A Cruise Complete, A Passage Ahead

2300 Friday, August 25, 2023

Much is on my mind tonight. I will not be able to express it all. some of it will have to do for now. Like the photo above of Bay de Verde Head, some images and thoughts in my mind are crisp and well formed and delineated. Others, like the headlands on the right are swirling in a mist in my mind as I strive to put the summer in perspective.

Today we sailed from Bay de Verde to Long Pond, near St. John's and also the home of the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club. It is here that my summer began and my 8 weeks of cruising in Newfoundland, Labrador and Nunatsiavut began. I have sailed roughly 1,800 miles this summer, so far. The "cruising" of these regions ends for me now. However, the larger expedition continues. I have close to a thousand miles to cover to get back home to Massachusetts; I hope to do it in under two weeks.

These past two months, sailing with the best of friends, as well as the voyage to here last summer, have been a long held dream for me. I wanted to do this. The desire began as a child, cruising with my family. My first sailing north to these regions in 1977 was a pivotal time in my life.

I have only been able to share snippets of this expedition with you, there are so many other things to tell. Lots is whirling through my head. I hope you will continue to follow me as I sail homeward next week.

For now, I will share a few photos and thoughts that capture some of rhe essence of this voyage. Please view and read below.

The ice has been a daring and dazzling aspect of the voyage, offering intense beauty and imminent threat at the same time.

The raw, natural splendor of this region never ceases to arouse my sense of wonder.

The arts of these people show a skill and enduring commitment to these peoples' history and environment. The two photos above are of the French Shore Tapestry, created about 15 years ago and stitched by local women in the outport of Conche. I was amazed by the 70 meter long visual history of Newfoundland. As a side note, this tapestry is exactly the same length as the famed Bayeaux Tapestry.

The hand-carved Labradorite stone figure of a leaping caribou was created by the Inuit man in the 2nd photo, and hand polished by his wife. The sealskin mittens were hand sewn in Makkovik. Both are traditional Inuit Art forms.

The wildlife of the region always appears when one least expects it. The creatures of these lands and seas are an integral part of life for the people here.

I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, warmth and inner pride of all the people I have met. Living in a place like this requires that you be kind, ingenious and helpful to those around you. These are the best of people. They are also proud of their heritage and traditions, many of which endure, even a few dog sled teams go on.

I wish I had time and lack of evening weariness to write more. I will, in time. Thank you for following along with me. I will be watching the weather and planning my departure for home early this coming week.

Bill