The Atlantic Ocean is only 5 miles away!

We've recorded 378 miles in this week's log and 1270 miles to date.  To help put that into perspective for the non-boaters, you need to consider that our top speed with the engine running and relatively calm conditions is about 7 knots per hour.  When we're under sail we can see as much as 8-9 knots/hr before we need to start reducing sail area (winds get too strong) Imagine driving your car anywhere at 8 miles an hour.  How long would you last before you resumed normal speed limits? lol  If we motor from 7a to 5p, we might see 70 miles in a day. Unlike the interstate highways, there are no rest stops and there may or may not be a suitable place to stop for the night when you decide you've had enough boating for the day so we have to plan each day according to the locations of marinas and anchorages.  Add to the equation the tides and currents and the effects of wind direction. We've had a 20 mile day and we've had a 92 mile day.  We've also had 3 days so far with no miles recorded due to poor weather.  Our average as of today is 42 miles/day.  We think that's pretty good.

The air and water temps are higher this week than last, and the sun has been more visible.  Warm air and sunshine, just what we're looking for! 

Ports of call this week included:
Grande Vallee to Anse-a-Beaufils on the Gaspe Peninsula in Quebec; Escuminac, Boctouche, and Tormentine in New Brunswick; Wood Island on Prince Edward Island and finally down into the St George Bay to the Canso Strait and for tonight it's Hawkesbury, Novia Scotia.  That's brings the count of Canadian provinces visited to 5, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Novia Scotia. 

We watched dozens of pilot whales, a small pod of dolphins and a few seals this afternoon as we passed through the St George Bay area.  What a sight, and so very exciting.  Closest views were about 25 yards away.

We're having a great time.  We're both enjoying the adventure as well as the rare opportunities to rest and relax with a good book.  If you have a question or want to hear more about a particular aspect of our trip, send us an email!