The Relaunch of the Bluenose II

Hello fellow Bluenosers!

What a weekend it was! This past Saturday, September 29, marked the grand relaunch of the majestic Bluenose II. A little rain couldn't dampen the day or the spirits of those in attendance. We are maritimers after all!

You could feel the excitement in the air as the Bluenose II sailed throught the waters. What a moment for us Nova Scotians! I was delighted to have been invited to witness this historic event!

As a fellow Bluenose, I share some very interesting things in common with the Bluenose II that many people don't know:

1) Both of us were built in Lunenburg county
2) I was built by some of the same craftsmen that built the beauty (I think we both share the same good looks!)
3) We both have a theme song (Mine can be heard on a daily basis at my home base at Cable Wharf, is slightly more upbeat while the tragic but beautiful melody of the Bluenose really pulls on the heartstrings!)





 4)We have a book written about us called Theodore Too and the Mystery Guest.

Maritimers share a proud history of many things, but our heritage of wooden boats and schooners is at the top of the list! Maybe I'm biased as I am a wooden boat myself! Either way, there is no denying the importance of the Bluenose II and what she resprents to all of us. I know that Captain Angus Walters and his crew are looking on with great joy.

 Who knows... one day maybe I will be on a Canadian dime as well!

My time in Charlottetown

Hanging out in Charlottetown,

This past week I was able to spend some time in the lovely province of Prince Edward Island. I steamed out of Pugwash on July 29 and made my way up to Charlottetown. It didn't take me too long to make my way to the island, after sailing down the eastern seaboard and back earlier this year, everything seems like a short journey!

I knew I was getting close to PEI when I saw the mighty Confederation bridge spanning across Northumberland Strait. The Confederation bridge reminds me of my friend from Halifax, Benjamin Bridge! Just much bigger of course!

 I docked at the Historic Charlottetown Seaport and was able to do a few tours in the water! I had lots of great people come and visit and was able to show the fine people of Prince Edward Island all about the way a tugboat like me runs!

That is a wondeful photo of some visitors aboard my decks with Captain Peter Murphy :)

After a wonderful visit, (and some delicious Cows Ice Cream!), I began the journey home! I am still making my way back to Nova Scotia and will update everyone when I arrive back!

The Tall Ships!

My Tall Ship experience!

It certainly has been an exciting couple of weeks! Tall Ships Nova Scotia 2012 has been quite a whirlwind of activity! It all started on July 19 in Halifax. I was able to take on a new job role as a special ferry carrying festival goers back and forth across the Harbour to each of the fun family areas in Halifax and Alderney Landing. I only wish I could be a bit smaller so I could have gone on all the bouncy castles and rides! Also onboard with me were authors from the Word on the Street program who read a few great stories while I made my way across the harbour.

On Friday morning I was happy to cruise out and greet the impressive Tall Ship, the USCGC Eagle. What a sight that was coming into Halifax harbour! I'm happy I could greet the Captain and Crew as they sailed into my home harbour.

During the nights of the Tall Ships festival, it was time to party! I had a fun fireworks cruise each night which were spectacular! I took this photo as I sailed out with my passengers to see the sights from the water.

 After a weekend of seeing the beautiful Tall Ships and enjoying the spectacular Fireworks every night it was time to lead the Parade of Sails as the majestic vessels made their way out of Halifax harbour. What an incredible experience that was! The weather could not have been better for our weekend of Tall Ships in Halifax and we cannot wait until we see them sail back in again :)

I am now on to visit Pugwash, N.S and Pictou N.S before heading on to Charlottetown, P.E.I. I'll have much more to share about my visit to island, and of course, the birth place of Cows Ice Cream! Until next time!

My 12th Birthday Party!

Hello hello!

On Saturday, June 16 I celebrated my 12th Birthday with all my friends! It was a great day on the Halifax Waterfront. I woke up on Saturday morning to bunches of red ballons! Red is my favourite colour in the whole world, so it was a perfect present!

The day began with my very own theme song being played at Murphy's the Cable Wharf! Lots and lots of friends stopped by to sign my wonderful birthday card to wish me well!  Lots of people came aboard my deck to say hello and look around. All passeners aboard Theodore Too are official Captains too! Hop into the Captain Chair and wear the Official Theodore Too Captain hat!


After a special birthday reading of one of my favourite stories, Theodore Too and the Mystery Guest, it was time to have cake! Atlantic Superstore on Joseph Howe was kind enough to donate two beautiful birthday cakes! A red one and a blue one!

