Nice n'easy

After spending a productive Saturday on engine repairs and cleaning we were once again ready to take on Lake Ontario. We set out before dawn, with the engine running perfectly, and confidently made our way out of Oswego harbour and into a foggy lake. That day the gods decided to take it easy on us, and we delighted in an easy day of slow motoring over very still waters. A steady boat allowed us the luxury of barbecuing a fabulous pork tenderloin, marinated in a garlic-mustard sauce which we enjoyed with rice and chickpea salad and beer, of course. With time, as we pushed forward and into the Thousand Islands, the sun came out, the fog lifted and we got our first glance at the beautiful scenery of St. Lawrence River. We went along the winding shorelines admiring great waterfront homes that seemed to just keep getting bigger and more spectacular as we went deeper into the region. Once we chose our next mooring destination, we pressed on to get there before night fall. We have all been up since 3 a.m. and were looking forward to a shower and (another) good meal. One of the side channels of the main river that would lead us to Trident Yacht Club was intercepted by a small ferry that seemed to be pulled from shore to shore by two cables, submerged under the surface. As soon as we realized that we became concerned with being able to pass over the cables without getting caught. We tried to raise the ferry operator on the radio, but got no response. We decided to chance it and float over the cables with the engine shot off. Holding our breaths and our fingers crossed we glided across the path of the ferry. Nothing. No snags, no noise, no pulling, we made it across without a hitch. When we pulled into the Trident Yacht Club some time later, we were greeted by a set of helping hands. Another club member came onto the finger we were approaching to help us tie off. We exchanged a short conversation about Albergs (the gentlemen was also an Alberg owner), got a short introduction to the layout of the club and the amenities, and after securing the boat we made our way over to the club house for showers and a hot supper. Tired but full and happy we settled in around 9 p.m. just as the fog began to descend over the river again, rewarding us with a striking scenery.

Rock Bottom

The stretch between Trident Yacht Club in Gananoque, ON and Morrisburgh a day earlier had been so uneventful and relaxed we easily fell into a slack routine again on Tuesday. The sun was scorching as we zigzagged between the little islands and shoals invading St. Lawrence waters. Autopilot was doing its thing, so we were free to lounge about in the cockpit, getting tanned, getting complacent. Life and the joy of it seemed so simple. Before we knew it things got awfully complicated for us. We hit rock bottom and nearly keeled over. (I love being able to use these idioms and not even be exaggerating) First there was shouting, as our navigating crew realized what was about to happen, then a single, hollow thud followed by a series of violent thumps while the keel of our boat slid along the rocks forcing it on its side. In a moment that felt like eternity the boat had heeled by 45deg. and rested motionless on the rocks below. By that time I had jumped below to hold in place everything that got dislodged from the jolt and to check on Pickle. She was buried under the covers of our v berth, shooting accusing looks in my direction, to let me know she was displeased with being woken up in such a matter. Typical. I picked up what was scattered on the floor of the cabin and listened as the boys yelled for help across the water. A few boaters came by to see what they can do. Gabriel explained to them that if they secure one of the mast halyards to their boat and pull on it, we have a chance of getting the boat completely on its side. This would force the keel out of the rocks and the hull could float free of them. Easier said than done, but after a few good tugs, Rodeo dragged across to deeper waters, rolled back over and happily bounced right side up. Rattled but relieved we then proceeded to argue about the irresponsibility of our actions prior to hitting the rocks. We missed a buoy de-marking a shoal and came aground on it. Not cool. But these things happen, and we're lucky enough to be onboard a great little sailboat, that's been very forgiving to its sloppy crew. 

Detour

Oswego. Getting into a harbour without a motor alone is tricky. Getting into a harbour without a motor at night is somewhat of a daredevil act. But that is exactly what we had to do. Our motor ceased Friday mid day and despite his best efforts Gabriel couldn't revive it. We had to decide between pressing forward, against the wind, to find a place to dock or anchor overnight within the Thousand Islands, an area none of us are familiar with. Or head SW, with the wind into Oswego, a harbour that Gabriel has been to and had a vague idea as to its layout. We believed we had a better chance at a safe approach in Oswego, so that's where we ended up. We made good headway under sail, but the wind died just as we approached the city. Gabriel tried to mount the small outboard motor meant for our dinghy to Rodeo, to propel her forward with whatever power the small engine would afford us. Now, for those of you who know Gabriel this next part will not come as a surprise. He hung overboard trying to hang the little motor at the stern, while Fernando held him in place by wrapping his big arms around him.  He was practically up side down yanking on the motor line to get it running. Unfortunately, because of the waves, the small propeller would only work when we came up on a swell and it would lift right out of the water each time the bow dipped down. We slowly made it out of the open lake and into the harbour where the light wind disappeared altogether. This was a problem. We weren't moving and we still had to make it down the channel and into the Oswego Marina. I'm not sure how any of you would remedy this situation, I sure as hell didn't know what to do. But Gabriel, true to his Kamikaze form, lowered the dinghy into the water, remounted the motor, jumped into the inflatable boat and began to dance with Rodeo. His intention was to push the boat with the force of the dinghy behind it. It took a few daring maneuvers, but he finally got the boats going in a straight line and down the channel we went. We made slow but decent progress, and we felt quite happy with how well we were doing until we had to pull the boat up to a docking wall in the marina. We had no way of slowing the boat, now that we got her going, so we hoped that she would slow down enough for us to jump off and tie her off without crashing. Unwilling to leave Rodeo to her own devices, Gabriel pulled out his dance moves again. He bounced the rubber dinghy off the giant hull of our boat, until she got into position and submissively approached the docking wall at a sensible speed. With hearts pounding and adrenaline encouraging our every move, we hurried off to tie up all the lines and forced her into a complete stop. Sweet Lord have mercy. We spent a good five minutes high-fiving each other and reliving the excitement of it all. Then we celebrated our victorious arrival at Oswego Marina with a glass of Cytrynowka, a lemon infused vodka my dad made for us. With emotions rained in and Rodeo safely docked, we settled into a good night's rest after our first 36 hours out in the open waters. 

