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St. Anthony AFS

We woke up, had breakfast, filled the Rav with gas and headed out to see what adventure the day would bring. It was a beautiful sunny day in an amazing part of the Province of Newfoundland / Labrador and we were ready to take in the sights.

We first wandered out to a point we had noted earlier, and wanted to see in proper, clear daylight. A tourbus arrived shortly after us and disgorged its contents all over the road, but I tried to ignore that as much as possible. I noticed something out near the horizon in the water. I reached back into the Rav and got the binoculars for confirmation. Whales. I could see whales cresting far out in the harbour, and they were blowing spray high up into the air, refracting the sunlight at times into rainbows.

By Mike, 18 February, 2022

Manitoulin Rodeo

I saw an ad posted for the First Annual Manitoulin Rodeo and thought that it might be something interesting to check out. I have to admit that I had never been to a rodeo before. In my childhood there were many harvest fairs I went to, and I assumed that it would be somewhat similar. I was right, but I was wrong...

SS Empire Energy

Rostock, Germany, 1923. Grete, a 6,548-ton cargo ship built by Neptun AG, slips into the water, awaiting service and ready to begin a strange life at sea. Entering service in July of that year for C Mohlenberg Reederei GmbH, she would sail under a German flag until 1934. In that year, the 440ft long ship with a beam of 57ft, and a draught of 25ft, 9 inches, was sold to an Italian firm and renamed Gabbiano.

Big Brook, Newfoundland

It began innocently enough. We're driving along, me behind the wheel, my father browsing through a road atlas. He mentions a road that the map says will be decommissioned soon. As he traces along the line with his finger, he then mentions a town that the map says will be relocated soon. I asked the date of the map and realize that “soon” is likely well past. Immediately, we decide we’re going to take this road.

Riverside House

I first noticed this property several years back at which time it was, apparently, for sale. Aside from being close to the highway, it seemed ideal to me. It was a real handyman's special, of course, but even without going inside, as it was locked tight at that point, you could easily see in your mind's eye what this could become. A large private home, with an additional guest house? A rental property? The possibilities, given the location, seemed endless.

Harbour House

We drove down the bumpy dirt road specifically to see this house. This would be a first for me. I've explored hundreds of abandoned buildings, but never one once owned by family. We reached the end of the road, and I saw the house, and the barn.

Windsor Caboose

After a quick bite to eat, we continued on to rail spur where a couple of rail cars stood neglected. The caboose, while apparently in good repair, had clearly suffered some damage, and from what I've read, it is unlikely to be resume service any time soon.

Fort Chebucto

A short-lived battery, Fort Chebucto was built in 1943, and decommissioned in the 1950's. Three 6" Mk24 guns were placed here with a range of just under 14 miles (almost 22.5 km) with the idea that, without this battery, and another at Devil's Point, a German battleship would be able to bombard the port of Halifax well out of reach of existing coastal artillery.

York Redoubt - York Shore Battery

Originally constructed in 1793, defenses have lined this bluff overlooking the entrance to Halifax Harbour, and have played an important role throughout the 19th and 20th centuries before finally closing in 1956.

Point Pleasant Batteries

It was a sunny, warm day, and we drove into the parking area near the container pier beside Point Pleasant Park. Only a few moments in, and it was clear that this was a popular place as I watched people come and go, and an almost steady stream along the path. I got out, map in hand, and set out in search of three particular pieces of history, the Point Pleasant Battery, Fort Ogilvie, and the Cambridge Battery.