After having some very deicious cake, it was time to depart for my special birthday cruise! The wind was perfect as it pushed my off the deck and I went coasting down the blue waters of Halifax Harbour. I felt like a big celebrity as all of my boat friends including the Ferry twins, her highness the Harbour Queen, the Haligonian, all the Harbour Hoppers and beautiful yachts and sailboats blew their horns to wish me well! Benjamin Bridge even stood up as tall as he could to let me pass underneath.

Thank you to all of my friends who came out to support me. You made my special day!

On to Norfolk!

I got to take an unusual route up to Norfolk. My adventure so far has always been on the open ocean. Cruising either north or south in the vast North Atlantic. Spotting dolphins and turtles. Rocking in the  swells and rolling over the white caps. I've always liked the open ocean as it gives way to beautiful star filled nights and amazing sunrises. But sometimes the weather can be nasty, which makes for rough conditions. 

 
Along the Eastern seaboard, there is an inter coastal water way giving boaters an option when traveling along the coast. Starting at Norfolk, boaters can take this waterway all the way to Miami in order to avoid rough seas around Cape Hatteras, or other stormy conditions. My crew decided to take me up this waterway to stay safe from such conditions. I absolutely loved my journey along this peaceful stretch of water. It took me through scenic marsh lands and narrow channels. I loved seeing people come onto their docks to wave hello.

 I arrived in Norfolk and was docked at the Nauticus Marine Centre. There they had an amazing display of maritime history. The USS Wisconsin is on permanent display and I was amazed by her size. But I didn't have time for sight seeing. I had thousands of kids to entertain over the weekend. I was there with the WHRO kids promoting safe boating, and of course Halifax. I had lots of visits by local tugs too. It was so much fun meeting with people who had seen me in Florida. 

 I'm continuing on up the coast. The water is getting cooler and I'm getting into familiar waters. I have a quick stop in New York for a few days. I think Lady Liberty misses me.

The Tall Ship Visits

Happy Monday Everyone!

I had a fantastic stay in Savannah. When we left on Monday the weather had turned. People braved the elements along the Savannah River front to bid farewell to the Tall Ships as they parade down the river with sails set aback and swells meeting them in the harbour entrance. It wasn't an easy day to leave as I had such a fantastic time in the sea side Georgia city.

I was welcomed in the city by the most gracious host Savannah had to offer. By the time my lines were secured, the crew was being informed of all the spots they had to visit. Dinner dates were made, welcoming baskets were prepared, and I was looking my finest for the Tall Ships. I couldn't wait for my old friends to arrive to open our hatches for all the Savannians.

Throughout the festival I had over 5,000 people visit my decks. I was able to show everyone Haligonian hospitality along with my stories from home and my trip down South. I made even more friends with the local tugs who were always coming for a visit. They had small ferries running people back and fourth from one side of the river to the other. They were really interested in the ferry twins back at home and would love to come for a visit.

But like every fantastic festival, it had to come to an end. By the time the last farewells were made and crews made it back to their boats, we had to prepare for our next leg of the journey. I was leaving in my wake some amazing hospitality but knew that every day I was sailing North, I would be closer to my beloved Halifax. I'm on my way now to Norfolk and equally excited for the navigational adventure to the sea side Virginia city.

Until next time, Toot Toot.

SAVANNAH BOUND!

Migrating North,

My last farewells were made in South Florida. My crew arrived early last week. Last minute preparations were made. Filled up with fuel and water. Stocked up on some provisions for a few days, and everything was stowed away properly for my trip up to Savannah. I left Thursday afternoon on the high tide and had an amazing two day sail with light winds, following seas, and warm weather. Once in the Gulf Stream, Florida was quickly left in my wake and I had Georgia on my mind.

The Gulf Stream makes for some fantastic sailing when timed properly. I saw more dolphin shows (they really never get old), turtles lazing about, and my crew was even able to fish along the way. To my amazement, they even caught something and the barbecue smelled good that night. But what I like the most about sailing in the Gulf Stream is the help I get when heading home. The warm water from the Gulf of Mexico flows North to the cooler waters close to Nova Scotia and across to Europe. This creates a fast and warm ocean current which accelerates me back up the coast. I can relax and let the current do most of the work!

You really never know who you will meet when traveling at sea. Some nights are quiet without even a whisper on the radio. Other times you find yourself with lots of other ships around. I saw the USS George W. Bush training its crew along the way. There were jets and helicopters flying around practicing taking off and landing from the massive aircraft carrier. One of the helicopters even came by to say hello so I responded "Toot toot" as they flew by.

