Frying Pan -- scene of the "end"

Here we are at anchor in Frying Pan Bay on Beausoleil Island -- a great little Bay surrounded by rocks -- not anything new, right?

Really well marked hiking trails varying in length from 1/2 mile to several miles -- Chessie and I opted for mid length trails that took us to interesting overlooks!

Then, after Mom fell and the night had passed at anchor, Diane had to get Chessie to shore -- one worried dog who never rides standing up in the dinghy, but,

"hey Mom send me ashore with this person alone, and she never does that. Am I about to be left here? I knew it would happen eventually."

After visiting the Canadian health care professionals, nothing will do but a little Gin and Tonic on the stern -- why let something like a broken ankle spoil the fun?

Am now back in Annapolis, waiting to head to the doctor's on Monday p.m. in Arlington. My friends, Grier and Mike (who were supposed to be enjoying Ontario from the boat this week), came all the way up to Midland to rescue me, and then drove straight through back to Annapolis (took us about fourteen hours as we traveled through torrential rains on Friday up and down the hills of central NY and PA). We are indebted!!

Into every life a little rain!

Diane and I had a great time at Beausoleil Island (Frying Pan Bay) -- we anchored, hiked, swam, cooked on the grill for two days -- then

well, I happened upon a very slippery rock and less than twenty hours later I've been diagnosed with a broken ankle! UGGHHH!

Not a bad break -- as ankles go -- am in a formed splint (formed around my leg) with ace bandages holding everything in place -- will return to Alexandria soon as possible (probably end of August) as I have to arrange: winterizing the boat; getting Canadian customs to waive the requirement that I get the boat out of their nation or pay taxes; pack up all my junk; and get Chessie, myself (can't drive cause it's my right ankle), and all our stuff back home.

No great discomfort, except learning how to hobble around the boat on crutches. Canadian health care system was great -- into, assessed, xrayed and released from emergency treatment with presciptions for pain, and good attention by Doctors and nurses all within four hours of arriving at an emergency room (and competing with some clients brought in by local police).

Everyone here is being wonderful about my situation -- the boat yard has "kids" who will come by and walk Chessie, they will come to me on Monday to discuss all the particulars about this winter (including the paperwork for Customs), and will even do shopping for me, if -- forbid -- I should run out of food before I'm out of here. Plan to be back in the D.C. area no later than Sunday, August 30th, p.m.

Midland

We had a fun, and uneventful trip from Parry Sound to Midland -- across and down the Georgian Bay approximately 56 miles (not the 35 I had anticipated). While Ellen drove their car around (took her about an hour and a half), James and I ventured out the Waubuno Channel to the open Bay -- not a difficult trip and fairly open (except the entry which was practically a U turn into the Channel through some pretty special rocks).

We made good time, although at the exit to the Channel, we missed a mark (not critical but confusing at first) and then out into deep water and a straight course to the next major mark, a casual left, then we decided that the chart makers who drew the magenta line didn't know whereof they charted -- they had the course going through some rather narrow passages in six feet of water -- we chose a course that had us in over 100 feet of water (and it was less than a mile longer than the "preferred" course.) Most of the trip was at 10+ knots, so Sonador got to flex her engines some.


The marina is a delight, nicely set up with service and facilities of all sorts. Saturday morning James and Ellen took off for Annapolis. Today, I will venture into the town of Midland (about a mile away) to begin to reprovision.

It's air conditioning time -- probably in the mid-80's -- so, it's nice that I'm plugged in. Chessie goes out only first thing in the morning, then retreats to the cooler air inside.

Pictures later.

Parry Sound

On the way to Parry Sound, we had some beautiful weather and awesome views. As we keep saying each morning, it's a shame this area is so blah!

After we tied up at Big Sound Marina (the city of Perry Sound's municipal marina) we were entertained by two of these training ships coming into port under sail -- in fact they sailed into the dock, without a problem, so the training must be taking hold.

Perry Sound is a thriving little city -- but public transportation to and from here is almost non-existent -- as James found out when he tried both bus (yes there is a bus, but if you don't already have a ticket, and oh, by the way you can't purchase a ticket here, then you can't get on) and train (yes, there is a passenger train running from Toronto to Sudbury, but it departs Perry Sound at something like 4:30 in the morning!!). So, I'm here for two nights -- today James and Ellen are being shuttled to their car in Sudbury by sailing friends who cottage in this area in the summer and sail the Bahamas in the winter -- and I strolled into town to get banking done, buy additional books, and purchase two small pieces of pottery done by a local native.

