Gore Bay was fun! Alison and Rod (LEADING EDGE) did arrive, as did several other boats so on Thursday afternoon they all piled onto SONADOR for happy hour. Then, Alison, Rod and I went to see Kinderkids at the local theater -- a very powerful play about the German children who were evacuated before WWII to England, and the impact it had on their lives -- well done by the local talent.
Friday, the farmers' market and more fresh veggies and baked goods -- a beautiful morning with gusty winds and bright blue sky. CLASS ACT and LEADING EDGE leave for anchorages east. After the market, I trundled over to the local art gallery building and visited my favorite Gore Bay artist, purchasing two prints from her larger originals. Then back to the boat.
Early afternoon, we had some excitement as a float plane crashed on take off in the outer harbor. The pilot was unhurt, but for several minutes no one knew exactly what was going on. Prompt response from the boating community, several dinghies roared out of the harbor and soon we could see them returning dragging an upside down float plane with them. Fascinating to watch, and so happy that no one was hurt -- although I imagine the pilot has some explaining to do to his insurance company.
Saturday dawned as another bright day -- I was considering staying at Gore Bay for a few more days but the forecast of high winds beginning later that afternoon and continuing for several more days changed my mind. So by noon, I was over at the fuel dock and ready to head out.
CLASS ACT was moving to Eagle, so that became my destination. It was a bit rocky, but not as bad as it has been, so I was anchor down in Eagle by 3 p.m. In addition to CLASS ACT, OKAGA (Ann and Bruce), TEAM ZOOMA (Chuck and Linda), and GANESHA (Scott and Nancy) were anchored there. We, of course, gathered for happy hour each of the three nights we were there -- watching the winds swirl around us -- and the anchorage fill as more boats sought refuge. In fact, on Monday the 25th it was so windy that I was doubtful about leaving SONADOR for fear she would drag -- but the desire for good company beat out my fears -- and she didn't move an inch.
Tuesday, the 26th, CLASS ACT and I depart heading west a little before 8 a.m. TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT!! As I was heading up to the McBean Channel through the Boyds Island mark, ms Sophie cuddled between my legs with the rolling seas only to have my coffee -- luckily not hot -- spill on her. Panic! Then real PANIC on my part as I see her on the rolling, pitching bow of the boat. If she went over in those seas I'd never get her back. So, boat into idle and I crawl forward, grab her harness and drag her -- literally kicking and screaming back into the boat (actually there was no screaming except the pounding of my heart) Pour girl, didn't like the coffee, but really didn't like the motion of the boat for the next fifteen minutes until we were able to turn into the wind and progress through Little Detroit and into the Whalesback Channel. Around the end, and into Long Point Cove with anchor down by 11 a.m.
When we arrived there were only three other boats there -- but by late afternoon a total of fourteen boats had sought refuge from the winds and waves. Two quiet evenings in the protection of that great harbor, a couple of short dinghy explorations, and even a swim (shower and hair wash) in the water.
Yesterday, the 28th we left early again heading west with our destination being the town of Thessalon -- normally my point of arrival in Canada. The winds were out of the north east so I was literally pushed along the full forty one nautical miles -- CLASS ACT sailed most of the way. Laundry, shopping, showers, etc. and a quiet dinner on board CLASS ACT.
Today, after breakfast in town we plan on heading over to Beef Island -- at the south east end of St. Joseph's Island and still in Canadian waters. We'll meet up with Ann and Jarma on BASIC BOAT. Planning on spending two days there before heading back into US waters and to Harbor Island for the Wilderness Rally.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Pictures from Sturgeon and McTavish
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| La Cloche Mountains on the North Shore of the Channel |
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| White caps and waves crashing on the reefs outside Sturgeon Cove |
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| A great place for a picnic and a safe view of the tormented waters of the North Channel |
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| Rod, Alison and Sophie on top of McTavish |
Pictures from Eagle Island
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| Sonador at anchor in Eagle -- July 12 |
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| Sophie's personal taxi |
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| Blueberry picking among the rocks at Eagle |
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Two Weeks of Sun, Seas, and Wind
Enjoyed two days in Gore Bay -- reuniting with Alan and Margo on ENCORE for happy hour on Sunday evening, had breakfast with Erica and Graham on LADY ERICA before they left on Monday, and then happy hour Monday evening with Nicki and Hugh on MISCHIEF.
