Cape Tormentine

Aug 18th Cape Tormentine

The weather forecast looked crappy for the next 4-5 days so we decided to start heading back towards Shediac.  Today's  destination, Cape Tormentine,  was the former ferry terminal before Confederation Bridge was built. It was a 60 mile motor with the wind on the nose the whole way. There were lots of dolphins swimming about. The Northumberland Strait is right full of lobster pots as the season is in full swing in this area so we had to be watchful and play ' dodge pot' all the way. We arrived about 7:30 PM and found the entire inner harbour full of fishing boats so there was no place to park. Rafting would have been an option if we didn't mind moving our boat at 4:30 AM - no thanks! We ended up on the outside wall of the inner harbour which wasn't  stellar as we got slopped around all night  Luckily the winds never exceeded 10 kn so we didn't have to move during the night.

Pictou

Aug 16-17 Pictou 

We left Ballantynes Cove bright & early for our next destination of Pictou. It was a lively sail in 18-23 kn winds. At the Hector Quay Marina, we looked up Al and Alta (friends we met last year) and met them for a brew at the local pub house. The next day, they picked us up at ten and we drove to New Glasgow for a town tour and lunch. We had a tour of an early 1900's residence which is now a funeral home. The owner is a friend of Al's and he graciously showed us around. Obviously it was built by a very wealthy family, the original woodwork in the place is simply amazing.  No wonder people are dying to see the place.....

We took in the evening show at the  deCoste Centre on the history of Pictou told through song and dance. We have to remember to pronounce it as PicTOE not PicTOO. PicTOO is a sure sign that you 'come from away'. 

Balantynes Cove

Aug 15 Ballantynes Cove

We left False Bay about 7 AM and headed back out into the Lennox Passage towards lift bridge. The 30 knot winds from the day before had blown themselves out overnight so we motored to the lift bridge and caught the first opening at 8 A.M. The bridge only opens to approx. 45 degrees  so watch your mast going thru!  Next was transiting the Canso Lock at Port Hawkesbury. Our attempts to contact the lock master on VHF 16 were unsuccessful. We were advised later that they only monitor channel 14 -better update the cruising guides.... meantime, we were relieved to know that our radio was functioning fine. As it happened, the lock opened just then for another sailboat to exit and we hustled right in. Apparently, it is really a commercial lock for the passage of large tankers, tugs & barges, cruise ships etc. however, we never encountered any. Both the lift bridge and lock would have been a considerable challenge had we attempted them in yesterday's wind! It was another motor to Ballantynes Cove with a few dolphin sightings along the way. After dinner, we went up to the Boyd house for a lovely visit with Alex, Tina , Sandy & Ann. We always look forward to a visit with them when we pass through. 

False Bay

Aug 14 False Bay

He had a great sail across Big Bras D'or and went through the St. Peter's locks enroute to Port Hawkesbury. Parks Canada locks through approximately 15 boats a day at St. Peter's - the Bras D'or Lakes are some of the finest cruising grounds in the world. I'm sure we will be back!  Once we were in the Lennox Passage the wind piped up to 30 knots so we took refuge in False Bay for the night. There seems to be quite a bit of aquaculture in the surrounding bays. 

Iona

Aug 13th Iona

After saying our good byes to Dorothy and seeing her  off to catch a shuttle for Halifax, we headed back down the lake and stopped at Iona for the night. There was a long high pier and we tied up against one big truck tire. We hiked a couple of miles up to a historical Scottish Highland Village - too bad it had closed 10 minutes prior to our arrival! All was not lost as we were able to quench our thirst at the Fun & Frolic Pub next door and enjoy a local beer. We were joined by a group of noisy teenage kids who showed up for a midnight swim. 

Baddeck

August 11th and 12th Baddeck

On route to Baddeck we had to pass under the draw bridge at the Barra Straits. Our fellow cruisers were stopping at Maskell's Harbour for the evening so we popped in for an afternoon swim and a beer and then bid our Nova Scotia friends farewell before heading on up the lake to Baddeck. Another scorcher day on the lake -awesome! We were on a mooring ball in Baddeck so we called the marina and had ice delivered by water taxi. Too funny!Whipped up some seafood chowder with coconut milk for dinner.  The following day was spent poking in all the tourist shops and walking about town. We all enjoyed Alexander Graham Bell's museum and got caught in a downpour on the way home. Too bad we left the hatches open on the boat!  Later, we took the water taxi back to town and went out for a lovely dinner as this was Dorothy's last evening with us on our excellent adventure. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together and we'll never look at bouys as plain & boring again! LOL. 

