Last preperations

That's it the last week of preparations is done, if it ain't done now its not getting done.

So another hectic time on the boat in which my brother came to see me as well which was fantastic. He worked like a mad man so thanks again bro for all your help, Anthony you are a trooper. My uncle was there as well and as always was giving me a hand too. In fact the boat was so cluttered with tools and disassembled parts to gain access below decks that Anthony had to eat on deck. This was a really tough way to eat dinner and enjoy the sun set. Speaking of dinner we had to face my Aunty Pat's cooking again which is soooo fantastically delicious it makes me dread going home to Fort McMurray to face my own cooking again. Thanks again Pat for feeding to Spillman boys like kings. Let not forget uncle Dave as always was full of a wealth of experience in setting up the boat and provided me with tools and assitance as well.

Sun set in the harbour

Dinner on deck the two Spillman brothers

So testing out sails and the new mast climbing setup with ascender's was the only real lay day. However I spent most of it doing sail changes and climbing the rigging. Uncle Dave and my brother Anthony had spend time sailing though.





And then there was finally the haul out and anti-foul painting to make sure the boat is as fast as can be for the upcoming adventure. Again my brother was a huge help.

All done and ready for splashing back in the water

Last things heading for the boat

So the last things in Fort McMurray are now packed up. I had to get my mate Brodie to take stuff down to Greyhound because I don't have a car no more as I sold it at the yard sale. So I shipped it off to Vancouver Island where I will be next week to do final preperations for the big boat trip.

No that this is gone I am back to living out of a back pack again just like when I first arrived in Fort McMurray. In fact it is funny how things go in a circle as I am now back renting a room from my mate Jesse whose place was the first placed I stayed in when I first came to Fort McMurray. The circle it completes with this was kind of symbolic as I get ready to leave Fort McMurray on the next adventure.
Counting down to departure date 27th Sept. start sailing for San Francisco.

Leaving Fort McMurray behind and driving to Cape Breton

Goodbye Fort McMurray

Loree and I drove across Canada first to take the car and remaining few possessions to Cap Breton. For Loree this would likely be her last time in Fort McMurray. Not for me though as I have to come back to work over the next 6 months.

The car is packed quite literally to the ceiling with only enough room left over on one side for Vada. It turns out to make a perfect dog viewing platform as Vada can lie-down and still be able to see out the car window and watch the scenery go by.

And goodbye Alberta as we reach out first border crossing of many going across Canada

Studying for Radio exam which is required for the boat trip as we cross Canada

Niagara falls botanical gardens were a fantastic site

As we drove across Canada we took a small brake and detour down to Niagara falls where we had a great time exploring things. A highlight was the botanical gardens that were very pretty to walk around and surprisingly large as well.

A really great day to visit the falls with fantastic sunny weather.

And the final leg of the journey as we cross the Nova Scotia border on our way to Loree’s parents place in Cape Breton. So close.

We pulled into Cape Breton in the early morning to many hugs from Loree’s family before hitting the bed to catch up on some sleep after a long tiring drive.