(that's Halifax to the left)
Here it is on the ferry ride:
The fort constructed on the island was one of the defensive fortifications of the city built by Price Edward. THe little fort was called Fort Charlotte after his mother. Incidentally, Edward's daughter would be known as Queen Victoria.
The entire island is basically one big fortification with old gun turrets pointing out to the mouth of the harbour ready to blow any shop to smithereens. THe island served as the last line of defense into the inner harbour.
Of course there is a lighthouse, now automated. THe last lightkeeper and his family left in '75 I believe.
If there is one thing Nova Scotians love its their "historic reenactors". This guy posed for us (he's hiding his very non-1800s hot dog behind his back):
And then we went down into the tunnels. These were underground storerooms for amunition and black powder (and piss off; I like my sepia tone...I think it really works with the dark and dankness of the tunnels...as well making me look all artsy ^ creative & shit).
Coming out of the tunnels you walk into a moat which separates the main fort from the outer defensive structure that housed 4 BIG 10 inch rifled muzzle loaders. These faced out to sea and could fire 400 pound shells up to 3 miles. Yeh, that's a big deal.
Here's a view of those turrets from the sea looking back to the island:
Those cannons were part of the lower battery. The upper battery consisted of a another bank of cannons above ground. This bank had a wider view of the harbour and could hit ships as they passed the island.
You also got a great view of McNab's Island from here. MI is a larger island (400 hectares) that sits further out towards the ocean. It was also fortified. Its more difficult to get to but I plan to this summer.
Halifax from the island:
ANd you can't have a blogpost about Nova Scotia without including a picture of sailing boats:
Or a fishing boat:
More reenactors (I love these fuckers):
The guy with the hacksaw was describing the process of amputation during wartime, while the cute little child was playing at his feet and I was eating a hotdog. Awesome:
Another of McNab's Island:
The red building is a horrible dank little stone building for the married officiers. Really, I can't imagine living in that cramped place; it must have been to remind them of marriage:
The white building is the lighthouse keeper's residence:
Annnd one last panorama of Halifax from GI:
Annnd two last views of the island on the way back:
And me:
God, what a fucking tourist I am....
