When we left Souris Harbour, we were met by a large Pilot Whale and about 30 dolphins, they swam around us for a while, then like magic disappeared ... on the horizon we saw what we thought was two fishing boats, as we got closer it looked like one boat and an island .... water was splashing up on the island, and we checked the charts and no island in this area. As we got closer it turned out to be a tug pulling a barge full or sand or gravel. The tow line must of been 500 ft plus.
the mysterious island,
our days trip 35 km, 6 1/2 hours to Ballantynes Cove, Nova Scotia, sailing most of the way
this is were are are planning to go in the next few days ... we are at the top left, then down thru, Canso Locks and to Canso, at bottom of page just out of sight.
Skipper's notes - 2013
It's just over a month and half, into this years adventure and time for some notes from the skipper.
Over the winter there was much discussion about this summers travels and also how we would get back to Modaki. It was decided that we would stay in the Maritimes this summer which led to travelling back to New Brunswick by car.
Leaving June 3, 2013, this portion of the trip took three days, leaving Owen Sound heading east on the 401, crossing the St. Lawrence at Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, and then along Hwy. 20 in Quebec, stopping the first night in Drummondville.
The second night was spent at our good sailing friends, Pierre and Manon in Rimouski. Always the wonderful hosts, it was so good to see them.
On day three we headed inland through Quebec, into New Brunswick and along the south shore of Cheleur Bay, an area we didn't get to explore last year.
Upon arrival in Shediac it was a drive around to see Modaki, then into a motel for a much needed rest.
The next few days were spent at our friends Dave and Mary Lou Bath (who looked after our boat wonderfully during the winter), while we prepared Modaki to go in the water.
A lot of the usual spring jobs, wash, wax, start the motor and get parts from the storage unit to install. One of the startling things we found was a mouldy deck (likely from old gelcoat and not providing enough ventilation under the tarp). We are still trying to get some of it off !!!!
Jacques Landry launched our boat off the back off his trailer. Quite the experience. We climbed up the back of a pickup truck and onto Modaki, then he backed the trailer into the water, tilted the bow up, using hydraulics on the trailer, until the water intake was submerged, we started the motor then backed us further into the water and gave us a gentle shove, we were floating once again.
It was 10 more days of preparation. Load everything from the storage locker, raise the mast, install some motor insulation, repair leak in freshwater tank, and get a new water pump flown in from Atlantic Georgia, USA. The Yanmar dealer in Moncton was quite helpful on this. (the leak in the old one was found while replacing the impeller).
oh yea, car had to have a new starter motor installed under warranty, and then we put it into storage. (forgot to unplug batteries, so we will need a boost when we return)
Our stay at the Pointe du Chene Yacht Club was great. The facilities are top notch and the staff and fellow boaters went out of their way to help, but finally it was time to get underway.
On June 21, we motored out of Pointe du Chene (Shediac), early in the morning and pointed the bow towards PEI.
(to be continued)
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