Last Day in Little Current

Today will be filled with re-provisioning and getting ready for an extended time out of the harbor. Little Current is the primary port for supplies here in the North Channel -- Killarney as you may remember from last year's blog is a very small community.

The cruise ship is back as of 0730 today -- she departs later for Mackinaw Island. The Canadian equivalent to homeland security has increased it's visible presence -- on the water and the streets -- our understanding is this happens each time the ship docks. Other than that, her impact on the town is seen only in more people wandering into shops and taking pictures of the cruisers who are taking pictures of the cruise ship. Guess the other side of the fence always holds more interest.

The weather continues to vary -- this morning it was pouring rain, now it's just overcast, and later today it's supposed to become gusty. But tomorrow will be fine (if the weather gods are right)

No new pictures to share -- but will have lots after the excursion into MacGregor Bay.

Little Current!

Pulling into Little Current last week -- a large cruise ship was docked right in front of the fuel/pump out. But I did a bang-up job coming in -- and then really messed up getting into my slip because the "little current" of about 6 knots caught me sideways -- almost took out the electric tower at the top of my slip. Hey, what to you want?

At least I didn't hit anyone -- others weren't so lucky over the next couple of days. Several sideways boats taking off boarding ladders, spot lights etc. Little yelling -- what good does that do anyway? And a lot of foot action by other boaters serving as pushers -- you do get exercise doing this cruising stuff.

The bridge at Little Current and the cruise ship leaving the day after I arrived. This is certainly a cruisers' town! Caters to all of us -- with good provisioning, lots to do, and a couple of good restuarants.

Each morning at 0900, there is a Cruisers' Net -- where the news, weather, and "today in history" is broadcast. Then boats in the area check in with locations and any information they may have. Yesterday, 145 boats called in from various locations around the broadcast area. It's fun to meet people this way.

The MacMan Race finished here on Saturday -- these are racers from Mackinaw Island (many of whom had just completed the Chicago Mac race) and from the North Channel. Mackinaw to Manitoulin Island (Little Current) -- followed by parties which are still going on. In fact, sitting here having breakfast in the Anchor Inn I am surrounded by racers still reliving their exploits!

Wednesday, James and Ellen will join me in Little Current. Probably out of touch from then til after the third of August while we venture into the more remote areas of the North Channel.

JC left yesterday with their grandchildren on-board for a week's cruise -- I'll miss their company, and hope to see them on the water later. But will certainly see them at the Annapolis Sailboat Show this fall. Another lady skipper pulled into the docks yesterday afternoon -- from Michigan -- like me she is waiting for crew now that her friends from Lake Superior have left. So there is no issue with people to talk and visit with!

Benjamins, Bell Cove, and Little Current

I'm now in Little Current -- and here for a week to re-provision and do chores. It's a nice town with great marina facilities. Named "little" current for the changing current through cut -- yesterday coming in it was running 2/3 knots -- by the time I docked it was at 4/5 -- and later as boats careened off each other it reached almost 8 knots. This morning, it has reversed direction and is running about 2/3 knots again.

In the interim, Jerry, Cheryl and I explored more of the Benjamins including some very adventuresome "gunkholing" where boats weave their way between the rocks and find "just the right place".

NOT YOURS TRUELY!!

On Tuesday, we left the Benjamins and headed east toward the Bay of Islands -- about fifteen miles and anchored at Bell Cove on Great La Cloche Island. Deep water right up to shore (33' plus) so we put out a lot of scope, and settled in for a lovely afternoon.

Went ashore where we found some fossils -- and a great place to hike.

The Benjamins

Left Gore Bay on Sunday, then motored to the Benjamin Islands in "buddy boat" with my friends on JC. About fifteen miles of great motoring

To get "inside" the Benjamins, you have to weave your way by the Sows and Pigs -- needless to say, I followed JC just like a duckling hangs on it's mom's tail feathers.

