Sailing to Boston

Here's a few photos taken on the latest voyage of the Barque 'Picton Castle', on her voyage from Lunenberg, Nova Scotia, to Gloucester and Boston, in Massachusetts, USA.

Chibley, ships cat

Ben the Bosun

Randy and Jackie play the bagpipes

In case you are wondering why everyone is wearing red, it was for our Canada Day party, which also happened to be Ben's birthday too. The sun came out right on cue, which was a very welcome surprise.

Ratlines and rescue boat

Donald, our ships cook

David at the wheel

This is all a very new experience for me, and a lot of hard, physical work, but I'm enjoying it very much. Thanks to my time on Charlotte's farm beforehand, I'm a lot fitter than I might have been. That's improving all the time, too. When my hands are as tough as my shoes, I'll know that I've really got there.

Ships Dory made in Lunenberg

Ropes on the pin rail

We had a great time in Gloucester at the 'Sail Gloucester' event, and were made to feel very welcome by everyone there. There was even free food for the crew at Jalapeno's Mexican Restaurant - thanks so much, guys, it was wonderful. We also had a special breakfast at the Yacht Club, and were treated royally.

Ships wheel in early morning sun

Ships boat and reflection

Ships cannon - not fired yet

Breakfast blood-oranges

The 'Picton Castle' was the only tall-ship at the event, so we were given pride of place, and received many visitors whom we were pleased to show around the ship. New friends made, and thanks to Randy, the skirl of the bagpipes echoing out over the docks brought others to enjoy his impromptu performance.

Water through hawse hole

Ratlines and yard

Chibley, ships cat

US stars and stripes for the 4th of July

Manila rope

Paul, 2nd mate, in foul weather gear

The weather across was very foggy, with two lookouts on alert for much of the time, and the gentle blast of the foghorn to lull us to sleep at night. I'm currently on the 8-12 watch, which means that I work from 0800-1200, and 2000-0000. Sleep comes hurriedly after that!

Crew amidships

Sarah, deckhand

Julie and David, handling ropes

Peter, sail trainee

Sunset behind the wheel

Life at sea has its very special moments. Great views over the ocean, long chats with new friends, new skills acquired, and a lot of ropes to pull. The food is good, the bunks roomy, and despite what it says in the packing list, there's plenty of storage space for everyone.

Approaching Boston

Sailing past the Tall Ships

We got to Boston safely - more about that another time. I'm currently in Halifax, Nova Scotia, using a wireless connection with compliments of the very nice people at the Marriot Hotel here. Love to all, from Travelling Tim.

Picton Castle docked in Boston