Orangedale

Aug 10th Orangedale        This day started off with Dorothy whipping up an amazing breakfast of eggs benedict. Many fantastic meals are made in our little galley! We left Crammond Islands under beautiful sunny skies and went on to sail the West Arm of the Bras D'ors. The wind was good but we were heading into it so we sailed when we could and motored the rest. We took a lunch break at Little Harbour and had a swim. After a long, winding course through many islands we arrived  at Orangedale. A picturesque little spot that was once a thriving railway hub for the transportation of goods. Dorothy checked out the former railway station which the town has restored as a museum. We are travelling with Bruce and Cheryl, Freddy and Sandra, George, & Garry and Sandy. That evening Freddy entertained us by playing guitar and singing. 

West Bay

Aug 9th West Bay, Crammond Islands

We left St. Peter's and beat our way in 16kn winds to Crammond Island. This is the same island that we went to 20 years ago when we rented a boat with the kids when they were little. They still remember the fire crackers that would go off underwater. Still a nice spot although the entrance seems to be silting up - a couple of boats grounded on their way in. Bruce and Cheryl beached their boat and we rafted to them.  Today was a scorcher! We all went for a swim in the lovely warm salty water. 

St. Peter's

Aug 7& 8th St. Peter's

We crossed over to St. Peter's with a 18 knot west breeze and the sun shining. We headed into the tidal lock which Parks Canada operates. This is the only tidal lock in North America with two sets of gates on each end. Parks Canada also work the swing bridge on the lake side. This was my second time here in two years. Jerry, the harbour master welcomed us to the lovely St. Peter's Y.C. like old friends. We provisioned for the next few days and hiked the St. Peter's Trail. We were happy to sit out a rainy evening secure at the dock as there was a forecast of 40 knot winds in the vicinity.  Tomorrow we head into the Bras D'or Lakes.  I

Isle Madame

August 5th , Isle Madame 

We crossed the Strait of Canso and over to the Isle Madame and the Lennox Passage Yacht Club. We are now in Cape Breton.  It was a " dial in perfect sailing day"!Bruce and Cheryl, who we met in Port Aux Basques last year met us at the dock.

The town was hosting its annual harbour days festival and the place was full of partying to the wee hours.

They had a fish and chip truck, a muscle stand, and the Cape Britain music was in full gear from 3 to midnight. It rained a bit but the big top tents saved the day.

Canso Marina

August 4th Canso Marina

We had a great sail, taking  Andrews Island to starboard and entered the Strait of Canso, landing at the marina. Canso is a small town with history dating back to the 1800s with

the French and  English fighting for possession and control of the fishing industry.

We visited the Parks Canada Interpretive Centre about the local history of the nearby Grassy Island fishing and merchant village. It is a Canadian historic site. As we walked about town,

we were admiring the ghost in the window of a 205-year-old home owned by the Hart family, but now a summer home. The neighbours are caretakers of the house. When Margaret , the neighbour, saw us gawking she stopped to talk to us and obliged us with a tour.It was an interesting place,three stories  high and about 4000 ft.² with an assortment of antiques dating back to 1800s. Thanks to the great people of Canso for sharing their local knowledge and time with us and lending us a vehicle to get groceries!

Drum Head

Aug 3rd Drum Head

We were heading for Goldboro but stopped at  Drum Head fishing village instead. This is a small village with small houses and a very dilapidated wharf. It was a foggy passage but a good sail and Dorothy made curry chicken for dinner which was wonderful.

Liscombe Lodge

August 2nd Liscombe Lodge

After another fine sailing day, we passed Ships Harbour and Little Liscombe Bay. We had a long motor up river to the lodge. There was no room for us to dock overnight so after we picked up ice and water we anchored close by behind Rileys Island for the night. 

