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2045 Tuesday, August 8, 2023
A good portion of today was really devoted to washing down Tazzarin on deck and below, filling water tanks and adding water purification tablets, getting groceries and provisions, and other tasks after our several weeks in Labrador. This was out first access to decent fresh water, which was needed.
We did have two interesting visits... The first was the bright orange, rigid inflatable boat shown above, belonging to Coast Guard Canada. Three weeks ago, when Tazzarin stopped in Indian Tickle in Labrador, we had a nice visit with a man named Wade and his 13 year old friend, Reese. At the time we learned that Wade works for Coast Guard Canada and when on duty is based out of St. Anthony, where we now are in Newfoundland. Wade happened to be on duty and had spotted Tazzarin and came by to visit in the impressive search and rescue boat.
A few hours later, the jet black rigid inflatable in the picture below came alongside and rapped on the hull. I scurried on deck to see three men in black tactical gear saying they were boarding Tazzarin. It was the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The RCMP boat was designed for speed and stealth, all in black. This contrasted with the Coast Guard search and rescue boat in bright, visible orange. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police were doing random vessel inspections and we were one. They checked passports, vessel documentation, emergency flares and expiration dates, fire extinguishers, and other items. They pointed out that since I was in command of a boat in Canada for more than 45 days, I had to be fully aware of all Canadian boating laws. Thankfully, I had taken their extensive test last year in preparation and could show them my certification card. They also noticed Tazzarin's Border Services entry number was from 2022, last year. Thankfully, I had also been in touch with Border Services and already had permission to extend the boat's stay in Canada for more than a year without having to pay import duty.
The good news was that we passed every facet of their inspection with flying colors. They seemed impressed and happy with everything aboard. They had been professional and courteous throughout. in the end, they departed and the commander gave a thumbs up, which you can see in the photo below, if you look carefully.
With our second official visit done, we used a rental car to drive to nearby L'Anse aux Meadows, the UNESCO World Hertage site and only confirmed Viking settlement in North America. I wrote more about this amazing site last month when Mory, Charlie and I visited it on our way north. It truly is a must see if one comes to this area. It stands as UNESCO World Heritage Site number 1, due to its significance to all humanity.
Today the actual town of L'Anse aux Meadows is a quaint, small, fishing outport town. The last two pictures below are just a couple of views of this town, rich in character and adjacent to the site where Lief Erickson, son of Erik the Red, sailed a thousand years ago.
Tomorrow we will take on diesel fuel and head further south.
Bill
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