Traveling from Canso to Lipscombe required a long trip in the Atlantic, almost 60 miles. The SouthWest winds were strong and the seas were uncomfortable. We had routine 2-3 meter swells with more than occasional 3-4 meter swells. A long ride that resulted in our pulling into Liscombe Harbour on our way for a two night stay at the Liscombe Lodge.
The pier at Liscombe Lodge is some 60' in length . . . which is just right for our 42' SONATA, however, when we arrived there were two sailboats on the pier. One move up along-side another and we then took his position on the end of the pier . . . one half of SONATA extending beyond the pier. The sail boats in front of us likewise extended half their length over the pier. There was electric power, water, and a great dinner in store; all is well.
Dinner at the lodge was outstanding! We enjoyed their plank smoked salmon as the main dish. Taste was out of this world. One of our best meals in Canada. We also used the lodge to access the internet . . . none available where the boat was located . . . and we had no phone service during our stay here.
After lunch Bonnie took the long nature walk while I stayed with SONATA to move forward. Two new sail boats arrived and were secured behind us. The sail boat, NEXT BOAT, was from New York and had just participated in the Boston to Halifax race. The boat was brand-new.
Having experienced a rough day on the water in the passage to Liscombe we departed early, first light, 0500, for Tangier Harbour, in an effort to avoid the strong wind and sea. Tangier Harbour provided a quiet calm harbour and we had been told there was a place to tie up and secure fish for dinner. We searched the harbour and found the fish processing plant with a small breakwater and protected cove next to it. N44-47.650, W062-40.517. Dale met us at the dock and showed us where to obtain fish. We purchased scallops which became our dinner. The electric service was not working due to lighting recently striking the power post and lamp which was beside SONATA after we tied up.
Halifax. We were greeted by the HMS SYDNEY (from Australia) as we entered port. This happened to be the Tall Ships week end in Halifax . . . they are along the Halifax waterfront.
"Our-own" VIRGINIA from Norfolk was present (the black hull).
as was the BOUNTY which we had last seen in Tampa, Florida. We cruised the waterfront with numerous other boats and then went to our slip at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron.
Harvey, all for YOU! What a stately vessel!
We had not seen the Coast Guard's EAGLE prior to this visit, therefore, for Harvey (USCG, Ret.), we have included these pictures. We had a nice tour of the vessel and spoke with some very young Coast Guard students.
But now . . . it is time for Bonnie to return home . . . and leave SONATA in Halifax to await her return. Happens most every time, the fog, rain settle in upon her departure and then we know what to expect when she returns.
This will be the celebration, the joy, the weather upon Bonnie's return!
After clearing with the US officials off to lunch. Lobster, fish, shops, places to see; all before our first sunset in Bar Harbor.
Following sunset there is always a beautiful sunrise. And we were again off to see Bar Harbor.
SONATA remained at the dock while we toured.
The fog would roll in, and roll out of the harbor.
Fog or no fog, the tourists were given their boat rides. What a place!
While at the pier completing some electrical work, STAMPEDE came in alongside SONATA on the outboard pier. SONATA's #1 battery, an 8D, had an internal short when we planned to depart Charlottetown, PEI. The first place to obtain a new one from West Marine was in Bar Harbor. Calls were made before arrival and West Marine agreed to deliver the battery to the dock. The Bar Harbor Harbormaster provided a name . . . Steve Strout, a lobstermann and an electrician to help. Steve was of great assistance, and the battery was installed and working before we departed for Rockland.
