The End of Season Begins

Lazy 1st Mate

Well it's almost the time for us Northern Sailors to start thinking about the winterization of the boats.  This past summer was great weather wise. Sailed over 700NM on a trip to Nova Scotia and had more days without fog than most summers in the recent past. Good memories. The boat performed well over the summer and I've compiled another to-do-list for this winter.

"Whirly Gig 1" a lifting device that attaches
to the 3rd wheel & 5th wheel hitches. 

This past weekend Masts were removed on 6 boats as we prepare for the haul out on Oct. 14th. Wharfy the Cat came along to help, but proved to be quite lazy, as usual, once he is aboard the boat. The St. Anderews wharf is undergoing construction and won't be suitable for us to lift masts with our own rig after this season... this is to accommodate the "pocket' Cruise Ships that are planning to call on the Port as a regular stop next summer.  Mast pulling in St. Andrews using the rig we use is dictated by the tides. Tide ranges in our area can reach 27'.  Low tide puts the boats low enough we use a homemade rig to lift the mast from the boats and place them on the dock to be trailered away on a boat cradle.  deck stepped masts are easiest, when unstepping keel stepped timing is everything. Only a small window exists as when the tide starts rising the ability to lift starts to diminishes.


Just down to being a power boat for now.

Cheers,
Dave & Wharfy

Moon Dancer II's Mast on the deck.

Gryphon's Mast about to be pulled.

If a man is to be obsessed by something,
I suppose a boat is as good as anything, perhaps a bit better than most.
-E. B. White

Back on the Mooring in St. Andrews, NB



Entering Head Harbour, Campobello Island, NB

This summer was great. Cruised over 650 nautical miles around the coast of Nova Scotia. Had great weather, attended several festivals from Classic Boat & Pirate Festivals to the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival and of course the Tall Ships were in various ports over the month of July and early August. The boat worked fine and I was able to make a list of things that I would like to work on over the fall & winter to make Moon Dancer II ready for longer cruises in the future.

Upon arriving home was able to meet up with our daughter and my brother and his wife & son to go back out to Campobello for the weekend.  Saw a few whales and porpoise and enjoyed a beautiful evening in Head Harbour of East Quoddy Head.  Sailing home the next day we had SW winds from 10-20 kts and were able to have a nice sail back to the moorings.  Another wonderful weekend...

Now we are down to short little cruises over the weekends until haul-out in October.

Under full Sail in light winds looking for Fin Backs
between Campobello & Grand Manan, NB

Cheers,

Dave & Wharfy

"The sea finds out everything you did wrong." Francis Stokes

Arrived in Yarnouth From Shelburne

Yesterday was a long day, left Shelburne Marina out bound for Yarmouth Harbour.  Trip was 76 nautical miles and took us about 14 hours to do.  Departed knowing the first leg of the trip would be against the tide before reaching the end of Cape Sable. Rounded the buoy , N Mo(A), about 5 miles off Cape Sable and were able to put the sails up and sail for the first 3 or 4 hours this was nice until the winds died off almost completely. Currents on the SW side of Cape Sable then started to pick up as the boat motored on to Yarmouth.  The whole day was in thick fog until actually reaching the entrance Yarmouth Harbour when it dissipated almost instantly. Currents over the shallows off Yarmouth carried the boat toward Yarmouth up to 10knots with the 2-3knot lift.  Upon reaching Yarmouth, Zoom & Kauwela O'hana were already moored with the anchor lights on for us. 

Today the tiem was spent doing laundry, cleaning the deck, sewing sail covers, etc. Tomorrow, heading to John's Cove to anchor and enjoy the white sand beach.  The plan is to depart Yarmouth for Westport, Brier Island on Tuesday (Aug 21st).

All else good as we continue back to St. Andrews by the weekend.

Cheers,
Dave & The Wharf Cat



Off Cape Sable when the Fog Lifted for a moment.

Back in Shelburne, NS



Anchored just off Carter Island,
Port Mouton, NS

Yesterday was spent motor sailing from our anchorage in Port Mouton back to the Shelburne Harbour Marina. Winds were forecasted to be SW, but stayed steady 10-15kts from the NE, which was great for motor sailing at about 7 knots with the wind right from the stern.  At the marina, my brother Chris showed up for supper aboard, and watch the sailboat races. Chris was on a business trip to Yarmouth so returning to Halifax area was on the way for him.  We had Curried Meat Balls & Rice with a Blueberry Grunt for dessert.  Nice to see family when out.  Staying put today and going to make the run to Yarmouth tomorrow. In Yarmouth the Sailboats Zoom & Kauwela O'hana will be waiting on moorings for the rest of the return trip to St. Andrews, NB.

