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1930 Sunday, September 3, 2023
The last 24 hours were a push. We have had strong headwinds, often 25 knots gusting to 30. By midday today I was seeing 41 knots on the boat's anemometer. We felt reluctantly satisfied when we were making good even 3 knots towards our destination. The bow of the boat would bury into some of the larger seas; but, each time, Tazzarin would proudly lift herself and rise to meet the next wave. She is the best of boat's and has performed admirably throughout this summer of sometimes challenging sailing.
The goal we set for ourselves these last two days was to cross the Cabot Strait, sailing over the depths of the Laurentian Channel and reach Canso at the eastern end of Nova Scotia. We would then put in to rest and wait for better conditions. At noon today, we made it in to the big, government wharf in Canso. It did feel like a bit of a relief to two tired sailors after driving into steep waves for two days.
The weather delays sadly mean that David will have to disembark here in Canso to return home to work. He has been the key to getting the boat from St. John's, Newfoundland to eastern Nova Scotia, often the most difficult portion of this endeavor. He is a superb sailing companion, reliable, insightful, strong and tireless. We have sailed many miles together over the years. This past week is another memorable offshore passage together. I will miss his companionship and seamanship.
Arriving in Canso, it occurred to me how similar the granite islets and pine topped shores of the outer islets feels like Maine. It reminds me how different the lands to the north were, in Newfoundland and Labrador. Those places are a world apart. Even the quaint residential part of Canso, with churches and small homes, is reminiscent of coastal Maine and New England.
Over the next couple of days, I will sail singlehanded on to Halifax, hopefully arriving late Tuesdsy after stopping for the night somewhere in between. It is about 125 miles to Halifax. Once there, my brother, Bob, will join me for the last segment home.
See photos below.
Bill
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