Early breakfast aboard “Lionheart” (Richard’s blueberry pancakes and corned beef hash) to discuss possible travel plans. The winds were strong from the west and veering to northwest. The collective decision was to remain in port. Following breakfast, the winds started to abate, and two smaller sail boats departed the dock. After studying the satellite weather and determining that winds were diminishing and seas starting to lay down, Captain “Kaos” decided we would cast off our lines and go out and give it a try, with Riviere Madeline as our destination, about a 55 mile run.
Once out of the harbor and the bay, seas settled to less than two feet, coming from the northwest, winds were light and the sun was shining. Once under way, we received up to a three knot push from the currant, which increased our speed without increasing our fuel consumption, so all in all it was a great day to travel.
We anchored inside the rock break wall and spent a quiet evening.
July 10, 2008 Ste. Anne des Monts
Great cooked breakfast in town, and very reasonably priced. Grocery stores are about a three block walk and internet is available in the building housing the cinema, just next door to the SAQ (Quebec liquor store). Unfortunately internet service is only available from 3:00 – 8:00pm.
After that substantial breakfast, we walked the waterfront and admired some of the unique driftwood carvings along the route.
July 9, 2008
In the company of “Lionheart” and “Pacific Pixie” we departed Rimouski at 4:30am for the 103 mile trip to Saint Anne des Monts. Although slightly warmer than yesterday, it was another cool, misty day. The cruise guides indicated that regardless of departure time, we should experience up to a two knot push from the rear. The winds were forecast to be from the south west and combined with the anticipated push from currant, we expected a good cruising day. Once out of the harbor we found the wind blowing from the north east and a head currant – not what we wanted. We encountered a lot of large swell which later developed into chop causing a lot of pitching and making for a less than comfortable ride. Pacific Pixie decided to pull into Matane, while “Kaos” and “Lionheart” elected to continue, hoping conditions would become more favorable, which they did for some of the trip. After an eleven hour run, expending more fuel than usual; we arrived at the St. Anne des Monts harbor of refuge, where we tied up for an early night and some much needed sleep.
Showers and laundry facilities are available at the marina, but no fuel or pump-out. Dockage was ninety cents per foot.
July 8, 2008
This morning was cool and cloudy as we departed Tadoussac Harbor, heading for Rimouski on the south shore of the St. Lawrence. As we crossed the bay, we saw the back and dorsal fin on a couple of whales, most likely minke or fin whales. It appeared that they were feeding and just surfacing occasionally for air. There were no spectacular breaches today.
The St. Lawrence is a large body of water, and is very deep and cold, likely about 50 – 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Without the sun, the air temperature continued to drop as we headed further from land. As the rain started, we began adding layers of sweaters and jackets to stay warm. Amidst the mist and rain, we have seen numerous seals pop their head above the water to look and see what we were all about. Unfortunately the weather was not conducive for taking photos.
Rimouski Harbor was a welcome sight, and upon arrival, we found the locals to be friendly and helpful, despite our limited use of the French language. A female dock hand spoke English and was helpful. The local high school english teacher welcomed the opportunity to converse in English and was happy to drive the captains into town for some needed parts.
We had an excellent seafood dinner in the marina restaurant.
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