Sunday, October 26, 2014

Isle aux Morts, Newfoundland

Nomad sailed from Baddeck Nova Scotia on August 25 after careful calculations to ensure that the passage through   Bras D'Or Narrows happened near slack water.  Even at slack water, there were swirling tidal currents near the shoals  approaching the bridge.  After passing through the Narrows, I hoisted full sail in anticipation of a nice sail across Cabot Strait but as the land fell astern, the became light and Nomad motorsailed through the night to arrive at Ilse aux Morts the next afternoon. After a quick look at Mickle's tickle I decided that the lagoon inside of would be better for the forecast weather.It is a small, deep, and very well protected anchorage. I anchored in the middle, off the rock ledge in the entrance. It was the only place I could comfortably anchor without shorelines due to the depth.although I did run out one shoreline for added security when the wind forecast increased up to 45 knots NE. The anchorage is so well protected that there was no radio reception inside the lagoon. Climbing to the highest point on the island, there was excellent reception for weather forecasts via the handheld VHF and  a strong cell signal to get internet. While hiking around checking for radio reception, I noticed the island had numerous blueberries growing all over, so I returned with an empty container to harvest some  and did that nearly every day that I was here. I remained at anchor here for five days waiting for the weather to settle before sailing to Bay Le Moine. Hiked all over the uninhabited island and explored the lagoon and nearby Mickle's Tickles  with the dinghy.