Publish Date: Friday, August 28, 2009
Location: Gaspe, Quebec, Canada
Coordinates: 48° 49.689′ N 64° 28.556′ W
Here we are in Gaspe, Quebec, waiting for Tropical Storm Danny to either turn into a hurricane and get on with it, or fizzle out. Either way, we don’t want to proceed south to Prince Edward Island or Nova Scotia until it is clear what’s going to happen. The model’s current prediction is for Danny to turn into a hurricane, and then transit New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island on Sunday (probably weakened a bit by then). One of our cruising friends gave us good advice about this though: “Never trust the predictability of a hurricane.” So we wait.
There are always things that need to be done around the boat — it’s definitely not wasted time. There are the normal home stuff to take care of (bills, laundry, etc.), and there are web site maintenance things to be done, and becuase we have pretty good Internet here, we can make phone calls over Skype. There are also a few boat projects that I’ve been wanting to get to, so I’m clicking through those.
But even by staying very active, it still feels like waiting. I think that’s the inherent restlessness of a traveler — it’s probably good therapy for me. Last night we sat in the salon and read our books — I can’t remember the last time we did that. The night before we played “Settlers of Catan”. It’s all good, quiet, family time.
The town of Gaspe is very nice, and we can think of a lot worse places to be waiting. We were happy to spend a couple of nights here, walking about town, and enjoying some of the local restaurants. But now that we’ve been here for a few days, and we’ll be here for at least a couple more, we’re running out of things to do in town. As an example of our desparateness, tonight we’re going to see “Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince”, in French. Hmmmmm.
The weather since we’ve gotten to Gaspe has not been very good, mainly because it’s been extremely windy (having nothing to do with Danny). Yesterday afternoon we clocked 45 knot gusts on the boat, and it felt like more. It’s howling! When we first got here it was blowing from the southwest, so it was warm. Now it’s blowing from the northwest, so it’s pretty cool. Even without the approach of a tropical storm, we probably could not have cruised until tomorrow (Saturday) because of the wind. So we wait.
I think I’ll go brush up on my Francais for tonight’s outing.
Hi. We apent the night in Campbellford lock the same night that you did. We enjoyed talking with you folks at lock 11/12 and we were facinated with your future travel plans. Mary and I wish that the wind will always be at your back and you enjoy your world adventure. We will certainly be watching your website regularly to monitor your travels.
Regards
Mary and Kevin
Hi! David,
Me and my family are new fans of your website since we crossed your way on the St-Laurence River just at the mouth of the Batiscan river ( about 50 miles upstream Québec City). We love boating the St-Laurence with my small 20 feet and it’s the first time we met a Nordhavn. I recognized the shape of the boat far away and I said to my wife oh! oh! look I’m sure this is a Nordhavn. We have the chance to see it closely and note you Three@Sea flag, so you have a marvelous boat.
Congratulation to all the three for sharing your dream with people like us and be sure we will follow your adventure closely.
Good wind,
André, Josée and Guillaume
Note: If your have spare time in Gaspé go to see the most pristine Atlantic salmon rivers of the Québec province, the York and Darmouth rivers. It’s also possible to fish this rivers ( fly fishing ).
I truly enjoy reading your updates about all of your adventures. I’m sorry to hear that you have to wait so long but am glad that you didn’t get caught out in open water with this storm coming though. Since I’m not much of a water person (although I wish I was) I live vicariously through your travels. Be safe and I look forward to your next update.
Michelle
Dave
Come to our house and you can wait in the kitchen with us. It would be more fun. I have an ice maker. If it get too windy we can close the garage door!
I was in the North Channel this summer and found your website through Roy Eaton… I’m fascinated by your journey and following with more than a little interest. You are doing what others sit and dream of (including myself). Keep on keepin’ on, as they say… Traveling mercies to you all.
You are living my dream.
Any chance you can put the fuel (amount and dollars) purchased in the numbers section.
Cost of the boat, a guestimate of the repairs and food I can guess. Actual cost of fuel would be a great educator. Either a deal breaker or maker.
Thanks in advance and keep going. I can’t wait until you experience the land down under…..