2004-08-12 - 1:18

Nova Scotia tour '04

So, it seems that a trip recap is in order. I have to say that the vacation went fantastically well. I would have liked to have gotten together with Liam more often; but it's hard to get everything scheduled perfectly. However, Laurie and I did get eight sunny days out of ten, which is pretty damned impressive for Halifax; and we had something on the go every day.

We arrived Saturday and made it to the homestead in Lewis Lake, getting in the water for the first of several swims. After a late night of packing and an early morning, Saturday was chiefly a sleep recovery day, as well as a chance to hang out with the folks.

Sunday, we hooked up with Laurie's relatives (Jackie and company) downtown to walk the waterfront, check out the Tall Ships, take lots of pictures, and feast on some rather impressive Thai food.

On the holiday Monday, Laurie and I went for a hike through the woods and into the Lewis Lake Provincial Park. The main focus on the day, though, was a trip to Peggy's Cove with the parents, for more picture taking and lots of hopping around the rocks. Any trip that involves scrambling over rocks is fine by me, be it Vasquez Rocks, Gatineau Park, or Peggy's Cove.

Tuesday was perhaps the most fun, as I got to take Laurie around Halifax. We did lots of walking, with highlights being the Public Gardens and the Citadel. The Gardens have been rebuilt very well since the hurricane. The canopy is certainly lacking now; but in many ways, the gardens look better than before. During the mealtime portion of the walking tour, I was able to conclude that the Thirsty Duck still makes a mean cheesesteak and McKelvie's is as kick-ass as ever.

Wednesday was spent back at the house, waiting for the cable guy to come hook up the Internet. Shockingly, my parents finally decided to get a computer, so I was helping them with that. At night, we did get a chance to meet up with Liam and his girlfriend, taking in The Village, which was . . . interesting.

Thursday involved a get-together with my mother's side of the family, which was cool. No cards, though--I think that they are getting soft with age. (Heh.)

Next, we went back to the city to hang out with Jackie for the weekend. Darryn was unfortunately away for the early going; but we had fun, without him. Included in the weekend was the Keith's brewery tour (somewhat mitigated for me by my non-drinkatosity); a trip to the casino (profit of $137.50 and a parrot keychain); and a cool tour of the harbour, led by Darryn's father in his six-person boat.

Darryn did return in time to take a beating at Mario Kart, before Laurie and I headed back to Lewis Lake to wind down the vacation.

Nothing too crazy, perhaps; but certainly another full vacation home. It's always good to see the parents and the brother; and it was especially fun to show Laurie home for the first time.

J.