White sand beaches of Port Mouton
(VERY cold water)

I've figured so far made about 428NM and if time were not an issue, it would be "keep on going".  Other than missing family, settling into the routine aboard is pretty easy. This trip we've explored a number of new places and just spent time anchored in quiet coves, meeting new people and attending a few festivals. Love the coast of Nova Scotia. People everywhere very friendly and helpful.

Back in Liverpool at the Brooklyn Marina



Wharfy not really sure if he should jump yet...

So the return happens... From Lunenburg this morning we departed at 1000hrs for Liverpool, NS.  The forecast looked good calling for winds from the SW 10-15 knots,  When we actually motored out into Lunenburg bay, we thought we would be lucky to see 10 knots.  About two hours after that winds came up steady and held at 20 gusting to 25 for the rest of the trip.  Only issue was that it was in our teeth (or on the nose).  We tacked off shore for about 5 miles then tacked back up the coast as close to windward as the boat would allow.  This was good for the most part til we decided for the sake of time we'd motor sail with the mizzen set.  We were able to make about 5 knots into the wind.. Wharfy kind of laid low for the most part between the 25 degree heel and the lumpy seas.



Brooklyn Marina was great, sheltered and a place to tie up and get a real shower for a change.  We will stay the night here then move off to anchor behind Port Mouton along the white sand beaches, if winds are favourable for soing so, otherwise we head to Shelburne where we can reprovision and get some laundry done. 

All else is good.  Happy Birthday Jen! 

Cheers,

Dave & Wharfy

"The sail, the play of its pulse so like our own lives: so thin and yet
so full of life, so noiseless when it labors hardest, so noisy and
impatient when least effective." -Henry David Thoreau

Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival



Wharfy on Watch by the open Dodger

Today was a relaxing day onboard. The Saturday morning starts with chores aboard. Had to take the time to vacuum huge amounts cat hair from the floor, etc.  Weather was actually fairly nice after a few showers first thing this morning.  The skies were overcast but that kept the heat of the day down a bit.  Toured the Atlantic Fisheries Museum and attended the Main attraction tent of the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Festival. Heard some really good groups and individuals, including Dave Gunning.  Stayed until midnight at that venue. Back on board now awaiting the generator to heat the hot water tank for a shower.

I am thinking Folk Festival for tomorrow as more great performers are doing their thing around Lunenburg.

Wharfy is quite at home now and prefers staying aboard as opposed to going ashore where there are a lot of strangers.

All else well.  Looks like Monday or Tuesday for starting back toward Liverpool.

Cheers,

Dave & Wharfy

Chester Area Sail

Haven't had internet access for a few days...Here's an update.  Left Mahone Bay after the Pirate Festival on Tuesday, August 7th, weather conditions were such that we knew we would be motoring all day...so we decided to take an inside route to Chester.  That turned out to be a great plan. Lots of places for anchoring and spending an evening.  One particular placed we passed, Round Island, had several moorings so we decided to take up and have lunch and a swim. Have been in contact with my son who was driving from Cape Breton to meet in Chester for a couple days of sailing and whatever. A nice restaurant on the waterfront in Chester, called "The Rope Loft", had dock space available and advised we were welcome to spend the night if we ate at the restaurant...that made up our minds...Excellent food! Dan met us there and we had a chance to catch up on a few errands and have a nice meal.  We stayed on the dock that night.

Wednesday, August 8th, we had breakfast on the dock, picked up a few grocery items and went out for a sail. 10-15kt winds gave a great opportunity to see a lot of the basin.  We landed at Round Island at about 2:20pm and picked up the mooring for the evening.  Spent the afternoon swimming, walking around the beach, then a campfire in the evening after dark.  By dark, the 2 or 3 other boats that were there had departed leaving us alone.  Nice spot, very relaxing.

Thursday, August 9th, dropped Dan at his truck back in Chester as he had to be back to Fredericton to get ready to fly back out to Alberta on Friday.  Enjoyed the time!  I headed back to the Island where we spent the another night.

