Now a new chapter of our journey begins going further east towards the northern Atlantic and into the Canadian Maritimes. There are a few stops that we will make for it is a great distance that we have to cross. As we learned from some local mariners there are some lovely spots and areas with small towns to see and experience. This area will require very detailed planning for fuel is not readily available in most of these remote marinas that we are planning to stop in.
A new adventure is about to begin and may it be a great and safe one too!
It has been a long day on the water and not much of excitement for which I would say, thank you!
Most of our run was fighting the oncoming current of the incoming tide. The water has changed in consistency. It seems and reminds me more of ocean water from the residue of the spray which contains lots of salt. Nevertheless, as the day progressed it got warmer and it was actually pleasant to sit on the bow and enjoy the sun and the ride. I even got some yoga in which has not happened in a while. Contemplation, meditation and prayer is the task of the day.
A lovely lunch on the go and before you know it we have arrived at our destination for today, Matane. The area is known for windmill production and there is a whole valley full of them all along the river going towards Matane our resting place for tonight.
The entrance to the marina is amidst these two huge stone formed walls that guide and protect the channel going into the marina. Just before the bridge we make a hard turn to port side and enter the marina sitting in a well protected basin.
Once we arrived we could physically witness the incredible drop of the tide in the basin and later on at the beach itself. Climbing up the walkway from the marina became almost a rock climb or a slide going down. The beach broadened by the hour whereby at 8 pm at it’s lowest, the water had moved so far out to sea exposing a great deal of land with rocks, debris and grass all to the delight of the seagulls and children playing with the mineral laden rocks.
What a fabulous setting for a majestic sunset and that it was. A sunset and sunrise over water are spectacular and we had the privilege to witness both at Matane.
At the marina they have a replica of an original Viking boat that was built for a recent anniversary celebration held at Bay of Gaspe. Now it sits on land and is a nice addition to the marina’s display. Our dinner at the local restaurant Resto was lovely and the muscles as well as the north sea shrimp, which are of small size yet very sweet and tasty were our preferred choice of food tonight.
We also met Curtis a lonesome sailor that sail by himself all the way from the far end of Minnesota through the lakes and is heading to Maine. Quite impressive and courageous he is I must say.
Since our marina and the area are so connected to the extreme tides we have to plan an early departure, therefore an early evening of rest too.
As we go to rest our Contessa is literally sitting in mud till the water returns and she can easily float away at 4:30 am.