Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Theodore Tugboat

“Oh Theodore…. Emily, Foddock, Hank and George & the Harbour Master too…”


To those who have ever watched Theodore Tugboat on PBS growing up, or whose kids have watched it, who doesn’t Love Theodore Tugboat?? I can remember watching him as a child growing up, I couldn’t wait for Theodore to come on tv! What made him even more special is with his stories being based out of the harbour right here in Halifax, NS he was more than a delightful character, he was a piece of “home” (growing up by the Bay of Fundy, I was quite partial to “Digby” the barge).



Back in 2009 I was fortunate enough to be able to 
make a special trip to the city of Halifax, and while there I made sure to take the boys down to the waterfront to see a very special someone….. of course that special someone was THEODORE!









He spends his summers here in his home Harbour in Halifax, NS. You can go to the water front to see him when he is in dock, here there is also a Theodore Tugboat gift shop, as well you can purchase tickets to board Theodore and take a ride all around the ‘great big harbour’.









During the off season he spends his winters on the shore in the south (Florida I believe), but he always makes his way back to his native land for tourist season to spend his summer in this beautiful land.

I hope you enjoyed having a look at Theodore in his home, if you’d like to learn more about him, his gift shop and his tours please visit his website.

Happy & Safe Travels 
~Jenn

Sunday, May 13, 2012

A Brief Look At Halifax

One thing I don’t get to do very often is head out to the Capital City of Halifax. When I do get to go there I never seem to have much for money so I don’t get to do a whole lot while I’m there OR it’s just for appointments, like when I went in to get my American Passport, or the many trips to the IWK children’s hospital when my oldest son broke his arm.  There are plenty of great things to see and do while in the city though, someday I’d like to go just to be a “tourist” to the area.

A few things I’d like to make note of that I was able to quickly see in “drive By Mode” are, the Casino. Not overly huge or ‘grand’ looking from the outside, it’s unique shape, and location right on the water definitely does give it some appeal though.







Then there is the Discovery Centre. This would be a great place to take the family for some fun and learning. I have never been inside, however when I worked at Upper Clements Park many many moons ago we did have some exhibits there to check out and as a Ride Op / Attendant I did have a few opportunities to man the building and spend some time checking things out, and they were pretty darn cool.  I just keep thinking, that if that was the stuff they were willing to part with for the summer, what cool things they must have that they kept for themselves. They change things up often, but I’d definitely like to take the boys there someday.

I also got to spend quite a bit of time down at the Water Front taking in the sights there. Yet another great spot to spend some time just walking around, checking out the little shops and restaurants, or maybe even checking out one of the many different Harbour Tours.

   


  

Now, I can't forget to mention the Purdy's Wharf Towers.  Spent a LOT of time in those buildings when I had to go get my US Passport, and spent even more time in the Pedway system (which the kids though was pretty neat) going back and forth to the mall because they kept screwing up my Passport Photos (apparently they go by different specs for a US Passport than a Canadian one and they just couldn't get it right). Anyway, these two small towers (at the time I thought they were big, but since then I made a trip to NYC and yea, these so called "towers" are just little itty bitty "towers" LOL), are actually quite pretty, also nestled down on the Waterfront.


Now this next part may not be exciting to you, but we don’t have any trains in the area in which we live, so the kids really enjoyed getting out and taking some time to watch the trains do their thing with the containers off the big ships.



Speaking of the shipyard, check out this AWESOME view from my brothers apartment!  Pretty cool eh?  He says it gets noisy, but I think I could handle the noise for sure an awesome view.... then again I'm more of a country girl, so maybe not. Still think it's pretty cool to take a few to watch and enjoy.


That’s about it from my quickie visits passing through the city, there is so much more to see and do, including shopping, different parks, The Museum of Natural History, Events at the Metro Centre, Citidal Hill etc. So it is definitely worth a day (or two), of touring while spending time in Nova Scotia.

One last picture before I go.... the beautiful view on the highway as I drove back home.

Happy & Safe Travels
~Jenn

Friday, May 11, 2012

Lighthouse Preservation News Updates


Here I go again on another rant about the possible demolitions of many of our Lighthouses, all across Canada. I am pleased to hear that 155 petitions have made their way to Ottawa so far INCLUDING one for our beloved Peggy's Cove lighthouse here in Nova Scotia, but that's still a very small amount compared to the 970 that are on the chopping block.


Here is the most recent article I've come across on this topic, there are already some very opinionated comments from unhappy people all over the country that this is happening, and they should be!


I will definitely be following the action right to the deadline and I'm sure I'll be back with my final rant when deadline comes and be awaiting to hear news on the petitions that do get what they want, need AND deserve! In the meantime, I am going to continue to plan my summer of visits and get to as many lights as possible, and all you Lighthouse lovers out there should think about getting to visit some as well!

Safe Travels Everyone.
~Jenn