Jay here. Still alive and well. So what started out to be a booze cruise from Quebec – perfect conditions for hours and hours… turned into the back and forth- anxious-for-a-marina tour around Iles Aux Coudre.
We had started out from Quebec on a glorious morning, and headed up the St. Lawrence into glass conditions. Water skiers, wakeboarders beside us. Drinks began to flow like the river because it was so pleasant and enjoyable, and we expected perfect conditions upon the arrival of The Entertainer’s new crew of course.
We set a course for the Charlevoix region, with three possible docking possibilities. We arrived early evening off the coast of Iles aux Coudre, across from Baie St. Paul and witnessed several Beluga whale pods in the area. So because we were making good time at about 9-10 knots, it was early and we decided to spend some time whale watching. The day was without flaw at that point and seemed to always be getting better. Of course the cocktails were still flowing as scheduled.
We took a peek at the first marina/wharf and it didn’t look optimal. Followed the ferry to the mainland and that wharf wasn’t great either. Anchoring looked like an option but was very unfavorable. So we headed back around to the previous area and looked at pulling into Baie St. Paul across from the island. Nothing but rocks and low water, as it was just an estuary.
So long story short… we had gone back and forth there for quite a while, going from 12 knots to .2 in under a minute because we were turning around in the strong tide current at that point. Weather turned around completely, strong wind warning in effect with rain just in our little section of the st. lawrence. Blair and Rick were on watch, and watching the same set of lights in the horizon for about 2hrs because of our lack of headway. We ended up anchoring at around 1am at that unfavourable wharf and Dave and Rick monitored the line, repositioning it within 30 minutes because the current had swung us around 180 degrees.
Everything (aside from lack of rest) turned out fine though, thanks to the captain and his crew’s experience. Wish I could’ve helped out more, but I know nothing compared to these professionals, and I was asleep under the deck bouncing around in what Rick says were his worst overnight conditions he’d ever experienced.
What a start to this trip…
We’ve docked at the preferred/only marina between Quebec and Tadoussac now – arrived at 8:30 am. Yes, in the morning. We’re at cap l’aigle next to La Malbaie which, as Rick pointed out means “Bad Bay” in English. The crew needed rest to continue and we wanted to gather ourselves before continuing. Quick tour of the town and back to the boat for a delightful snack designed by Chevy after a visit to the local bakery/cheese shop, and now everyone is out like a light for a mid day siesta.
It’s been an amazing trip so far, beautiful scenery I didn’t expect, great food, and experienced and knowledgeable sea mates. I couldn’t imagine a better inaugural boat trip (I’m from the prairies..)
We’re heading out tomorrow morning around 4:30am to Tadoussac and up the Saugenay River to find more whales. All is well, talk soon
-Jason
Must be interesting to see the St-Lawrence get wider and wider as you go.