Now I'm safely in Savannah and very excited as the rest of the Tall Ships arrive. I can't wait to open my doors to all the people who want to stop by and hear about my trip back home.

The Tall Ship Adventure Begins!

I finished off the West Palm Beach Boat Show and was a huge hit. People were very excited to see my smiling face amongst some of the biggest yachts in the show. Over 2000 people came aboard to hear the story about my travels and find out more about my home port of Halifax. I filled in all the questions boasting the beauty of my home province and correcting some common misconceptions. I was even highlighted on the front page of Triton Magazine that was holding special issues for the Show. I was quite excited!

 I am currently still in West Palm Beach at Rybovich Marina and am able to make final preparations for my trip back home. The first port of call will be Savannah Georgia. I am going to meet my old friends, the Tall Ships, and lead them back to Halifax. I find it hard to believe that my winter in South Florida is coming to an end. I can't express my thanks to everyone that I have met here and will be looking forward to another adventure down in these beautiful tropical waters. But now it's time to go North.

Toot toot for now! Don't forget to check me out on Facebook: Official Theodore Tugboat and Twitter: @TheodoreTugboat  

My Crew and other friends!

Getting PUMPED UP for the West Palm Beach Show!

Hello again!

Things have been BUSY!  A trip down to Miami for the Cruise Shipping Miami Event and now onto West Palm Beach. I felt like a big time celebrity in Miami - some great photo ops at the entrance of the harbour to the delight of the crowds on the waterfront. I loved to be surrounded by all the tall buildings and see the art deco streets of South Beach. It was a quick stop though, as I had to get ready for the Palm Beach Boat Show. It was back to my usual spot in Fort Lauderdale to have a bit of work done, and then back up the coast for the show.

I have been getting acclimatized to the warm water and tropical breezes that Southern Florida offers. A few nice evening showers to cool me off before turning in also helps to rinse all the salt spray from my decks.  I am getting back to looking his best and am very excited to open my doors for the public.

I'm feeling quite confident representing Tourism Nova Scotia and the Waterfront Development Corporation to all the mega yachts and crews around me. I will be letting everyone know how fantastic a spot Halifax is and is looking forward to seeing some of my new friends back at my dock on the Cable Wharf.

 Bye for now!

MIAMI BEACH!

Toot toot!

My month of vacation is officially over! I have arrived in Miami, Florida, one of my favourite places! Beautiful weather and lots of fun people! This week I am taking part in Cruise Shipping Miami! As the official Ambassador to Halifax Harbour, greeting cruise ships is a big part of my job. Meeting with cruise ship people today at the event is fantastic. I am very excited for the 2012 Cruise Season.

Next weekend I am very exctited to announce that I will be attending the Palm Beach International Boat Show. This will be my first visit to West Palm Beach. The boat show will be incredible and I can't wait to see all of the beautiful boats! I will be taking lots of pictures and will be sure to update my blog with the photos. I am working with Waterfront Development Corporation at this event to showcase the beautiful marinas in Nova Scotia. I will be wearing my Nova Scotia banners!

I will be blogging soon!

Hello from Florida!

Hello everyone,

It has been a little while since I have posted! Things are going well for me in Fort Lauderdale. I'm really enjoying the warm weather! Not too much going on with me until I gear up for my next journey. I will be heading to Miami in the next little while for Cruise Shipping Miami! I have always loved Miami Beach and can't wait to see it. A special thank you to everyone who voted for me in the Winterfest Parade awards. I won a BIG prize! I'm sure my Nova Scotia tartan scarf and thousands of special Holiday lights helped me do it. A BIG thank you to everyone who came onboard or came to see me during the parade.

 JOE MILLSAPS AWARD (Going above and beyond) and Best in Theme for a Commercial Entry 60+
Theodore Too

In the meantime, I have spent my days getting to know the wonderful people of Fort Lauderdale. I have lots of visitors! Today I had a visit from some of my friends from Murphy's back in Halifax which was great. I miss my family back there! I am also getting to meet lots of beautiful vessels ranging from sailboats to giant mega yachts! Have you ever heard of the Jungle Queen? It is Fort Lauderdale's version of our Harbour Queen - with a twist! I also love the water taxis... that would be a great addition to the growing Halfiax waterfront!

 I am still sporting my Nova Scotia banners. I miss my home city but still have lots of work to do before I come back with the beautiful tall ships. The Summer will be a wonderful season in Halifax and Nova Scotia.

Thanks for following and I will be in touch soon! Don't forget to find me on Facebook (Official Theodore Tugboat) for more photos and my Twitter @TheodoreTugboat for more updates!