Tomorrow, I head to Midland which is across the Georgian Bay from here about 35 miles -- either James or Ellen will be with me, the other will drive their car the two hours it takes to get to Midland by road. James and Ellen will depart for the US -- and I will stay there awaiting my next crew member, Diane Butler! Just to provide an example of how friendly and generous the boaters are up here -- I'm taking a slip offered by someone we met in Britt who "well we are away for two weeks, so why don't you use ours, I'll call the marina (he did) and tell them to expect you -- and they aren't to charge you for this!" Remember, we were in Britt for two days!

Hopewell Bay #2

Exploring Hopewell Bay with James, CtD, and Ellen on the second day -- we took the dinghy down through marshes and up another arm of the Bay, before returning to Sonador at anchor. Cruiser (CtD) loves dinghy rides for dinghy ride sake -- Chessie could care less, so we left her to guard the door.

When we speak of rocks it's important that you understand we mean ROCKS -- this is typical of the shore line in this area of the Georgian Bay -- although there are almost as many of these things lurking beneath the waters as you see on top.

Some are just fascinating formations -- wonder what made this ancient granite look like this?

And then, some small pools are graced with lilies and quiet clear water. This is definitely a must return spot for future years.

Hopewell Bay #1

We left Britt mid/late morning on Monday -- the fog was so thick on Sunday that boats that had left came back once they poked out into the Georgian Bay -- and it wasn't much better first thing Monday. But, with the forcast for mist and light winds and the fog rising, we puttered out and went through the Small Craft Channel to Hopewell Bay.

Anchored just about the same place that Charlee and I did last year, and then went ashore to confirm that the stone dog we had built still lived. It did! This picture shows it as it survived the winter -- missing ears and tail -- but I later found the fallen rocks and put her back together.Now that the dinghy motor has been beaten into submission -- sometimes it wins, sometimes I win, but almost always I get to shore under motor. I'm able to explore more of the anchorages -- makes the trip all that more fulfilling. The picture above was taken from one of the small stone out-croppings in Hopewell Bay that Chessie and I used for morning walks.
And, this is looking out of Hopewell Bay to the Small Craft Channel -- which can be both interesting and frustrating, depending on your frame of mind. Note that we are now in the land of cottages, it's fun to watch the families bring all their water toys to little spots like this and seem to thrive.

Bustards

At anchor in the Bustards -- last year, this particular part of the harbor was a little too crowded for Charlee and I -- this year, we were the first to arrive, so we got a "choice" spot.
















We went exploring on the dinghy, cutting through some skinny water to a channel that would have led back out to the bay on the opposite side of the islands. Really very nice location, and blue berries!















Chessie and Melissa -- the intrepid adventurers. Note that I've still got a fleece on and this picture was taken on August 6th in the hotest part of the day!!!!















The view down one of the channels from the stern of Sonador. This is really relaxing.

Mill Lake and Nobles Island

Reflections at our anchorage on Mill Lake -- yes, the water really is this blue and the sky this clear

At anchor in Mill Lake -- the mid-way point thru the Collins Inlet.

And, sunset at Nobles Island where we were surrounded by large rocks, and had significant wind before the calm of the night

GLCC Rally - 2

The beginning of our five hour adventure in the dinghy was "very interesting" -- this is a one way, and then you'd better be praying, cut through the eastern end of East West Channel into the Iroquois Lake -- literally one small dinghy width and about as deep as the bottom of the prop (some small touches)

There were four dinghies -- we always brought up the tail end, since we had three adults, two dogs and a two horse power outboard to push us along.

These will give you a sense of the beauty, but pictures really don't do justice to the magnificent surroundings.

At our stop for lunch, we clambered up these rocks to feast on apples, potato chips and dip, and drink water -- nothing better on a long outing.

The inside of the chapel that serves McGregor Bay -- only open in the summer, accessible only by boat, and with a congregation of over 150 people. The church was established after Canada declared that burial grounds had to be sanctioned, and one way to sanction a burial ground (the summer residents had chosen this beautiful place for their final resting spot) was to build a church.

GLCC Rally -- Part 1

Entering McGregor Bay, we "hitched a ride" with fellow GLCC boats who had been in before -- at least the first boat in this group had been. The Captain was really good about keeping us informed about rocks and turns, and timing. At one point, he even suggested that if the boat immediately behind him didn't want to go aground, he'd better turn "now."

At anchor in the East West Channel -- our home for almost five days -- staying "hooked" despite a very strong wind on the next to the last day as a storm blew through.

