The problem with travel in Canadian waters is that data coverage is iffy depending on where I am at any given moment. Right now, I'm in Gore Bay using their internet service -- and on the phone with Verizon trying to straighten out my ability to use both the phone and the "jet pack" for internet. Hopefully that is done!!!
Now, back to the Adventures of Sonador.
When I last wrote I was heading to the Wilderness Rally at Harbor Island -- that's still in Michigan but right on the Canadian border. We "rallied" there last year also, and it's a good setting for thirty odd boats to gather, hear discussions as varied as using solar power, tying to shore, best reads, and best recipes. All interspersed with meals. libations, and good times visiting on shore.
The only problem was the weather -- it rained on and off for the whole time -- and not just gentle rains, true downpours. Neither Sophie nor I were happy campers, making the trek to shore in the dinghy, only to get wetter than we would have been had we swam ashore.
On the 3rd of July, we set off across the North Channel to the town of Thessalon, Ontario -- a relatively small town with a good marina, a grocery store, and the essential liquor store (remember you can't bring much into Canada). Much to my surprise, and to those boats travelling with me, the marina was closed -- that is there was no staff there to greet and help me tie up. A local boater came to my rescue, and then I helped the next several boats come in. We had the code for the bathrooms and showers, we were able to plug in for electricity, and we even used the marina lounge for a delightful pot luck that evening.
Out of town by 9 a.m., and off to Long Point Cove -- one of my favorite anchorages. The seas were very calm, the sun shining and boating was good again. I was joined by Mel and Susan on CLASS ACT, Ron and Jo on THYME, HYSSOP, RYE, Chris and Diane on GUNKHOLER -- had happy hour on shore, and simply enjoyed the wilderness around us.
We stayed at Long Point for three nights, then took off continuing to head east into the Whalesback and out to Eagle Island -- another good spot for getting Sophie ashore and exploring. The rain and wind continued for the time we were there; but thanks to CLASS ACT I was enticed to go exploring in the dinghy to another nearby island and to clamber the rocky hills of Eagle looking for blueberries (enough for a handful)
On the 10th, we moved less than 5 miles to South Benjamin Island -- a very protected cove as long as the winds are from the north and east -- which they thankfully were. My first attempt to take Sophie ashore ended up with her on shore, running free and me in the dinghy trying to find a spot where we could actually get back together. She thought it was great fun -- I, on the other hand, had my doubts about this arrangement afterall there are bears and other wildlife that city dog has no concept of. Another blueberry picking adventure (this time with lots) and plans to leave the next morning for Gore Bay.
Woke to dense fog, which appeared to be lifting, so set out for Gore about 7:30. Within an hour I was in a fog bank, sounding my horn every two minutes as the rules of the road require, slowing to a crawl, and keeping an eagle eye on the radar. Only had one radar contact, but certainly felt the wake of a large power vessel passing me -- my guess is it was the local fishing tug which plies these waters every day. Entering Gore Bay harbor was tricky since I still couldn't see much beyond my bow and there is a significant rock break water -- but got around that, into the service dock and finally into a slip. The fog didn't lift until late that afternoon. CLASS ACT experienced the same type of crossing, and other boats simply turned back to their anchorages for a few days.
Why travel under those conditions? Well, the forecast for the next day (the 12th) was for extremely high winds, rain, and just yucky conditions -- and Gore Bay is a delightful town and marina. I've spent enough time here over the years that I know many of the local boaters and have established a passing friendship with several of them.
So, here we sit -- another gloomy day. But this morning is the farmers market, and tonight several of us are going to the local theater. Last evening had dinner with friends, dining on smoked duck and enjoying the change of pace from life on the water.
Plan to depart on Sunday -- weather and the water gods permitting. I'll try to post pictures later today.
Friday, July 14, 2017
Monday, June 26, 2017
On My Way to the North Channel
This is from my boat looking out at the shore of Round Lake -- the large grey garage structure is just that, but for the many boats that they own.
Monday, June 19, 2017
Still in Charlevoix -- at least for a couple more days
The top one is one of his first. They are small, and cute, but I wonder how far cute goes when the roof line is at the top of the front door.
The next is a significant modification to an original -- as far as I can tell little is left of the small house that occupied the same block. Watched them thatching that roof last year; that really has to be a "lost art" but supposedly will last for eons. The owners have turned this into a rental, including for special occasions.
And, just a couple of houses away, another of the small houses -- actually it is two stories on the street behind it. I really appreciate the dedication to keeping these gems as close to original -- note the stacked stone wall fronting this property.
