Met A Brave Sailor Along A Halifax Pier

From the north shore's tidal shoreline we drove swiftly to Nova Scotia's south shore. Home to Halifax, maritime traditions, and mile after mile of rocky coastline. Our first AirB&B stay, on Duncan's Cove, a short 20k down a peninsula from Halifax.

And to our amazed good fortune, aside from the incredible deck view on the cove, a coastal trail set out just across the road (so that's what all the cars are doing down this remote road!).  in comparison to our hike on Cape Split, this coastal route was entirely in the open, a mile plus out, and back again. spectacular vistas the entire route.

Yes, accommodations and trailhead inclusive of seal rocks.

As well, we arrived just in time for Halifax's 'Busker Festival'. Full with high anticipation we set out to see Halifax on Natal Day weekend, the province's birthday, heading for the waterfront and hopes of grand entertainment.

Well, maybe a bit more carnival than expected. This circus, while entertaining paled in comparison to the busker fest we bumped into while in Victoria a couple of years ago. Tourists, maybe locals, on the harbour front were fairly thick as well. Back to the coastline....

Aye, its a foggy business this day, clearly not a good day for a kayak launch. so off to plan B, Crystal Crescent Provincial Park for an extreme coastal route....

'Extreme', you bet, two hours into this foggy, muddy mess, the trail markers were no more. The path ahead was along bouldered coastline, heavy fog and chancing mist. All alternate route options being less appealing we chose Plan C, head back the way we came. Arrrgh! Safe and sound, under nearly sunny skies we returned to our car in half the time expected. Still, incredibly gorgeous coastline.

With another foggy day set upon us we did what any holiday maker might, we sallied forth and drove to Peggy's Cove (only Peggy hasn't been there in over a century). In case you missed the Nova Scotia highlights review, Peggy's Cove is the number one tourist attraction in the province. A beaut when the fog lifts.  Just not today. Altho that didn't slow down the steady stream of tourists arriving...

Alas a clear blue sky, and time for a maiden paddle for this trip. Off to Sambro Harbour, where we'd scoped out a boat ramp and a nice sized inner harbour...

A fine start, suited up, warm, paddling smooth....

Paddling into an inner cove connecting to a long lake, this lighthouse sits on a small island off a lakeshore residence.....

Shortly after leaving the lighthouse, and some time before this ready-to-drive-away scene, Ron and Karen took an agility swim, swamped kayak in rushing waters beneath a bridge, swam 50 yards or so with kayak, made it onto rocks, bailed kayak, set out to retrieve one lost paddle, found a boat ramp on other side of lake, hauled ashore, retrieved car, and dried up. Did I mentíon that Ron lost one bootie and a water bottle?  Brrrr.

On to Lunenburg next for a folk festival this weekend.