Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia
Entering the well-protected bay we could see the picturesque village was colorful, as advertised. It’s no surprise that Hallmark likes to film here.
We could have stayed for several days, like Doug did, but a weather opening dictated that we moved on. See that blue sky!
Shelbourne, Nova Scotia
Another one-night stay, we were greeted by Kermit
Local inn-keeper, Cooper (love the name, Jim and Susan), gave me permission to take a photo of him watching the sunset from his private oasis.
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
At the entrance to the marina you are greeted by a life-size replica of a record breaking shark caught in Yarmouth. The unwritten message – Don’t Swim Here, Jim!
Record Shark Stats: Female 21-years old, 1,084 lbs, overall length 11.2 ft – tip of snout to tip of tail. Short-fin mako shark, caught August 21, 2004.
Yarmouth is proud of its historic buildings. With Gail B as our guide and narrator, Susan and I sincerely enjoyed our walking tour.
Built by the master shipwrights.
I think this one belonged to John Fitts, but maybe not.
Eatery recommendation: Immediately above the marina we found Rudders – the meal was hearty, and the Red Ale delicious.
Cribbage – Dating back to the 1600s a gambler named Sir John Suckling (what a name!) is attributed with the invention of Cribbage. If you dig a little, you learn it was just a rip-off of a British game called “noddy”. Cribbage grew in popularity during World War II. My Dad (WWII vet) had a board made from a carved antler; if you find yourself in Girdwood, go ahead and challenge my brother Sam to a game, be forewarned, he’s a bit of a shark. Cribbage is also a great way to hone your math skills. I can still hear my Dad counting his crib, “15-2, 15-4, there ain’t no more.”
Thanks, Jim and Susan, for the Cribbage lessons.
This unique board is a hand-carved swordfish bill, scrimshaw by a Nova Scotia artist (Bluenoser for Tumbleweed).
Au Revoir Canada
That’s not daylight, Dave Lubs, it’s a Super Moon at 6:04 am
As we departed, heavily loaded Commercial Fishing Boats were inbound, after a beautiful night under a full moon.
Back in the USA!
We crossed the Bay of Fundy into the Gulf of Maine (it’s all the same water, with an invisible border crossing). It’s BIG water, to my delight it was smoother than expected.
Jim and Susan Merritt have been a good luck charm, for sure. In addition to calm seas we saw more than one whale – sorry Commodore Greg, it all happened so fast!
Roque Island, Maine
Safely arriving at our second favorite anchorage (#1 is Pelican Bay / Cayo Costa), Buttercup sets four grateful feet onto American soil!
Another Time Change – as we entered Maine the clocks changed to Eastern time. Thanks Jim and Susan for making the crossing with us!
Although the weather was chilly enough for long pants, Capt. Rick is happy to be back in the USA.
Celebrating Milestones
Birthdays: September 5, Susan Merritt; September 9, Connie Kello Berardinis
A Tribute for the Parrot Heads
Saddened by the news of Jimmy Buffet’s passing on Friday night, September 1, we now know he will not be performing live in Fort Myers Beach when his newest Margaritaville is completed. We do expect the Grand Opening tribute will glorious, a perfect opportunity for a hologram appearance. Fins Up JWB!
First, a special Jimmy Buffet video, with an intro by the legend, who explains it’s really his truck, his first Boston Whaler, and his soon-to-be-wife, the inspiration for the song, Come Monday, is in the video! click here!
YouTube link to Come Monday. Take the time to enjoy this 1970s gem.
A few things even Parrot Heads might not know about Jimmy Buffett.
James William Buffett (“JWB”) was Born on Christmas day in 1946 in Pascagoula, Miss.
Son of a Son of a Sailor is a tribute to Jimmy’s seafaring grandpa, okay Sideways, maybe you knew that factoid.
Married in 1977 to Jane, The Eagles played at their wedding reception.
His debut album, Down to Earth was released in 1970 under an Andy Williams label. It sold 324 copies. Yep, 324. Since then, JWB released 50 albums, 19 music videos, and nearly 70 singles that collectively sold more than 20 million copies, so far. Let the counting continue with a $ boost in sales around Christmas 2023 as nostalgia kicks in.
Changes in Attitude.
The common perception that JWB was a bit of a pirate who squandered away his wealth was a ruse. Yes, he sang about how he “pissed away enough money to buy Miami”. And yes, Jamaica Mistaica really happened. An accomplished pilot, his plane, Hemisphere Dancer, was shot at by the Jamaican police – also onboard were his wife, two daughters, and U2’s Bono. The police, chasing drug smugglers, later apologized.
Paul Harvey’s Page 2: In the early 90’s Buffet got sober. Like Elton John, JWB loved to perform live, it soothed his soul; and like Taylor Swift, he owns his music. He was also a brilliant marketer. By 2023 (this year), Forbes estimated Jimmy Buffet’s net worth is, drum roll please, $1 billion, that’s a “B” for Buffet. No commodores, he is not related to Warren Buffett, but they were friends, and JWB wisely invested in Berkshire Hathaway. Forbes also reported he had 6 homes, four planes and a yacht. Most recently he lived in St. Barts in the Caribbean, Palm Beach, Florida and Sag Harbor.
RIP Jimmy – your musical legacy of love and laughter will live on!
Bonus for our Boaters – here’s a video of the unique design and delivery of Jimmy Buffet’s 42-foot offshore fishing boat. Hey Trevor, I hope you watch the video, it’s impressive!
A fabulous collaboration of Freeman Boatworks and Merritt Boatworks. Enjoy!
Next Up: Now, we are actively dodging Lobster pots in Maine as we head to Southwest Harbour. Sept 3 – Caryl and Ray arrive; Sept 8 – Craig arrives – wee you in NYC Carly and Mija.
Exhale on the Water 