All of these and the dozens more are just a block from Lake Michigan, and are part of my morning explorations with Sophie.
Hoping to pull out of Charlevoix on Thursday or Friday -- looking for that elusive weather window to head around the Straits to Cheboygan, Michigan and prepare to cross Lake Huron almost immediately to head to the wilderness rally. That will be a sign that boating has actually begun!
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Settling in at Charlevoix
Even on a sunny morning, the Lake can look blue grey and cold. Water temperatures are somewhere in the low 50s right now -- neither fit for man nor beast.
Speaking of beasts. Sophie has found the perfect place for an afternoon siesta -- on my bunk, in the sun light, head on my pillows. Not certain why I try to pretend this is my territory not hers.
Last week I received a message from one of my cousins from Kansas -- actually these ladies are all cousins once removed since their mother is my cousin. Anyway, they are out and about enjoying their time together and showed up in Charlevoix for dinner last evening. It was fun catching up, and hearing their ambitious plans to visit Mackinaw, then tour thru Ontario to New York, down through Philadelphia, then to DC for a couple of days before returning to the mid-west.
Sunday, June 11, 2017
Yeah -- it's boating season again!
I was gently reminded by one of my good friends -- and a blog follower -- that my last posting was in September as I was preparing to head south.
Now, I'm north!
Little to report on the trip north -- except that I have a new car -- a little RAV 4 that does just fine as long as I don't bring my entire household with me. Sophie still gets her half of the back seat, the passenger front seat is loaded with snacks, maps, and stuff. And, the rest of the car has the usual packing trimmed down to fit the smaller size.
That requires shopping on this end for many of the staples of life -- but surprise, surprise, Michigan has stores where things like paper towels, dog food, and spices can be purchased.
Arrived in Charlevoix last Saturday -- actually, Boyne City which is at the south end of Lake Charlevoix where I stay with my good friends Donna and Lou. This has become such a regular part of the trip, that Sophie bounds from the car and immediately heads for the spot on their stairs where she can keep an eye on the comings and goings of the humans in the house. And, this year she had to keep a sharp eye out as their daughter and her family (husband, three sons) were also in residence to celebrate Donna's birthday which she shares with the middle grand son. We had a great time, and Sophie made new friends.
Sunday, I began the task of moving all life's necessities out of the car and onto the boat. Slower than last year, but over the course of two days finished getting everything on board, and most of it tucked away. The advantage of bringing less is that it takes less energy for the initial unpacking. The disadvantage is that I've made at least two runs to the grocery store 'cause it's been quite awhile since I've had to completely stock up on staples.
On Tuesday morning, Lou helped me move Sonador to our downtown location at the Charlevoix City Marina. Harbor master Hal and Pat welcomed us back, and Sophie got her regular treat of dog cookie to confirm that we're here. Caught up with fellow boaters who are also here every year as the season begins, and then returned to the comfort of Donna and Lou's home since it was dropping into the low 40's that night. Wednesday, I officially moved onboard.
Over the winter our favorite place for morning coffee on main street burned down, as did another structure in the next block, but other than those two losses, Charlevoix remains a very welcoming, comfortable place to start the summer.
Farmers' market on Thursday -- the feature purchase was fresh asparagus -- dinner with Oat and Rosemarie from ALMOST HEAVEN. Friday basically lost to reading and lounging around. Yesterday, I met Chuck and Joann from MOKU HALE in Petoskey for lunch; and today I'm having dinner with friends who live here on Round Lake.
Life, as they say, is good.
Now, I'm north!
Little to report on the trip north -- except that I have a new car -- a little RAV 4 that does just fine as long as I don't bring my entire household with me. Sophie still gets her half of the back seat, the passenger front seat is loaded with snacks, maps, and stuff. And, the rest of the car has the usual packing trimmed down to fit the smaller size.
That requires shopping on this end for many of the staples of life -- but surprise, surprise, Michigan has stores where things like paper towels, dog food, and spices can be purchased.
Arrived in Charlevoix last Saturday -- actually, Boyne City which is at the south end of Lake Charlevoix where I stay with my good friends Donna and Lou. This has become such a regular part of the trip, that Sophie bounds from the car and immediately heads for the spot on their stairs where she can keep an eye on the comings and goings of the humans in the house. And, this year she had to keep a sharp eye out as their daughter and her family (husband, three sons) were also in residence to celebrate Donna's birthday which she shares with the middle grand son. We had a great time, and Sophie made new friends.
