Sydney, Reading, and a bit of wind!

Arrived at the sleepy town of Sydney which is always happy to have the cruise ships arrive.  Not a lot going on... but it is a good stepping off point.  We had no plans for an excursion so we disembarked and walked around town and the boardwalk.  It was windy... and as the day progressed got even more windy.

Got back on board, ate and found a warm, comfy spot for reading on the aft of the boat.  So comfy in fact, after about an hour, I left for our stateroom and promptly feel asleep for an hour or so... even though I was reading a good book!

We were suppose to leave around 4 when the Captain announced that the winds were such (gusts up to 40+ knots pounding on our Port Side while the Starboard Side was against the pier) and since Sydney had no tug boats to assist, we were going to wait till 6 and see if they would die down.  He assured us we would make the next port in plenty of time even if that happened.  The winds were not cooperating in any way and even stronger winds were predicted through the night and early morning.  About 6:30 he announced we had a small window of opportunity and he was going to attempt it.  Those starboard thrusters had to work their little blades off... It took about 10 minutes but we finally got far enough away from the dock and rocks we could begin some forward motion.   About five minutes later... the announcement was short and sweet "This is the Captain.  We Made It!"

Jerry and I finally met Kelli's parents while in the Crows Nest Bar.  Small world... as we introduced them to our group... talked about where folks were from... Rich dated a gal Jens went to high school with from the town he grew up in on the East Coast. 

Anyway... great, special dinner at the Pinnacle Grill... Finished up around 10:30 and went back to our rooms... well, I did... Jer went walking and I'm not sure what else everyone else chose to do.  Wind was quite strong all night (apparent wind was steady at 50+ mph the TV screen said)... but the boat is equipped with stabilizers that kept the ride comfortable.  Woke up arriving into Halifax... to a another beautiful sunrise, birds and lighthouses!  Who knows what today's adventure will be!

Jerry's artwork with "Towel Art....".... he calls it Pillow Art...  

 Found a Geocache under this tree and this woodpecker...

Hate to see the size of the guy that plays this fiddle

Sunrise... Halifax