Finally sailing again!

Aug. 7, 2025

Was ready for departure well before the 11:00 checkout from Zwickers Wharf. Made a smooth solo cast off and was soon back at the mooring ball only to find that someone had anchored dangerously close to the mooring ball with Makina attached.

Neighbour anchored uncomfortably close

To top it off they had left her unattended so most of the afternoon was spent with one eye watching for potential contact.

None happened and they eventually came along. Two nice folks from the USA on their way back home. They were soon on their way, leaving me to await The Admiral's arrival at noon tomorrow.

Aug. 8, 2025

Made it ashore for a shower and some laundry and Pierre arrived when at the end of the drying cycle. He had brought his outboard so we headed back out to Makina to stow his gear.

Admiral Pierre

We then thought a trip to Bridgewater may be in order for more supplies and a customary visit to the Temple of Canadian Tire. On the way out of town Pierre treated us to a visit to a Boston Pizza for supper

Once back on board we relaxed and caught up eventually calling it an early night.

Aug. 9, 2025

It was a beautiful morning yet little wind. It was expected to pick up around noon. Pierre thought some beer would be nice to have on board so we started out on a walk to the liquor store.

On route, along to town docks we took to chatting with two fellows fresh in from Bermuda and awaiting customs to arrive. We said that we have a friend, James, who is in Bermuda at present. To our great surprise both of them had met him and knew much of him. What a widely connected community boating is!

We were back on Makina before noon with beer in hand. We decided to sail out to Cross Island, which we had done with my Daughter and Son-In-Common-Law earlier in the season.

On that occasion we had thought it would be neat to visit the lighthouse and a collection of old buildings on the site. This visit we planned to do just that.

So off we headed out the harbour and waisted no time getting the canvas up. It was great to be sailing again!

Sailing to Cross Island, Nova Scotia

The wind continued to grow as the afternoon progressed. We were doing well over 5 knots at times!

Catching nice wind gusts on route to Cross Island

We anchored in the same cove below the lighthouse which we had done earlier in the season except this time we went ashore.

It was tricky finding a good landing site with the swell brought up by the wind yet we eventually found a spot and then worked our way along the coast to the lighthouse after landing. It was a great walk and fun experience to explore the now automated light.