You'd think all we do is party!
Tuesday (the 12th) departed Gore Bay for the run up to Eagle, where we teamed up with Alison and Rod on LEADING EDGE and Jim and Linda on HOME FREE for a day that included blueberry picking. The berries are sweet, just very small. On Wednesday two boats from Duncan Bay came into the harbor, so more berry picking and happy hour for all on LEADING EDGE. Thursday, puttered around and planned on happy hour on SONADOR, but very strong winds came up around 3:30 forcing a cancellation of that event and encouraging all the boats to put out additional scope. Even yours truly succeeded in getting another thirty feet of chain in the water before trying to settle in for the night.
Friday, set off for Gore Bay in a light rain and fog. This turned into a very rough ride for Sophie and her mom -- I keep promising her that we won't do this again, and then we do. Into Gore Bay -- met by a dock full of helpers -- thank goodness my one attempt worked and wasn't too shabby. Nothing like an audience to make the captain nervous. After a quick run through the farmers' market, I stopped by INGOMAR (Jim and Bonnie) for a hearty oatmeal breakfast and catching up since I hadn't seen them this year at all. LEADING EDGE and HOPSCOTCH (Georgia and Chuck) arrived later that morning.
Went to the local theater Friday evening to see "Old Love" -- a light comedy that was rather well done by two Canadian actors. Saturday, dinner at Buoys with all, before planning on leaving Sunday.
Sunday morning, had a nice motor to Sturgeon Cove -- about 25 miles north east of Gore Bay. A tricky entrance, but I had left a track on my chart plotter last year, and followed that in very easily. Anchor down and feeling rather smug about my choice of location. HAH!! That night the winds came howling out of the north west right into the cove, making for a very uncomfortable ride rolling from side to side, while also tossing up and down. Sophie was so frightened, she joined me in bed (she never does this) and wrapped herself around my head (this is an eighty five pound dog mind you) for about three hours.
Finally, it was sunlight and the winds were only picking up more. LEADING EDGE moved to a more sheltered position and offered to help me relocate also. No dummy I -- we immediately began looking for quieter waters -- and found them in a corner of the cove where NADURRA (another boater from my past travels) was raising anchor to head into Little Current (Paul had to go pick up his wife, otherwise he would have wisely stayed put.)
By mid- afternoon on Monday (18th), the waves were crashing on the outside of the cove -- and we (Alison, Rod, Sophie and I) made a picnic of sitting on the rocks and watching the North Channel like we've never seen it before. Happy hour (never let a little wind upset your social calendar) was on Sonador.
Tuesday we motored to McTavish, where there is a sandy beach and more protection from the south west winds. For the most part the protection worked, although the rough water outside our anchorage discouraged dinghy explorations. We did hike the spine of the island, only to find tall brown grasses, broken trees and shattered granite, and some of the most bitter blueberries ever. Rod made pizza on the grill and we chattered about moving back to Eagle the next morning.
This morning, Wednesday the 20th, Rod correctly suggested that I might want to take advantage of the relative quiet of the winds (they are supposed to pick up tomorrow) and head into Gore Bay. A split second of pondering that, and I accelerated to 3000 RPM covering the 20 plus miles in under two hours!
And, here I sit -- showered and clean -- relaxing and planning on attending theater tomorrow night, farmers' market on Friday, and who knows on Saturday. I expect to see LEADING EDGE tomorrow (but maybe not) and certainly CLASS ACT (Mel and Sue) will be here. Then we'll talk about heading west.
You'd think all we do is party!
