Cape Freels ✔️
Oatmeal and tea the following morning after disposing of our garbage and topping up the diesel. It does not appear that fog will be any concern today as we push off from the wharf at 8:15. The fisherman from the large boat ahead of us comes to pull us back to the end of the wharf, as there are now two sixty-five footers parked ahead and I cannot make the turn from the wharf toward the entrance without some help - and without hitting the wide back end of the one closest.
We spring off and wave our thanks and good-bye and by 9:00 we have the foresail up and we are heading for the first cardinal marker.
The swells soon build to two metres, but the sail helps stabilize the boat. The wind is now about 20 knots and we are not comfortable. The passage is longer than it appears it should be as the water around Cape Freels is filled with shoals and rock islands, as far out as 8 nautical miles from shore.
We are dressed in full coastal gear, toques and gloves so the warm summer air of Puddingbag Cove is welcome! (Also known as Safe Harbour.) This anchorage is just a mile across from the small town of Valleyfield. It has been a busy week - Twillingate, Fogo, playing tourist, hiking, meeting and spending time with people. Many fishing boats line the Valleyfield wharf so we are happy to be here in the quiet seclusion.
After anchoring our duties include covering the sail, stowing away life jackets, camera, binoculars and emergency gear and putting up the enclosure. We keep the cover off the window in the centrepiece, with the hope of stargazing tonight.
The afternoon is still early. After ninety minute naps in the cockpit, I clean the salt of the hatches and ports and enjoy a hot shower. Cold brew coffee and time to unwind.
During dinner the large Coast Guard vessel Vladykov passes by, assuming on the way to Valleyfield. We had spotted a Coast Guard helicopter flying circles over the bay. Perhaps this is all part of some training maneuvers. We hope not a search and rescue operation.
The wind has completely died by 7:30. It is very quiet. We play “Phase 10” with Harald being the champion. We believe we are now in the midst of what we came here for. Cruising in Bonavista Bay. It has been very nice playing tourist and meeting so many nice people. But this is nice, too.
Other than being chilly and a rocky ride, Cape Freels was easier than anticipated. In the words of our youngest grandson, “we did it!”
Cheers to us.