Sunday, I began the task of moving all life's necessities out of the car and onto the boat. Slower than last year, but over the course of two days finished getting everything on board, and most of it tucked away. The advantage of bringing less is that it takes less energy for the initial unpacking. The disadvantage is that I've made at least two runs to the grocery store 'cause it's been quite awhile since I've had to completely stock up on staples.
On Tuesday morning, Lou helped me move Sonador to our downtown location at the Charlevoix City Marina. Harbor master Hal and Pat welcomed us back, and Sophie got her regular treat of dog cookie to confirm that we're here. Caught up with fellow boaters who are also here every year as the season begins, and then returned to the comfort of Donna and Lou's home since it was dropping into the low 40's that night. Wednesday, I officially moved onboard.
Over the winter our favorite place for morning coffee on main street burned down, as did another structure in the next block, but other than those two losses, Charlevoix remains a very welcoming, comfortable place to start the summer.
Farmers' market on Thursday -- the feature purchase was fresh asparagus -- dinner with Oat and Rosemarie from ALMOST HEAVEN. Friday basically lost to reading and lounging around. Yesterday, I met Chuck and Joann from MOKU HALE in Petoskey for lunch; and today I'm having dinner with friends who live here on Round Lake.
Life, as they say, is good.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Okay, I lied -- it is now September!!!
I have no idea where August went -- last thing I remember was arriving at Duncan Bay -- and then found that illusive weather window late in the month for travelling to Charlevoix.
I can report that: we had happy hour on shore almost every night at Duncan Bay -- except those days when we'd pile into as many cars as it took to go out to dinner. Participated in two Duncan Bay parties -- one a wine tasting and the other a birthday party. Managed to see BD and Ric just once, but at least we had a nice visit and got sorta caught up. Sophie and I strolled around the grounds visiting with fellow boaters. Did some shopping in Cheboygan, and visited the farmers' market on two rainy days but still managed to get some wonderful ripe tomatoes and other local produce. With the help of Mel and Sue, moved my car to Charlevoix in anticipation of the boat trip later that week.
And, then -- managed the 65 plus nautical miles through the Straits, past the abandoned light house, into some choppy and confused seas, and into Charlevoix's Round Lake and the City Marina on Saturday last (August 27th). For you non-boaters, that's seven plus hours of travel and when you are the only human on the boat, pretty exhausting staying at attention the whole time -- these are, in fact, major shipping channels for the Great Lakes freighters. Now, it is Labor Day weekend, and I'm staying at a beautiful and very big house on Walloon Lake for the holiday -- friends Susan and Gina are also here (along with Sophie and Peaches). Then, back to the boat and beginning to get organized to depart here probably on the 23rd of September.
In the interim, I'll continue to see friends around the area (I hope) and to visit with other boaters before calling this season to a halt.
And, I don't even have any decent pictures to post that were taken this year -- I've lots that I could pretend were taken this year, but I'd know and someone out there would say "I've seen that shot before" so I won't even try to cheat.
I'll look around and see if there isn't something to post -- but don't hold your breath.
I can report that: we had happy hour on shore almost every night at Duncan Bay -- except those days when we'd pile into as many cars as it took to go out to dinner. Participated in two Duncan Bay parties -- one a wine tasting and the other a birthday party. Managed to see BD and Ric just once, but at least we had a nice visit and got sorta caught up. Sophie and I strolled around the grounds visiting with fellow boaters. Did some shopping in Cheboygan, and visited the farmers' market on two rainy days but still managed to get some wonderful ripe tomatoes and other local produce. With the help of Mel and Sue, moved my car to Charlevoix in anticipation of the boat trip later that week.
And, then -- managed the 65 plus nautical miles through the Straits, past the abandoned light house, into some choppy and confused seas, and into Charlevoix's Round Lake and the City Marina on Saturday last (August 27th). For you non-boaters, that's seven plus hours of travel and when you are the only human on the boat, pretty exhausting staying at attention the whole time -- these are, in fact, major shipping channels for the Great Lakes freighters. Now, it is Labor Day weekend, and I'm staying at a beautiful and very big house on Walloon Lake for the holiday -- friends Susan and Gina are also here (along with Sophie and Peaches). Then, back to the boat and beginning to get organized to depart here probably on the 23rd of September.
In the interim, I'll continue to see friends around the area (I hope) and to visit with other boaters before calling this season to a halt.
And, I don't even have any decent pictures to post that were taken this year -- I've lots that I could pretend were taken this year, but I'd know and someone out there would say "I've seen that shot before" so I won't even try to cheat.
I'll look around and see if there isn't something to post -- but don't hold your breath.
