Moving towards the USA...

We head out of Canada later today on the journey home - but not before prowling around Halifax a little more - and celebrating this great place one last time. We'll also tool through the forest and mountains of rural Maine on our way to Orno.

Most of yesterday was spent exploring the Atlantic coastline - particularly Peggy's Cove - which was stunning. Dianne says that this landscape is DEEP within her DNA: scubby little trees, marshes and the beautiful ocean. "All you can do here is soak up the solitude and raise sheep." She was here as a child and spent part of the afternoon scooting over the rocks she climbed 30 years ago.

While sending a video clip of the ocean and a lone piper to her sisters, Dianne got word that her nephew, Ben, had been taken into surgery for an appendectomy. It appears that all is going well but she has not yet spoken to family. Before we head out later today I pray there is a good update. NOTE: young Ben was just taken off the ventilator and seems to be getting on alright (but prayers are still appreciated.)

So we never made it to Bearly's - found another jazz club instead - and then walked along the Halifax boardwalk now that the buskers have departed. Stopped by the oldest Anglican church in Canada - St. Paul's - before calling it a night, too.

This has been a restful, invigorating and reconnecting time for us both - and our trip through Maine is something Dianne has always wanted to do. There is something about a long drive together that we both love - quiet and conversation, exploring new places, just spending time close together - and it is good that our vacation this year includes LOTS of driving time.

Once back home in Pittsfield, I'll have another week off for reading, guitar work, visiting with the girls and finding a way to display a ton of art work I've collected from around the world. I think I will also check out the local Word X Word festival of poetry and music. But now... on to packing!