August 26                                      Port Hawkesbury, Canada 

We wanted to leave early for our long journey to the Canso Causeway.  Looking back on our previous lock experiences, we would allow plenty of waiting time.  As we departed the dock at Charlottetown, we saw a large cruise ship approaching from the channel.  We were surprised to read on the stern that it was from Rotterdam.

The water was smooth and the wind was light.  We easily crossed the Strait toward the Canso Causeway and our last lock.  Shoreline scenery was pastoral with small homes, churches, and plowed fields. 

We were astonished to come upon a pod of whales breaching in front of our boat.  From our manual, we deduced from their size and identifying characteristics, they were Pilot Whales.  This species grows to about 20 feet in size, black in color, have a highly rounded forehead, and are very gregarious.  David slowed the boat to a stop and we stood on deck in awe as they playfully flirted with us.  We counted about 20 members of the pod.  Their actions were so rapid we were unable to take good photos of this amazing sight.

Communication with the lock was instantaneous and we were advised to enter upon arrival.  As the lock goes up only about six feet, it ordinarily requires little time to enter and exit.  We were the exception.  One of the lock gates had been affected by the heat (it was a warm 85 degree day) and refused to close.  We were advised to secure our lines and wait.  After almost an hour, the problem had been solved and we were waved goodbye by the dock personnel.

Throughout the day, we were frustrated by our inability to reach anyone at the Port Hawkesbury Marina listed in our manual.  Numerous calls were answered and hung up without communication.  After considerable research, we located another number and made more calls.  As they were Port Hawkesbury was the only stop with fuel for a considerable distance, it was imperative we reach them.  As we were waiting for the lock to open, we received a call to tell us the marina would be expecting us.  What a relief!

The marina was actually a public wharf managed by a local yacht club and volunteer help.  It was easily accessible by an extended boardwalk popular with townspeople.  We needed fuel and the tank held an inadequate supply.  Walter, a member of the yacht club arranged for a fuel truck to meet us at 7:30 AM.  We were greeted many times by friendly folks who wandered to the wharf and were interested in our boat and Texas.