10000 miles by train

[macwilkin]

Kinda yes and no. The Halifax Citadel is a National Historic Site and is staffed by Parks Canada employees in period dress. All soldiers in the regiment drill and do regular duty on and off season.


http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/natcul.aspx
Today, the Citadel is operated by Parks Canada and is recognized as one of the most important historic sites in Canada. Restored to the mid-Victorian period with a living history program featuring the 78th Highland Regiment.

As a side note, Halifax has a by-law that prevents the building of any downtown buildings that are higher than 6 stories that give the Citadel an unparalleled view of Halifax Harbour and the Atlantic ocean approach.

"Living Historians" -- at least that's what we were, both volunteers and rangers, in NPS.

When I was a young lad, I would have loved to have been a member of the Halifax Garrison. They portray the 78th Regiment of Foot:

http://www.regimental.com/special.asp?cmPageID=9

Ft. Snelling in Minnesota used to have a similar program where they would outfit and field a company of US Regulars from the 1820s.

T.

[GDub]

...The Halifax Citadel is a National Historic Site and is staffed by Parks Canada employees in period dress. All soldiers in the regiment drill and do regular duty on and off season.

True, and all the "guard" we chatted with were very knowledgeable. Being there at the tail end of the season there were very few tourists so we basically had the place to ourselves. The drummer is also a whistle and mandolin player and plays with several local bands. And that rifle was LOUD!

The train trip was GREAT!! For those considering a cross Canada train trek, Via Rail's "Silver and Blue" class on the Canadian from Vancouver to Toronto is OUTSTANDING in every way! If you decide to go for it get your tickets early and request cabin "F". We had "F" both ways (for 8 nights total). It's the biggest of the 2 person cabins and is super comfortable.

We hauled our instruments so we ended playing several sets for our very appreciative fellow travelers while crossing the vastness. I also took lots of photos. I kept a running photo blog (more or less) during the journey, but I found myself more interested in being out and about than hunkering down with the iPad--go figure. I'm still adding photos so if you're interested in my quirky photographic eye, here's the link:

GW Images

Sláinte.