The Gaspé Peninsula is believed to be named from a Micmac word meaning the end of the land. And it’s fitting as it’s the point from which we start sailing in open ocean without the comfort of seeing or, in fog, believing there’s land on either side of the boat! But more on ocean sailing tomorrow after we’ve experienced our first day “out there”.
We spent two perfect days in a breathtaking region. And we spent time with great people. Wednesday began with a skippers meeting aboard True North with the crews of other boats making up an informal flotilla that seems to have formed over the last days, to plan the next phase of the voyage. Everybody spent the afternoon refueling, provisioning and doing maintenance.
The highlight of the day was a beautiful sunset and bonfire on Sandy Beach with the crews of four boats. One of the boats was a family of six on their way to Panama, then across to Polynesia. The kids ranged from 7 to 14 years old. They are being home-schooled (or is it “boat schooled”?) during the cruise. We’ve read about families like this in sailing magazines but this is the first time we met one. Anyway, a great evening with Jon and Cheri, Benoît and Hélène, a couple we first met in Québec City, their home port, Martin and Michelle, a couple Sandy met in the Rimouski Marina laundry room (where the elite meet), and Matthieu and Sabine with their four kids.
On Thursday, we rented a car to explore the Gaspé Region. Highlights included Percé Rock, a natural offshore arch formation that is a UNESCO heritage site, and emblematic of Maritime Québec. Another was the Emerald River waterfall. Although naturally beautiful, unlike the tourist information showing an idyllic, deserted location, it was swarming with visitors, swimming, picnicking and partying. The day was capped by a quiet evening at anchor in the Gaspé Bay.
