Sunday, August 21, 2011

Day 85: Truro to Halifax, NS (92.74km)

I think we've now realized why so many people end their trips in Halifax, once you get here it feels like you have arrived. The city is remarkably beautiful and has a friendly and relaxed culture that has us wishing we could stay for much longer than one day.

On our way from Truro to Halifax we took the scenic route along highway 2 instead of the major highway 102. Number 2 took us over more hills and potholes than we would have covered on the freeway but also weaved us through numerous small communities and panoramic views of the countryside. Today's blistering heat was also reason enough to take refuge on the tree-lined backroads rather than risk instant heatstroke on the exposed tarmac of 102. Although a little bumpy at times (see picture of our 'road to Halifax' above), the traffic on highway 2 was light enough to offer a reprieve and the pavement was generally in decent shape (outside of the rough stretches).

About ten kilometres northeast of Dartmouth we switched onto highway 318, which launched us onto a series of hills surrounding a sparkling lake. Around every bend Alex remarked on how beautiful the route was and I had to allow social convention to restrain me from jumping in the water (the whole shore seemed, sadly, to be dominated by private development). Despite that we couldn't access the lakes we were awed by the gorgeous feel of the area.

Next we had to cross the kilometre-long Macdonald bridge from Dartmouth to Halifax. There is a designated bike lane sectioned away from traffic, which makes passage much safer than our usual bridge experience. The ride across offers incredible views of the Harbour and makes for a pretty grand entrance to the city.

Since arriving we've had a celebratory dinner and some time to relax. We can't wait to spend time getting to know the city and visiting with a rehab class tomorrow.


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