Actually, it's easy to figure out. I'm in the wilderness most of the time, so no internet let alone cell service (that's another issue to be addressed below). It's now the first of August, and all the boaters are beginning to think about the end of another summer. Sad, but still a couple of weeks left before I have to make tracks.
The Rendezvous was lots of fun -- getting to visit with old friends and meeting new. I even was able to get my cell phone restored to a phone. One of the GLCC boaters figured out how to down load a new operating system, and I have phone and message service again. I'm afraid to try to add any apps, just in case I somehow screw up, and go dark again.
After the Rendezvous, I traveled to Mill Lake (about the middle of the Collins Inlet) with Home Free and Spirit of Aloha. We had a delightful three days anchored and taking the dogs to a little island. Joined by Adagio 1 and Deborah Ann for happy hour on Sonador one evening. Two mornings woke to the strong smell of smoke -- now we are surrounded by Provincial forest, so you wonder about these things. Turns out there is an enormous fire south and east of where we were anchored -- it's still out of control and the small craft channel in the Georgian Bay has been closed because of the fires.
We then headed to a new anchorage -- Gord Blake in the far eastern end of Frazier Bay -- nice protected bay with good places to take the dogs and a great afternoon of dinghy rides to the Rat Portage (takes one from Frazier to the Landsdown Channel) and to Blueberry (which I've heard boats mention for years, but never got to. Three nights there, and it was time to head into Little Current.
Luckily picked a day when the current was "little." The dock hands found me a clip facing west, straight in without having to duck and twist. The next night Roy Eaton hosted the Cruisers' Net party (a pot luck for about forty boats) at the west end of the docks.
Then the next morning headed off to Amadroz -- another new harbor -- to hide out from the west winds. The travel there was a little rough, especially when I had to turn north up the Waubuno Channel and had large beam seas for several minutes. Sophie wasn't a happy camper -- and neither was I. But pulled into the harbor -- directed by Teem Zooma toward a sandy beach, and dropped anchor awaiting the other boats (Home Free and Spirit of Aloha)
Two days later, Class Act and Gunkholer joined us -- along with Deborah Ann. Everyone hiding from the strong west winds that built almost every day by noon.
Finally decided it was going to be quiet enough that we could leave -- but not before Sophie managed to escape her collar -- which now rests somewhere near the beach at Amadroz. Leaving that behind, went to the Benjamins for two nights. Anchored near the cottage (which still never seems to be occupied). Two great shore party happy hours, and a morning of hiking all over and up and down Benjamin Island -- both Sophie and I were really tuckered out after that.
Left yesterday morning, but not before I had to call for assistance from Spirit of Aloha -- I managed to wrap my anchor chain around a twenty foot dead head! Only me! There are rocks and other traps at the Benjamins, but I've never hear of deadheads. Two hours later I pulled into Gore Bay for a four night stay.
And, here I sit -- a light rain -- two loads of laundry done. Even a hot shower. Life is GOOD!
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Onto the GLCC Rendezvous in Killarney
A full week at the Wilderness Rally in Key Hole -- with sun and calm seas everyday but the last. Although there are so many boats attending these events, it's hard to really talk "wilderness."
But that's the location more than the activities. We had pancake breakfast on shore, presentations on cloud computing and exploring the Georgian Bay, and lots of great catching up with old friends and meeting new. I'll publish photos when I have a stronger internet connection.
The one true wilderness experience for me is that my i-phone has decided to die -- and so far no attempts to revive it have worked. I have one more possible solution, at least according to Google, and if that doesn't work I'll be without phone or messages until the end of August when I return to the States.
I'm now in Killarney, Ontario -- a small community that connects the Georgian Bay with the North Channel -- where the GLCC has it's summer Rendezvous. That starts tonight, and will run until Thursday morning. Lots of visiting back and forth, activities to participate in (or not depending on your inclination) and the requisite dinners and cocktail parties. And, at least for a first step a HOT shower and some laundry.
It really is the little things that make boating a pleasure -- just kidding, but civilization is nice to encounter everyonce in a while.
But that's the location more than the activities. We had pancake breakfast on shore, presentations on cloud computing and exploring the Georgian Bay, and lots of great catching up with old friends and meeting new. I'll publish photos when I have a stronger internet connection.
The one true wilderness experience for me is that my i-phone has decided to die -- and so far no attempts to revive it have worked. I have one more possible solution, at least according to Google, and if that doesn't work I'll be without phone or messages until the end of August when I return to the States.
I'm now in Killarney, Ontario -- a small community that connects the Georgian Bay with the North Channel -- where the GLCC has it's summer Rendezvous. That starts tonight, and will run until Thursday morning. Lots of visiting back and forth, activities to participate in (or not depending on your inclination) and the requisite dinners and cocktail parties. And, at least for a first step a HOT shower and some laundry.
It really is the little things that make boating a pleasure -- just kidding, but civilization is nice to encounter everyonce in a while.
Onto the GLCC Rendezvous in Killarney
A full week at the Wilderness Rally in Key Hole -- with sun and calm seas everyday but the last. Although there are so many boats attending these events, it's hard to really talk "wilderness."
