Deciding to keep breakfast light and simple, I had some toast and tea with George Fudge around 6:45AM. We had a memorably conversation about the state of the fisheries and his experience living in Francois for 46 years. Despite his time here, he is always ready to say that he isn't "from" here, but originally from Burgeo, a growing community to which the boat was destined today. One could easily write a book about his life, the seas he has seen and the fish caught back in the golden age of the fishery. At 7:30AM, I eased into one of the old airplane seats (complete with ashtrays) bolted to the floor of the lounge and prepared for the next 4 hours at sea. It was a bit rougher than the day before and I was quickly feeling it, keeping my eye on the horizon and trying to get some fresh air whenever possible. The smell of diesel exhaust and the heat of the bilge room below didn't help matters much. I was quite happy when after an hour and a half, the small outport of Grey River appeared ahead. The sight of deciduous trees, alders and a few spruce was quite a change from the barren coastline surrounding Francois and McCallum. The boat barely touched the dock before quickly loading a few items, some passengers and continuing on back to sea. The spray was too much for me to remain on the bow of the ship so I stood on the upper deck for as long as possible before the noxious fumes of the exhaust overwhelmed me. Back inside the lounge, fatigue kicked in and I leaned against my motorcycle jacket trying for some rest. Needless to say, I only slept for a few short minutes before I was jolted awake by another crash of the hull. The sun spilled forth from behind the fog bank and soon it was a beautiful and warm day out on the water. Soon the milling about of passengers and excitement in the cabin signaled that the final port of Burgeo was not too far away. I happily climbed on deck to watch the seas calm nearing port and the busy nature of the wharf. I had survived the final section of the crossing but it would take me at least a day or two to recover from the queasiness of the sea. I'll stick to two wheels any day over a boat in the open waters. The unloading of the bike went smoothly and I felt the effects of the ocean for quite a while after setting foot on land. My first stop was the grocery store for some bananas, a provision I'm rarely without except for when going on a ship...age old superstitions and all.
2 Comments
mica
8/17/2015 12:05:58 pm
Wow 98 bucks for a ferry. You probably didn't spend that much in the last month. :)
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Mike Saunders
8/17/2015 02:00:00 pm
That's possible in the states but things are pricier in Canada including crackers and peanut butter ;)
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Mike SaundersIn May 2014 I quit my job to ride a Honda Ruckus over 69'000 mi and counting. Wild camping most nights and cooking most of my own meals, I keep the costs low and the landscape changing. Archives
April 2018
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