Kayak races around the anchored boats -- the day before the kayaks had done a long paddle back out into McGregor

That's not a revival meeting, but James and Ellen joining in the sing-along after a dinner of hot dogs roasted on a large camp fire and all the "sides" that can be imagined.

Killarney to Britt

After the rally, we went back to Killarney for a "pump out" and to replenish stores. Stayed overnight at the Sportsman's Inn where the dockmaster likes to see me sweat getting in and out of an inner slip that ain't meant for us big guys. Somehow, he manages to give me confidence to motor between two big/expensive boats, do a ninety degree turn in less than forty feet, and then back into the slip -- the exit was just as exciting as now there was a boat in front of me, cutting the turning radius to less than thirty feet. Since I am writing this, and not in Canadian jail, then we must have made it.

Leaving Killarney, we entered the Georgian Bay via the Collins Inlet. We stopped along the way at Mill Lake, a nice size lake between the two ends of the gorge that makes up the Inlet. Had a good anchorage between several little islands. Then we went out to Beaverstone Bay -- the winds had picked up considerably -- so we sought a very sheltered anchorage behind Nobles Island. Probably had winds in the mid twenties which would have produced big waves in the open waters of the Georgian Bay (which was the next destination)

Then we crossed the next day to the Bustards -- open water cruising with the winds behind us, so it really was a comfortable ride if a little hard to keep a steady course with the following seas. The Bustards were empty when we arrived, so we picked a prime anchorage and went blue berry picking and exploring. More boats came in later, but we were never crowded. We had two beautiful days.

Yesterday, we did the fun trip between the Bustards and Britt. There are two "challenging" passages -- and then there are the "fun" trips trying to determine which green or red mark comes first. Got thru both Rogers Gut and Cunninghams Channel without touching -- a remarkable feat considering the latter hasn't any marks to note the most narrow and shallowest points. Then a run to Bing Inlet, and to a marina in Britt.

Yesterday ended with high winds. Today started with some very significant thunderstorms, but they seem to be gone for now. Tomorrow, weather permitting we head to Hopewell Bay where I'm curious to see if the stone dog Charlee and I built last year survived the winter and the people.

McGregor Bay -- GLCC Wilderness Rally -- July 30-August 2

I will have to upload pictures later -- although we have internet service, the reception is relatively weak.

But to let you all know, we are now in Britt and have had a great time. We spent four days with the Great Lakes Cruising Club at their wilderness rally in McGregor Bay. There are no -- I repeat NO marks in the bay -- charts appear to be pretty reliable, but it really helps to have local knowledge. So, we followed four sail boats into the rally location (about two hours of careful motoring and some very interesting hard left then hard right turns 'cause there were rocks to be avoided. Finally, entered a gorge that led us to the East-West Channel and the chosen spot. By the time the rally really started on Friday (we arrived Thursday) there were over 30 boats participating, and there was plenty of room in the Channel for all of us.

On Friday, we joined three other dinghies and puttered around for about five hours through areas where small craft can go -- but I'd never venture. Rocky channels, open lakes, and rivers that were blasted by the US/Canadian governments to make room for Roosevelt to visit on one of his trips north. Also visited (as noted by Jaye -- thanks for keeping everyone posted) a small church that serves the whole of McGregor Bay's summer cottagers. The only way to get around is by boat, so the "parking lot" is a series of docks to which the congregaton ties up on Sunday mornings. We had to refill the gas tank twice, and were glad for two breaks (one for lunch and the other at the church) because there were three adults, and two dogs sharing my little dinghy.

This was like summer camp for adults -- activities which you could join in or not -- cocktails each evening either on shore or on boats, and the final night a hot dog roast (the BEST hotdogs from Chicago) and sing along before everyone retreated and prepared to leave early the next morning. An abundance of caution, I followed one of the early departures out until we were in clear water.

We had a blast

Update (from Jaye)

Hi all, just heard from Melissa - she has no internet, and won't for about another week, so she asked me to let everyone know she's fine, back in Killarney after a wonderful rally in the back country. She and James and Ellen are having a great time and the scenery is gorgeous. They smugly told us they're sitting around in jackets and sweatshirts this evening (as I'm typing, here in Annapolis we're expecting low 90s tomorrow, and humid). She has stories to tell, and no doubt photos to show, when she's back in the land of electronic communication. (This is a no-so-subtle prod to remind her to post about dinghy races and why there are funky little churches in out-of-the-way corners in Canada ... )