Tall Ships come and Tall Ships go.

The Tall Ships brief visit was a very popular event in Halifax.  The unusually hot, sunny weather didn't hurt.  The food area, buskers, musicians and children's play areas added to the attraction.

Heck, even Santa stopped by to check out the ships.

Bands in period costume, added to the excitement, filling the air with the sound of flutes, drums and bagpipes.

I strolled up and down the boardwalk in the baking sun, sucking back on a thermos of water, and marvelling at the growing crowd.

The area was peppered with replica recruitment posters from the time.  If flattery, or the offer of excitement was not enough, "Prize Money", was offered to new recruits who were willing to sign on for seven years service

The Government of Canada is spending $28 million of our tax dollars to remind us that it is the Bi-Centennial of the War of 1812.  See the pretty red sign ?   Without checking with Google or Wikipedia, do you know who won the war of 1812?  or what it was all about ?

No, it was not the first war to use giant octopii to conquer enemy fleets.

And "no" that's not Kermit the Frog on the masthead below, though you could be forgiven for confusing the two.

Theodore Tugboat, a working tug, who delights cruise ship passengers, as he meets and assists them with their docking, popped over to Dartmouth to visit a couple of Tall Ships as well as some of his fans.

After their four-day visit, the Tall Ships left today, escorted by a flotilla of smaller craft, a naval escort and a fire boat shooting plumes of water high into the sky.

Canons fired from several locations along the shore saluted their departure, adding much drama and puffs of blue smoke.

I hope they come back soon.

A foggy walk at Hartlen Point ...

Wendy, Trey and I had a nice walk this afternoon at Hartlen Point.

Heavy fog kept rolling by as we walked along the cobbled shore below the cliffs.

The dogs chased the ball into the ocean, or up the eroding cliffs.

It was cooler today and perhaps that was what was causing the fog.  Whatever the reason, I love the way it "fuzzes" up reality's edges.

Things that are normally sharp and clear, take on a softer look.

š  › 

'cept for Trey.  He always makes sure that you can see him clearly.

While Wendy waits patiently in the background.

And all the while the ocean waves breathe IN and OUT, IN and OUT.

And the gentle breeze brings the jumbled scent of wild roses and sea life.

It feels magical to be near the ocean on a foggy day.

Don't you agree ?

A lot of tongue.

Trey says:  "Chasing a ball is hot work."

  Pant.  Pant.

"But it's a lot of fun.  And a dog has to cool down."

Pant.  Pant.

"Wendy pants like a girl ! "

Summer in a colander.

Is there anything that embodies the word "summer" more than going strawberry picking on a hot day ?

Bent over, our backs warmed by the sun, our fingers feather their way through the green leaves,

seeking out the juiciest, reddest berries in the patch.

It's not just about the harvesting.

It's a time of building memories with family,

 or with friends.

and the best part of all is that sampling is allowed.

I do lots of sampling.

It's a wonderful experience -- like being a child again.

How to entertain a visitor.

Step #1   Find some pennies.

Step # 2  Locate  railroad tracks.

Step #3   Lay the pennies on the tracks.

Step #4   Wait for train.

Step #5   Marvel at the results, including your ability to entertain guests so cheaply !

BTW  We couldn't find all our pennies as some of them must have been propelled too far from the
tracks.  But we did find a quarter that someone else had left to be flattened.  They must be rich to leave a whole quarter on the tracks !

Throw the ball. Throw the ball. Throw the ball.

Throw the ball !

Race you Wendy !

Race you Trey !

Throw the ball !

Loopy for lupins ...

Purple, light pink, dark pink, white and lavender, each June I look forward to an intoxicating, over-dose of lupins.

I love walking amongst them (carefully), inhaling their gentle, sweet scent.

The plant captured above was unusual as it was a bi-colour.  See, the others are all solid colours.

When I see the Lupins, I know summer cannot be far behind.

If your appetite for Lupins is still not sated, you might want to check out my friend, Amy-Lynn's post Lupins Galore.

At the seaside.

The sea is calling.   Can you hear it ?  
There it is, through that opening in the grass,

or over the top of this hill,

or at the end of this board walk.

Oh.  You're already there.

Lovely isn't it ?

I'll just leave you to your thoughts.

Enjoy.