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Back in Michigan -- but not done yet
As planned, we motored to Beef Island for a couple of nights. The ride over was pretty easy, but there were large swells from the east that made a direct route into Beef less than desirable, so instead of an eleven mile journey I clocked a little over 15. Sophie was happy.
The high waters of the Great Lakes make for some interesting changes to our favorite anchorages. Beef has always had a nice sandy beach on the south east side of the island -- not this year! In fact, there was no shore line at all conducive to walking dogs. So, we learned to dinghy around to the other side of the island where there was a remnant of the beach and an area where Sophie could run a little. First evening we had happy hour on BASIC BOAT with Ann and Jorma -- second evening we had dinner on CLASS ACT.
On the second afternoon, we took a long dinghy ride to Milford Haven -- at least two miles each way. Up a long bay and onto the river that feeds the bay, weaving among the reeds and ducking beneath low branches to a landing place which had (we don't think it functions any more) a dedicated phone for clearing Canadian Customs -- in the middle of no where mind you!
On the 31st, I left Beef to head to Detour, Michigan for supplies, fuel, and pump-out. Cleared US Customs using my NEXUS card -- but it took two attempts since the agent lost all the information just as he was about to give me my number. Very apologetic that we had to repeat it all, but in the end I was admitted back. YEAH!!!
SPIRIT OF ALOHA and HOME FREE were at Detour. So we all walked to the grocery store to provision for eight days at anchor and the "Wilderness Rally" at Harbor Island. By 1:45 p.m. I had an anchor down in Harbor Island, and soon had Sophie to shore. SPIRIT OF ALOHA came in also, HOME FREE the next day.
By the evening of August 1st, there were enough (not that it takes all that many) of our GLCC (Great Lakes Cruising Club) boats in the harbor to allow for happy hour on shore. And, although the Rally wasn't scheduled to begin until Wednesday the 3rd, more boats arrived each day.
Wilderness Rallies are really camp for adults. Over the period of five nights, more than forty boats joined in -- from sail boats (30 feet to 50 feet) and power boats (28 feet to 70 feet). From all walks of life, drawn together by a common love of the water and the beauty of the North Channel. We had a welcoming happy hour on the 3rd.
The next morning two of our leaders (Mel from CLASS ACT and Bill from SPIRIT OF ALOHA) cooked pancakes on shore (generators are a great invention) and everyone brought meats or fruit to share. A local from Drummond Island came to speak to us about the history of the area, and about life on Drummond (and it's many surrounding islands) year round. It freezes solid up here, so winter travel is on ice (even to formal celebrations like New Years). We followed that with every boater posting their total years boating on index cards which were hung on several of the evergreens. Turns out many participants have been boating more than 50 years! The total for those who participated (and not everyone did) was over 2800 years!!! That afternoon I organized a blind fold dinghy race (the rower was blind folded, the spotter gave directions) which attracted six boats. They all seemed to enjoy themselves, but there were some real challenges to communicating -- one boat even just went in circles the whole time. Evening saw a hot dog roast on shore again cooked by our very own chefs.
The next morning, after coffee on shore, we had a book exchange -- one does well if you leave with fewer books than you brought. And, I succeeded --- only came back with four new books to read. Then, Ann from BASIC BOAT led a discussion on an "Obituary of the English Language" -- a course she teaches in Montreal to aspiring poets. Great fun. After noon, the owners of Drummond Island Yacht Haven brought their launch over and shuttled us in three boat loads to their facility where we had our own picnic lunch followed by ice cream (now that is a real treat for boaters) We had time to explore a little, visiting the local museum and purchasing some local produce from a farm stand. Then, back to our boats and a later happy hour on shore.
Saturday, after coffee on shore we (and in this case, only the ladies participated) created frames for the pictures that had been taken earlier in conjunction with the "experience tree." After lunch, Jim from HOME FREE made a very interesting presentation on computer security (passwords, security systems, etc) using a computer and TV monitor (again that generator proved very useful). Before the potluck dinner on shore, Susan (CLASS ACT) and Ann (BASIC BOAT) piled into my dinghy with Sophie and I to explore a "trail" on the other side of the harbor. Trail was a little bit of an exaggeration, but with another of the boaters we tromped through the woods to the other side of the island and walked the beach for a while before returning.
Sunday morning and boats were leaving -- another good week with friends -- but time for hot showers and dockside services. I went to Detour with HOME FREE.
Yesterday, Monday the 8th it was flat calm -- a good day for crossing Lake Huron (almost 40 miles). So, I left Detour around 7:30 and pulled into Duncan Bay well before noon. That's the type of weather I'd like to see this time next week as I make the longer journey around to Charlevoix.
