I had forgotten one of my favourite albeit rare pleasures, looking across from Deck 7 to VIA Rail’s The Ocean stabled at Halifax Station.  Two locomotives (presumably in multiple) today are leading nine heritage cars, including what appears to be a baggage car behind the locomotives and probably similar number of former Nights Star “Renaissance”  vehicles originally intended for overnight cross Channel services from the U.K. to various European Destinations.  These are coupled to the Heritage cars by means of a transition car, a former sleeping vehicle with both European and Canadian coupling at each end.

I think politics had much to do with the abandonment of Nightstar, rather like Mr. Sunak’s of much of HS2, not so long ago.  Google tells me the Canadians bought the entire fleet for 130 million!  Is that Canadian Dollars? 

The heatwave is over, today, replaced by quite nice sunny weather with around 23°C if we are lucky.

Apparently, last week, it was 114°F in Halifax. Today it may hit 70°F

I was rather pleased that a double-deck coach was provided for this afternoon’s shore experience. The “second level” provided slightly better views. The tour guide, like many, imparted so much information that I remember very little.  The Americans on board appreciated his poking fun at King Charles III whose portrait is still being debated with difficulty for Canadian currency! 

The bus ride in both directions (we came back a different way) was scenic once out of built-up Halifax.  But no way was it 70°F either in Halifax or Peggy’s Cove where a sea mist slightly obscured what we had travelled to see.  I needed to wear more than a short sleave shirt and shorts.  The place was crowded with tourists but still well worth seeing.

The ride home skirted several coves, inlets and lakes along attractive tree-lined roads before the “motorway” back to Nova Scotia’s capital. 

I was back on board just in time for Afternoon Tea in lieu of lunch.  We are staying overnight allowing plenty of time to explore the city and hopefully revisit some familiar places.  A stroll along the Waterfront seemed like a good idea.  To begin with, the sun was out and it was warmer than it had been all day.  The sound of Irish music grew louder as I walked away from Queen Mary 2.

I chose to eat out tonight after a lovely evening stroll. Tonight’s opening jazz festival had sold out just as I decided I was going.  However, as I ambled along the once familiar Waterfront I thought I would never see again, I came across an exciting al fresco restaurant heated by flames in the middle of each table.

The Sea Smoke Restaurant were able to accommodate me at an outside table with an amazing view across the water.  Having become cold by now, I had invested in a “Halifax sweatshirt which I thought wasn’t bad value until local and governnent taxes were added!  I forget this every time I come over to North America. Any purchases are subject to local and governnent tax which is outside of the published price.   The lamb dinner was delicious, as was the Magic Mushroom Cheese Cake, and the two decaff coffees. 

It was with a degree of reluctance that I made my way back to the ship. I had thoroughly enjoyed my time ashore, Independence for an evening.  I stept back on board just in time for the evening Show Time in the Royal Court Theatre.  The comedian, although typically American was very funny, and won the approval of what seemed like (apart from me) an all American audience.

Statue of Sir Samuel Cunard

It was a good day in Canada, visiting Peggy’s Cove  and exploring the Waterfront and enjoying a good meal, with a propane gas flame providing much needed warmth outside.

Many thanks for reading,

David, 23.48 hrs,7/7/26 in the Kings Court.