The Sun Never Sets ….

on the British Empire 

and they mean it too.

Last day of August and the British Flag flies over the Citadel at Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Built to keep out Americans, and now as the guide so cleverly said, "to attract American tourists," is quite the site.  Halifax was England's major city in Canada and was well defended.  

The Fort today is manned by re-enactors of the 78th Scottish Highlanders, of the mid 18th Century, and were stationed here during our Civil War out of concern that the South - or North - might try to make a military incursion into Canada.  The US was not entirely trusted by England as the War of 1812 was somewhat fresh in their minds— which by the way — they do not think they lost.

These guys were feeling rather proud of themselves as it was about 12:01 and they had just fired the 12:00 noon cannon with much noise and smoke.

It was a big production, get the civilians back out of the way and such.  Our tour was ending just at the most opportune time so we were in prime position for the festivities of cannon firing.

The fort is a labyrinth of walls and entrapments for an advancing army and built to withstand much cannon fire with thirty foot thick earthen walls.

Our guide dressed in full regalia, ostrich feather headdress, kilt and working rifle, redcoat, and was serious about his role.  We liked him.

Changing of the guard.  Lots of shouting, marching and stomping of feet.

Guess who is in the Providence House for Nova Scotia? (Providence House, that's what they call their legislative building).  Why none other than Queen Charlotte and … wait for it ….King George III.  Yes that one.  Canadians are so nice Patt and I did not have the heart to point out that we did not have large portraits of King George III hanging in our legislative buildings and had a different historical perspective on him.

Took a hike along the shore — amongst the segways, yachts, street musicians, people walking dogs and crowds (look into the background of the photo) and yes indeed-dee — our environment for hikes have changed just a bit, no more forest glades and rocky seaside cliffs.  Halifax is a city of probably close to half a million.

We'll be traveling tomorrow.  Moving on,  Leaving the Atlantic.  For now.