Friday morning finally was a clear and sunny morning and we were able to depart Lunenburg the city of many happenings in the past and now. Even though our morning departure was as clear as can be along the way we encountered fog banks through which we had to pass and so we did. There were several of them along the way with clearances in between. Just past noon time we came to the inlet of Shelburne Harbor and all is well. It is a bright and sunny day here and the wind has picked up quite a bit and seems to be increasing by the minute. As usual we dock at the fuel dock and resupply ourselves with the energy that Contessa is consuming abundantly. Our dock was just a tad ahead and our docking procedure went very well with the assistance of young Sabrina and her boss Jason. Our intention is to stay over night and move on to Yarmouth next morning before we cross the Gulf of Maine the day after.

Next morning we arose to a foggy, foggy day. Departure plans had to be postponed and for the best of it all as we soon learned. As the day progressed, the fog slowly lifted and gave way to a magnificent day. Blue skies and a great disposition for all. It was time to walk into town and see what Shelburne is all about. It’s rich and proud history was none to par. In 1783 10,000 refugees from the American Revolution landed in this natural harbor and the Empire Loyalist Landing was created. The Historic Waterfront District features the most significant built wooden heritage in Canada. There also is a five star restaurant in town called Shallotte Lane. We heard about it from some fellow travelers in Lunenburg. It is very hard to get a reservation in this famous but small, yet elegant restaurant. We made sure to check it out at least during lunch and it was all that we heard it to be. The chef Roland is from Switzerland and cooks every hot meal himself with integrity and quality with an excellent sense of display and complimenting flavors. Dankeschoen Roland fuer ein ausgezeischnetes Mahl!

It was a great day and a wonderful stay at Shelburne. Saturday also was the day for the town’s Farmer’s Market which was a delight in itself. So many local farmers, bakers, pasta makers, arts and crafts, Lunenburg’s Ironworks distillery fruit liqueurs and local rum products. You are so intrigued that you simply want to buy it all! And so we did — not all but some. New friends we made and new connections we established.
The sunset was a spectacle in itself and the colors were soft and strong at the same time promising a clear and bright new day following. Thank you for a great day and the special gift received during this visit and our first solo crossing. Once the challenge had been accepted the confidence followed which resulted in success and accomplishment. Thank you for the lessons learned and guidance received!