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Shelburne, NS
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!
Lunenburg, NS
It is now Monday morning and we have a lovely breakfast with our amazing hostess Cindy. After our goodbyes and a very tricky maneuvering act by Admiral Joe out of our dock we move on towards Lunenburg. Before we get there we decide to check out this lovely area of Mahoney Bay with a small but lively town where we are lucky to get a spot right at the town warf. It is easy docking and we are off to walk the town and find a spot for lunch. There is this Farmers Market place where you can buy delicasies, fresh farm produce and get yourself a warm or cold lunch. The simplicity and spirit of this town touches us all and we enjoy our short visit immensely.
Just around the corner as we sail along into our view comes this colorful and densely clustered town of Lunenburg. A very German name must entail some serious German descendants, I think. Our dock is again right at the city warf but this time at a floating dock which has the desired power we require but the issue is with water. In order to get water we had to borrow it from the neighboring marina building and connect our old hose to their hose and than the regular hose we usually use. As all of this finageling transpires the owner directly behind our boat angrily warns us that we cannot trespass through his property because it is an insurance liability issue. This was the first unpleasant encounter with a Canadian on our entire trip so far. It is obvious that the man has old standing disagreements with the town and all that comes with it. We also learned that he is not Canadian but American. Ah that human nature of power and entitlement sprinkled with ego had to surface at some point after all.
Our captain Tom has decided to throw in the towel and leave his post for there are some pressing issues he has to tend to. You have done well dear Tom and it is not easy to see you go especially since now so much will fall into my lap too. Ah well, c’est la vie, as the French would say! Good luck to you on all your ways! Lucky for me Martina has decided to jump right in and assist her mother and Joe in all she could possibly assist in. She is good at that and has done it several times before. Here comes my beautiful Martina leaving all her duties behind to jump in and rescue her mother! She is easy to be with and see where she is needed without even a request. Thank you Tin Tin! You are a gem and a ray of sunshine in my life!
Spending several days in Lunenburg gave us the opportunity to experience everything from dense fog in the morning to buggy rides through the historic sites, a taste of home made ice-cream to entertainment and a walk through a rich and colorful history of this old and fascinating town. We tasted some exquisite meals at Fleur de Sel, a 5 star restaurant and enjoyed an evening with the local group The Glimpses. If you ever come to Lunenburg you have to see this show for it will take you on a journey through time and touch on a variety of important or typical subjects pertaining to Lunenburg’s history. The pride of the town is definitely this magnificent sailing vessel named ‘the Bluenose’ built right here in Lunenburg. In it’s time it sailed across the Atlantic with an unmatched speed and grace. At the moment it has been rebuilt and is about to be launched again in it’s full glory. God’s speed ahead you unmatched beauty of the deep blue sea!
Thank you Lunenburg for giving us a home for a few days on our journey now going west south west!
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