Adventure Canada Day 8 – Foiled By The Sea

Remnants of Tropical Cyclone Colin Change Our Plans

June 8, 2016
The Environment Canada forecast spelled it all out. A marine weather advisory issued around 0800 Atlantic Time today cancelled the call of Adventure Canada’s Ocean Endeavour on Quebec’s Magdalene Islands, due to high winds and heavy swell conditions. Winds were expected to gust past 50 kilometres per hour, and seas of up to six metres could be present in some areas.

It’s that time – the “bags” went out today around the Ocean Endeavour, in anticipation of inclement weather. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

And that was that. Owing to the inclement weather, Adventure Canada’s Expedition Team made the entirely appropriate decision to cancel today’s call on the Magdalene Islands as both docking (and anchoring) were set to become untenable propositions come mid-afternoon. The team kept us informed at every step of the way, from our last-minute briefing at 0800 this morning to the announcement just before 1100 that we would indeed be raising our anchor and steaming for the banks of Newfoundland before the storm intensifies.
The weather forecast didn’t lie. As I write this in my stateroom (awkwardly – remember the desk that’s too low to put your legs under?), the Ocean Endeavour is getting tossed and blown around like a cork. It’s not the worst storm I’ve ever been in by any means, but one particularly nasty wave just caused my can of Ginger-Ale to start heading for the floor.

Today’s weather forecast: generally unpleasant. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

High winds toppled deck furniture on the aft deck of Ocean Endeavour. Photo © 2016 Aaron Saunders

Adventure Canada has done a good job of keeping guests busy today, with a roster of informative lectures and fun diversions, like games in the Aurora Lounge and the usual Tea Time in the always popular Compass Club. It’s easy to see why it’s that way. Between the desserts and the tea and the brightly-lit lounge lined with windows, it makes for a very inviting place to be.
What I really liked and appreciated was the attitude of my fellow guests. They remained upbeat and understanding, and commended Adventure Canada and the Officers of the Ocean Endeavour for their collective at

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