It's a boat!!!

Finally, the weather conspired to be a great day -- and Sonador pulled away from the dock at 0930 to test her engines and my navigating skills as I explored the approaches to Chimney Bay on Beausoleil Island. On a chart it looks okay, and for the most part it was a sinch -- except that part where the water went from 23' to 12' to 8' and bottomed out at 6'. I was standing on my tip toes (don't know what good that does, but it makes me feel better). Then back to 8', 10', and 12' as I passed the final red mark into Beausoleil Bay.

It's all just a beautiful as I remember. And the best thing is that going over that skinny spot on the way back out wasn't nearly as nerve racking!

That's not quite a lie -- maybe a little fib. The locals tell me that I was in deep water, when it gets to be less than 6" below your keel -- it was 18" -- that's when you really worry!!!

Tonight there is a free concert on the pier in town -- Jimmy Buffet style music. Tomorrow, there is a hot dog and burger roast here at the marina -- and it supposed to turn back to cold and rainy by late tomorrow afternoon. So, perfect timing and I can at last say "IT IS A BOAT!!"

It's raining, it's pouring, the old woman is snoring..

Ah, well the best laid plans...woke up about 2 a.m. to the light pitter pat of rain -- and it hasn't really stopped all day. A couple of dry patches to allow for walks, and then chill (probably below 60 all day) and grey drizzle -- now again at 10 p.m. a true rain.

Thank goodness that we are not compelled to venture onto the water

Another week

So far, we've had days where it is almost ninety and days where it's below fifty in the morning, warming to a balmy sixty by noon. Last weekend was rained out -- just as well -- I've still been puttering around the boat -- and more importantly the marina had forgotten to clear the boat through customs, and I didn't want to venture out without that official task done (got the paper work this morning).

Today would have been good, but I got distracted and here it is almost six p.m. -- how time does fly when you doddle along.

Tomorrow, assuming the weather is fine, I plan to venture over to Beausoliel Island, just to see what's happening -- that's the national park where I managed to break an ankle last year. Not planning on going ashore, just a test of my navigating skills and maybe playing with the anchor (haven't set the anchor on my own since I was on the Chesapeake.

Then back here to get the dinghy and the outboard ready for the weekend of the 20th when I will be following some fellow cruisers to another remote anchorage for the weekend.

I'm reading -- finished my fourth book -- doing jig saw puzzles -- and generally only catching the news when I see people in town. My blood pressure has to be down!

No photos -- sorry, just pictures of Chessie in varying stages of repose and you've seen that before.

So, a week has gone by

...and Chessie has assumed her rightful place. We go for half hour strolls about three times a day -- staying on marina property -- sometimes visiting with people, sometimes playing with other dogs.

Think we are just about the only "live aboards" although others arrive on Thursday nites for long weekends.

It has been raining the last few days -- so ventures are limited. Today, I took Sonador out for a high speed run into the Bay just to let her feel the water beneath her hull -- and to have the volvo guy listen to the slipping belts! Even got to put her into two separate slips before we agreed that I had the right one.

Three books down -- and half way through a fourth -- I'll have to slow down or will run out of reading material.

If I get out more, then there will be pictures later. Right now, the slow pace is just right.

Midland -- day 3

Today -- after an early morning walk with Chessie -- I scrubbed the top sides of Sonador. Those who boat will understand when I say "I am getting too old for this" -- if you aren't a boater, think of washing a thirty seven foot car that has been in a construction zone for many months!

But, I think it was worth it.

These are the ADM Milling Company (lumber/wood pulp) elevators at the end of the Midland Harbor -- the colorful mural represents the French Canadian priests and the First Nation peoples. This is right across from the marina.

And, here is Sonador with her new cover nestled in a temporary slip -- I'll move on Monday or Tuesday to make room for the permanent slip occupant.

Midland, Ontario

We are here!!

Actually arrived yesterday around noon -- and spent the afternoon moving most of the stuff on-board -- collapsed by 9 p.m. It was hot and muggy -- mid 80's and not a breeze stirring.

Today, up at 6 a.m. -- hey, the sun comes up and the dog and I can no longer stay hiding from the day. It's sunny, with a nice breeze, and more moving stuff. I'm almost done -- if it stays this warm, I won't need half the things I brought with me.

Tomorrow, I have to scrub the decks and finish unpacking the car -- only Chessie's extra food remains.

I will take pictures, and begin to post them. The new enclosure is great -- gives me a lot more living space no matter what the weather.

I'm already into boating time -- reading all afternoon -- getting ready for a quiet evening -- and seldom thinking profound thoughts!

It's Almost that Time Again!

Plans are afoot to pull the plug, pack the dog, and head out on the water later in the month of May. Probably staying in the Georgian Bay and North Channel throughout the summer and returning to US waters of the Great Lakes around Labor Day.

A girl can dream can't she?