It’s time to move on – goodbye, Halifax! Many thanks to our old friends Yuri and Lyuda, who made our stay here comfortable and entertaining. Thanks to Clark for the tours of BIO and Dalhousie University, and for participating in the handing over of the ARGO float for deployment. Thanks to Eric and Mat for the visits, good chats and practical advice. Thanks to Bob for his enthusiasm in fixing the engine and good chats. Thank you, Binnacle, for the good service and discounted prices. Thanks to the staff of the Armdale Yacht Club for their assistance during our stay. Thank you, Halifax!
Today was a significant day in the world of Sail for science! In the morning, Clark and I paid a visit to Dalhousie University, more specifically, the Steele Ocean Science Building, home to the Department of Oceanography. Our first stop was the Aquatron laboratory, boasting the largest aquatic research circular pool in Canada, with an impressive 50-foot diameter, filled with seawater from a nearby Northwest Arm. We also had the opportunity to explore a deep-sea pool, plunging to a depth of 10 meters. However, the real highlight was witnessing a flume, where we tested the dynamic characteristics of RBR CTD measuring systems. Clark also showed me some of the sensors from his collection, including one of Neil Brown’s early conductivity cells. In a spacious hall, we were observing a new model of the SeaCycle, an underwater multi-purpose oceanographic platform. The university is truly at the forefront of showcasing cutting-edge technologies for ocean science.
After our enlightening visit to Dalhousie University, we made our way back to the Bedford Institute of Oceanography, where a long-anticipated surprise awaited me. It was the Argo float that we had agreed to take with us and launch into the Caribbean Sea. Following a brief instruction on how to launch the float, we loaded it into a minivan, and Clark and I returned to the sailboat. Once back on board, we carefully positioned the buoy in our oceanographic laboratory, where it surprisingly fit seamlessly into the available space. Now, we have a special mission ahead of us – launching this float! It’s worth mentioning that our pre-retirenment company, RBR, manufactures CTD measuring systems for such floats. Unfortunately, the BIO warehouse only had floats with CTD from our competitor in the oceanographic instruments market, the SBE company. Nevertheless, the goal remains the same – to collect valuable oceanographic information. Our relationship with RBR is an essential part of our history, and there’s still much more stories to come! Let it Float for Science, whoever has made it!
Steel Ocean Science BuildingAquatron foue50ft diameter round pool10m deep Water towerA flumeOne of the first Neil Brown’s 4-electrodes conductivity cellA new model of SeaCycleOrganic matter collectorsNKE Argo float in a boxLoading NKE Argo float on the SV Oceanolog’Taken on board!Resting on the deck before moving into the Oceanography labSet in the laboratory
Once again, our bikes are unfolded, and it’s time to hit the road, pedal, and explore the surroundings! Today, we ventured to the extreme cape that separates the Northwest Arm and Halifax Harbour – Point Pleasant. Along the way, we made a stop at Dalhousie University, the largest university in Nova Scotia, known for its Oceanography department, where we had a planned visit with Clark. After biking along a scenic bike path in Point Pleasant Park, we continued towards the cape. This is the same cape we had recently sailed past on our sailboat, where the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean opened up before us.
On the cape itself, we encountered the concrete remnants of coastal fortifications and the Halifax Memorial, which commemorates 3130 Canadian servicemen and servicewomen from the Navy and Army who died or were buried at sea or who have no known grave in Canada. Our route led us past the container terminal, with towering pyramids of containers that resembled wooden bricks left behind by a giant child. These colossal structures accompanied us until we reached the famous Pier 21, known in immigrant circles. This time, the giant cruise ship Emerald Princess was docked there. After passing the cruise terminal, we followed a beautiful promenade that guided us towards the city center.
Unfortunately, dusk was setting in, and we began our journey back, making our way to our yacht in just half an hour. It was a fantastic bike ride, enriching our Halifax experience with new sights, exercise, and adventures.
Unfolding bikesAYC from the shore pathPassing docked SV ‘Oceanolog’Entry to Dalhousie UniversityKing’s ColledgeMain buil;ding of Dalhousie UniversitySteele Ocean Science BuildingPoint Pleasure ParkAtlantic Ocean ahead!Halifax MemorialNavy bas-relief Ruins of WWII fortificationBonaventure Anchor – Canadian Peacetime Sailors’ Memorial- Container TerminalBricks of tradePier 21, new visitorsMonument of Samuel Cunard, founder of Cunard LineMonument commemorating volunteersMonument “Immigrant” On the WaterfrontGoodbye, Emerald Princess!Downtown harbourThe Bicycle Thief RestaurantEcology movement’s right whale sculpture, made from the lobster trap and other ocean debris Under the WaveMaritime MuseumWired sculpture with a sailboatCitadel’s tower
