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Goodbye, Halifax

Alvah Simon bids a somber farewell to Halifax of the North, the cat that accompanied him on countless adventures. "The Roger Henry File" for June 24, 2009

Jun 24, 2009
By Alvah Simon (More articles by this author)
(page 3)


The three of us shared the bounty of the sea with equal gusto. She was particularly fond of fresh crab, shrimp, and lobster, and would look at me with disgust when I hauled in an empty fishing line.
We also shared the hardships of the sea. Diana has the cast iron stomach of a Kiwi. Not so with the Canadian and the Yankee onboard. Too many times Halifax and I lay seasick together on the cabin sole, wondering if it was worth it. Then a new horizon would loom, and we both knew it certainly was.

She knew the rhythm of my rowing and the particular sound of our outboard. For 15 years, no matter the darkness, wind or rain, every time Diana and I returned to the Roger Henry, Halifax would be perched on the toe-rail waiting. She would give one howl of protest at our long absence and then relent into a homecoming purr.

We are sailing through Prince William Sound now. I would usually be absorbed with the magnificent sailing and scenery. But my mind keeps returning to one line in that silly little poem-- Halifax my cat... Oh a finer companion could not be.

  • Read more blogs by Alvah Simon.
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Cruiser Comments 11 Comments
Now you're in the public comment zone. What follows is not Cruising World stuff; it comes from other people and we don't vouch for it. A reminder: By using this Web site you agree to accept our Terms and Conditions. Click here to read the Privacy policy
Hi Alvah, I am sorry for your loss but great story. Gotta tell you though, yer not much of a poet....
Poggle
2009-07-27, 6:35 PM
My most sincere condolences. We lost Hanako 8 months ago at the age 03 13 years and 2 months, and...
manwinkler
2009-07-24, 7:20 AM
I can understand the hurt. We lost Spike to cancer 4 years ago. His brother is going strong at 20...
chuckval
2009-06-30, 11:04 AM
We're so sorry to hear about the passing of Halifax. Reading this has brought tears to my eyes and...
moongate
2009-06-30, 7:43 AM
We are so sorry to hear about Halifax she was a very brave and courageous cat. We loved reading...
beartrace
2009-06-27, 7:45 PM
We understood perfectly your loss and you have our sympathy.
k7zb
2009-06-27, 5:10 AM
Alvah and Diana, What a delightful character Halifax was, and how sorry I am to learn of her...
dsassaman
2009-06-26, 2:47 PM
So sorry for the loss of your kitty. This was a beautifully written piece that brought tears to my...
kirbynew
2009-06-26, 5:40 AM
We, Maria and myself, are hailing goodbye to your Halifax of The North, together with Martti-Manuli...
martti-manuli
2009-06-26, 5:38 AM
What an amazing story. Furkids are like no other. I have 2 small dogs/2 large cats now and love...
kmcnich
2009-06-26, 3:33 AM

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