T'was a remarkable place.

From The Mooring off Round Island
44  29.0985'N / 064  16.4850'W

Sailing off Chester, NS

Will Post again soon.

Dave & Wharfy



"The ocean... exemplifies the background against which, both at the start and at the finish, we see our lives as cast."  Charlton Ogburn, Jr.

Wharfy The Pirate Cat

Oh Yes... Wharfy is a pirate. The scourge of the Sailing Community...Had to post this picture by order of the Admiral.

Dave

Wharfy Commanding the Tender!

Wharfy After too much Rum & Grog

Pirate Festival in Mahone Bay, NS

I know a few days have past since the last post... Have spent an amazing weekend in the beautiful town of Mahone Bay, NS.  This past weekend was the annual Pirate Festival & Regatta.  There was one of the tall ships from Nova Scotia that was here for the duration of the festival.  We had the privilege of meeting the Owners, Captain & Crew of the vessel and the opportunity to socialize aboard with them.  Had a lovely feed of fresh steamed mussels one evening (3 buckets of them).  They were tasty! So fresh! 

Tomorrow we haul anchor and head into Chester just to explore and enjoy sailing the area.  Doubt we will get much Internet access, but we'll update as we can. 

Wharfy has become quite the boat cat. He learned where I keep his treats, I caught him the other morning digging through a basket hauling his nibblets out and chewing open the bag.., Bad Cat!

Anyway, All is good, we are thoroughly enjoying the meeting of new friends & sailing about the area.

'til next time.

Dave

Nova Scotia Tall Ship "Larinda"

Moon Dancer II At Anchor in Mahone Bay
Pirate Flags A Fly'in

Brooklyn Marina in Liverpool, NS



Wharfy keeping watch at Brooklyn Marina
in Liverpool, NS

Yesterday was a great sail from Shelburne to Liverpool, NS.  Winds were basically coming directly from the stern...SW @ 15-20 knots.  Ran most of the trip Wing-on-Wing after motoring out from Shelburne in the fog and calm conditions.  Winds picked up as forecasted to give a beautiful sail. We covered 56NM in about 9 hours.  The route took us off shore a bit, then Gibe the boat to make the run toward Western Head and the opening to Liverpool.  Steering in the following seas, always fun as the boat wanders a bit.  It became work as we finally neared Liverpool.  A 3 foot chop one after the other with a swell from the SE.  Two other boats made the trip, which were in site for most of the day. On the Dock at the Brooklyn Marina (Yacht Club), and as usual a very friendly place to visit. We've tied up here for a couple days as the weather is supposed to be bad until Friday.  Friday we head to Lunenburg. Forecasts are favourable for another sail day. Just going to lay low, stay on the boat today. Get a few little jobs done.

Cheers,
Dave & Wharfy

"I must go down to the sea again
For the call of the running tide
It's a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied."
John Masefield

---



 

Attacked by a fleet of 5 yr old
Scally Wags in Shelburne

Old Sea Dog Pub (Yellow) in Shelburne
Harbour. (Execellent Eats)

Wing-on-Wing heading towards Liverpool.

In Shelburne at the Shelburne Yacht Club

Motoring toward Cape Sable, NS

It was a long sail from Yarmouth to Shelburne, started off at 0500hrs leaving behind the lights of the town,  and heading to sea for the day. The weather was good with no fog in the morning and light winds from the SW at about 5 knots.  Not enough to sail, and the iron Jib ran most of the day. Sea state forecasts were giving 1-2m seas, and by the time we were approaching the Tail of the Rip 6 hours later, we were dipping the bowsprit into the water, still calm wind but really lumpy seas.  We did well motoring with the tide all morning between 8 & 9 knots over ground.  Once rounding Cape Sable seas settled to a ground swell from the south west and it was just like the ocean was breathing... up...and...down.  Prior to the Tail of the Rip, Wharfy came up on deck and looked rather sluggish, after bouncing around he went back below and displayed his breakfast on the cabin sole...poor little fella. He slept until we hauled into Shelburne. Otherwise, all was well. 

The last 20 nautical miles (NM) we were able to put up the sails and shutdown the engine and sail for a couple hours. Fog by this time was fairly thick. Winds were from the SE at about 12 knots.  We heard on the vhf two sailboats that required assistance from the Coast Guard for mechanical issues...one off Halifax, the other off Lunenburg.

