St Johns, The strip, more whales

The trip to St John’s was in the afternoon with every darkening sky and increasing wind. There are whale blows everywhere sometimes in groups of 5 and 6 the whales are working as a team and fishing shoals. With the occasional breach as one of the whales scoops up a big chunk of the shoal. Always very special to see this kind of activity all alone not on a tour. The wind had built and the sea was grey but we decide to go back up wind to drift through and observe one last group of whales fishing. Light was fading and it was time to make progress towards the entrance of St John’s . As we round ‘Old Harry” and can see the tiny opening which is St John’s a biblical rain cloud empties on to us. Luckily Claire was on the helm and took the brunt of it. The requirement for St John’s is to call harbour control on the radio. To announce your intentions. We were getting drowned so our intention was to get in and tie up fast. Harbour control informed us that we were 3 in line to pass through the narrow channel and we should wait outside. During our waiting period the sea went glassy but the rain continued. Harbour control asked if we could wait a bit longer while they allowed another fishing boat out before we went in.
When we finally passed through the channel we were in a largish city of around 200k people and giant logistic ships that service the offshore oil business. There was even a cruise ship.
We tie up by the pelican crossing in the NW corner of the harbour. Totally surreal, from wild whale viewing to middle of city in just a few hours. Tarquin eyes lit up when he realised that St John’s is famous the longest road of bars in North America, he was in his glad rags before you could say Puffin soup. We head into town for a nice resturaunt meal and Tarquin allows us to come to the bar with him. He wasn’t too worried about us spoiling his cred. Live music in every bar . Most bars have an Irish bias.

Next day off to stomp the trails up to the headland for the best views. All exited for a second night out on the strip. Tarquin ditches us early and we go to the supermarket. He finds a live music bar full of student. He couldn’t be happier.

Tommorow we head north again and leave the container ships and cruise ships behind.Baca lagi