Pictures will come -- promise!
The high waters of the Great Lakes make for some interesting changes to our favorite anchorages. Beef has always had a nice sandy beach on the south east side of the island -- not this year! In fact, there was no shore line at all conducive to walking dogs. So, we learned to dinghy around to the other side of the island where there was a remnant of the beach and an area where Sophie could run a little. First evening we had happy hour on BASIC BOAT with Ann and Jorma -- second evening we had dinner on CLASS ACT.
On the second afternoon, we took a long dinghy ride to Milford Haven -- at least two miles each way. Up a long bay and onto the river that feeds the bay, weaving among the reeds and ducking beneath low branches to a landing place which had (we don't think it functions any more) a dedicated phone for clearing Canadian Customs -- in the middle of no where mind you!
On the 31st, I left Beef to head to Detour, Michigan for supplies, fuel, and pump-out. Cleared US Customs using my NEXUS card -- but it took two attempts since the agent lost all the information just as he was about to give me my number. Very apologetic that we had to repeat it all, but in the end I was admitted back. YEAH!!!
SPIRIT OF ALOHA and HOME FREE were at Detour. So we all walked to the grocery store to provision for eight days at anchor and the "Wilderness Rally" at Harbor Island. By 1:45 p.m. I had an anchor down in Harbor Island, and soon had Sophie to shore. SPIRIT OF ALOHA came in also, HOME FREE the next day.
By the evening of August 1st, there were enough (not that it takes all that many) of our GLCC (Great Lakes Cruising Club) boats in the harbor to allow for happy hour on shore. And, although the Rally wasn't scheduled to begin until Wednesday the 3rd, more boats arrived each day.
Wilderness Rallies are really camp for adults. Over the period of five nights, more than forty boats joined in -- from sail boats (30 feet to 50 feet) and power boats (28 feet to 70 feet). From all walks of life, drawn together by a common love of the water and the beauty of the North Channel. We had a welcoming happy hour on the 3rd.
The next morning two of our leaders (Mel from CLASS ACT and Bill from SPIRIT OF ALOHA) cooked pancakes on shore (generators are a great invention) and everyone brought meats or fruit to share. A local from Drummond Island came to speak to us about the history of the area, and about life on Drummond (and it's many surrounding islands) year round. It freezes solid up here, so winter travel is on ice (even to formal celebrations like New Years). We followed that with every boater posting their total years boating on index cards which were hung on several of the evergreens. Turns out many participants have been boating more than 50 years! The total for those who participated (and not everyone did) was over 2800 years!!! That afternoon I organized a blind fold dinghy race (the rower was blind folded, the spotter gave directions) which attracted six boats. They all seemed to enjoy themselves, but there were some real challenges to communicating -- one boat even just went in circles the whole time. Evening saw a hot dog roast on shore again cooked by our very own chefs.
The next morning, after coffee on shore, we had a book exchange -- one does well if you leave with fewer books than you brought. And, I succeeded --- only came back with four new books to read. Then, Ann from BASIC BOAT led a discussion on an "Obituary of the English Language" -- a course she teaches in Montreal to aspiring poets. Great fun. After noon, the owners of Drummond Island Yacht Haven brought their launch over and shuttled us in three boat loads to their facility where we had our own picnic lunch followed by ice cream (now that is a real treat for boaters) We had time to explore a little, visiting the local museum and purchasing some local produce from a farm stand. Then, back to our boats and a later happy hour on shore.
Saturday, after coffee on shore we (and in this case, only the ladies participated) created frames for the pictures that had been taken earlier in conjunction with the "experience tree." After lunch, Jim from HOME FREE made a very interesting presentation on computer security (passwords, security systems, etc) using a computer and TV monitor (again that generator proved very useful). Before the potluck dinner on shore, Susan (CLASS ACT) and Ann (BASIC BOAT) piled into my dinghy with Sophie and I to explore a "trail" on the other side of the harbor. Trail was a little bit of an exaggeration, but with another of the boaters we tromped through the woods to the other side of the island and walked the beach for a while before returning.
Sunday morning and boats were leaving -- another good week with friends -- but time for hot showers and dockside services. I went to Detour with HOME FREE.
Yesterday, Monday the 8th it was flat calm -- a good day for crossing Lake Huron (almost 40 miles). So, I left Detour around 7:30 and pulled into Duncan Bay well before noon. That's the type of weather I'd like to see this time next week as I make the longer journey around to Charlevoix.
Pictures will come -- promise!
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