Tuesday (the 12th) departed Gore Bay for the run up to Eagle, where we teamed up with Alison and Rod on LEADING EDGE and Jim and Linda on HOME FREE for a day that included blueberry picking. The berries are sweet, just very small. On Wednesday two boats from Duncan Bay came into the harbor, so more berry picking and happy hour for all on LEADING EDGE. Thursday, puttered around and planned on happy hour on SONADOR, but very strong winds came up around 3:30 forcing a cancellation of that event and encouraging all the boats to put out additional scope. Even yours truly succeeded in getting another thirty feet of chain in the water before trying to settle in for the night.
Friday, set off for Gore Bay in a light rain and fog. This turned into a very rough ride for Sophie and her mom -- I keep promising her that we won't do this again, and then we do. Into Gore Bay -- met by a dock full of helpers -- thank goodness my one attempt worked and wasn't too shabby. Nothing like an audience to make the captain nervous. After a quick run through the farmers' market, I stopped by INGOMAR (Jim and Bonnie) for a hearty oatmeal breakfast and catching up since I hadn't seen them this year at all. LEADING EDGE and HOPSCOTCH (Georgia and Chuck) arrived later that morning.
Went to the local theater Friday evening to see "Old Love" -- a light comedy that was rather well done by two Canadian actors. Saturday, dinner at Buoys with all, before planning on leaving Sunday.
Sunday morning, had a nice motor to Sturgeon Cove -- about 25 miles north east of Gore Bay. A tricky entrance, but I had left a track on my chart plotter last year, and followed that in very easily. Anchor down and feeling rather smug about my choice of location. HAH!! That night the winds came howling out of the north west right into the cove, making for a very uncomfortable ride rolling from side to side, while also tossing up and down. Sophie was so frightened, she joined me in bed (she never does this) and wrapped herself around my head (this is an eighty five pound dog mind you) for about three hours.
Finally, it was sunlight and the winds were only picking up more. LEADING EDGE moved to a more sheltered position and offered to help me relocate also. No dummy I -- we immediately began looking for quieter waters -- and found them in a corner of the cove where NADURRA (another boater from my past travels) was raising anchor to head into Little Current (Paul had to go pick up his wife, otherwise he would have wisely stayed put.)
By mid- afternoon on Monday (18th), the waves were crashing on the outside of the cove -- and we (Alison, Rod, Sophie and I) made a picnic of sitting on the rocks and watching the North Channel like we've never seen it before. Happy hour (never let a little wind upset your social calendar) was on Sonador.
Tuesday we motored to McTavish, where there is a sandy beach and more protection from the south west winds. For the most part the protection worked, although the rough water outside our anchorage discouraged dinghy explorations. We did hike the spine of the island, only to find tall brown grasses, broken trees and shattered granite, and some of the most bitter blueberries ever. Rod made pizza on the grill and we chattered about moving back to Eagle the next morning.
This morning, Wednesday the 20th, Rod correctly suggested that I might want to take advantage of the relative quiet of the winds (they are supposed to pick up tomorrow) and head into Gore Bay. A split second of pondering that, and I accelerated to 3000 RPM covering the 20 plus miles in under two hours!
And, here I sit -- showered and clean -- relaxing and planning on attending theater tomorrow night, farmers' market on Friday, and who knows on Saturday. I expect to see LEADING EDGE tomorrow (but maybe not) and certainly CLASS ACT (Mel and Sue) will be here. Then we'll talk about heading west.
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Around the Benjamin's -- take two
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| Our first stop during the dinghy ride around South Benjamin -- happy people/happy dogs |
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| Maybe that's where the bear lives in winter |
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| Now, who in their right mind would do this? Not Sonador! |
In the Benjamins -- one round
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| Yes, you can be a little crazy celebrating the 4th at anchor with friends |
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| Some get a laugh out of my dealy boppers, others not so much |
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| From the top of the pink granite hill looking out over the South Benjamin anchorage |
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| Looking back at that same hill from out doggie island |
Some Pictures from the Start
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| Turnbull Anchorage at sunset |
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| Long Point Cove |
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| Sophie has found a cool spot in the shade |
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| Another view of Long Point Cove looking east |
And, now it is the tenth of July
We left Gore Bay on Monday, and motored smoothly to the Benjamin Islands -- a cluster of granite islands about fifteen miles north east of Gore Bay. Followed friends, Alan and Margo on Encore, into the main anchorage in South Benjamin -- through rock formations called the Sows and Pigs -- leaving a track so that I could get back out the same way.
