Winter has been relentless since I arrived back in Eastern Canada in December. I had hoped to get Tin Lizzie out, but missed that opportunity when the snow started and never let up. It’s at the end of a long unserviced road that is buried in snow over ice. The last few days have been promising though, and melting is well underway.
The timing of my shore leave has been fortuitous. Susan (@sueyf) has been facing some health challenges, and I’ve spent much of the time holed up with her in her downtown Toronto condo. I’ll post a few Toronto pics below.
Susan is recovering. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease 8 years ago. We have a trip planned to Europe this month to Europe including a cruise up the coast of Norway, the Coastal Express. I’m sure she’ll blog here with some pics.
I’m prompted to write with an update because I’m back from a visit to Escapade a few days ago. All is good aboard. I also had a brief dalliance with another boat in the area, a Seaton 42, and had a chance to get aboard.
This boat is double the displacement of Escapade, and would be quite capable of doing the sort of traveling I imagine for the next few years.
I came away appreciating Escapade more. All boats are compromises, and older less expensive boats magnify those compromises.
My plan for the summer hasn’t changed. I have three trips planned between ON and NS between late March and early May, one of them to deliver Tin Lizzie. Escapade needs some work done on the deck and pilothouse, and that’s high on my list as well.
These photos were taken around Marina Quay West, where I’ve wintered in the past. I was a bit jealous…
I hiked Leslie Spit a lot. Great wilderness area close by.
Susan lives in a high rise in downtown Toronto. Her neighbourhood is often used as a film set.
And a few others – back yard in Guelph, electric ferry in Toronto, and a brand new Beneteau 36 built in Slovenia.
Boating Adventures 