At anchor, in a beautiful cove on the northeast side of South Benjamin Island. Charlee and I anchored on the south side last year -- also nice, but I would recommend this even more! Ended up with 27 boats here by the second evening.

Jerry and Cheryl from JC. We hiked the hills, picked blueberries, and thoroughly exhausted the Chessie dog -- but she loved the island and the other boating dogs who were spending time there.

Looking down from the top of the hill at the anchorage and to North Benjamin Island in the background.

Leaving Gore Bay

IF -- and that is a big if -- the weather holds as forecast -- I will leave Gore Bay tomorrow morning in the company of new friends across the dock, and head out to the Benjamin Islands to drop an anchor for a couple of days!

So, I could be -- read will be -- without internet connection for several days -- probably through Tuesday.

Charlee and I went to South Benjamin last year -- this time, we are planning on tucking in between south and north Benjamin Islands. The entry looks pretty straight forward, and my friends will drop anchor first then come over and help me to get in.

It's all of sixty degrees for a high today -- rained on and off -- so that is why the big IF.

Gore Bay Continued

Yesterday was on and off -- sunny one minute and threatening the next. So I just hung around the Marina and visited with neighbors on the dock.

The couple across the dock from me are on a Lord Nelson 35 -- they are from Michigan, have lived aboard for several years including six years in the Caribbean and are now summer cruising in the North Channel and winter land cruising around the south. Delightful people -- hope to see them some more before I leave the area.

We trooped over to the end of the Marina for breakfast -- sat in the sun, and chatted with all sorts of people including a lady who is circumnavigating the North Channel in a kayak all by herself. Talk about self-reliance!

As the day progressed more of the large cruisers came in -- apparently it was pretty blowy out there -- so the dock looks like the smaller end of the Miami Power Boat Show. I think they are leaving today to head back to Michigan.

I've been invited tonite to fresh whitefish -- right off the Purvis when she returns this afternoon -- by a Canadian couple who make Gore Bay their summer home. You meet the nicest people! In the interim, it's still chilly -- fleece weather without the wind, fleece and windbreakers when it starts to blow. Even the locals are moaning about the late start to summer.

Pictures around the area to be posted tomorrow. I don't plan to leave until Sunday -- that's when the weather will clear.

Gore Bay Ramblings

Purvis Fisheries -- established in the late 1800's goes out every morning around 5:30 and returns early afternoon to unload it's haul and transport it to the Gore Bay airport and then to major cities like Toronto and New York. It's docked right across the fairway from Sonador -- thus, I know the time she leaves -- but worry not, even tho' the sun is up in the sky by then, I just roll over and take a few more minutes before Chessie insists that we get outside.

Downtown, which is quite active for a small community, includes this wall of murals -- painted by the local citizens.

Gore Bay is the head of government for the Manitoulin Island -- thus there is a court house, jail, and other signs of prosperity associated with a seat of local government. The jail is now a marvelous little museum featuring works by local artists and artifacts of the town's history.

The town Marina deserted yesterday afternoon when everyone scooted out of here on the promise of a nice sail. I'm hanging around just 'cause.

Before they all left, these were our neighbors across the finger pier -- Chessie thought Mike (the person) was okay but she really had a hissy fit about Tom (the cat) who was a most pleasant fellow for a cat. They were sailing in party with fellow Michiganders from the Detroit area -- this is prime destination for many of the Lake Huron citizens who make it a point to come up here for years on end.

And, I can see why. This is the ridge across the Bay from the Marina -- probably a good destination for a hike if I can motivate my feet and legs -- and the weather cooperates. Today it is raining a little, so the tromping around will be limited.

This view is looking north out the bay from my dinghy which I finally got to work with the help and encouragement of dock neighbors -- turns out I am just a klutz who floods small engines instead of starting them!

And, this is the other end of the Marina -- where you can grab pizza to take out as well as fish and chips. Not a bad life!

First Pictures/Impressions of Gore Bay

As I left Blind River, this sailboat was heading the same direction as I -- they had a great sail over to Gore Bay!

