We would have liked to spend more time in Henley Harbour, but the horizon is calling and there is so much to see in Labrador.

Including this small berg aground at the southern entrance into Battle Harbour.

We are using the SONAR constantly now, and this is another example of its worth. We’ve been told that this narrow tickle has plenty of water. As it is about 300 feet (90m) wide in the deep center, and there is a beam sea running, without some form of confirmation as to water depths, we would go the long way around the offlying reefs.

The SONAR here is looking ahead 770 feet (320m) and showing us the deep water channel, so in we go.

The view to starboard (above) from inside.

And from outside. A little tight!

Battle Harbour is quite a contrast to Henley Harbour. Both were abandoned, but Battle has been turned into a museum by a dedicated nonprofit trust, working with the Canadian government.

The area has been in use as a fishing port since the sixteenth century, and the Earle Freighting Company was just the third operator in all that time. When they closed down they turned the island over to the trust that now runs it.

The wharves have been restored and enlarged and there is room for a variety of large and small cruising yachts (this is a favorite jumping off point for Greenland-bound voyagers). And when the docks are full, they will find you a spot by rafting.

The friendly staff does mean welcome.

Michael Earle, one of the original crew, is the chief raconteur, docent, waits tables…

…sings in "church", and will help secure you to the wharf.

He and his crew not only run Battle Harbour during the summer, but organize the ongoing restoration and maintenance, and lead fascinating tours through the centuries-old structures.

There’s a small general store with a few groceries, herbs and lettuce growing in the two windows, and a variety of arts and crafts to take home as mementos of your visit

The Trust now has several buildings with guest facilities. Meals are served camp style in a common dining room. If you are visiting by yacht, you will be invited to join in, meeting interesting folks in the process.

And if you are sailing a traditionally rigged vessel, the local store should be able to take care of your rigging requirements.

We were fortunate to have the first day of sun in several weeks. The colors are wonderful, and the contrast between the restored and other buildings indicate how much is left to do.

You can reach the staff today on VHF channel 68. In the olden days, it was by Marconi wireless. In fact this Marconi station was an important link to the rest of the world and amongst other famous broadcasts, announced that Robert Perry had returned from a successful trek to the North Pole. He held his first press conference in Battle Harbour.

The bottom is solid granite, and we are told it is impossible to anchor.

We took hundreds of photos during our 24 hour stay, and we could go on for hours.

Suffice it to say Battle Harbour is a fascinating stop, well worth the effort to get here, and a good place to rest up before departing for points north and east.