Day 42 – Lockeport to Clarks Harbour

We got up early to measure the mainsail in the calm air; Andrew needed to send the dimensions to the sail designer who would be drawing up the new one. The kids came over to say goodbye to Caly, and Nina came over to check out Isla while I was making breakfast. One Timer headed north to the La Have Islands. Andromède followed not long after, out of the breakwater east into the open waters above Roseway Bank, looking for whales for a few days out there.

We left the breakwater and turned south for Cape Sable Island after putting The Dingy on the foredeck to reduce drag for the long day ahead. The wind was very light following yesterday’s storm, and the sea very smooth. We watched three jet skis rip past a few miles from Cape Sable, as we approached the shoals off the southern end.

We watched the charts closely as we navigated the current and ledges; the engine choked out, leaving use in silence. Andrew did his best to steer with our remaining momentum while I hustled to pour a jerry can into the main tank. The shallow spots and current kicked up larger waves and I struggled to brace myself while holding the gas can upright.

Soon enough we had revived the Atomic 4 and had steerageway back. The passage into Clarks Harbour was a mess of shallow spots. I stood at the bow and watched the bottom creep closer and closer. It seemed unlikely we’d be able to avoid a sudden submerged rock if one appeared, as I could only see clearly straight down, and fortunately none did.

We pulled into the southern breakwater, within the town, this one, and rafted to a large lobster boat. We stretched our legs ashore, passed the baseball field and stone church, and gave all the large outdoor dogs something to bark at. The evening was calm and clear, a beautiful sunset reflected off the glassy waters in the harbor as the town fell quiet.