And I had a great motor. Although later in the day the seas apparently built to almost four feet, while I was out there it wasn't bad at all. This is looking east toward Little Current.

I'm still startled at how big this is up here. Although I could always see land, it was often just a bump on the horizon.

At the Gore Bay Marina, they have pulled out all the stops to become a "destination" -- and with justification. Not only are the facilities really nice, but the surroundings are spectacular. Note the blue sky!!!

And then there are the really "big" boats that come calling. This one from Kingston Jamaca (sp?) -- and just now clearing Canadian Customs (probably after being in US waters, since BD and I saw her at anchor near Drummond Island, MI.

Les Voyageurs at Blind River

Along with the Community Day fair, there were Voyageurs re-enacters camped on the Blind River. The "small" canoe in the front of this picture is only 25 feet long -- they had one in the water (and out of sight) that was 36 feet!

Like our Civil War groups, these enthusiasts travel throughout the Great Lakes area and up to the Hudson Bay -- to experience, as close as possible, the lives of the voyageurs.

Some of the re-enacters are natives (first nation), others of French descent (the real voyageurs), and then others just interested in the history of these fascinating men who opened the west and north to fur trade.

Scenes around their camp -- Some structures weren't yet assembled -- remember it was blowing about 35 miles an hour at this point and even the river was experiencing white caps.

Some local kids had to be rescued from tipped over canoes -- they thought it was a lark -- the grownups didn't. But everything turned out okay.

Around Blind River

Looking out to the North Channel from the waterfront park -- there's a beach here also, but surprise! I didn't see any swimmers.

This was about a quarter mile from the marina on the way into town.

It's called Blind River for the hidden entrance to the river that meanders through the town. On the other side of this park is the down town -- a little over one block of laudromat, pharmacy, clothing store, and LCBO. The grocery store is out of town on the trans Canada Highway.

Oh, there are a couple of watering holes also. This one reminds you that the ladies aren't supposed to frequent the same place as the gentlemen -- and the townspeople seem to honor that.

Evening clouds building to bring strong winds -- some rain, and many boats hunkering down for the duration. This is looking east over the town itself.

New Location!

Arrived at Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island about two hours ago. An uneventful passage across and east in the North Channel -- about 30 miles. Left early to get ahead of strong winds predicted for the afternoon and evening. Yesterday, in Blind River we experienced 35 knots and significant white caps in the marina -- and boats coming in from the open water were pretty beaten up -- so took advantage of the weather window and escaped.

Got several kudos from ladies on the dock who were impressed that I brought Sonador over on my own -- didn't bother to tell them that I've friends who can do this blind-folded! Anyway, Chessie is relieved to be tied up again -- and there is fresh fudge and ice cream at the Marina Store (beat that West Marine!)

Even though this is a smaller community (pop about 900) it's a resort area, so there will be lots to do. I'll post pictures later once I figure out the internet connections which are free only for a few minutes.

Will stay here a week -- and then look for another window to continue east to eventually rendevousing with James and Ellen in Killarney toward the end of the month.

SUN!!!

Today the sky cleared -- the wind died -- and it actually was sunny for a good part of the day. Nothing really exciting to report -- but a nice long walk in the morning.

This afternoon, I purchased the Canadian charts for the GLCC Wilderness Rally at the end of the month. It looks like quite an adventure -- with lots of "when you see this rock" and "keep a bow watch posted as you transit this area" -- and in the end, you are in a very,very, very remote area of the North Channel known as MacGregor Bay. James and Ellen and CtD (Cruiser the Dog) will be company during this part of the journey. No marks at all, just rocks that are identified by their GPS coordinates.

Until then, I'm hanging around Blind River until about Sunday -- all you can eat white fish on Friday, and then Saturday is the Community Day with a farmers' market and all sorts of activities.

I just gotta slow down with the book reading -- have gone thru three books since the 5th!

Did I say I was loving it? 'Cause I am!!