Lake Ontario: 1, Rodeo: 0

The second day out, Friday, May 27,2011 has been a miserable one. Not only have we been battling head winds, it has been rainy and cold. We all look green with seasickness, much of which is due to the constant beating Rodeo is taking. Though I suspect that Thursdayʼs wine tasting might have something to do with the state weʼre in. Despite the reason, weʼre all feeling awful and making little headway with these NE winds. Even the engine struggled against the constant waves, until it decided to give up altogether that is. After spending 3 drenching hours working on the engine and the diesel supply, Gabriel found a problem with the fuel pump. Weʼre under sails now, and long ways from any safe harbor on route. We decided to divert our course and head for Oswego, on the south-east shore of Lake Ontario. It is our safest bet, as we get to go with the wind and get a chance to reach land before midnight. Sailing all night long within Thousand Islands without a motor just wouldnʼt be smart. Oswego is a significant detour, but we have a good shot at finding a replacement pump there tomorrow so that we can make repairs and be back on our way as soon as possible.

Departure

Departures are always bitter sweet. All the feelings of excitement and anticipation of new adventures contend with those of sadness and uncertainty over leaving the familiar behind. Today was no different. We set out from Cathedral Bluffs Yacht Club on May 26, 2011 where we had spent the last couple of days before departure. With a little help from some friends we made final improvements to the boat and provisioned for the first leg of our passage. I couldnʼt help but cry when we hugged Michelle, Randy and Brittany goodbye, then watched them grow smaller as we pulled away, leaving the foggy docs behind. It has now been 12h since we left Toronto and so far Rodeo is getting along beautifully. Gabe had to wrestle with the autopilot for a bit, but otherwise it has been a day of leisurely activities. We started off with a wine and cheese tasting, followed by some fishing, then reading. Then back to wine tasting accompanied by a simple supper. Finally a few games of "Black Jack" to complete the evening, followed by another round of wine tasting. Not altogether bad. Finally, just after midnight, we rolled through a small storm and Rodeo lived up to her name, taking us on a bit of a ride. Our transient crew members, Papa and Fernando, however, had no trouble snoring in between their night watch shifts.

The going away thing

The Saturday of May 21, 2011, day of our going away party, turned out to be a superb day in every respect. It was sunny and warm, contrary to what we have become to regard as normal weather this spring. It has been raining nearly every day since the beginning of March. Everyone I know has been feeling down from the perpetual gloom, so the sun-drenched day did wonders for our soggy spirits. Gabriel and I enjoyed a leisurely cup of coffee and read in the cockpit for most of the morning. Around lunch time we made our way ashore, grabbed a quick bite at Mustachioʼs in St. Lawrence market and set out to pick up beer and food for the party. Back at the Toronto Island Marina, the boys put picana (a Brazilian delicacy) on the BBQ and with over 30 friends, who trekked across the lake in a marina tender to join us, we indulged in revelry well into the night. It was one of the most memorable evenings. We couldnʼt have asked for better weather or for better friends. We feel very blessed to have been surrounded by such a great bunch of people. We hope to see them again soon.

Inching Away

After much preparation, a hefty chunk of which has been undertaken by Gabe, we are slowly creeping towards the east coast. True, we haven't gone very far yet, but we're happy to call the Toronto Island Marina home for the next few days. We have a great view of the Toronto skyline from here, that gets more and more staggering and entrancing as the evening draws darker. I am going to miss this city and everything that it has offered me. I will miss all the things I failed to take advantage of even more. At least I get to take its vibrant, vile and infectious energy in for a few more days, while we camp out on the Island. We will be hosting a going away shindig here tomorrow, and I don't mean a "Rapture Party". Come hell or high water we will celebrate new beginnings with our closest friends, and say our teary eyed goodbyes to everyone we've grown so close to. But adventure beckons. And even though I'm really excited to be embarking on a new one, it warms my heart to think that while we spend some time in Halifax we'll only be within a short airplane ride away. I guess that's why it hardly feels like a goodbye.

Renewable Energy

The weather has certainly not been very nice.  Today is only 6C and drizzling did I mention its mid May? It just does not seem to get any better any time soon.  I sucked it up, went outside and worked on the cold and rain to get the wind gen mounted.  I think I will cut about a foot of the tower so it's a little more accessible if needed be.  
We are now counting the days until we leave.  Only 10 more days.  Please weather turn around...

It's been a while

Well, it's been over two months since I last posted on here. Monika was supposed to be taking over so you guys can give her crap for not updating.  Alot has changed since our last post.  We finally got the boat uncovered, and slowly brought her back to sailing form.  We have been working to get most of our projects accomplished.  Monika designed a solar panel arch and I did all bends and mounted panel and integrated to boat 12v system.  I'm currently working on mounting our 200W air breeze wind generator.
Monika has done a fenomenal job with the companion way doors and well as the table down bellow (shortened by 8 inches).  She's currently working on sowing a few pieces to cover our hatch.
We are hopping to get underway on the 26th of May, currently waiting for the arrival of my dad and his friend Fernando who will crew with us all the way to Halifax.

More to follow