After a winter which brought two trips to the UK for Stephen (one in November to see family and one in February to attend Auntie Jean’s funeral and see family) and a month in Costa Rica for us both, the Canadian winter decided to overstay its welcome, small as that was to begin with.
Early April is when thoughts turn to getting the boat ready for the water for launch early in May, but this winter wouldn’t budge. There was still ice on the waters of Honey Harbour and snow falling in Toronto very late into April.
At long last – late April – we headed for the marina near Kingston to start the preparations for launch of True North III on May 10.
Once launched, we test her out and all seems good, but there is still some work to be done on a few things before we leave for the summer.
In our living room is a beautiful painting by Tom Roberts of the Saguenay River fjord in Quebec, well downriver from Quebec City. It is a beautiful painting of a spectacular place. The waters of the St Lawrence in that region are designated as a marine conservancy, protecting the many species of whales, from Blue to Beluga, that come in from the Atlantic every year to feed here in peace, The Saguenay being the furthest inland that salt water is found.
Last year, we took 3 months and sailed to the North Channel and back. This year, we want to sail to the Saguenay, if the wind, tide and currents are kind. We will also explore Lake Champlain in the States as we go, as well as the mighty Saint Lawrence in both directions, and the Ottawa River on the way back.
We set out on Friday, May 25.
Good luck on your bold voyage.
Sounds like a sensational winter and a great way to beat the blahs.