I'm Back from Saint-Pierre et Miquelon

Good Monday from Prospect.

My Possy, Mark, Peter, Richard, Dirk,Tom and me in front

Fishing boats, Saint-Pierre

Hey, I'm back. Been away for the week on the Route Halifax Saint-Pierre Ocean Race and have some stuff to share.

I effectively, lived without internet for a week and survived, funny huh? Lost it off Cape Breton and would only get updates when we were out sailing off the coast of Saint-Pierre. My phone and iPad would populate when I wasn't looking. It's not that the Island doesn't have internet, it was just difficult to acquire what was set up for the sailors. Too many people sharing the same connection. I kept a few logs to keep my mind up to date during the trip since I couldn't post daily.

The Route Halifax Saint-Pierre race starts in early July in Halifax harbour and finishes 2-3 days in Saint-Pierre. It's a sponsored event hosted by the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron and the Saint-Pierre Yacht Club.

The race was an amazing trip. It's not just about racing to Saint-Pierre to win honours, (we did capture 4th in our division for the ocean race and the Grand Prix with our canvas enclosure up) it's about a glorious 2.5 day trip to a wonderful place with amazing people.

I only knew 2 of our 6 crew when we left. Actually only met Dirk de Haan as we left the dock to start the race. By the time the week was over, and I had to leave, I had 5 great comrades with bonds for a life time.

Saint-Pierre

We were, Peter Blunden (skipper), Richard Dube (navigator and cook), Dirk de Haan (driver and main trim), Mark Jollymore (driver and trim), Tom Vokey (trim and driver) and myself (trim, photographer, inshore tactics).

The hearts of the Saint-Pierre people are huge and warm. They couldn't do enough for us and we were amazed. They are so gracious. Our host family, Jean-Pierre and José Poirer, were wonderful and I hope to see them again soon.

Mariners Monument, Saint Pierre et Miquelon

The weather, although I'm told is always foggy and cold, was warm and clear with moderate winds pushing us downwind to what I now refer to as the little northern Bermuda. Little European streets with brightly coloured houses, both shingle and stucco sided and a rich history dating back to the discovery of North America.

Anyone that has never been, or thinks it's not the place to go, needs to rethink. I'll fly back with my wife and daughter as soon as we can. It will be the leisurely cap to a great trip.


I've dropped in a few pics, enjoy, Derek

Peter and myself on Life of Reilly II before the start of the inner harbour race (Grand Prix on Thursday)

Saint Pierre

Post Office in Saint-Pierre

Crab Pots, I think

Our race fleet tied up at Saint-Pierre Yacht Club

Our race fleet tied up at Saint-Pierre Yacht Club

Saint-Pierre Yacht Club

Saint-Pierre

Last night meal on Life of Reilly II before I flew back

Prospect sailing and skys at dusk

Good Thursday from Prospect. 

Just got back from a great sail from here to Halifax (RNSYS) today. It was another great one (second in two weeks). 

Prospect dusk sky, June 28 2012

Weather after unsettled conditions usually means good wind but lumpy seas. Today was no exception. 1-2 meter swells with 15-20 knots gust to 25.

Well I'll tell you what, if you don't dig clouds than you won't dig this. Since it's been a little stormy and unsettled here lately, here's what our sky painted for us this evening.

This pic is facing due south at dusk. Can you see the moon peaking out. Can't say I've seen too many greenish horizons.

Enjoy, Derek.

MultiFest in Halifax

Good Saturday from Prospect. 

MultiFest Concert Tent

Last night we attended the RBC Multicultural Festival at the  Halifax Seaport, put on by the Multicultural Association of Nova Scotia. This is an outdoor event mostly under tents.

It costs 7 dollars a head with family and student discounts (the fee covers the entire weekend) running from June 22nd to June 24th.

Check it out here: ( http://www.multifest.ca )

Unfortunately, being an outdoor event, it is at the mercy of Nova Scotian weather. I know, wait 5 minutes and you'll get different weather.

Well that's no consolation when you're sitting outdoors and it's only 14C and hoping the rain will stay away. The report for Saturday is 15-20mm of rain with a possibility of Thunder showers for both Saturday and Sunday (the last day of the event). Too bad, the turnout was small. 101.3 the Bounce advertised a "popular" headline entertainer, Raghav (dance/pop). Not very popular when the kids don't show up to watch, and they don't care about the weather when it's a band/entertainer they like. Maybe he'll be big when the weather clears.

So, as I was saying, we attended the Friday night concert to watch my daughters boy friend, David, and his band the "Outsiders".

