Day 1 - Edmonton to Halifax!

We're Off!

After a long 3 months of fundraising, cookie selling, planning (and more cookie selling), the 3rd & 177th Guides were off on our Maritimes 2018 adventures!  And, it didn't take long for the adventures to begin!  We passed through security, picked up our free smoothies ("thanks Booster Juice!" and were headed off to our gate.  Girls were amused by the "people movers" (moving sidewalks) while we waited to board.  Shortly after settling on board, two armed policemen boarded and proceeded to arrest (in handcuffs!) the gentleman sitting amongst us.  Thankfully, he went peacefully and we were off on our way quickly!  Nothing like a good story off to start the trip though!

We arrived in Halifax and were promptly greeted by "Bus Driver Brad" our friendly, patient and helpful coach bus driver!  Check-out our bus below.  We're traveling in style!

Our first stop was actually McDonald's just off the Bedford highway (en route to Halifax).  After a "not-so-quick" breakfast, we were back on our way to the Halifax Waterfront.  We enjoyed checking out the sites (check out our pictures with "the wave") and the gift shops, of course!  By this time, the girls' spending money was certainly burning a whole in their pockets...

At 10:15a.m., it was time to board our Harbour Hopper amphibious vehicle tour of Halifax city and Halifax Harbour.  Surprisingly, despite getting very little sleep on the short flight, only one girl had trouble staying awake.  Our tour guide, Alex, was fabulous with the girls!  We learned a ton about the Halifax area and history; the Halifax explosion, gardens, the Citadel, and a church with a haunted ghost!  The highlight of the trip, however, was definitely when the boat left the streets and proceeded towards the water.  The driver had promised the girls "a big splash!" and he delivered!!  It came right up over the roof; the girls' squeals of approval rang loud!

Following the tour of the harbour, we headed back to the Halifax waterfront for a bit more sightseeing, shopping, and some lunch.  There were a variety of unhealthy choices...poutine, pizza slices as big as your head, lobster rolls, Cow's ice cream, etc.  Alex's grandparents live nearby so they met up with us for lunch and then met us again at Peggy's Cove.  The temperatures were high today so they even went home to get us coolers full of ice cold water which was much appreciated later in the day!

After lunch, we were off to Peggy's Cove.  The landscape driving en route to the busy area was absolutely breathtaking; on the right hand side trees and fresh water lakes, on the left hand side more trees and ocean!  Although busy, Peggy's Cove didn't disappoint.  After posing for a number of photo ops, the girls were eager to explore the rocks (and then later the large gift shop!)

After visiting the iconic lighthouse, we walked a little into the town to snap some pictures!  Unfortunately, it was then time to say, "goodbye" to Alex's grandparents as we were off to enjoy our lobster feast at Hubbard's Shore Club.  The dinner included all you can eat steamed mussels, all you can eat salad bar, drinks, and a Nova Scotia blueberry shortcake for dessert!  The leaders thoroughly enjoyed everything (as did many of the girls).  Some, however, although willing to try the lobster were quick to realize it isn't one of their new favourite foods!

Our day ended at our hotel in Bridgewater.  Since everyone was understandably tired, we got the girls together to finish off their money envelopes for the day, journal, make food choices for pre-ordering upcoming meals, and write their "Today was fabulous messages" to you!  Check them out below!  Once the girls were tucked into bed, the leaders' jobs weren't over - oh, no!  Who needs sleep?!  Lol.  We apologize for the late hour at which you'll be receiving the blog post.  There was much to be done finishing tallying girls' spending money, etc.  Despite the late hour, we hope you've enjoyed today's post.  We excitedly await your comments on the blog!  Please remember we're asking that each girl receive at least one comment so that we can share them with the whole group without leaving anyone out!  Rest assured that "Day 1" was a resounding success!  Looking forward to day 2 which includes pictures with the Bluenose, a tour of the Fisheries Museum in Lunenburg, a guided tour of Ovens Natural Park, and a night hike!