Autumn reflections...

I am well aware that spending these two autumn months in Halifax has been a gift.  I keep hearing about snow and rain on the prairies - making me get out even more often to enjoy these last sunny days here on the East Coast!  

On Sunday, October 16th, our friends Paul and Sarah, took Art and I on a walk after church at the Shubie Park in Dartmouth.  Many years ago, the Shubenacadie River was seen as a possible transportation link between Dartmouth and the Halifax Harbour.  Although that has long since been abandoned, there is a beautiful series of trails along the river today.  Here are a few of the pictures from our Sunday stroll:

There used to be a series of Locks that helped the boats get up the river, and this is one that has been restored to tell a bit of the story of years gone by:

Right near this Lock, there is a building with a concession stand.  At one time the United Church in the neighbourhood actually operated the concession stand both as a fundraiser, and as a way of being involved in the community.  Kind of a unique ministry to offer!

When we left Dartmouth, it was a good to give Art a chance to get out on the water by taking the Dartmouth ferry across to the Halifax water front.

I know that in many ways the Halifax water front is very touristy, but there is something about being down there, beside the water, that I find very relaxing.  So, we sat at a little table and then played around with the timer on our camera to get a picture - felt like a good way to capture the warmth of the sun, and the fun of being by the water.

Once Art had left, it was beginning to feel like I had been everywhere, and done everything - but I did manage to find another trail to walk.  This one was at Hemlock Ravine.  It involved a new bus route, so that was kind of fun as well!  And the fall colors continued to be at their best.  Here is the entrance to the Park:

I set off down the trail - it was lovely to just wind my way down the hill on this very well maintained path.  There were other people on the trail, but plenty of room for all of us.  A beautiful fall day!

As with everything in this City, this park also has quite a history.  In 1789 John Wentworth lived on this property with his wife.  When Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, arrived to command the garrison in 1794, he took over the property and lived there with his mistress, Madame Julie de St. Laurent.  He developed the 200 acres of woodland into quite a magnificent estate, with beautiful gardens and a large oval pond.  Many of the elite from Halifax thoroughly enjoyed the festivities that would happen when Prince Edward would host parties on the Estate.  The Prince left Halifax in 1800, and the property eventually fell into dis-repair.  However, in 1869, Prince Arthur, Edward's grandson, arrived for a visit to Halifax.  He re-shaped the pond into the famous heart-shaped pond that is there today - he wanted to dedicate the pond to the 27 year relationship between Prince Edward and Julie St. Laurent - therefore, it is often seen as a place of romance, and is often called Julie's pond.  I found it a lovely warm spot to sit and watch the ducks for a wee while.

I made my way back down the trail to catch the bus, and passed some more of those stunning red trees along the way:

I was sitting on the bus thinking about how lucky I am to still be here, when this woman and her friend got on the bus.  I missed the moment when it was most striking, but truly - have you ever seen hair her color?!?  It was stunning when the sun shone through it!  Part of what got me is that my guess is this woman was actually a little older than I am - who am I to guess at age?  But she was no spring chicken!

When I first arrived in Halifax, this woman was often sitting down on the Harbour Front.  She plays music on a CD, which she accompanies with her spoons.  It was quite lovely to see her once more, and so I leave you with this picture of a woman enjoying the sun, the music, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Halifax Harbour Front!