Malagash Cove

August 1st Malagash Cove

Today we  stopped for lunch and a swim in Marie Joseph Bay. Beautiful hot sunny day!   Dorothy took the first watch once the sails were hoisted. We anchored in Malagash Cove in the Mushaboom Harbour region.  Wildlife sightings have been sparse, however we did see a fin whale which dove quite close to the boat. We are once again in the company of gannets which remind us of the pelicans back home. Once we were anchored and set up, I caught 10 mackerel  in 10 casts. It was really fun!

Jeddore harbour

July 31st Jeddore Harbour 

Sailed from Halifax on a broad reach to Jeddore Harbour. It was shallow getting into Jeddore harbour but the channel was well marked. This area of Nova Scotia is far less populated. 

Halifax

July 27 to the 31st Halifax

Joann and I sailed into Halifax about 3 o'clock and Dorothy moved aboard.

We had a lovely time visiting the tall ships, we heard Natalie McMaster in concert and checked out the public gardens. The Royal Nova  Scotia Yacht Squadron was huge with a racing boat fleet of 65 boats. They even have two pools and a great restaurant. $2.25 / foot for berthing and  $4 a bag for ice -17 acres takes money to maintain. Very nice. 

Sambro Harbour

July 26th Sambro Harbour 

The sun came out and we headed out sailing until the wind died. I tried my hand at  cod fishing and caught three but they were full of worms. Sambro Harbour  has a mix of fishing and pleasure boats. We went for a walk and found an ice cream stand - had dessert before dinner.  Dorothy arrived safely and found her way down to the harbour for a visit.

Rogues Roost

July 25 Rogues Roost

It was a rain day with high  winds and waves so we stayed put for the day. We played cards, baked a cake, read books and Joann beat me at crib and I beat her at Wizard. We even had time to cook a whole chicken. 

Rouge's Roost

Rogue's Roost July 24

We left Mahone Bay with not a breath of wind,on a flat ocean, heading towards Pearl Island. Pearl island is a breeding ground for our  little feathery friends, the Puffins.

Along the way we were greeted by many seals and upon arrival saw dozens of puffins scooting here and there with their short wings just a flapping. After leaving the island and heading towards Rogue's Roost we encountered numerous ocean sunfish. These strange creatures can grow up to 1500 pounds. They looks prehistoric and if you happen to brush against him you're liable to get a bad rash. They had caught our  eye by waving one of their fins out of the water. The first time Steve and I encountered these fish we thought they were a baby whales, but Ben set me straight after I sent him a picture.

Also on route, we saw three enormous  whales, and caught a sculpin. 

It was interesting winding our way into the roost through all the rocks. We tied to a mooring ball and I got out the fishing pole. On the first cast I dragged up a pair pantyhose. Apparently what happens the Rogue's roost stays Rogue's roost.

I also got some mackerel, which we had for dinner.

Mahone Bay Townsite

Mahone Bay Townsite July 22 & 23

Joann and  I had a lovely sail to Mahone Bay townsite. We picked up a mooring ball and call the water taxi for a ride into port. We went for a walkabout and found a bistro with dark and stormy's and clam chowder. Heaven can wait. On the 23rd we took a taxi into Lunenburg so Joann could see the sights. Our cab driver filled us in on all the history, politics and where the haunted houses were. 

St. Margaret's Bay

Saint Margaret's Bay July 18,19&20

We motor over the shining waters marina after breakfast of omilets and cheesy jokes. We could havarte stand it. Along the wa,y we saw two baby whales waving their fins at us. Very cool. They were about 6 feet long. 

Well staying at Shinning Wtaters marina we had a crew change and Stephen and Keith headed out and Joann arrived.

Stephen and I had a chance to visit the Citidal  fort in Halifax. 

Although Shining Waters Marina was nice, it was a bit of a rip off, slip fees were two dollars a foot per night and to launch a boat was 25 bucks. Supply and demand it is finest.

