Onset, MA

So much has happened since we moved to Canada and even just since we've set sail. And while we're all excited to share more stories from that part, I am hopping in to start to get into the groove of giving you all regular updates. As we get further from regular cell service, daily updates will get a bit harder and we want to make sure to stay in touch! So, in my attempt to start growing this habit, I thought I'd start by sharing what we've been up to in Onset, Massachusetts.

Eric and I sailed into Onset on 9/24 (as I write this I am wondering how it has already been a week). Robin was off the boat for a few days and this was our first sail down a crew member. We were tracking hurricane Fiona to make sure we would have safe winds and decided our best bet was a 530am take off so we could sail south and hit the Cape Cod Canal at a favorable tide.

We took off on time with some steady winds from 15-20 knots consistently and up to 30 knot gusts. It was a little intimidating but we reefed way in and were able to start making some good time, even if we were cold, wet, and rockin. The wind dropped steadily as expected and we were even able to mostly stay on schedule. We arrived to the canal opening just in time. There was some unexpected wind we were fighting but we had done it! Sun was shining and we would make it in in time for the Harvest Moon Festival.

And then, we heard a 'BOOM'. Eric and I looked at one another - confirmed we'd both heard the sound and I ran down to check the engine. As I opened the hatch, steam and smoke poured out. Quickly - Eric shut down the engine and we threw up sails and turned out of the canal knowing we would never be able to sail through in time before currents turned against us.

Eric got on the phone with his local friend Kevin to start troubleshooting while we sailed around to buy some time. After the initial scramble, we could a place right by the east end of the canal to anchor and wait for the tides to turn around 9pm - when a tow boat could come and take us through the canal. We were hesitant to anchor as our windlass motor was busted BUT sailing in circles for the next 4 hours seemed worse than pulling up 75ft of chain by hand so we dropped anchor and prepared ourselves to rest for the continuation of our long day. Our surprises weren't over though - anchoring in such shallow and unprotected waters - we spent the whole time rocking like we were sailing hard. Things were crashing around and it was so loud it was hard to really feel any kind of relaxation. I got a nap in but Eric had a hard time relaxing much.

Finally - we had the nicest tow boat pull up and effortlessly hook us up and take us through our maiden canal voyage. It was calm, clear, and beautiful when we passed through and we were so grateful to land in Onset where it was protected and flat as can be. We slept easy that night.

The following days primarily consisted of Kevin helping us fix our engine issues and taking us out for drinks with other locals he has come to know well. Once we got Athena to a good place, Kevin took us out lobstering in the sound. After a full day of pulling pots we brought home 30 lobsters. While Kevin packed up he boat, Athena's crew rushed to finish homework for a safety certification course we were starting the next day (STCW) and then we went to Kevin's house where his wife cooked us an outstanding surf and turf dinner. It was Eric's first time trying lobster claws, I decided I liked the knuckle meat the best, and we all agreed that the jonah crabs (that are way less desirable around here) might have been one of the best parts.

Thursday and Friday we had to go in for the practical part of our safety class. Thursday we practiced CPR, donned immersion suits, and played around with life rafts and Friday we went to a crash course firefighting boot camp where we put on firefighting outfits and set off extinguishers and fire hoses. It was tiring work but we all had a fun time getting to 'larp' for the day. We made some sweet friends in class that we are excited to see along our travels.

Saturday has brought lots of rain but I made it out for a run (for those of you who know - this is a victory) and then we all walked around Wickets Island. Without fact checking anything I've been told about the place, it is a privately owned little island that used to have a hotel on it that was a carbon copy to the Glen Cove Hotel. Because everything was brought in by boat, the island hotel was for the white collar guests where the Glen Cove Hotel was for blue collar. Now, it seems to be a favorite place to get oysters and quahogs - a local clam and also our plans for dinner as Kevin sweetly raked a big bucket for us to enjoy this morning. Robin is chef tonight and making us a clam pasta and we are going to finish our most recent tv series as a crew -The Dark Crystal.

Love to all of you!

M