After anchoring in 40 ft of water, which allowed for tide and the steep under water slope (yes, Clarke, we did use all 150 ft of chain plus 50 ft of rode).
We left Tadoussac in clear weather. In the early morning a Minke whale swam around the anchored boats, a beautiful ambiance for morning coffee in the cockpit. On the way out of Tadoussac we where blessed with an hour of wonderful whale and seal watching. Belugas right up to the boat and a feeding frenzy of Minke whales and seals. It was amazing to be so close that you could smell their breath.
The day was soon to take a turn. Dense fog set in for eight hours. All we really saw was the chart plotter and radar. Our intention was to stop a Ile de Bic for a night at anchor and what is supposted to be spectacular mountains. They never did come into sight. Instead we travelled straight thru to Rimouski, with the fog lifting slightly as we approached the harbour.
Rimouski was a chance to visit with new friends and provision for the next leg of the journey. We where treated royally ... visits, meals, being driven all over to do errands and provided with much needed advice for the coming days.
After 4 days of dense fog, caused by strong NE winds, it cleared about 10 in the morning and all of a sudden it was time to get going.
Our trip along the north shore of Gaspesie was in light winds, allowing for cruising close to the shore and a chance to see the beautiful landscape ... steep cliffs, waterfalls and many small villages spread along the water, everyone with a church visable for miles.
Along the way we stopped at Matane, Ste-Anne-des Monts, Sainte-Madeleine de la Riviere,
Riviere au Renard and Gaspe.
Matane was different. We anchored in the middle of a commercial ship yard, as recommended by Martin (friend from Rimouski), who is the Captain of the large ferry coming in and out of this port. As we sat in the cockpit we watched workers grinding rust off the hull of a freighter in preparation for painting, the ferry coming and going and the fish processing plant.
I was a bit concerned about all the large vessels moving about, so deployed 2 anchor lights.
to be continued .........
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