A Mexican visitor ...

After hearing that there was a "tall ship" in town for the weekend and that it was open for free tours, I headed into Halifax this morning.  

Nearly 100 cadets stood on the masts of the ‘Cuauhtémoc’, as the Mexican sail-training vessel cruised into Halifax Harbour on Friday and moored at Cable Wharf.

Photo credit - Jeff Harper, Metro news

The Halifax Waterfront Development Corporation invited such ships to come here as part of a Visiting Ship Program.  The ships get free berthing in exchange for opening to the public and doing tours.  A real win-win situation.

When I arrived at 10:20 there was no line up to speak of; we just had to wait while some folk exited the ship before we had our chance to "walk the plank" onto the ship.  

The wood trim was burnished to a high polish.

The brass fittings shone.

Even the ropes on the deck were laid down in a perfect pattern.

Many members of the crew stood ready to proudly welcome us to their ship, while others scrambled up the ropes to the very top of the masts.

Tomorrow morning they head out across the Atlantic to visit their next port of call -- London, England.

What a wonderful experience for the cadet trainees who are going to be future officers in the Mexican navy.

At the bottom of the sign is their list of ports of call on this 8 month voyage.

The ‘Cuauhtémoc' served as a backdrop for the official announcement that the Rendez-vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta will be visiting Halifax next year and will serve as the start of the final leg of the tall ships race next year.

WOOT !

I heart Hartlen.

Hartlen Point is five minutes away from my house: a mere 4 km up Shore Road. In spite of its nearness, most folk in Eastern Passage haven't been there.

Perhaps they're put off by the sign on the gate ?

They shouldn't be.  Even though it's Department of National Defense land, the Military Police don't mind us walking there.

At this time of year I would recommend that you wear rubber boots, as the paths can be pretty soggy.

Eastern Passage is windy, and Hartlen Point being located even closer to the open ocean, is windier still, so be sure to wear a good coat, gloves and ear muffs.

Come look at this.  ( Gently clutching your arm and tugging you closer to the cliff edge).

Look down there.

There's been a lot of rain in the last few days, and that combined with recent storm surges, has lead to a huge amount of erosion along the cliff edge.

Paths that followed the cliff-edge last week, now end up in mid air, so pay careful attention to where you're walking.

Far in the distance you can see the cliffs past Cow Bay.  They may even be as far off as Lawrencetown.  Super view, eh ?  Let's bring a pair on binoculars next time.

Why don't you throw the ball for Wendy and Trey.

From a small rise you can see past Devil's Island to Sambro Head on the far side of the harbour.  See there, a freighter laden with shipping containers (far left of image), heading out across the ocean.  Where do you think it's going ?

Time to head back to the car.  I've enjoyed walking with you.  Let's do this again soon.