthday today.

   Above  waterfront and below  Downtown Halifax.

Bridge we cross over from Dartmouth to downtown Halifax.

Only drove 19 miles today .Gave Pete a break from the big milage we have been doing. We still have another day here tomorrow  so we are going down south a little to Peggy's Cove so hoping for a nice  day as I read its very pretty down there.   Its about 50 mins. driving from here. 

Halifax is a very nautical town. Canadas busy Atlantic port city. In recent years Halifax has made the most of its waterfront, turning it into a tourist play ground of pubs, shops, museums, craft markets and outdoor concerts.

Forgot to mention that its Fathers day here today