They played an eclectic selection which was very well done. Totally enjoyed it. 

Brite-VU on stage

The group consists of 5 former classmates from Halifax West High School (ages ranging from 19 and under) that are continuing their careers in Music. David McLean (guitar) attended Dalhousie and heading to Berklee, Dunnery Bond (keyboard and vocals) attending Berklee, Bethany Ingraham (vocals) attending Dalhousie, Daria  Zuychenko (drums) and Stephen Weston (bass).

The concert was MC'd and hosted by C100 and 101.3 the Bounce. Local radio stations I can't say I listen to but hey. They basically play dance and pop. 

We watched a band by the name of "Brite-Vu" that came on before the "Outsiders". Comprised of lead vocal and guitar Robb Medwid, bassist Greg Erkvaara ,drummer Steve DeWolfe and Stephen Elliott lead guitar and vocals. Check them out here: ( http://www.brite-vu.com )

David and his group donate anything they make to MYST (maritime youth standing together), an organization dedicated to building schools in Africa. Check Them out here:  http://mystmali.webs.com 

Well if the weather improves we may drop down on Sunday for a little most cultural diversity, always a good thing.

Here are a few pics from Friday night.

Have a great weekend and Enjoy, Derek.

David and Deanne. Two hands, two Cokes

C100 and 101.3 Girls MCing

Brite-VU

The Outsiders

David McLean

Bethany Ingrahm 

David, Daria and Dunnery

David wailing (probably the God Father)

A York Redoubt stroll

Good Wednesday from Prospect. 

Took a quick trip to York Redoubt today. It's a historical Park which used to be a fortification just south of Halifax. It's a beautiful spot to walk and the view of Halifax approaches and MacNabs Island is stunning.

I went with a dear friend, Ann. She wanted to take her dog Sima for the afternoon walk and asked if I'd tag along. I hadn't been there in a while and since I was armed with a camera, and some free time, I said yes. Always like to find some time to take pics.

Not a breath of air on top of that hill, which wasn't going to be good for the RNSYS wednesday night racing. Which by the way is easily viewed from York Redoubt if you're ever inclined to take that in. They usually start around 5:30 in the summer months and 6:00pm in the fall every Wednesday night.That will be a story for another day.

Anyway, I find those sort of Parks/Fortifications fascinating. They make me feel as if I was there at the time of their use. So when I photograph them I tend to show how they make me feel instead of shooting shiny touristy shots, if you catch my drift.

I've attached a good selection of the days shoot for you to enjoy. If you get a chance to visit, do so. It's a wonderful spot to take in a good stroll. Dog friendly as well, as you can see.

If you want to know more go here: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/york/index.aspx

Enjoy, Derek.

More Sky

Good Thursday from Prospect. 

In case you haven't noticed, I have a small fixation on cloud formations. 

Looking Northeast from Prospec

They tell us so much about our planet and without them, well, no rain. They also help cool us and protect us from the sun.

Here are a couple I found fascinating this evening and thought I would share. Yes I fiddled a bit.

Looking Straight up

Enjoy, Derek.

I'm Back with the Clippers

Good Monday from Prospect.

So here's the scoop. I've been on a hiatus for a bit. Those of you who got my Facebook post a while back will know my Mom passed away May 26 which means I've lost both parents in 10 months. If it wasn't for the fact that I have lots of caring family around me I'd officially be an orphan.

Well to move to a lighter note, the boats in the water and ready to go…finally. First sail this week.

Thursday's Child at the RNSYS

For an interest note the Clippers are in Halifax until the 15th at RNSYS. These are 10 68 foot open racers racing 8 Legs around the world (40,000 miles). They started in the UK in August 2011 and has now finished it's second to last leg in Halifax, NS.

Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron

The boats are tied up at the Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron (the oldest Yacht Club in North America) and will be here until the 15th.

I had an opportunity to fire off a few pics just as they arrived. Looks like they are going to have a great time here in Halifax.

Clippers at the tender dock at RNSYS

You can check them out here (http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com). Want to participate, check it out on their site. The idea is to share the experience.

Evenly matched 68 foot racers

At RNSYS

Gold Coast on the inside finished well ahaed of the pack today

Well, have a good one and see you tomorrow with more of the festivities here in Nova Scotia. Should prove to be a busy summer.

Enjoy, Derek

This Mornings Wake Up

Good Friday from Prospect. 

Here's an fresh, early morning shot to share today. Fog is such a beautiful veil to reveal natures beauty. I do enjoy shooting with and through it.

6:49 am today in Prospect NS

Have a great long weekend.

Enjoy, Derek.