The Mate's Birthday

July 12, 2025

Today was my Son-In-Common-Law's birthday! It was a milestone with him crossing into his forties. His wish was to have a nice steak dinner, so when going ashore in Lockeport, a couple of days ago, it seemed very fortuitous that the local convenience store was running a special on sirloin steaks. With some sirloins in the fridge my birthday obligations seemed a done deal. There was an unexpected surprise about that as this day wore on.

It was around 10:00 when we cast off. It was as skillful as last evening's docking. My Daughter let go the bow and pushed us off with a boat hook while the looped stern line was held by me. It was so calm that the bow swung right out past the trawler at our bow. Makina was placed in gear and the stern line brought aboard. Just like that we were leaving Port L'Hebert.

The Birthday Boy made it on deck just as we were leaving the harbour and prepared himself for the lovely weather that we finally had caught up with.

Birthday Boy preparing for his big day

To say it was lovely speaks only of the blue skies and summer warmth, it was not what a sailor may deem as lovely. That was due to the fact that the wind was pretty much non-existent. There had been forecasts that some gusts would accompany the 5km/hr winds; yet they did not show until almost reaching Brooklyn.

Calm Seas on route to Brooklyn, Nova Scotia

We let Ghostie the Autopilot do most of the work and enjoyed the sun and snacks along the voyage. The Booklyn Marina was called for a dock reservation. They asked if we would be interested in the BBQ Rib Supper that was being organized for this evening. After a quick consultation with the Birthday Boy it was decided it sounded too good to miss and that we could have our steak supper the following night. With a docking reservation and a great meal awaiting us we motored on to Brooklyn.

Pierre and myself had stopped in Brooklyn on route to Shelburne and had been impressed by the marina. It is community run as a non-profit. The prices prove that point with $45 docking fees and beer almost the price found in the local liquor stores.

Upon arrival we just had time for showers before the delicious supper was ready. And boy was it delicious. We were soo overwhelmed by it that all photography was forgotten. Sort of how the table conversation can grow quiet as everyone dives into a delicious meal.

After supper we were back onboard attached to land power which the Birthday Boy enjoyed. Some of his games are soo graphics card intensive that they are too much for our onboard system; so he got to enjoy games he had not been able to play when not on land power. Kind of an added birthday treat.

A very nice day ending in a wonderful port of call.