lobster lobster everywhere
27 August 2012
August 22nd
I checked our position at sunrise and found that our anchor has dragged us close to the far side of the channel and a very shallow windward shore. There are crab traps everywhere, each anchored to the bottom with polypropylene line. If any of it gets wrapped around our prop we will be dead in the water till I cut it free. We need to get out of here so on our way at 5:30, we will make coffee and breakfast once we get into deeper water. Our fingers are crossed and our eyes pealed scanning the surface for a clear passage out the channel.
We are not making very good time under power; at 2000 rpm’s we get 4.5 knots. The winds are intermittent and we are putting up the sails when the wind blows to make a little headway and then the wind would die again.
Weaving our way through a sea of lobster traps we are approached by a lobster boat. I instinctively look behind us to confirm that I am not dragging a lobster trap float. The three fishermen on board welcome us as they hand off 4 lobsters in a plastic bag. What a great way to be introduced to down east hospitality. The lobsters are boiled while we are underway, it’ll be lobster sandwiches for lunch.
We check the guide and charts. Where to next? Going into Richibucto is
an option, 8 feet of water. Next place Boutouche has only 6 feet. We will bite the bullet and do a long run to Shediac.