From Nova Scotia, Canada to Maine, USA

We spent six weeks in our old homeland - Germany and Switzerland - filled with wonderful experiences with family and friends. With a suitcase full of spare parts, we travel back to Canada. Enjoying a few days in Halifax, we can already feel the Christmas spirit in the streets and restaurants, even without snow. Glittering trees and Christmas music in November put us in the mood for the wintry season that lies ahead.

Somewhat nervously, it's time to return to the Aegir and find our ship in pristine condition. Now we're the only ship in the water. The pontoons have also been removed. Ice is expected here during the winter. A strong storm welcomes us. First of all, our land legs have to get used to the rocking and creaking. During the first night we are accompanied by the loud splashing of the waves. With 46 kt and heavy rain, we are glad that we only have to unpack our luggage the next day. With the Christmas virus, Christine decorates the Aegir for the coming season. The diesel stove is burning and we are happy to be home again. Now we turn our attention to our on-board project, the generator. We have a new fuel pump installed and a blocked pipe replaced. As if nothing had happened, the generator runs like new. It's a great relief, as we can now anchor without any problems on our onward journey and without any power shortages. Most of the marinas will be closed. Gerry, the harbour master, explains the weather phenomena in November and early December and warns us of strong winds. The next stages to our winter camp in Maine, US will be well considered. Thankfully, we are not under any deadline pressure.

Another relaxing week is spent in St Peter's and we explore the area a little more. Whilst doing so, we inspect the lock that we have to pass through on our onward journey. Fortunately, we don't have to tow the Aegir back over the pass into the Atlantic, as people did until the 18th century. Another great evening is spent with Rob, the TO base manager, and his partner Heidi. It's thanks to him that we have a great berth. Our Aegir also sparkles and twinkles a little for the first Advent. Winter heralds its arrival with frost, the first snow and sunshine. We love it!

After two months, we leave St Peter's. However, we don't get out of Bras D'Or Lake so quickly. The bridge barrier has an electrical fault. So we have to wait calmly for half a day at the lock jetty.

Before it gets dark, we reach our anchorage in Canso on time. It feels great to be gliding over the water with our Aegir again after more than two months. The next leg is a night trip in good conditions: few waves, half wind to upwind, partly with engine. In the morning we approach Halifax and a few fishing boats (without AIS) appear on the radar. The speed is reduced. In daylight we see the first lobster buoys - even in the traffic separation scheme = fairway. Wrapped up warm, we look at the water, which is fortunately calm. The buoys are easily recognisable and are spaced far apart. We need to make a few small adjustments to our course, but we can sail through easily. We drop anchor in the north-west arm of Halifax. A marvelous illuminated land zone presents itself at night. It is the calm before the next storm, which we wait for here.

In wonderful winter weather, we set off on the next stage to Lunenburg. The next layer of clothing, the floatation suits and the warm winter boots are now at the start. Because of the lobster buoys, we take it in turns to stay on deck and keep an eye out. It's a strenuous stage, especially in shallower waters, where we have to anticipate the floating lines of the buoys and keep dodging them. Lunenburg makes up for this effort. Picturesque old Victorian houses, a Christmas tree made of lobster baskets and traditional ship crafts characterise the townscape. Here we finally eat a lobster and savour this freshly caught luxury.

After another strong wind, the next weather window encourages us to sail the last 320 NM to Portland, Maine in deeper water (150-200 m), even through the night with a full moon. In this way we pass Cape Sable far away and pass countless lobster buoys undamaged. Some of them we can see on the radar at night in calm seas and many of them we probably just sailed past or over. The strategy of sailing through deeper waters has certainly paid off. On the 16th of December we reach the USA. The official part with entry, crusing licence and customs can only be partially completed with the CBP app. There were two friendly officials on board. The checks are mainly about weapons, waste and food. All goes well for us and nothing stands in the way of our stay in the USA.

In Portland, we are now looking forward to the upcoming festive season. Here we have reached our winter camp. In any event, we are waiting for snow and hope to be able to use our snowshoes and backcountry skis by the end of February. Have a wonderful festive season and a happy new year to you all! Follow us again in the new year!