8/31/2023

In the Gulf of St. Lawrence

 

        

 

We are now on Atlantic Time.  It is a very rainy morning, but the weather is schedule to clear up later as we pass through the current cold front.  We were scheduled to stop at L’Anse aux Meadows.  We are glad they cancelled because it would have been miserable slogging through the Muskeg looking at ruins on this cold and wet day.  Of course, we would have done it, and therefore have the right to complain.  This is the lot of the pilgrim – there is no reward without suffering.  (Shirley and Paul considered our transfer at the Toronto Airport our bit of suffering this trip.)

 

As the picture of our ship’s position shows, we are in the Strait of Belle Isle, northern entrance from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and eastern Canada. The strait, 90 mi (145 km) long, 10 to 17 mi wide, and lying between Newfoundland (east) and Labrador (west), is the most direct route from the St. Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes ports to Europe.  Paul snapped a picture of Labrador from the veranda.  Bob (on the other side of the ship) could not see Newfoundland, but if he could have, he would have seen the site of L’Anse aux Meadows, the Viking settlement from 1014.

 

         

                                                                Labrador

 

At Breakfast we saw Captain Olaf and Chief Engineer Per eating at their usual table.  Paul played agent 007 ½ and snapped a sneaky picture.  Captain Olaf is one third of triplets – the other two are also Captains.  Per (pronounced Pear) is 67 years old and has been at sea for 49 years.  They had a Q&A session yesterday and shared some personal bits.  Both are Norweigian.

 

        

 

                                Chief Engineer Per and Captain Olaf at their usual table.

 

A word about Hurricane Franklin.  It continues to track Northeast, while we continue to steam Southwest in the sheltering arms of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.  Franklin’s winds have died somewhat and are now at 100 mph.  The storm is weakening.  The danger has passed.

 

        

 

Another sea day, and so some relaxation, an Origami class, a few lectures, lunch (or two desserts), more lectures, dance class (Salsa), trivia, relaxation, and more food are all in store.  Life is good.