August 14th, 2018

​Today I got up early with an ambitious plan of doing a bit of a loop from Halifax to Peggy’s Cove to the Annapolis valley, but with the realistic knowledge that I would probably get one or the other of those areas travelled.  While suiting up to go, I decided it made sense to start with the Annapolis valley.  I knew the weather wasn’t going to hold out all day and of those two destinations, it is easy to get to Peggy’s Cove and Lunenberg from Andrew and Patricia’s. 
 
I headed north with the objective of visiting Halls Harbour, The Lookoff, the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum and possibly getting as far as Digby.   The ride up to Halls Harbour was beautiful.  Halls Harbour is a tiny community right on the shore of the Bay of Fundy.  There is a lobster restaurant and gift shop there called The Lobster Pound.  I was too early in the day and it wasn’t open yet, but it has good reviews, so I’d give it a go if you are in the area.  I spent some time wandering the short pier and lookout before getting back on Fury and heading out again. 
 
I back-tracked a bit to get to The Lookoff, which I expected to be an elevated viewpoint.  It turned out to be a community.  I assume itwas called The Lookoff for the spectacular view of the Annapolis valley below.  And it was spectacular.  
 
Heading down from The Lookoff, I set google maps for Greenwood.  Having taken the road to Halls Harbour, I was routed down Hwy 221 instead of back to the main road, which was all to the good.  This lovely rural road was in good shape, with only a few stretches of rough pavement.  It trailed me delightfully through crops, cattle farms, orchards and vineyards.  As I was riding, I was thinking that you don’t have to go just to PEI for red roads – the soil is already appearing red around Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 
 
Along the way, I discovered the Northville Farm Heritage Centre.  It also was not open, but the gate was open, so I was able to park Fury and wander the grounds, taking some pictures here and there and peeking into the windows of the buildings.  It was pretty neat – lots of old equipment and setups from the “old” days. 
 
Eventually, I made it to Kingston and over to the Greenwood Aviation Military Museum.  This is a fabulous display of military aircraft used during the wars, the airmen and women who flew them and personal stories from the WWII.   It was very emotional to read the stories and see the displays – it makes it seem so real and one feels the atmosphere of the war – the tragedy and quiet bravery of those who fought.  There were also displays of the various medals awarded to soldiers and explanations of them that I thought was so interesting.   Stepping outside, there are several military planes on display around the grounds.  Quite fascinating to see them up close and personal. 
 
It was time to find some lunch after the aviation museum.  On my way to the Green Elephant restaurant, I spotted a Honda store.  Knowing I needed some more chain lube, I went into the shop.  The product was not easily found and as no one seemed to have the time of day for me, I left and went for lunch.
 
It had started to rain when I left the aviation museum and by the time I was done having lunch, it was still spitting a bit.  With Digby still more than an hour away and the weather forecasting rain in that direction, I decided it was time to head back to Halifax.  A few minutes down the road and it began to rain in earnest.   I stopped at the Tim’s in Berwick to change out my jacket and have a tea in hopes of it letting up.  As I entered the shop, some locals were sitting having a coffee and they joked and talked with me for a while.  One gentleman was able to suggest some shipping options for me to check out as well.   By the time I was done my tea, the rain had let up, so I headed out again.
 
Mother Nature was just teasing us though – we were only out for another 10 minutes before it began to rain again and poured on us pretty steadily all the way back to Halifax.  Only a few minutes shy of our destination, I spotted a Canadian Tire store and was able to get off the highway to find it and get a can of chain lube.  Riding the last 20 minutes to Patricia and Andrew’s, I arrived in time to have a quick shower, fix my helmet hair and go for dinner with them!   We went to the Five Fishermen in downtown Halifax and had a great meal.   Time to crash and burn so we can continue our adventures tomorrow!  Thanks for joining me, my friends!