August 22 – 29

Just as well we moved from our narrow, roped-in anchorage at Knight Island as the winds swung 360, although stayed 10-15knts. Our new anchorage in the bay on Samson Island gave us lots of swing room and shelter from weather in pretty much any direction.

We had a Bald Eagle visit and clear water that let us go for a swim (few Jellyfish). Tootled around on the dinghy but did not find the trail that was supposed to be on the island.

With mixed feelings we took down the sails Sunday, Monday… it was a bright, sunny, dry day and the forecast was for 2 days of rain then sun, then rain, etc. There is a lot to closing a boat and, of course, a huge advantage to sunny dry days. Since our gear will all be stored in Tikaani, it is imperative that everything is bone dry.

We motored into Lewisporte Marina, met Brian the Harbourmaster, filled with diesel and found our slip. The town of Lewisporte is along a 5km stretch of oceanfront known as Main Street(!). The marina is at the northern end of town, away from most shops but we are lucky to have Kinden’s Bakery & Café adjacent. We joined the Lewisporte Yacht Club ($50) and have use of the large clubhouse with showers, washrooms, laundry, kitchen, lounge, TV and BBQs. We think we will station ourselves out of here next summer, enjoying trips to the many anchorages in Notre Dame Bay. Also, planning a cruise to Fogo & the Change Islands in June to view the icebergs. If winds allow we would like to sail a couple of long shots to northern Labrador in July then cruise our way south. All weather dependent… and family/health dependent too.

Having spent most of the summer with just the two of us, it takes some time to adjust, mentally and physically, to being back to people, roads and all amenities. We took advantage of every moment of sunshine to get through some of the boat ‘To-Do’ list. Got the bikes out to find pizza (Greco’s), Dollarama, Tim’s, and Jungle Jim’s – all 3kms south. Drivers have been respectful of these 2 geezers on these odd looking bikes. They are aluminum foldables by SoloRock, Canadian – Great bikes; got them at the Toronto Boat Show. Managed to find a local trail, well maintained, felt good to stretch our legs.

With wifi we can watch TV – wow! Steve can peruse the news all day and we get to connect to friends and family anytime of the day/night! Days are filled with laundry, cleaning, drying out the boat(!), organizing stuff (what stays/ what goes), arranging book and food donations.

Haulout was Wednesday, then a couple of days of winterizing the engine/generator/water system, and tarp. See you in May, Tikaani!

We look forward to home. Hope you have had a great summer and thanks for reading!

Best,

Steve & Alison