Bye for now...

THE BIG PARADE

HI EVERYONE!

I was all decorated in my best Christmas outfit all ready for the Winterfest Parade. Streaming lights of red and white lined my flag halyards to support my country of residence. The Nova Scotia tartan scarf wrapped around my neck kept me looking very traditional, and possibly a little too warm in the Florida climate! I was shined up and glowing with Christmas cheer as I made my way along the inter coastal waving and blowing my whistle.

I had lots of help to get prepared for the parade! The crew were hard to work as usual, and I had some special appearances from some close friends back from Halifax to take care of last minute preparations. During the parade, my decks were occupied by some special guests who helped me out during the long trip down from Halifax.

It was a long night, but I was too excited to be tired. I had been awaiting this moment since back in October when I cast my lines from my familiar home at the Halifax Waterfront. After the long trip, tireless efforts from so many people, and a new acquaintances made along the way, I can't thank everyone enough for my trip to Southern Florida. I wish everyone a very warm Happy Holidays, and am looking forward to the New Year! I will spend Christmas in Fort Lauderdale with my new friends and then let everyone know where I am off to next! Toot toot!

My first week in Fort Lauderdale

Hello everyone!

I have had a very welcoming week in Fort Lauderdale. Entering Port Everglades, the little tug Hero escorted me up the river to where I would call home for the next month. I was met by cameras and reporters once dockside as everyone here were happy to finally see us! I was feeling very proud supporting Nova Scotia and wasn't shy for my spotlight on the evening news. I am located directly downtown Fort Lauderdale and have had lots of questions to answer about the trip and my plans for the winter.

The week consisted of more cleaning and preparation for the Family Day event this past Sunday. The crew is always busy keeping me looking my best and keeping me happy. Winterfest Family Day was a part of the build up to the Winterfest Parade. I was open for the public to come and look around my decks, and have a seat in the Captain's Chair. I went out for a short cruise with some close friends to have a look at the beautiful waterfront around Fort Lauderdale.

I have a little down time before the big event on December 10th. Some of the crew are going to take a short break, but will be back to have me looking my best for the parade. I will still be answering questions to curious passer-byes and chatting about the Port of Halifax and our beautiful province. I am also happy to just hang out and take in the tropical weather. Until next time. Toot Toot!

Sprucing up for the Parade!

Hi all!

I have been wanting to look good for my arrival in Ft. Lauderdale. When I woke up in West Palm Beach I wanted to get fit for a new suit. And for a tugboat, that means a new paint job. The friendly people at Cracker Boy Boat Yard were more than helpful getting me ready for the last leg of my journey. They had a lift to get me out of the water, and allow for the crew to get some work done on me below the water line! It felt good to get out of the water for a few days, and have some old barnacles and mussels scrubbed off, a good sanding, and some much needed paint after a 1600 mile trip.

The yard was full of boats, from small motor boats to some of the fastest sailing boats in the waters. I was excited to talk to the other boats and exchange stories on our recent adventures. They were getting just as much care from their crew as I was! In just a few days my crew was able to spruce me up, and I am now ready for my big debut in Ft. Lauderdale. Tomorrow I am happy to get back into the water and the environment I'm more use to!

I am going to stay the weekend in West Palm beach as the crew prepares for me to arrive in Lauderdale. I am getting very excited and the crew says it seems to be all I can talk about! My confidence is definitely up now that I am dressed and looking my best... Now if only the crew good look that good. I wish everyone well back at home. I will represent Halifax well!

Until next time!

En Route from Cape May to Fernandina Beach to West Palm Beach!

Hi everyone!

I was out to sea for the longest leg of my life.... 650 nautical miles from Cape May New Jersey to Fernandina Florida. I was in the grove, having good weather and fair seas, managed to navigate another large obstacle of the trip to Ft. Lauderdale. Cape Hatteras is a treacherous section of offshore shoals along North Carolina. Notorious for ship wrecks and also close to Cape Fear. There was no fear for me though as I happily made it into the warmer waters of the Gulf Stream.

There are still lots of dolphins along my bow as I pulled into Fernandina Florida for a much needed washing and re-fueling. I was met well by locals and kids coming from the area. I also had lots of friends from Nova Scotia who were taking their boats down for the winter. After the salt was scrubbed off and few provisions were taken on, the crew and I were ready to tackle some more southern distances of the trip.

