- The Admiral Returns
On my second day in Saint Jean Port Joli, Pierre came down to meet me. He was a welcome visitor and even more so when he said that he decided to continue on with the voyage at least along the Quebec coast towards Gaspe.
With his vehicle present it made it easy to prepare for the next stage of the passage. We took on ice, diesel and groceries. We sailed on the morning tide; leaving Pierre's car in the parking lot under the old salt Alan's control.
- The Passage to Rivière du Loup
Around an hour or so after departure the sun began to rise...
The current was strong as the tide began its ebbing. The wind blew strong against the ebbing tide and the currents had, sometimes, a mind of their own. It seemed a bit like being in a washing machine during wash cycle.
With the wind as it was, we motored.
As mentioned, waters were rough and then we moved into a bank of fog; something disconcerting on such a busy river.
It was stressed to us that we must arrive at Rivière du Loup at least an hour to and hour and a half before low tide. They even had created an app that would advise you as to the state of the tide. We had no idea how grave it became at low tide. The only time in seeing something remotely familiar to it was the tides of the Fundy.
You may not notice at first yet the Makina is sitting deeply sunk into the mud of the St. Lawrence river!
- Onward to Rimouski!
We were ready to depart on the next tide which was, again, early in the morning.
The weather was kinder this passage. Although still chilly, with the sun out and the dogger sipped up, it was a pleasant day except for the fact that the wind was still head on and we had to motor.
We were treated to sightings of seals, fowl and beluga!
At the end of a long day we made port in Rimouski.
Rimouski is a great town with all the conveniences one would need. We met a friend of a friend of Pierre's and he was kind enough to race us to Canadian Tire before it closed to get an electric heater after last night's 8C chill.
It made all the difference and kept the cabin comfy cozy.
We thought to relax here for a second day. A couple of friends of Pierre who we met in Rivière du Loup suggested that they may make the drive to catch up with us to have an evening meal together. We agreed to get together at that time once they get to Rimouski.
At least this should bring you, the reader, up to date in the progress of the Passage to Halifax.
May the wind be at your back!
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