June 13

In spite of the fact that we had lost a lot of sleep we stayed up until almost midnight and had some beer and then some rum while I got the blog entries together. The WiFi signal was low at the boat so I had to bring my computer up to the office and sit on a park bench to post the entries. After that we got to bed knowing we could sleep in.

It was a good and comfortable night and we slept for over eight hours. We got up and breakfasted then cast off to head through the narrows and into the upper lake. The first order of business was to pass through the two bridges. There is a railroad bridge with a rotating section and a vehicle bridge with a section that lifts. There was some delay while the railroad bridge got ready and we motored in circles while we waited. 

Soon we were through and as there was little or no wind we motored on up the lake. After a while the wind picked up a little so we shut the engine down and beat to windward for a while, just for the fun of sailing. Soon though we pointed for Baddeck and started in. When the wind died out again we got the sails down and began motoring. 

Pulling into the channel behind Kidston Island we came to the Baddeck Marine Marina. We were directed to tie up at the fuel dock as many of the floating docks were not yet in place. I was supposed to circle around and come alongside, pointing outward. I’m still not used to handling this boat in confined spaces but mustering all my abilities I was able to stall the engine and crash headlong into the dock. Damage was minimal (considering) but Gary was unimpressed and (I think) a little embarrassed. Nonetheless, we got tied up, signed in and set off to explore Baddeck. It is a beautiful community. At its heart is the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. We explored the exhibits then walked around town. There were a lot of gift boutiques. Later we wandered around some of the boats at the marinas.

This is Gary’s second-last night with me before heading back so, not knowing what North Sydney will have to offer, we went out to dinner at a nice seafood restaurant that was recommended. Afterwards we came back to Galefilero for coffee, cookies and fudge. In case I didn’t mention it before, Cape Breton is home to the most addictive oatcakes on the face of the earth.

Anyway, so to bed. Tomorrow we head on for North Sydney.

Gary

With very little time in the Bras d’Or Lakes to explore, it was good to least have time for a leisurely sail, and we covered a distance equivalent to the run from Holyrood to Brigus.

I have visited Baddeck a number of times over the years when my children were young.  I have a photo of Sara as a little girl trying to fly her hand-made kite on the lawn of Alexander Graham Bell Museum.  Today I took a picture of the same area to see if she can remember it.

Baddeck is great to wander around, visiting little shops and marine stores.  Again, there isn’t the time to do it justice… I guess that means I’ll just have to come again.