St .Michael's, MD ...A "must-see"...

St Michael's Marina, MD

 From Shaw Bay, Ken and I motored 1 1/2 hours to St Michaels in 78 degree weather! Dockmaster, Michael (not related to the Archangel) catered to our every need. Great amenities and a postive atmosphere, gave St Michael's a special place in our memories. We walked the charming town, visited the museum, provisioned and enjoyed a delicious steak dinner with a dockside view aboard Voyageur!

Shops & Boutiques at St. Michaels

Cruising Life

Getting a long overdue haircut

 I always find it surprising that when some boat owners discover that we are live-aboard cruisers, they ask us if we ever get bored. How can one get bored when your destination changes daily, one must still carry on normal day to day tasks as well as fitting in boat maintenance, the occasional visit to a barber and sewing a new bimini?  I cut Ken's hair, he cuts mine. We help each other with boat maintenance and sewing tasks.....It's a team effort! It's fun!  It's never boring!

Reviewing the finished product

Summer in October!

What a treat! Summer weather in Maryland! We left Selby Bay to continue our cruise the Chesapeak. Across the shipping lane we headed for Shaw Bay.  Rounding a peninsula dappled with lovely homes, we anchored in 15 feet of water, weather was warm and the scenery was glorious. The next 2 days were forecasted to be in the high 70's. Yesterday, the mercury climbed to 83 degrees F! WE took advantage of this beautiful weather and enjoyed two beautiful sunsets!


 

Selby Bay Marina, Maryland

Since the Annapolis Boat Show on Thanksgiving weekend, Ken & I have had a marvellous time! We were joined by our good friends Joan & Bruce, visiting from Barrie! Kindly, they drove us back to Toronto for a long awaited visit with Mom & Dad Gillstrom and our two wonderful children! During that week-long whirlwind visit, I had a special priviledge to teach a few dance classes at BDC, organise a few things and catch up with friends. Bussing back to Selby Bay, we found Voyageur 10.10 safe and sound as we left her 7 days earlier! Thank You, Selby Bay Marina!

 

Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron - Regatta Day!

See the number of vacant slips?.... That's because It's Regatta Day!

Ken and I met the bifurcation Buoy that lead us along the Northwestern Arm of Halifax Harbour. Midway down the channel, they arrived in droves! 20 - 30 sailing yachts; all shapes, all sizes, all tacking toward us criss-crossing the narrow channel. I, was at the helm and Ken was my fearless navigator. We were thinking on our feet! "Speed up, take this one's stern!" "Slow Down.", "Stay center,"" Wait for this one,", " Take this one's stern then immediately make a sharp turn to port!" These were welcomed comments that helped Voyageur, under power, avoid any mishap! It was a whirlwind! It was exhilarating! It was nerve wracking! At 3:00 it was over. Too bad we hadn't made that bifurcation buoy 1 hour sooner or 20 minutes later!

Carol's Favourite shift is 3 to 6 am!

Day breaks after an overnighter from Bras D'Or Lakes, enroute to  a quiet anchorage off Hope Island

Voyageur Students are used to shifts of; 4hours on, 4 hours off when passage making, but by ourselves, Ken and I have found 3 hour shifts suit our sleep habits best. In our past lives, I, being a dance teacher have always been active 9-12 midnight, arriving home to Ken; already asleep! Ken has always been an early riser, so 6am is never a problem. Midnight to 3 am suits him just fine. Therefore, I have the pleasure of a beautiful sunrise...Seeing the new day beginning uplifts my spirits!  

 

 





Morning After Hurricane Leslie

St.Peter's Lions Club Yacht Club, at the cuff of the Bras D'Or Lakes

The day before Hurricane Leslie, Ken and I set a breast anchor, snugged up all lines and prepared for the worst. Happy to report Hurricane Leslie had little effect where we were.  What a glorious morning!