Just yesterday (Friday August 11, 2017) brother Paul and I got in a fishing trip for some Smallmouth Bass. We were very successful for such a hot hot day. The lake was perfectly calm and we had just a touch of breeze. We could only fish into the breeze - it was too hot otherwise. 

 We had one visitor on board - with a very co-operative dragonfly. It was huge and he let us move him around everywhere so we could get some interesting pictures. 

 Paul ended up with what may be the "lunker of the year" with this baby. It was huge - and probably the first fish larger than Bizzy. He was a pretty happy camper as it was his largest smallmouth in probably 35 years.   

 He gently returned him to the water for future generations of fish and fisherman to enjoy...

Here are the ships as they passed on their way to the open sea. We were at the mouth of Halifax Harbour where the wind was picking up a touch and as the sails filled you could almost hear the crew members grinning. Our captain ran alongside the Bluenose very closely for about 30-45 seconds and we had the sense that we were indeed "sailing with the Bluenose". It was a very special moment as you heard the sails tighten and the ropes squeak to taut and the masts groan into action almost like getting stretched and awakening. The ships were off to other various ports across the Atlantic region and some were getting prepared for the final leg of the cross Atlantic race. The Bluenose doesn't participate in racing any longer - her success rate (never been beaten) would remain intact I'm sure as we witnessed her stretch into the breeze easily. I'm sure no one in this batch would even have a remote chance of catching her if she spread out seriously.  

Notice the sailors aloft to release more sail, for when the captain barked the orders.

Halifax, Tuesday August 1, 2017 Tall Ships Parade of Sail

The very fine hostess and leader of the parade the Bluenose. This was her first big event after her latest refit (rebuild) and she has been out for about 4 years. Everyone was very happy to see her leading the charge. 

We were on the "Captain's Pride" as a chartered event with 29 people on board and we were right in the middle of things as you'll see. He was a very experienced "Parade of Sail" captain.

 Of course, the Bluenose headed up the parade and she was magnificent. We were out at the mouth of the harbour where the breeze started to pick up a bit. When her sails filled she took off like a shot and started running the wind. No one in this fleet would ever catch her.

 We were positioned to catch all the boats as they prepared for the entry to the harbour for the official Parade of Sail, we had lunch while they went in on the Dartmouth side, over to the bridge and then on the Halifax side and then on out the harbour. So then we were ready when they passed us the second time on their way out to sea and ports beyond Halifax. It was a fond farewell to the ships for their stay. 

 This is the Eagle, the huge American Tall Ship. 

 Theodore made his presence felt too. It is his harbour as well. 

More to come ... the Sail Past.

Part 3 of 3 on Rural Annapolis Valley - the hoses...

"Welcome to the expanses of dried grass and abundant foliage. The menu today is very good and you are welcome to come visit and enjoy along with me. The theme for today is that of lazy hanging out and eating, then laying down and snoozing. The flies are quite bad but not bothersome - something like mosquitoes that don't bite. I haven/t seen any horse flies around yet - and they bite and hurt. Well, are ya comin' ?"

"Wow, the cows said there was something new going on down here by the road. This sure is more interesting than the work we had to do all morning - although hard work is what we do best. Good thing the farmer gets tired out before we do... It's nice to run free and snack on all the goodies out here. What's that stuff he's carrying around? Do you know Herbie? Just like those other guys at the exhibitions with their flashing lights when we pull for the folks. Not very harmful I guess. If he causes any grief we can just stomp on his feet and he'll leave..."  

Hmmmm ... real yellow flowers - just what the doctor ordered. lunch... Nice to be out-doors on a day like today - with nothing except eating on the agenda... Great way to spend a warm summer day...

"He looks like another human to me. Maybe he's got some sugar or an apple or carrot in his pocket like those little folks that keep coming to ride and brush us up. Only good things come from the folks with two legs. 

"Hey buddy - if you have something for us you can always toss it over the fence you know."