Bouldering and Rock Climbing

Our property is scattered with boulders that the children love to climb when they visit.

This one, which is in the garden, they all have conquered.

This boulder at the front of the house is a challenge that they are slowly conquering.

The big kids can make it but the little ones still have a bit of a problem.

And they are eying this one that is in the back yard. We call it the Mini Half Dome because it reminds me of another rock formation:

The Half Dome, a giant boulder in Yosemite National Park in California. I took this photo when we were hiking there last year. You cannot see it in the picture but there is a cable path and ladder attached to the top of the Half Dome that people use to climb to the top. You can learn more about it here. The video is a little long but worth taking the time to watch.

Needless to say, we did not go up there. I am a bit fearful of heights and Arch was very happy not to go :)
We are considering building a version of the cable path to the top of our Mini Half Dome so the kids can get to the top. What do you think?

The Halifax Waterfront at Dawn

Yesterday morning I was lucky to be on the Halifax Waterfront. What a glorious spot it is at dawn.

This oil drilling platform is the last from the Nova Scotia offshore oil fields. It is in port while looking for a new place to work. Rather sad as it represents a lot of lost revenue for the province.

The sunrise over Halifax Harbour.This looks like a great place to go to work in the early morning hours.

The tugs are at work early getting this barge in place for the work day.

The first cruise ship of the day is in port and being resupplied for the next leg of the journey.

If you look carefully I think there is another cruise ship in the distance

Which this tug may be going to assist into port.

Sure enough. Here it comes.

This sail boat appears to be overnighting in port but no one is up to greet the dawn.

I cannot help but wonder about a sightseeing tour to the Titanic. I know it is to the burrial site but that is not what the sign says.

Amos Pewter brings a bit of Mahone Bay to the waterfront.

Historic Properties is still asleep.

But lots of people were headed for work at Purdy's work which was looking majestic in the rising sun.

On my way back to the hotel I ran into this gentleman fishing for mackerel just in front of the cruise ship. He tells me the harbour is "clean as a whistle" and he comes here to fish nearly every morning.