Gaspe – Sturgeon Moon
Old Farmer’s Almanac (that’s the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) resource) reported the full Sturgeon Moon would reach its peak on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, followed by a full Blue Moon on Wednesday, August 30, 2023—the closest supermoon of the year.
Why is it called a sturgeon moon? The almanac chimed in again, “Giant sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most readily caught during this part of summer.”
Sturgeon – the Dinosaur of the Great Lakes
Referred to as living fossils, these prehistoric-looking fish have been traced back 136 million years.
Sturgeon means “the stirrer,” the fish stirs up the mud and silt on river and lake bottoms. Pointed snout and whisker-like tactile organs near the mouth. Today, there are about 29 species worldwide, including the lake sturgeon found in the Great Lakes.
Weird trivia: Spawning Cycles – female sturgeon start reproducing around 20 years of age, but they only produce eggs every 4 years. However, the ladies have been known to live up to 150 years! As a comparison, most Pacific salmon live 4 or 5 years, on average – and they only lay one batch of eggs, dying a few weeks after spawning, hence the AK Humpy’s t-shirt “Spawn ‘til you Die.”
I’ll do the math for you. 150 years minus 20 = maximum 130 reproductive years (you are right, at some point the mammoth mama fish will demand a rest, but it’s just a math exercise). Divide 130 by 4 you get up to 32.5 egg laying events. And we thought the Montreal Catholics were prolific! No wonder the sturgeon has lived so long, perhaps that is the ultimate Revenge of the Cradle.
Sturgeon have also been compared to zombies, because they’re never quite dead. They keep returning. At this point, I feel compelled to share the song stuck in my head. Thanks, Madonna and Weird Al, here’s a link to the 1985 hit, “Like a Surgeon”
Gaspe – Story Rocks
Slow cruising offers the chance to absorb and analyze your scenery. For me, the rock cliffs can be like cloud formations.
Do you see multiple faces in the rocks?
Historic Gaspe
Within a short walk from the marina we found an array of cozy restaurants – the smile on our server’s face was indicative of the warm and friendly reception we found in this adorable town. This cool t-shirt is for Tony.
Where there is wind, there are sailing schools! Sailing, take me away …
Perce Rock
We slowly passed by Perce rock – more pics of this infamous spot are found in the blog from Tonto’s Reward.
Caraquet
A unique set up, the marina has a miniature artist enclave located on the board walk. Meet Conrad Legere, local artist.
Inspired by the fishing boats in the harbor, this little treasure is now on board Exhale.
Sunset fishing
Possibly my favorite photo, local fishermen evoked a moment of serenity and happiness.
Bay du Vin Island, anchored out.
The serenity of anchoring out.
Followed by a 5:38 am wake up call. Oh how I hate early morning departures.
Notice that red sky – it should have been a warning to all. The seas got choppy, with another puke fest for the pupster and first mate. Thankfully there was only one irreparable tragedy.
Shediac
Train station art, zoom in, Mija, it’s a statue painting the exquisite mural!
Summerside
We were shoe-horned into a cozy side tie, thanks to the navigating skills of both Capt. Rick and Capt. Gail (yes, she docks Tonto!), there was room to spare.
It reminded me of Mija’s ability to parallel park in hilly SF in a certain red Honda civic, under manual power!
Charlottetown, PEI – Mussel Mania
Sweet Molly Malone … crying Cockles and Mussels, alive alive ‘o!, singer, Sinead O’Connor. Alisha, this YouTube Irish Ballad will give you sweet shivers!!
Thank you for listening.
Charlottetown, PEI
Our self-appointed ambassadors, Paul and Donna, met us in Charlottetown.
Really fresh mussels are best served with toasted bread and a gentle sauce. And best eaten with good friends so you can share the yummy-ness. While in PEI, we ordered them every chance we got.
Charlottetown Yacht Club
Boater’s Tip: The reviews on Active Captain are outdated. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at CYC. Reid, the new dockmaster, has a friendly crew that takes GREAT care of you and your boat. The restaurant above the marina office is fabulous! Overall great service and delicious food.
Charlottetown Wednesday night sailing Regatta
Kensington
The rain and wind kept us in Charlottetown longer than expected – giving us the opportunity to visit a VERY special place – thanks, David B for securing a rental car.
Repurposed rain boots, for Ashley
Anne of Green Gables Museum, Kensington, PEI
Did you read “Anne of Avalon”, or “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery? Did you see the movie (there were several)? Catch the musical “Anne & Gilbert” on stage in Canada, Europe or Japan? Or did you watch the Netflix series “Anne with an E”?
If not, here are the cliff notes: Published in 1908 (YEP – that’s 115 years ago) by a Canadian author from PEI, it’s the endearing story of a precocious red-haired 11-year-old orphan sent to a farm in PEI – to the disappointment of two aging siblings who intended to adopt a boy to tend to the strenuous chores.
Built in 1872 – a home where the author and her Aunt Annie and Uncle John once lived – the tiny museum is a freaking cash cow, with a steady stream of visitors, and wedding events.
This organ is still in use!
The heart-warming story has been translated into 36 languages and sold more than 50 million copies. Now that’s a strong marketing team!
Translations Russian, Polish, Slovakian, Japanese, Korean, Hungarian, and Hebrew.
Kensington Station, PEI
This is for all the folks familiar with the northern CA community with the same name.
Victoria – lighthouse!
The island drive took us to Victoria, another lovely little town.
Have you noticed the influence of the crown on the town names in Canada?
In PEI you find Alberton, Charlottetown, Kensington, Kingston, Montague, Wellington, Victoria, York – just to name a few. English named places in Nova Scotia include Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford, Windsor, Halifax and many, many more! Here’s a fun list from Wikipedia.
Thank you Ambassadors, Paul and Donna
A special thanks to these amazing new friends from Ottawa, who made our French speaking experience so smooth, they also introduced us to some yummy wines along the way. We can’t wait for you to get your new Palm Beach! Meanwhile, you have an open invitation to stay on Exhale, if that’s acceptable.
Hey Tumbleweed – we know what you mean about time slipping away! This post covers two weeks of travel!!
A personal note to the duck people, good to know it’s all in a row. Impressive that the ultra-boring sea town of Crisfield found a way to attract a few visitors.
Celebrating Milestones: Birthdays: August 10, David Hendry; August 11, grand-nephew Romeo turned 10! Anniversary: August 12, 2023, Mike and Sue Gillespie
Next Up – Celebrating Carly Simon in Nova Scotia! Although the total eclipse happened earlier in the year, we ARE living the dream.
Exhale on the Water 