The leg from Fernandina to West Palm Beach was the first time I had a head on wind to deal with. It slowed me down a bit and made for a little rougher conditions. I like riding the wind and the waves much more then slamming into them. I managed the 250 mile distance with little complaint. I've been having good luck and lots of help along the way. I arrived early Monday morning under the lights of West Palm Beach. Lots of curious onlookers wanting to hear my story, and I am always happy to tell them of the big harbour where I come from.

Until next time!

I LOVE THE BIG APPLE!

Hi Everyone,

I was excited to get to New York! My passage through Buzzards Bay into Long Island Sound went very well. A following tide pushed me along above my normal cruising speed. I always like going a little faster. Through the sound, I met lots of fishing boats. I thought there were a lot in Nova Scotia, but all along the Eastern Sea Board people are out there enjoying the seas and the resources they provide. Exploring new territory, I made a lot of new friends. Boats were coming up to have a closer look and I would respond with my familiar "Toot Toot".

Then New York city came into view. I was overwhelmed with emotions. Coming into the East River, I saw all kinds of different boats. All kinds of tugs were around pushing barges and pulling other boats. Police boats were buzzing by giving off welcoming cries of their sirens. Tour boats passed with lots of people taking pictures, and ferries bringing people to and from work flew by. I was a little anxious at first, but then felt at home with all the activity. I wanted to look my best for everyone, and the crew made sure I was tip top.

I passed under all the famous bridges along my way to Manhattan. Queensborough, Brooklyn, and Manhattan to name a few, I made sure to tell them about Benjamin back at home. A special spot was reserved for me right downtown. I had amazing views of the large skyscrapers bending my head back as high as I could see. I couldn't stay long though, my date was waiting for me as the sun was setting over the Big Apple. Out of my protect marina, there she stood proud and brave. I was blushing as we went to say hello, and she wished me well on my trip. I can't wait to see her again next year.

The weather was favourable for me to make some more progress South. I shot out of New York Harbour and set my sights for the Jersey shore. After a long night of bouncing around, I needed a rest and a nice place to slip in to avoid another storm. I was welcomed in Cape May with open arms. Lots of kids have come by to say hello, and I felt very welcomed away from home. I miss my friends back in Halifax, but am making great ones along the way. I have some big days ahead of me and can't wait to get to some warmer weathers, and take in some nice Southern hospitality.

Till next time!  

TRAVELING TO NYC!

Hi Guys!

I had the longest day of my trip South. The storm subsided, the seas calmed down, and I had smooth sailing across the 180 mile stretch between southern Nova Scotia and Cape Cod. With beautiful sunsets to the west and miraculous sunrises to the east, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. While the last light houses along the Southwest Shore winked goodbye to me, I had one last glance of Nova Scotia's spectacular coast line.

The first night revealed a star studded sky only to quickly disappear with cloud cover. The next morning was much of the same. The crew remained vigilant on their watches. Keeping a close eye on the horizon, a pod of white sided dolphins came into view. Swimming straight at me, they quickly altered course and began to play in his bow wake. I was very excited. And to top off the day, a brilliant sunset revealed a green flash of light just as the sun dropped below the horizon. A phenomenon that is usually seen in the tropics, but then again who says it can't be tropical along the Gulf of Maine in November.

We spotted land in the early hours Monday morning. I came down Cape Cod Bay, shot through Cape Cod Canal with some other tug boat friends, and arrived in Fairhaven as the sun rose over the beautiful maritime town. After a long stretch of steaming, I was thirsty. The crew fueled me up, filled my water tanks, picked up one more crew and now I'm is off to the Big Apple. I have a date with Lady Liberty!

Leaving Halifax Harbour

Hello Everyone!  

I was excited to take off for my trip to Ft. Lauderdale. I was up early Saturday morning to take off on my grand adventure. With a beautiful sunrise as I pulled out of the Halifax harbour, I enjoyed a sunny sail down the southwestern shore. Gannets were diving in front of me,  pilot whales were seen off the bow, and even some tuna came close to wish me a safe voyage. I pulled into Shelburne at 9pm to rest up and avoid the inclement weather that was on the way. Once the lines were secure and the crew sat down for dinner, the winds picked up and I couldn't have been happier to make it to a safe harbour like Shelburne.

That night the winds howled as they intensified up the coast of Nova Scotia. The next morning the storm was right over me, bearing its teeth down! I was rafted up to some old fishing boat friends and they kept me secure and safe. A lot of boats were in the Shelburne harbour waiting out the storm, so I was glad to be amongst friends. That night the winds died down as the storm finally passed.

I woke up to sunny skies and light winds, once again excited to get under way. The crew are doing their final preparations, and I will be off again this afternoon. He wishes everyone a happy Halloween. Next stop New Bedford.