Saturday 7th October 2023
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Mary wrote: We got up at 0730 so we would be ready to get to the Maritime Museum at 0930 when it opens. We set off in good time but were waylaid on the way by taking photos following the excellent boardwalk. The weather was sunny but only forecast for 19°C.
The museum was spacious and had lots of models of famous ships and full-sized refurbished actual sailing boats. Another area showed the history of the demolished town after the explosion of the Mont Blanc, which was unbelievable.
There was also an area for children to participate. Walking back to the boat we saw plenty of stimulating children's pavement games along the walk. We sat on the brightly coloured chairs along the 12-mile natural harbour, and were surprised to see that lots of the chairs were supplied by a plastics company. We could not work out if it was wood covered by plastic or was moulded plastic.
A Canadian couple were sitting beside us, and we chatted for about 20 minutes before we headed back to the ship. We had to be back for 1300 to set sail for 1330.
I went for a talk by Sue Atkinson who was born in St Johns Newfoundland, before meeting up again with Mel for tea.
I have now finished my second ball of Sirdar Firefly on my shawl which means it is two-thirds finished. It has been cold this afternoon and white horses have started to appear. The waves are meant to increase to 4 - 6 metres over the evening and night, and then calm down again tomorrow. We are meant to arrive in Portland at 1830 tomorrow. Originally, we were to dock on Monday morning, but missing St John brings it forward.
Unfortunately, after writing my log I went back to our cabin and the sea got rougher, so I did not go for the 2030 dinner. Mel said that Pat and Ashley were not there either. I was not sick but just felt awful. I took just my warfarin tablets and hoped for the best.
I had eaten plenty at lunchtime so thought I would be OK for food until the morning! At around 0230 I was awake and then could not sleep as I was hungry. I read my Kindle and remembered we had to be put our watches back one hour. It was going to be very a long night.