Upon arriving in Shelburne we saw 6 of the tall ships that landed here the day before from Halifax on there route back to the Boston and areas in Southern New England.  Doug, Sheri & Bryce drove up from Yarmouth on Sunday to tour the tall ships with us.  We ate out at the "Salty Dog" Pub on the waterfront.  The food rivals Rudder's in Yarmouth.  I had a big plate of Salt Cod Dinner with Chow. Some good!

Today we are watching the weather and hoping to depart for Liverpool (Brooklyn Marina) tomorrow.  This trek is only about 37NM and won't be the 13 hour day we endured coming from Yarmouth. Here's hoping for weather for sailing.  Need Southerly winds for going up the coast and these North - North Easterlies for the return trip...Things are kinda backwards now...  Oh Well.

Enough babbling for today.  Some mechanical maintenance this afternoon and fuel, and we should be set to depart tomorrow morning.

Cheers,

Dave & Wharfy

PS. The Cat agrees with this one...

"I don't know who named them swells. There's nothing swell about them. They should have named them awfuls."   -Hugo Vihlen 

Enjoying Yarmouth as Always



Moon Dancer II at the Killam Brothers dock in Yarmouth

Have been settled into Yarmouth, as the routine, for a time when we can visit relatives.  Enjoyed a seafood supper at Rudder's restaurant right off from where we are moored with my parents.  Tonight we spent time with my cousin, Bobby and his wife Marilyn over a wonderful meal of lobster sandwiches...real sandwiches with lots of lobster...one of the real ways to eat lobster! Even enough to have snacks and lunch tomorrow. My parents drove in to visit  family and tour around together...that has been fun and interesting as we have shopped around and also visited a couple graves sights from my grandparents.  Now getting ready to settle in for the night. we broke down and got dock space this evening to make the rainy day today a bit more bearable for getting on and of the boat. Saturday looks like our departure date for Westhead, Cape Sable, then off to Shelburne.

Cheers,

Dave Wharfy



Summer Cruise 2012 to Nova Scotia Begins

(July 18, 2012) -We have gotten underway.  It has been a rushed month so far. Canada Day Celebrations, Weddings, Birthdays...but things are settling out now.  Have departed St. Andrews, in a rush, boat was packed but things not stowed.  We spent the first afternoon motoring to Northhead, Grand Manan approximately 30 Nautical Miles from St. Andrews.  While motoring I was busy stowing things in the proper places for sailing.  Landed in Northhead at about 1730hrs and enjoyed BBQ'ed steak & potatoes.  The evening was spent on a mooring where a smooth gentle swell rocked one to sleep very quickly. The next morning we were up and actually ready to sail...

(July 19, 2012) -We departed Grand Manan at 1130hrs with the tide bound for Westport, Brier Island on the South Western tip of Nova Scotia which is about a 36 NM run. Winds were from the NW at about 10 kts, which was barely enough to make Moon Dancer II sail, but were were able to make a Speed Made Good of about 5.5 kts through out this leg. Another beautiful day. Westport was clear and calm. Cooked a roast beef in the oven earlier in the afternoon as we sailed. Made for a lovely meal once we were in the shelter of Westport.



Wharfy Watching from his favourite perch.

Under Sail Cross St. Mary's Bay

Yesterday, July 20, we sailed with the tide at noon from Westport headed for one of our favourite spots to be...Yarmouth.  A lot of improvements over the past few years have made this port well worth visiting either for short or long term...and of course family being from here. During this passage of 36 NM we were able to sail under the NW winds from 10-12 knots for most of the day, arriving in Yarmouth at 1800hrs. SMG was about 5.8 kts.  We landed here right at the beginning of the Sea Festival Days...something we will be taking advantage of.  We are here for the next 4-5 days to visit and enjoy just relaxing before continuing to Shelburne. Perfect weather so far!