Mahone Bay townsite July 22 & 23

Joann and  I had a lovely sail to Mahone Bay townsite. We picked up a mooring ball and call the water taxi for a ride into port. We web for hey walkabout and found a bistro with dark and stormy's and clam chowder. Heaven can wait. On the 23rd we took a taxi into Lunenburg so Joann could see the sights. Our cab driver filled us in on all the history, politics and where the haunted houses were. 

Princess inlet

Princess inlet Mahone Bay July 17

We went for a day sail under spinnaker and ended up in princess inlet, where we anchored for the night. We're definitely in cottage country now. We cooked up some tuna steaks and I won the wizards game.

Lunenburg

Lunenburg July 15 and 16th

Coming in with dense we ucame across numerous schooners in a race.although this is the sailing capital of Canada is was tough to find a slip where we were welcome. We gain permission one night and got kicked out the next, then move to another area where somebody else with the engine problems got kicked out. Could be, we have a bit to learn, but the welcoming mat was not out.

Lunenburg is a world-class unesco heritage site, with buildings and residences dating back to 1850. We wondered the shops looking for treasures and found some wonderful restaurants and bars. We visited the fisheries Museum.

Keith won the wizard card championship for the night.

Brooklyn - Liverpool

Brooklyn – Liverpool July 14

Brooklyn is a small town across from the town of Liverpool there's a paper bill there and. There was a Canadian frigate park there under repair. Now they were around Cape Sable Island we don't have as much tied and current to worry about.

Shelburne

Shelburne July 30

The Shelburne yacht club was a live with festivities as it was the beginning of Founder Days. The club hosts four days of racing and hands out plenty of trophy hard ware. We found a sleepy little place for breakfast and played trivia pursuit but we waited.

West Head

West head, Cape Sable Island, July 12

We had to wait till 1 o'clock to leave with the current in the fog again and motored to Westhead. It was recommended we stay 3 miles offshore for safe passage, even then the tidal current was over three knots. The harbour was like a rock fortress with the tide still over 3 m the walls were very high and low tide.

This is definitely a working harbour and then our lobster holding pens scattered about the grounds. We cooked amazing dinner of tuna scallops and lobster. 

Yarmouth

Yarmouth, July 10 and 11th

Yarmouth, July 10 and 11th

After another foggy day of motoring Stephen and I arrived at Killan Brothers Marina in Yarmouth. Meanwhile Keith flew in to Halifax rented a car and drove down to Yarmouth to meet us. When he arrived we headed to Rudder's Bar and Grill to celebrate, eat drink and be merry.

The next day we took the self-guided walking tour around the town and checked out all the houses that were built in the late 1800s. Checked out some fishing supply stores and bought some cool lights. Very handy I might add.

Westport, Nova Scotia

Stephen and I left Grand Manan with the low tide in thick fog, visibility only 1/4 mile. It stayed like that the whole way across to Westport on the end of the Digby neck. Getting in was interesting, we had to time it for ebb tide, which was easy enough but the fog was a challenge. It thinned out just as we were entering the pass, good thing because we still had 3 knots of current. Once again rafting to fishing boats for the night. We hiked out to the Joshua Slochom menorioral and back. Not much to it. There was whale watching tours be offered and a couple of tourist traps. The tidal range was still 4 meters.

The Bay of Fundy

Tides on steroids. Full noon and 28'. Docks higher than most buildings.
We went through the reverseing falls this morning. On our first attempt and we had to bail, doing 8 1/2 knots going down stream turned and clawed our way back to a safe distance away,  waited another 15 minutes and went through with no problems. We were instantly rewarded by a seal siting.  With little wind and small seas we bundled up and headed out to sea in a thick fog, our goal was north head harbour on Grand Manan Island.
Saw a small dolphin on the way.
Having entered the dock area and finding it full of commercial fishing boats, we tied up against one and climbed a three storey ramp to get to ground level.
I called Ben ( I guy I meet in St. John who lives on Grand Manan) and he came down and took us to his place for a beer and visit. He picked us up the next morning and gave us the island tour complete with some of it's history and lots of info about lobster fishing, he show us this boat and shop. Nice to get a guide tour, we exchange contact info and promised to keep in touch.
I hiked around part of the island in the afternoon, and saw two bares sun tanning on a picinic table, and came across the hole in the wall rock formation along the coast line.
 I should have bought the Granud Manan tee shirt. Great place!

