A Summer Cruise - Memories

2045 Friday September 2

Last night the sun sank low in the sky over the Harbor at Bay De Verde, with Tazzarin nestled amongst the fishing boats at one of rhe wharves. (see photo above). Tonight Tazzarin is lying on a vacant mooring in Brigus, just below Kent Cottage where famed artist Rockwell Kent lived for a time. During our run here today my mind drifted to the long path that has led me here.

I first came to Newfoundland and Labrador back in 1977 sailing aboard the Regina Maris, a 144 three-masted barkentine built in 1908. I originally joined the vessel as a student, studying marine mammal biology and celestial navigation. I was later hired as crew. We were engaged in marine mammal research, particularly with the early work to determine the migration paths of humpback whales. I boarded on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean and spent time on the whales' breeding grounds. We then tracked them north, all the way to Newfoundland and Labrador. I was enchanted by the beauty of these northern lands and the lives of the people in the north, living off the sea. The interest and passion for the wildlife, landscapes and people's has never flagged.

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I also realize that people in my life have helped me to grow and follow my passion for sailing and exploring. My parents sailed, raced and cruised, introducing myself, my brother Bob and sister Isabel to the beauty of the oceans and the wondrous places a sailboat and a good breeze could take you. From Manchester to the Lesser Antilles to Bermuda to Maine to Newfoundland my adventures with my mom and dad and siblings are part of me today, a part I treasure.

Back when I first came to Newfoundland, it looked a bit different. Fishing stages lined every outport's waterfront, like the old photo of Bay De Verde below. Cod were still plentiful and were the economy and cash of the region. Today the resilient people adapt to the challenges and continue to make a life in this special place. There is a strong sense of community in these villages, speckled with homes and churches, that survives. (see 2nd photo below)

I want to thank Annie, Carl Doane, Greg Bover and David Martz who have all sailed with me this season. Annie has supported my venture in a myriad of ways! I also thank my brother Bob who is coming to help with haul out. As this summer in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador draws to a close, I look forward to.a continued adventure, further north, next summer to Labrador and Nunatsiavut, to complete my quest and feed my soul.

I will be sending a couple more messages in the coming weeks. But, for this season my communications will taper off as Tazzarin returns to Long Pond near St. John's tomorrow and I prepare her for a winter haul out.

Finally, I thank all of you who have followed the adventure. Knowing you were there in my moments of adversity helped. I have also received over 500 emails from all of you that boosted my spirits. Thank you!

Lastly, David captured me sitting atop the peak of Ireland's Eye dreaming of sailing yet to come. (see last photo below) Stay tuned....

Bill