Found SPIRIT OF ALOHA and HOME FREE anchored in a small bay -- I never would have gone in there on my own -- tucked away from the main anchorage. Anchor down, dinghy launched and a great rock island just to our north for dogs to run. What could be better.
This was the Fourth of July, so we decided to celebrate with a pot luck dinner on SPIRIT -- salad, brats and sauerkraut, and skewers of veggies and meat -- yum!
The next day was pleasant and clear, so we decided to dinghy around South Benjamin -- the only problem with that plan was the winds and waves in the open water to the west. A little wet, a lot lumpy, and wondering if this was such a good idea. But within thirty minutes, we had tucked into a small bay with a sandy beach on the south side of the island. People and dogs ashore to stretch -- and do what dogs do. Some pretty wild roses under the canopy of trees. Sandy found bear scat and paw prints -- recent and evidence that you are never alone up here.
Back into the boats, and finished circling the island exploring the many cuts between the many rocks, where very brave boats tie to shore in well protected -- but nerve racking surroundings (the bottom is never more than a foot below your boat, it is all rocks, and there really isn't much room to turn around) Won't ever be yours truly.
Then back to the main anchorage, and the most photographed feature of South Benjamin -- a steep rock of pink granite rising a couple hundred feet above the water. Able to walk up, with several stops along the way for a pause -- and then the view to die for. Coming down, a little more exciting -- but worth every minute of the detour.
A chilly swim -- more like a dip -- in 68 degree waters just to get a little of the grime off. Repeated one more time the next evening. I'd say it was refreshing, but cold is a better description!!
That night, happy hour on HOME, the next day just lounging around interspersed with doggy trips to shore and happy hour on SONADOR. Then next day, SPIRIT headed west, and HOME and SONADOR agreed to stay put. A short dinghy over to North Benjamin, but Sophie didn't like the sandy beach (very rough on the paws) so we came back for happy hour on HOME. Friday there was considerable winds, and an honest to goodness squall where the winds, rain, and waves picked up to the point of uncomfortable. Saturday, the weather calmed a bit -- but we had a drenching rain just as we left to pick blueberries. A second try and we found lots -- returning to the dinghies, Siesta (mine) had gone walking into the reeds by the force of the winds. She was rescued -- as were Sophie and I -- by Jim and Linda from HOME. Later, at happy hour on HOME we experienced another small squall.
This morning, it is calm and bright. A short trip back to Gore Bay where I'll stay at least a couple of nights. I plan to be back here on Thursday for local theater, Friday's farmers market, and a different play on Friday night.
Oh, and in the interim, hot showers!!!
Found SPIRIT OF ALOHA and HOME FREE anchored in a small bay -- I never would have gone in there on my own -- tucked away from the main anchorage. Anchor down, dinghy launched and a great rock island just to our north for dogs to run. What could be better.
This was the Fourth of July, so we decided to celebrate with a pot luck dinner on SPIRIT -- salad, brats and sauerkraut, and skewers of veggies and meat -- yum!
The next day was pleasant and clear, so we decided to dinghy around South Benjamin -- the only problem with that plan was the winds and waves in the open water to the west. A little wet, a lot lumpy, and wondering if this was such a good idea. But within thirty minutes, we had tucked into a small bay with a sandy beach on the south side of the island. People and dogs ashore to stretch -- and do what dogs do. Some pretty wild roses under the canopy of trees. Sandy found bear scat and paw prints -- recent and evidence that you are never alone up here.
Back into the boats, and finished circling the island exploring the many cuts between the many rocks, where very brave boats tie to shore in well protected -- but nerve racking surroundings (the bottom is never more than a foot below your boat, it is all rocks, and there really isn't much room to turn around) Won't ever be yours truly.
Then back to the main anchorage, and the most photographed feature of South Benjamin -- a steep rock of pink granite rising a couple hundred feet above the water. Able to walk up, with several stops along the way for a pause -- and then the view to die for. Coming down, a little more exciting -- but worth every minute of the detour.