Cheers,

Dave & Wharfy the Cat

"The only way to get a good crew is to marry one." -Eric Hiscock

July 1st at St. Andrews: CANADA Day

Skipper Asher running the Dingy

Canada Day Raft

July 1st was a grand day in St. Andrews. The best spot for watching the fireworks was from the mooring.  We had a great little sail with family aboard.  The Grandkids both aboard... Asher proclaims "Gippy's Boat" as we approach the sailboat with the dingy.  Chloe finds some pirate stuff to dress up in.  A light wind sail around Navy Island was a nice precursor to enjoying the fireworks.  All in all a lovely evening with family as Jen & Nick with Asher & Chloe, Joanna, Bob & Sharon joined me & Wharfy aboard  for the Day. My brother Chris & sister-in-law Karyn with Cody, Jordan & Noah aboard Gryphon, and Marty, Gretta & Vaughn aboard ZOOM rafted to us in the harbour for the festivities as well.

Pirvateer Chloe... ARGH!

T'was a Happy Canada Day!

Dave & Family

Shake Down Sail on the Passamaquoddy Bay



Wharfy ready to loosen the sheets should
a gust happen...

Another beautiful weekend weather wise.  We had a steady 10-15 knot wind from the Southwest both on Saturday & Sunday.  Had a chance to stretch her legs and we sailed about 16NM practicing putting in a reef or two.  After sailing we drifted for about an hour and enjoyed a roast chicken dinner with the fix'ens.  Great way to end the weekend.  Looks like mid-July for departing for a little cruise around to SW Nova Scotia.  Looking forward to that!  Wharfy the Cat seemed not to mind the sail either...he figure out that he's most comfortable on the berth aft the Nav Station when we are beating into the wind.  His furry paws make it funny to watch when he tries to walk on the wooden cabin sole as he slips to the lee side. Should make for good company on the cruise. Still haven't got him reading charts or the radar yet....though he would like to claim the spot for afternoon snoozes.



Fair Winds...

Dave & Wharfy

"Wind & Sails were made for each other..." Anonymous

Wharfy keeping watch while underway...



New Crew for Moon Dancer II

Settled into St. Andrews on the mooring now.  We have an addition to the Crew...Wharfy, a rescue wharf cat from Yarmouth, NS.  Wharfy is surprising an affectionate cat that loves being around people.  He tends to make himself at home where ever he is.  He loves to travel by car and ... loves being on the boat.  Hopefully I can teach him to steer or something useful.  Aside from claiming my Nav Station as a daybed... I think we'll get along well.  Should be interesting taking him on the cruise later in the summer.

Other jobs are coming along well.  A busy year for upgrades and maintenance.  One of those things that once you start...you have to keep going.

Cheers,

Dave & "the Cat"

"The Sea's most powerful spell is Romance" H.W. Tillman

An Evening at the Dock in St. Andrews, NB

A beautiful evening at the dock.  The work continues with a few more maintenance tasks to complete.  Now getting in the mode to enjoy the boat rather than work on it.  This was a peaceful evening on the dock that was still around 18 degrees C at 2130hrs. I BBQ'ed a steak and had some potatoe salad & coleslaw.  Then, in to update a few things, do the blog and then read a bit from a book by J. Duncan Gould on his cruising adventures as they circumnavigated the globe. The book is called "Never a Dull Moment; Two Newbies Put to Sea". Enjoyable!

Cheers,

Dave

"A sailing vessel is alive in a way that no ship with mechanical power ever be."
Aubrey de Selincourt

Successful Launch in Bayside, NB

The boat is in! A successful launch on the 12th of May and now the boat is on her mooring back in St. Andrews after motoring down the St. Croix River on a beautiful spring evening. Still a number of issues to deal with, rigging and a few maintenance tasks to complete. Over the next week or so the Endeavour will be looking like the boat she was meant to be. This weekend at low tide the mizzen mast will be stood into place and the rig tuned. More to follow as the season gets underway.

Fair Winds,

"The sea drives truth into a man like salt."
Hilaire Belloc

Launch Date Set for May 12th!

Bad Bears Aboard...

Launch Date is now set for May 12th, 2012.  The refit over the winter has been, for the most part, completed.  New teak Cap & Rub Rails; Plumbing completely redone, including pumps, water heater, fixtures and piping; Electrical upgrades and replacement of most original wiring; Propane Fireplace added, to name a few.  Still some maintenance to conduct after the boat is in the water. looking forward to another season of sailing with Family & Friends. Who knows where we end up this summer.  Looking forward to the coast of Nova Scotia in the Endeavour.

"Not all who wander are lost" JRR Tolkien