Canada Day 150

I spent the day hanging around the yacht club, listening to 3 music groups and eating seafood.
After my mighty walk the day before I wasn't going far with shin splints.
On the 2nd I left harbour in the afternoon and foundg a place to anchor for the night. Not a hard thing to do on the St. John river system, there a tons of great spots that remind me of the white shell.
I cooked up a steak, did a little fishing, the fog rolled in around 10 pm again, talk about dark, unbelievable. You couldn't see the shore line 100 feet away, no lights, just crazy dark. I rented a mountain bike and headed to Rockwood Park. It's a large park basically in the city and multi use. They had lot of trails and 10 k of single trail, some root sections and lots of technical rock and slopely stuff. I got a good workout. I moved to the RKYC and met the comidor Kim and she gave me rum and introduced me to a Don, who taught me the ins and outs of the currents around here.  I helped Roy rig his new Hunter. Assume sun rise and set today.

St John

The  St. John Marina is quite nice,  it was purchased two years ago by a construction company made of four brothers.  They have made major changes to the building and do a wonderful restaurant and wedding business.  The marina manager, Sarah, certainly knows her stuff and is very helpful.  It's about 4 miles from St. John in cotage country on the picturesque at St. Johns River.
After a day of rigging the boat and cleaning this and that,  it was time to head into town and see the sights.  I hitchhiked in and it didn't take long to get a ride.  Here I got the first glimpse of the reversing falls with the St. Johns River pouring out into the harbour.  I walked downtown and found Britt's pub and had fish tacos and a beer.  From there and I did a self-guided tour checking out the three sisters  Lampstand, the queen Square, the King Square, and the Olympic sized swimming pool.  I walked to the north quadrant looking for a hardware store and then to the west looking at a bike I saw on kijiji,  then back to the reversing  falls to watch the water run into the St. Johns River.
There's lots of heritage buildings in the downtown area which have been wonderfully restored  all with a rich history behind it.

Sheriac to St. John

When I went to replace a rusted anchor chain I got quite a surprise, a bird, had made a nest in the locker. There was twigs and branches and leaves every where.
The plan was to haul the boat from Shediac to the Brundage boat ramp about 5 miles north of the St. John's marina. This was because of low water levels in the St. Johns River.
I met Clayton at Romeo's and we loaded the boat onto the trailer and said our goodbyes to Jackie and Romeo and headed south. Once we arrived, I asked the attendant and a couple of Coast Guard personnel if it was possible to get over the reserving falls and out on to the Bay of Fundy. They didn't think so ......... not good.
I phoned the marina office and Sarah said "No problem you have 20 minutes of slack tide."
So Clayton backed Summer Wine into the river and away I went. Right after leaving the charts on my iPad disappeared, turns out my subscription had run out.
Once I got to the marina, I introduced myself to Sarah and she said "you can put the mast up Now ". It was a bit of a scramble to get things ready, but we had it stepped in about 10 minutes once I got to the rigging dock.

sorry no pictures just now, the app we are using is no longer working and I haven't been able to invert them.



Year Three is under way

Time flies when you are having fun.  It has been busy seven months with lots of construction projects and two bike trips to the states  and of course the fun filled week we had in the Dominican republic.
 Acdd to the mix our children in the three grandbabies and time really zips bye.
 But here I am in the land of lobster ( Shediac) getting the boat ready to be moved to st John by the end of the week and Canada day. Here we will step the mast.
 Once again we have a great lineup of people coming out to share the fun.  Stephen Meush will be joining me for the sail across reversing Falls and out onto the Bay of Fundy. Our veteran sailor Keith Bruch who sailed with us the past two years will be joining us around Digby and we will gunkhole our way Northeast towards Halifax hopefully finding all the wineries and breweries well trying to put a dent in the muscles and scallop population in the area.
 There will be a crew change in Halifax and Joann will join me followed a week later by Dorothy Cunningham who sailed the Vic Maui with me in 2008.  Andrew Meyer will be joining us in August for a couple weeks to help round out the trip.  So stay tuned.

                Toronto rain delay

                Shediac sunset

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