Cold, Rain, and lots of Reading

It continued to blow thru the night -- then today it started to rain and blow. So, Chessie and I hunkered down for a day of relaxation.

Only disturbance, was a request by the dockmaster to move to an inside slip since I was taking up one of the longer T's in the marina. A feat accomplished without hesitation and in fine style. In exchange -- not really -- but that's the way I explain his generosity, I get six/seven nights for the price of four. Can't beat that with a wooden stick!

Tonight, it looks like it might clear a little -- but the forcast calls for more rain overnight and continued winds through tomorrow.

I'm reading, sleeping, walking, and just sitting -- WHAT A JOY!

At last -- onto Blind River

On US Independance Day, Rick Gillig drives up from Cheboygan, BD takes the car.


Rick and I take Sonador out for a pleasant 29 mile trip east to Blind River. Uneventful -- some great little islands for interest, but nothing really for gunkholing. And, a couple of interesting rocks awash in 60 plus feet of water -- never, ever think about traveling up here with bad visibility! Winds built to about 15 knots by the time we tied up in the marina.




The marina at Blind River is larger than at Thesalon -- and the town is considerably larger at about 3,900 population. This used to be the largest pine mill east of the Rockies -- now the town depends a little on that, on some small commercial fishing, and tourism -- also the home to the Blind River Boat Works who fixed Sonador. There may be more, but I haven't had time to explore yet. By land, Blind River is more like fifty miles on highway 17.




This is the old wood burning chimney that marks the end of the marina -- as you can see, the clouds are coming in again.











And, Sonador at her new home for the next several days -- don't plan to leave until there is a clear weather window -- and that looks like Wednesday at the earliest. The Marina has a great little restuarant -- open for breakfast (BD, Rick, and I endulged this morning before they left) and for fresh white fish on Friday nights (reservations required) -- so I might just stay til then since I'm in no hurry.

More of Thessalon

This is the fairy that transports locals from the mainland to Cockburn Island (approximately 35 miles by water) each weekend. The Island is mostly a logging and "camp" location -- so you have to bring EVERYTHING with you. What you can't see is the second ATV in the stern, nor the ten people on board! The next weekend, she took off with same number of people, potting soil and flowers to plant, at least two house windows to install -- and packs of beer.






Chessie and I go exploring on the little island in the Thessalon Harbor -- flowers, fascinating rocks, and every-once-in-awhile a duck or cormorant. What fun!

As you can see -- there was some glorious weather between the rain and cold.












And, another local boat taking off for the Island -- these people aren't afraid of "high wind" warnings by Environment Canada! And, then, there is the business of Thesslon -- this tanker arrived (backing into its dock without tug boat help) around 7 p.m. and was off-loaded before 6:30 am and long gone.

But, these were the types of clouds that kept us at Thessalon after the engine was repaired. Just not my cup of tea!

Undeterred!

Chessie's Canada celebration was rewarding -- if not exactly what she planned.

Another chilly, rainy day -- and more predicted for the next 24 - 48 hours while this major system moves out of the area.

Overheard on the radio just now from two of the GLCC boats "well, at least it's not snow!"

Getting to know everyone in Thessalon -- and reading, playing scrabble, and generally passing the time.

Happy Canada Day!

It's grey and overcast -- cold -- with a slight wind out of the north-west -- and, yes it is Canada Day. The town of Thessalon, and just about every other place around here, will be celebrating with parades, fairs, and food. No fireworks here, but that's okay with Chessie who is frightened to death of the booms and high pitch noises that our human ears can't hear.

Yesterday, the guys from Blind River came back and FIXED the throttle cable! So we are capable of moving. This time, I ordered a back up cable -- just in case. I would never want to do the work myself, but I think I know how.

If any of you are weather radar fans, you'll notice that central and eastern Canada is under a blanket of slow moving, large rotating air. So it could be a few more days before we take advantage of our mobility -- but, we will make the exciting trip to the pump-out!

So -- to the celebration later today -- pictures, tomorrow.