The Northumberland Strait

On the 12^th of August the wind abated and we got underway at 6 AM.   

Early Morning Departure From Shippagan

Fishing Boats Waiting For Their Season

We had enjoyed Shippagan very much but were happy to again be on our way having many destinations ahead which remained to be explored.  Requesting a bridge opening as we departed the marina, the Shippagan Bridge was open and ready when we approached allowing us access to Shippagan Gully, a meandering channel leading to open water and the Northumberland Strait.

Shippagan Causeway Bridge

The Northumberland Strait is the body of water that lies between New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.  It is said to have the warmest saltwater north of Virginia.   In order to make up some of the time lost by the unsettled weather, we chose Shediac, New Brunswick as our next destination.  It would be a 114 mile day. The day was beautiful with calm water which was fortunate because of the numerous lobster traps.  With each trap marked with at least two colorful floating buoys one would think they would be easily spotted but, depending on the water conditions and angle of the sun, seeing them can be very difficult indeed.  We had successfully dodged countless lobster traps when we heard it, the unmistakable sound of the line from one of these traps wrapping around our propeller shaft!  We quickly stopped the boat and backed up hoping to unwrap any line which might have tangled.  Harry cut away the line on the surface and after a few maneuvers to test our success in this endeavor we continued on.  It seemed no harm had been done. 

Shediac Marina, New Brunswick

As soon as we were tied up in the Shediac Marina, Harry donned his wetsuit to check for any remaining line.  He found that there was indeed more line which he was able to unwind without too much difficulty.  No damage appeared to have been done.

Ready to Dive

"Look What I Found"

The trip across the strait was very pleasant and there were fewer lobster traps to dodge.  Soon we could see the deep red island ahead and knew we were approaching Prince Edward Island, the smallest of Canada’s Provinces.  We rounded the Indian Spit Lighthouse and approached Summerside, a lovely seaside community.   

The Red Soil of Prince Edward Island Ahead

Indian Spit Light

Approaching Silver Fox Marina

We tied up at Silver Fox Marina and prepared to explore the many bike trails available on the island.

Beach at Low Tide

The End of the Trail

One of the Bike Trails

Scenery at Prince Edward Island

When it was time for some refreshment, Samuels Coffee House served beautifully crafted specialty coffees.   

There were several other boats in the marina doing the same trip that we are.  It was fun to compare notes of the trip.  Two of these couples were very friendly and we joined them for dinner or cocktails on several occasions. When the forecast was good for our departure we traveled together. 

Soon after departing from Summerside, we passed under the Confederation Bridge.  This bridge opened May 31, 1997 and carries the Trans-Canada Highway across the Abegweit Passage of the Northumberland Straight, linking Prince Edward Island with mainland New Brunswick.  It is the longest bridge over ice covered waters in the world.  

The Eight Mile Long Confederation Bridge

We found a peaceful anchorage in Amet Sound, Nova Scotia.  

 

Kiwi II at Anchor in Amet Sound

An Early Morning Departure

We departed early taking advantage of the calm waters.  The day was beautiful, it was a nice trip around Cape John and across St. Georges Bay to Havre Boucher where we found another lovely anchorage.

Cape John

Cape George Light

We arrived early enough in the day to unload the dinghy and take Hali for a romp on the beach.  It was a beautiful evening.

Hali Enjoying the Water

The Anchorage at Havre Boucher

Ominous Skies