A chilly swim -- more like a dip -- in 68 degree waters just to get a little of the grime off. Repeated one more time the next evening. I'd say it was refreshing, but cold is a better description!!
That night, happy hour on HOME, the next day just lounging around interspersed with doggy trips to shore and happy hour on SONADOR. Then next day, SPIRIT headed west, and HOME and SONADOR agreed to stay put. A short dinghy over to North Benjamin, but Sophie didn't like the sandy beach (very rough on the paws) so we came back for happy hour on HOME. Friday there was considerable winds, and an honest to goodness squall where the winds, rain, and waves picked up to the point of uncomfortable. Saturday, the weather calmed a bit -- but we had a drenching rain just as we left to pick blueberries. A second try and we found lots -- returning to the dinghies, Siesta (mine) had gone walking into the reeds by the force of the winds. She was rescued -- as were Sophie and I -- by Jim and Linda from HOME. Later, at happy hour on HOME we experienced another small squall.
This morning, it is calm and bright. A short trip back to Gore Bay where I'll stay at least a couple of nights. I plan to be back here on Thursday for local theater, Friday's farmers market, and a different play on Friday night.
Oh, and in the interim, hot showers!!!
Saturday, July 2, 2016
Many Days Later...
One thing you learn about international travel on a boat -- access to the internet isn't easy.
So, today is the 2nd of July -- I've been in Canadian waters since last Saturday, and today is the first day at a marina -- so now I have internet!! Before blogging, I've paid bills (thank goodness) and read well over two hundred emails (mostly from sites I need to unsubscribe to) and frankly tried to catch up on a little news from my friends.
Back to the beginning. As planned, I took off on Friday the 24th for Harbor Island, Michigan --- the entry to the North Channel. After an uneventful crossing of Lake Huron, I set anchor mid afternoon and waited for my travelling companions to catch up. By early evening, there were four of us anchored, dogs had been taken ashore, and everyone agreed that we should leave bright and early the next morning. Sophie was good with that idea -- we are way above the 45th parallel here and the mornings begin around 5 a.m. with a bright sunrise!
Raised anchor and followed SPIRIT OF ALOHA out of Harbor Island, tucking around a back route that I had never taken before and isn't marked for hazards. Then on into the open waters of the North Channel -- heading mostly due east to try to reach Turnbull Island for the evening. That's about 53 nautical miles of open water -- with a stop toward the end to clear Canadian customs. The two countries have devised a way to just call in and all your information will make the clearance easier -- HAH! After answering the series of questions about guns, alcohol, cash, etc. Canadian customs asked that I divert and come into the harbor at Blind River. I did just that -- they didn't. Found out after waiting forty five minutes, that if the Customs agents don't show up at the appointed hour you are free to leave. Which I did, catching up with SPIRIT just south of Blind River in increasingly bouncy seas. But, we motored into Turnbull without incident and set anchor.
Winds for the next three days were from the west -- gusting at one point into the low 30's -- and Turnbull is open to the west. There were some very wet dinghy rides to shore, but the surroundings made it all worth while. On Tuesday, the 28th the winds died during the middle of the day and we set out for an exploration (which we've all done before) of the Turnbull group of islands. For over an hour, we slipped through the waters hoping to see wild life (gulls, cormorants, and one loon were our reward).
Each evening we had happy hour on one of the boats -- and didn't need dinner after since the food offerings were so great!
On Wednesday, we raised anchor and went the considerable distance to Long Point Cove -- a total of 5 nautical miles :)
While Long Point is closer to the north shore, it stills seems to be the wilderness. A perfectly protected anchorage with a great little island in the middle -- the three dogs (that's right both SPIRIT and HOME FREE have dogs aboard) got to run off leash several times a day. On Thursday, we explored nearby bays and islands. Friday, we had rain in the morning -- a cold, wet rain that should have convinced ms Sophie that she could hold off on her morning trip to shore but undaunted we motored to the island for a little dog free time. Friday night I hosted happy hour on SONADOR and we all planned on an early departure for Saturday.
