Company In Puddingbag Cove
I am feeling somewhat envious when I receive early morning messages from my sister who is vacationing in lovely Prince Edward County, Ontario with her husband and his relatives visiting from Scotland. The wineries, the accommodations - it just all looks so civilized.
But I also receive a message from Randy on Sea Barrel, a Hunter 37, a Lewisporte friend. They are leaving Lumsden and would like to know where we are. He and his wife are coming our way and would like to have supper together. Of course I agree to the opportunity!
The early morning rain has ended, washing off the salt from yesterday’s swells. Breakfast and lattes in the cockpit in the sunshine. (Maybe you’re envious?)
Before our company arrives, we prepare for a trip to shore. By 9:00 we’re in the dinghy heading down the small western arm. A small cut in the shoreline is an easy landing place and the lobster traps on shore a good place to secure the dinghy.
There is no trail, per se, but we make our own. The ground between the rocky ledges is soft with moss and reindeer lichen. Some deer flies bother us but aren’t biting. From the highest point we have a beautiful view of Valleyfield, just a mile to the north and Seabiscuit below us. This certainly is a rocky shoreline. The blueberry bushes and buttercups are in full bloom.
It takes some reorienting to find our way back down but we are back to the boat by 11:30. I set about doing some house chores - change the sheets on the bed, clean the stove and vacuum. Harald performs the general motor maintenance he keeps on top of every day - checks the belts, the filters and oil. He tightens the rigging and tries to fix the BBQ but to no avail.
Randy and Mary Ellen arrive about 2pm. I am amazed to see they are wearing shorts! Either it was much warmer than it was on our trip from Lumsden or they are just better acclimatized Newfoundlanders. Randy said they would have never attempted this anchorage if we hadn’t already been here and encouraged them.
The supper arrangements are made - “come at 5:00. I’m cooking moose burgers.” We will bring beverages and bean salad. What a marvellous reason to get cleaned up and “dressed up”!
The evening passes too quickly with conversation around future destinations, grandchildren and winter activities in St. Anthony where our hosts live. Mary Ellen shares some pages from the “other” Newfoundland cruising guide we do not have.
We are back to our boat before sunset and once again are surprised by the lack of bugs.