Halifax, Nova Scotia

All the fishing boats escorted us out of the harbor as they headed out for night time fishing. We loved Nova Scotia!

We got back into Yarmouth to load up and head out for Southwest Harbor, Maine. This will be an overnight sail of about 20 hours. We're looking at the light house off of Yarmouth.

As did Garrett. We were blown away by everything we saw and ate in Halifax.

Jenee and I loved walking around Halifax.

Still in the public gardens.

This is the Halifax public gardens - stunningly beautiful.

Halifax is one beautiful city, I'd highly recommend everyone visit. Unfortunately we stayed on the waterfront but didn't take enough pictures of it. Here's a tug boat disguised as a toy.

Too late for the photo's of lunch - we ate it. Here is a lemon cheese cake I ordered that no one else wanted until they ate it! After lunch, I decided I was too full to form a militia.

Chief navigator Jenee found a seaside restaurant that had the best seafood chowder any of us ever tried. It was on the drive to Halifax in Sommerville, Nova Scotia. That's another thing I won't stand for - stealing town names from Massachusetts. I'm thinking of forming a militia. By the way, our photographer for most of this portion of our trip is Garrett. Cool Nikon camera that makes an even cooler sound when he shoots. We're dialed.

We decided to take an overnight road trip to Halifax. We rented a land yacht and headed out. First thing we spot is this joint where they stole my name! I'm not going to stand for this! I'm not planning to do anything, I just won't stand - thank you.

And We're Here - Yarmouth, Nova Scotia!

Here is a front row view of the parade. We'll update again after our trip to Halifax. Until then.

Here is the winning entrant - called Noah's Ark

Look at the crowds at the marina. I think all of Yarmouth is here.

All kinds of fun things going on including lobster eating contest, chowder cook off and boiled lobster night -yep, we're in heaven.

All the local fisherman getting their boats ready for the night time light parade. I found out later they were thinking of asking us to join. I'm glad they didn't - too much work!

"Why no doctor, nothing but salads and greens for me". This is a lobster sandwich, a Yarmouth specialty. Basically lobster stew on bread, and um oh yeah, a side of fries. How did that beer get there? I'll look into it.

Jenee and I strol;ling on the waterfront.

We arrived Yarmouth at 10 PM - sorry no photos. Turns out we're in the middle of their big summertime festival called Sea Fest. Crazy landing for us at the marina - lots of boats and people.

Garrett spotted a whale nearby and got this shot going down.

Jenee and G-man kicking back in the pilot house.

Thumbs up for Garrett, we anticipate a Friday PM arrival.

About a 100 miles off Provincetown on direct (Rhumb) line for Yarmouth. Enjoying a beautiful day.

Rounding Saquish point and heading out into Cape Cod Bay.

We head out of Plymouth and Duxbury Harbors, past Bug light. This is Dave Silvia and his boat Easterly, doing maintenance work on the light. I met Dave through friends and he gave Jungle a good bottom cleaning before we left. If you look close, you can see Dave on the first level.

Finally, we check in with Katie to see if we're good to go. As you can see, we're good.

Of course, I need to check in with Red Auerbach, former GM and architect of the Boston Celtics. Looks like I'm not getting in the game.

And we'll check in with my brother Tom. We had a great dinner in a North End eatery - Strata.

But before we go, let's check in on Frank and Lorraine Fraine. Here's the happy couple chillin' in the pool. Dad turns 88 in August. Mom just turned 85, guess Dad always had a thing for younger women. Dad never wears sunglasses, so I made him wear mine - stylin!

Hell with it - We're sailing to Nova Scotia!

Red night means a delightful day of sailing to Nova Scotia. Until then everyone!

The outpouring of affection has been outstanding! In Newport, Rhode Island, my great buddy, Dr. Brian Cornell was more than generous with his offers of support. If you could have been a fly on the wall at our dinner;

Brian: Anything you two need, please let me know.
Me: Thanks Bri, you're the best.
Brian: No really, Steve, anything you two need...
Me: I'm Jim ...
Brian: Jenee, if there's anything I can do ...

WOW, friends like this, really, I'm kinda choked up. Brian handed me the restaurant tab, wow again, the least I could do.

Jenee is standing over Jungle's new home after our return from Nova Scotia - Shipyard Quarters Marina in Charlestown. This is part of the old Charlestown Shipyard, quite a developed property now with great access to Boston.

Good news, we worked it out and I must say, at a very fair price!

Unfortunately, Garrett reminded me of my lame jokes at his expense beginning at the age of 10. One in particular was me "beating him like a red headed step child" which I must admit didn't sound so funny as I heard him repeat it to me. Any hoo, with Garrett now at 6'6'' and 240lbs, we have some serious catching up to do.

I decided F-it! Surgery is scheduled for August 5 so we're sailing to Nova Scotia. We leave Thursday early AM for Yarmouth - 222 mile straight shot. We should arrive by Friday evening. Here is Jungle's crew of Jenee and son Garrett. Garrett has time off his studies to become a California Police Officer and flew out to come along. Great to have him.