Captain Watson

Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
Lunenburg, NS

Good Afternoon,

I sitting in the chartroom soaking up the wonderful aroma of fresh varnish.
We are living underneath the "Big Top" as we call the white plastic bubble that encases the ship for the winter.
Today, after a week of prep work the mates had the crew start to varnish as it has finally reached a temperature that makes it possible.
The mates are watching with eagle eyes to spot holidays (missed patches) and runs, sags or drips that indicate to much varnish being applied. Some of our hands have never painted before let alone held a varnish brush so the work is difficult for the crew and stressful for the mates. Of course it doesn't help when I walk past and make comments about the "doins", as in, "Watcha doin?" or "Why ya doin it that way?"

The chief is busy getting the mechanical end of things going. He steals a hand from the mates in the morning and puts them to work in some space or another, repairing, replacing or rejuvenating.
Between that and the hockey playoffs he is full steam ahead.

We do have some other news. We now have a web shop where you can buy caps and coffee and license plates. I don't think we have had an order yet so hurry, you could be first!
Our schedule is also posted along with the ability to pre book tickets for harbour cruises. What a great way to entertain visiting family!
We will also have our webcam up and running during the mornings. I will try to be online between eight and twelve every
day. We are still having a few technical issues so please be patient.

Hope you are all well. the logs will pick up in frequency as we begin to do more training and rigging so keep checking back.
A very special nod to Zander Parker and his partner Kate who are busy refitting Guildive for her charter business in Castine, ME.

That's all for now,
regards,

Phil Watson
Captain
Schooner Bluenose II