Saltwater

During our last passage from Quebec City to Rimouski, we moved from 78 degree fresh water to 52 degree saltwater. I found out the hard way: We were in an area where the winds were focused by the mountainous landscape, which created larger waves. One of them crashed on the side of the boat and gave me a good splash. It was salty and cold, just what you want at 3AM.

The wildlife also changed. I was surprised by multiple beluga whales swimming past the boat. And, we saw numerous seals frolicking around. Not what you normally see on Lake Michigan.

Sorry, no pictures. It’s not from a lack of effort, they’re really difficult to film.

While in Quebec City, I met a young man who just purchased a sailboat in Toronto. He’s trying to sail his boat back home to Halifax before he has to return to work on the 4th.

I was hoping we could buddy boat all the way to Halifax, but he was on too tight of a schedule and couldn’t be held back by two seniors.

He left a day before us and was planning on stopping in Rimouski only for fuel and then to keep on trucking.

On the sail today, I started checking the weather again. River life had me spoiled, because on the river, you really don’t need to worry about the winds.

We’ll, I noticed a huge named storm about to slam into Nova Scotia. Yikes. Good luck to Danial and his crew on Moonlight Mistress. He seemed be be a very competent young man and I’m sure they’re doing just fine.

Sue and I won’t be leaving Rimouski until Thursday. The forecast is showing tough conditions on Saturday. We’ll probably make a run for it and try to find a hiding stop before the worse comes. If it’s all down wind, we’ll just ride it out. When the wind is behind you, the faster you go, the nicer the conditions are.

I also screwed up when I left Quebec City. I last filled up on Diesel in Alexandria Bay New York. I had enough to make it to Rimouski, under normal conditions, so I didn’t fill up.

That was a big mistake. I should have taken on at least 20 extra liters. At one point, we had a counter current at 3knots. I was worried the entire time about fuel.

Let’s just say it caused a lot of angst, that wasn’t worth the $20 bucks I save. When you have a chance to take on fuel, DO IT. Especially if you are in more remote errors.

Here’s a picture of the Rimouski Marina at dusk.