THE MAGNIFICENT CONFEDERATION BRIDGE.

THE MAGNIFICENT CONFEDERATION BRIDGE.

I remember my first car trip back to the island via the confederation bridge, I was so thrilled to see this new structure. My excitement was soon deflated by pure disappointment. As you travel on this 12.9 kilometre ( 8 miles) curved bridge, there is nothing to be seen but concrete railings. The best way to appreciate this graceful structure is to sail right to it and take passage under, between its giant pylons. It is by far for me my favourite of all man made wonders of this world. It was named Canada's top engineering achievement of the 20 th Century and it is the longest bridge over ice covered water in the world. Only in Canada, Hey! If you are looking for this bridge it is located in the Abegweit Passage in the Northumberland Strait. It links Prince Edward Island to main land New Brunswick.

We had the pleasure to sail under this magnificent bridge many times in the last 3 years. The photos I have chosen to share today where taken last June, as photography was out of the question on our very last sail under the Confederation Bridge being so late in the summer. The sea conditions dictated that you would be harnessed and rolling with the large following seas. Enjoy!

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER.

Dog days of Summer, where have you gone? The expression refers to the hot lazy days of summer and comes from Ancient Greek beliefs about a "Dog Star" called Sirius and its position between July 3rd and August 11th. At that time this star is supposedly the brightest star in the sky.  Star gazing, became one of our favourite late evening activities while at anchor this summer. Catching sunsets and moon rising on camera was one of my favourite time.

Summer did come late and is quickly on its way out. Nights are cooler, and can't believe September has arrived. We've spent ten wonderful weeks on the beautiful "Winged Spirit". We are returning home with the fall, although it is bitter sweet, we came up with new and bigger plans for the next coming sailing season. I have gathered some of my favourite August photos to share. Enjoy! 

THE PICTURESQUE VILLAGE OF ST PETER'S, NS.

THE PICTURESQUE VILLAGE OF ST PETER'S, NS.

You can find the village of St Peter's right in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Bras D'or Lake. It is where the Ocean meets the Cape Breton Inland's waters, where the the St Peter's Canal lives. Where  hundreds of pleasure boaters uses the tidal lock canal yearly. Our very own mini Panama Canal would you say!

Lots of interesting history can be found in this village. All you need to do is go for a historic walk and take in some of the visitors sites. As you enter the village by land, you can find a mural done by a local artist Linda Mc Connel that illustrates it very well.  Founded in the 1630's by French merchants, it is one of the oldest settlements in Canada, then  taken over by Britain by the early 17th century. The canal was primary used by the Mi Kmak nation as a canoe portage route then further more during the fur trade era by them and some small sailing ships. It made travelling to Sydney NS the gateway to Europe, much shorter and safer, then sailing around the southern coast of Cape Breton Island ( that means in the ocean, versus in land passages).

Construction of the canal locks that regulates the difference of water level between the lake and the ocean waters began in 1854. After fifteen years of manual labour through a solid wall of granite, it has been in operation since 1869 and is still widely used by boaters just like us. It is now designated as a National Historic site.

We can not say enough about this village. Just outside the locks, passed the swinging bridge and     around the bend that is called  "Two Cat Cove" is the great small port of St Peter's Lion Club Marina. It was our home port for all of summer 2015. Visited by hundreds of vessels big and small, from all around the wold. A great place to stop and rest from your short or long voyage, a place to take refuge from the storm. Well managed by a very resourceful staff,  it is located just a short walking distance away from the villages shopping area. St Peter's has a great business and service directory.  It offers everything you could need in preparation for the next leg of your voyage. 

BALLANTYNES COVE, NS.

BALLANTYNES COVE, NS.

Ballantynes, my beloved cove. Where we found comfort and shelter from the storms. One of our must stop destination on our many voyages by sea to Cape Breton Island. It is located on the North-Western end of St George's Bay, a deep sea inlet on the edge of a steep mountain slope.

St George's Bay can be in my books, an "unpredictable" large body of water, because of its location, where the Northumberland Strait and the Gulf of St.Lawrence merge. It was not uncommon for us to sail there and remain securely docked for days at the time, waiting for the storming seas to settle. The  marina offers slips to the pleasure boaters,  but it is mostly a commercial fishing dock. It only offers the basic services, but most needed, fuel, water, showers and laundry. Sorry, no ice or provisions.

Ballantynes Cove is a trading point for merchants looking for its renowned Atlantic Bluefin tuna and is the host of the Tuna Interpretive Centre. The area is said to have the world largest concentration of Atlantic tuna. In our travels there, we never encountered any of the large fin fish,  but had the privilege to sail with multiple pods of pilot whales for hours on end. 

The locals there are more than accommodating to sailors in need of provisions when forced to "ditch" there. Right by the beach, you can find a cosy picnic table, and for your convenience a fire pit filled with dry wood. Last but not least, my favourite, the "Fish and Ships" canteen, where a delectable fried haddock is served.