July 9th was Nick’s birthday, so we wish him well! Last year, on July 9th, our boat was surrounded by belugas so it was very exciting. If you want to see that video, click this link. This year was not as exciting. We did see a seal popping his head out of the water and a whale taking a couple of breaths but that was about it except for the gannets – which are always entertaining when they dive head first into the water.

We left Souris at about 7:20. John (the guy who was offering advice to his wife while she was up at the top of the mast) was going to help us cast away but he was still in the shower when we decided to leave. Maybe he’ll make a comment and then we can get in touch with him. He and Dennis beat Kim and me in Euchre the other night, so we will definitely have to catch up with them for the rematch…

It was fairly windy when we left Souris – the wind metre said it was 20 knots, which is ok. It went up to 25 for a while and we got quite a spray of salt water all over the boat. Of course, we were motoring right into the wind so it was slow progress. When we rounded Cape Bear (which seems to be PEI’s equivalent to Cape Horn where all the winds meet and create horrible conditions for sailors), the wind went up to 47! Yikes – that was not much fun. We bounced around quite a bit and tested our skills in ensuring that everything was properly stowed. Our big worry is always the dinghy but Dennis had tied it down well. It is tied down even better today (although the wind is only 5) but you never know.

We arrived at the ferry terminal at about 3:00 and tied up to the wall. We did manage to put a small dent in the rub rail (it wasn’t me!) and then went ashore. We checked out what time Crabby’s closed and then I went to see how the ospreys were doing. We then had supper (lobster rolls – excellent!) and met up with David and Joy for an hour then went to bed – we were pretty tired!

Here are some pictures of the osprey nest and of Woods Island. Notice the captain having a nap!

That’s all the news for today. I am writing this while we are underway – going to Borden Carleton and anchoring. We should be in Summerside tomorrow sometime.