We’re not exactly city slickers, and the hustle and bustle of big metropolises, bustling harbours, and the chaotic dance of massive cargo ships and cruise liners isn’t exactly our usual scene. The last time we found ourselves in such a maritime maze was a couple of months ago in Montreal. But, when we sailed into Halifax Harbor, it felt like we’d crashed the biggest maritime party of the year!
Picture this: a couple of cruise ships bidding us farewell with a grand wave, and a colossal container ship towering over us, busy unloading its cargo. It was a clear sign that both the touristy and businessy parts of this harbour were buzzing like a beehive on a summer day.
Our nautical adventure around the bay only revealed more of Halifax’s maritime magnificence. We’re talking stunning docks housing the military fleet, all lined up like soldiers on parade, and the impressive buildings of the Irving shipbuilding company, where not one, not two, but five Arctic offshore patrol ships had taken their maiden voyages, and another was eagerly waiting its turn on the stocks. It was like a naval enthusiast’s dream come true.
But wait, there’s more! The berths of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography were brimming with activity, giving us the unmistakable vibe that we’d landed in a place that was all about industry, tourism, and defence – the beating heart of Nova Scotia.
As twilight began to cast its enchanting spell, we finally arrived at the Dartmouth Yacht Club, where a young harbormaster’s assistant greeted us with all the enthusiasm of someone who’d just discovered pirate treasure. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: a long-awaited hot shower awaited us in the yacht club building. Ahoy to cleanliness!
The next day brought an expected reunion with our old friend and classmate from the Odesa Hydrometeorological Institute, the one and only Yuri Geshelin, who now is a scientist at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography. With Yuri’s guidance, we stocked up on provisions that would make any seafarer’s mouth water, and we made memories that would last a lifetime. It was a reunion worth sailing all this way for!
