Under a full moon, 21 hours after leaving Québec City the Draken Harald Hårfagre arrived in Montréal, June 19th, 2016. Last evening the 20th of June was the start of summer solstice – hot, cloudy, windy with lightning and thunder. Unable to see the full moon here we must wait for the next summer solstice when they join together June 21, 2062. Fitting, this rare phenomena happens when this viking ship is in our city.
Yesterday, I arrived at Quay Jacques- Cartier at le Vieux-Port de Montréal to see this magnificent vessel. Unbelievable, a crew of 28 crossed the Atlantic Ocean in this slender wooden craft 34 metres by 7 metres!
I took my Venezia Sketchbook, Arches paper and my paint box with a few brushes. Here are some of my sketches. The hot record breaking weather and high winds presented their challenges but insignificant in comparison to the elements facing this ship and crew.
Vikings used Ravens to sight land. If land was sighted by these birds it was nearby. They are non migrational so return to ship quickly if no land in sight.
Viking boat in Vieux Montreal, 2016
Cleaning the deck, Montréal,
Dockside, Brockville, Ontario
Wonderful story telling on your part to go along with your fabulous sketches. Thank you for sharing.
Incredible to see this ship at the port. All the children from school tours around me as I sketched thought it was a Walt Disney replica.
The Captain Björn Ahlander about the situation with the pilotage fees.These fees are 400$ per hour. Unable to pay these fees the Viking Ship will return to open seas and discontinue their voyage through the GreatLakes. Let’s help https://www.facebook.com/DrakenHaraldHarfagre/