Back in N.S.
04 August 2011 | Sydney, CBI, NS
HB/KB
Ah!!! Gone are we four from the land of; friendly, helpful people, lousy weather, majestic scenery and lots and lots of baked cod with orange squeezy-cheese melted on top.
After leaving Francois, we did a motoring tour of several stunning bays and anchored for the night in Hare Bay (47 42.576N, 56 33.240W) with 6 of the other boats in our cruise. Pete and Marina came over for dinner that night and Marina stayed up late with Heather watching movies.
The next morning was windy but we headed out anyway with ‘Sea Bear’ and had a fast ride downwind to Bonnie Bay where we both anchored at the upper end of the bay in the lee of a 800 ft cliff that protected us from the blustery winds that night.
On Monday the 25th of July we departed beautiful Bonne Bay and headed west to Hermitage Cove to see if we could lend assistance to Pam and Denis on ‘Glide’. They had been dismasted in heavy winds heading north to Grand Banks the day before. John and Wendy on big, heavy and beautiful ‘Windermere’ (the only trawler among the sticks) answered the call and towed ‘Glide’ to Hermitage Cove.
We spent three days with ‘Glide’ in Hermitage Cove Town lending an ear, a hand, e-mail access, comfort food and whatever else was needed to help them prepare to motor on. We all learned that it is illegal to work on your own boat in Canada without a Canadian visa!!!! Good to know, don’t you think?
Three days later ‘Glide’ and ‘Faring’ entered the French strong hold of St. Pierre off the southwest coast of NL harbor to a flotilla salute and many smiling faces, warm greetings, and heartfelt hugs.
Ste. Pierre was the last rallying point for the OCC flotilla and the farewell dinner was joyous, entertaining and the only person eating cod at our table was Maggie from ‘Sweet Dreams’, and that was NOT intentional.
Faring was rafted to the dock in St. Pierre with ‘Sidereal Time’ a stone’s throw from the secure laundry/shower facilities (both great by the way).
The other cruisers told us the market hidden behind a single metal door (with a plaque attached depicting a shopping cart) on the left-hand-side of the home improvement store was as good as the stores in the States. Ken and I can’t say we had terrific sandwiches and coffee at Josephine’s Tea House, bread and such at the local farmer’s market, dinners with departing cruisers at Restaurant le Feu de braise (stick to the pizza) and Ongi E Torri (FABULOUS!!!!, $$, great service and lovely décor). Be sure to make a reservation.
Ste. Pierre was a delight! Take Ken’s advice, and go Friday through Monday as we did because the shops close early on Friday and Saturday and do not open again till Monday afternoon…..a breather for your credit card.
Early Sunday morning ‘Faring‘, ‘Glide’ and ‘Lucayo’ (from Brooklin, Maine) all set out on a thirty hour motor-sail passage for Sydney, NS. An industrial community that caters to the large cruise ships. We all tied-up at the government dock (no fee, no amenities) after clearing in at Dobson’s Boatyard. The customs officials will only clear you in at the Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club, which isn’t suited for crafts over 25’ and as you may have already experienced, time and again, the person you’re speaking to on the phone doesn’t have the solution. Luckily for us two officials were at Dobson’s on other business and after a call into their office they were allowed to clear us into Canada with another pass number.
Sobey’s is within long walking distance, but pub type restaurants are (make a reservation) and so are the fudge store, banks, post office, pharmacy, and liquor store (which we could not find), oh yes and a funky shoe store.
We leave tomorrow for Baddeck and will spend 4 - 5 days in Lakes before heading further south.