What a day today was to be! One of those days that one houses in the deep recesses of one’s memory forever. It was Day 58 of our Down East Route journey. It was Thanksgiving Day, Monday, October 10th, 2011. And it was a day for thanksgiving – because today was the day we arrived at our final destination – Gold River Marina, Bridlewilde’s new Atlantic homeport.
Susannah was on board. We were not awake early. The three of us had slept soundly on the boat the night before and the captain was the first to rise. He made coffee for himself and Susie and tea for me. It was another beautiful day although not quite as warm as the two prior days. But it had remained warm enough through the night that there was no heavy dew all over the boat. It was a bonus not to have wipe down and dry off the boat before our departure. By 9:30 am we had cast off away from the wharf and were pointed out the channel we had cruised in the afternoon before. We asked local mariners if it was possible to slip out into the Atlantic Ocean through the islands to the west rather than head all the way back out the channel and around Betty Island again and we were told that it was possible. It was also recommended that one should be familiar with the waters there should that passage be attempted. Especially those back channels since there were no markings or channel buoys to assist one to pass through the narrow wedge between the rocky islands. We decided to take the extra time to go safely back through the channel that we had entered to make our way back out to sea.
Once we were heading west again down the south shore, we passed by the famous site of Peggy’s Cove at the mouth of St. Margaret’s Bay. The wind was still light but we noticed it was starting to build. We sailed on hoping to make some good time but it was evident that the shift was going to set us directly into its path. We were hoping to see some marine life for Susannah’s benefit. We did see a school of tuna dancing over the crest of the water but the highlight was the little starling that flew over the boat, back around it and then landed on one of gib lines just in front of us. It seemed to rest there for quite some time as it hitch hiked a restful ride aboard Bridlewilde and then was off as fast as it had arrived.
Mahone Bay is an expansive piece of sheltered water that is 12 nautical miles long by about 8 nautical miles wide. There are plenty of hideaways throughout which is probably a good reason why so many rumrunners, pirates and privateers of days gone past found the area so attractive. Apparently Captain Kidd is supposed to have buried a huge treasure on one of the many Mahone Bay islands but treasure hunters have been searching for it for over 200 years and it has yet to be found. The area is known to be one of the finest cruising grounds in the Northern Hemisphere due to the sheltered waters, the historic towns and villages about the bay, the prevailing winds and the picturesque scenery.
As we passed Little Tancook Island to enter Mahone Bay we expected to see more sailing vessels than we did but it did not take long to understand why. The wind had increased to nearly 30 knots. It was causing the waters of the bay to become quite hard. The waves also increased in size, they were not large but they were heavy and solid so they slowed our passage across them significantly. We had to continuously change course back and forth across them to make any time at all. We found it quite a challenge to douse our large main sail. We do not have lazy jacks mounted. We know they would be helpful to keep our large mainsail stable and in place as it lowers. (Note to self – another piece of equipment required.) It was difficult to fluke it neatly and tie it quickly but because Susannah was on board she was able to take the helm to keep Bridlewilde pointed directly to the wind while her father and I were able address the sail. We were thrilled she took it on with the gusto she did. As always, she was a great asset to us. We could see the town of Chester ahead of us as we headed up the bay. We motored toward our plotted course between Birch and Clay Islands and along Frog Island, past Warrens Ledge and into the well buoyed channel of Gold River. As the captain steered our little vessel round Borgeis Point, we were in full sight of the marina we were headed for all these long and wonderful days prior. The captain ever so lightly pushed Bridlewilde into her berth with such finesse that you would never know this was her first ever docking there. But it was to be …..Bridlewilde was home.
Upon our arrival at the marina we found our friends Bruce and Belinda had come to see us land. But more importantly, our boy Ben was there. He had come to greet us. We were doubly thrilled. Susannah was on board and Ben had come to greet us. They both understood what it was for us to make this journey. Both our children made sure they had participated in Ontario to help us get Bridlewilde ready for her departure. Both our children made sure they were there for us to share in our joy upon her arrival. The captain was in his glory and I was so pleased too. We had made this epic journey eastward. We had conquered the feat. We had those we loved most in the world close. We were safe and happy. We had much to be thankful for on this special day.
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