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The ship, that was expected Tuesday (Aug. 25), was forced to
abort its plan to moor just outside Port Elgin harbour and 'ferry'
the passengers to shore because of potential weather and wind
conditions causing wave swells. Instead, the ship docked in Goderich
where it could actually moor at a docking facility.
While some of the passengers took advantage of the shore excursion
to have a day of golf in Goderich, others were taken to Saugeen
Shores by Grey Bruce Airbus where they spent the afternoon in
Southampton.
The 'shore leave' included a 'fine-dining' luncheon at the Bruce
County Museum and Cultural Centre catered by Pier Donini and his
Queen's Bar & Grill [QBG], where the menu included fresh local Lake
Huron whitefish, Bruce County beef and local vegetables such as
sweet summer peas and a wide variety of desserts. Many commented
that the luncheon rivaled anything that they had had on board ship.
Following lunch, everyone adjourned to the Museum's theatre where
local marine historian and Fresnel lens expert, Mike Sterling of
Southampton, gave an informative and entertaining lecture about the
newly acquired Fresnel lens that is on exhibit in the Museum. The
passengers were then taken on a tour of the Museum with many
remarking that they "..... had no idea a community of this size
would have such a wonderful facility...".
Although the tour was slightly behind schedule from the beginning
and the passengers were to depart Southampton for the return trip to
the ship at Goderich no later than 4:00 p.m., they decided instead
to stay an additional hour and explore the Art Gallery and School
and the shops along High Street.
One of the passengers, Douglas Ward, is an author for the Berlitz
Guide to Cruising among other Berlitz Cruise publications and,
another was a travel agent from San Diego who is researching the
area as a possible tourist destination. Bruce O'Hare, who organizes
the shore excursions working with municipalities, said that he was
very pleased with the results and, perhaps, Saugeen Shores could
become a regular stop on Great Lakes sailings.
Mark Kraemer, organized the tour from Goderich to the area and kept
everything "on track"
Pier Donini of the Queen's Bar and Grill in Port Elgin catered a luncheon
that rivaled that on board ship (next column)
27/08/2009 11:58 AM
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Museum Business Manager, Cathy McGirr greeted the
international visitors
Mayor Mike Smith brought greetings from the town and lauded the attributes
of the area
A tour of the Museum and First Nations exhibit interested many of the
visitors
Passengers asked many questions of guide Jane Kraemer, about the marine
exhibits
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