Today, we left Long Point at around 8 a.m. -- trip to shore was at 6:30 -- and started to head to Gore Bay. The distance is only 20 miles -- but the seas were horrible with waves coming from the west and north, tossing SONADOR, her captain and the terrified Sophie around for almost the whole journey. At 10 a.m., I called the marina at Gore Bay and talked to the Harbor Master (Lee) who welcomed me back and had a hand standing by to help me get into my slip.
Now, after a day of showers (YEAH!!!!!!) and cleaning the boat, tossing out garbage, and simply sitting still -- we've all been to a nice white fish dinner and settled back on our boats. I'll stay here another day and then head back out to more adventure.
Pictures on blog posts before I leave here.
So, today is the 2nd of July -- I've been in Canadian waters since last Saturday, and today is the first day at a marina -- so now I have internet!! Before blogging, I've paid bills (thank goodness) and read well over two hundred emails (mostly from sites I need to unsubscribe to) and frankly tried to catch up on a little news from my friends.
Back to the beginning. As planned, I took off on Friday the 24th for Harbor Island, Michigan --- the entry to the North Channel. After an uneventful crossing of Lake Huron, I set anchor mid afternoon and waited for my travelling companions to catch up. By early evening, there were four of us anchored, dogs had been taken ashore, and everyone agreed that we should leave bright and early the next morning. Sophie was good with that idea -- we are way above the 45th parallel here and the mornings begin around 5 a.m. with a bright sunrise!
Raised anchor and followed SPIRIT OF ALOHA out of Harbor Island, tucking around a back route that I had never taken before and isn't marked for hazards. Then on into the open waters of the North Channel -- heading mostly due east to try to reach Turnbull Island for the evening. That's about 53 nautical miles of open water -- with a stop toward the end to clear Canadian customs. The two countries have devised a way to just call in and all your information will make the clearance easier -- HAH! After answering the series of questions about guns, alcohol, cash, etc. Canadian customs asked that I divert and come into the harbor at Blind River. I did just that -- they didn't. Found out after waiting forty five minutes, that if the Customs agents don't show up at the appointed hour you are free to leave. Which I did, catching up with SPIRIT just south of Blind River in increasingly bouncy seas. But, we motored into Turnbull without incident and set anchor.
Winds for the next three days were from the west -- gusting at one point into the low 30's -- and Turnbull is open to the west. There were some very wet dinghy rides to shore, but the surroundings made it all worth while. On Tuesday, the 28th the winds died during the middle of the day and we set out for an exploration (which we've all done before) of the Turnbull group of islands. For over an hour, we slipped through the waters hoping to see wild life (gulls, cormorants, and one loon were our reward).
Each evening we had happy hour on one of the boats -- and didn't need dinner after since the food offerings were so great!
On Wednesday, we raised anchor and went the considerable distance to Long Point Cove -- a total of 5 nautical miles :)
While Long Point is closer to the north shore, it stills seems to be the wilderness. A perfectly protected anchorage with a great little island in the middle -- the three dogs (that's right both SPIRIT and HOME FREE have dogs aboard) got to run off leash several times a day. On Thursday, we explored nearby bays and islands. Friday, we had rain in the morning -- a cold, wet rain that should have convinced ms Sophie that she could hold off on her morning trip to shore but undaunted we motored to the island for a little dog free time. Friday night I hosted happy hour on SONADOR and we all planned on an early departure for Saturday.
Today, we left Long Point at around 8 a.m. -- trip to shore was at 6:30 -- and started to head to Gore Bay. The distance is only 20 miles -- but the seas were horrible with waves coming from the west and north, tossing SONADOR, her captain and the terrified Sophie around for almost the whole journey. At 10 a.m., I called the marina at Gore Bay and talked to the Harbor Master (Lee) who welcomed me back and had a hand standing by to help me get into my slip.
Now, after a day of showers (YEAH!!!!!!) and cleaning the boat, tossing out garbage, and simply sitting still -- we've all been to a nice white fish dinner and settled back on our boats. I'll stay here another day and then head back out to more adventure.
Pictures on blog posts before I leave here.
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