But that's the location more than the activities. We had pancake breakfast on shore, presentations on cloud computing and exploring the Georgian Bay, and lots of great catching up with old friends and meeting new. I'll publish photos when I have a stronger internet connection.
The one true wilderness experience for me is that my i-phone has decided to die -- and so far no attempts to revive it have worked. I have one more possible solution, at least according to Google, and if that doesn't work I'll be without phone or messages until the end of August when I return to the States.
I'm now in Killarney, Ontario -- a small community that connects the Georgian Bay with the North Channel -- where the GLCC has it's summer Rendezvous. That starts tonight, and will run until Thursday morning. Lots of visiting back and forth, activities to participate in (or not depending on your inclination) and the requisite dinners and cocktail parties. And, at least for a first step a HOT shower and some laundry.
It really is the little things that make boating a pleasure -- just kidding, but civilization is nice to encounter everyonce in a while.
But that's the location more than the activities. We had pancake breakfast on shore, presentations on cloud computing and exploring the Georgian Bay, and lots of great catching up with old friends and meeting new. I'll publish photos when I have a stronger internet connection.
The one true wilderness experience for me is that my i-phone has decided to die -- and so far no attempts to revive it have worked. I have one more possible solution, at least according to Google, and if that doesn't work I'll be without phone or messages until the end of August when I return to the States.
I'm now in Killarney, Ontario -- a small community that connects the Georgian Bay with the North Channel -- where the GLCC has it's summer Rendezvous. That starts tonight, and will run until Thursday morning. Lots of visiting back and forth, activities to participate in (or not depending on your inclination) and the requisite dinners and cocktail parties. And, at least for a first step a HOT shower and some laundry.
It really is the little things that make boating a pleasure -- just kidding, but civilization is nice to encounter everyonce in a while.
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Key Hole
The boat on the far right is tied to the trees on the island -- anchor out at the bow. The two other white sail boats will follow suit later in the day.
MOKU HALE is the dark hull sail boat behind SONADOR.
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| Just a close up of the picture above -- it really is special in here |
Pictures of Early July
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| Meldrum Bay -- the Inn in on the left, General Store LCBO on right This is the entirety of the town -- there are some homes on the hills and along the shore of the Bay, but it really is a small town. |
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| Janet Head Light at the entrance to Gore Bay -- another 4 NM to dock |
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| Just before you pass the breakwall (on the left in this picture) you can begin to see the community of Gore Bay |
So many days -- and no internet access
And, so many wonderful pictures which I will try to post -- but right now conserving access to narrative.
So, it is now the 10th of July -- a lot of time and water under my hull.
After DeTour, I travelled the almost 43 nautical miles across flat seas to Meldrum Bay -- to check into Canada and to dock for the evening accompanied by CLASS ACT and THYME HISSOP & RYE. We had a delicious dinner at the Meldrum Inn -- first class food in a community at the very end of Manitoulin Island with probably less than 100 full time population. Go figure. But, the Inn is a staple of the community. And, this year the marina had services like fuel and pumpout. And, biggest surprise was the establishment of a small general store and LCBO.
Next day, the fourth of July, I went to Gore Bay -- my very favorite port on Manitoulin both because of the people, I've been so often that the dock regulars know me and Sonador, and because the staff at the marina goes out of their way to accommodate a single handed sailor. That's not so important in good, calm weather but when it is blowing like stink or fogged in like last year, the assistance makes life so much easier. Stayed for three days to replenish groceries and wine, to get laundry done, and to go to the farmers market on Friday.
Saturday, I took off for Haywood Island to meet up with VISION and MOKU HALE. 34 nautical miles. Mostly easy -- but crossing the Clapperton Channel into the bright morning sun made finding the marks hard -- and it you miss a mark here, you are up on rocks! After that, it's a fast run into Little Current to catch the 12 noon bridge -- probably a little too fast in the no wake zone, but I pulled back on the throttle and made it in plenty of time. Then a relatively clear and easy motor into Haywood. Because of the high water, there is very little accessible shoreline in Haywood this year -- so not the greatest of places for Sophie. But we were planning on staying two nights.
Next morning, after listening to the Cruisers' Net, MOKU HALE announced they were leaving for Thomas Bay -- which is close to Key Hole where the Wilderness Rally will be held. Well, I have a rule never to stay in a harbor without knowing at least casually one other boat in the harbor -- and I didn't. So, up anchor and headed for Key Hole.
Less than 17 nautical miles but at least five of it was in large rolling beam seas after I had passed through Killarney Harbor and entered the north end of the Georgian Bay. With strong southerly winds, that meant close to two hundred miles of fetch right to my passage. Tired and seriously bleary eyed -- trying to keep eyes on all the rocks and the marks for entering the Collins Inlet -- I pulled into Key Hole and dropped anchor near a small island on the south shore. Turns out the best dog island going -- easy access, flat ground, and I've been here before.
HALLELUJAH was already here, MOKU HALE (who wisely chose not to try the entrance to Thomas Bay in these seas) followed not that long after and then SPIRIT of ALOHA and HOME FREE. The evening was spent getting settled into the area, and taking dogs ashore.
Yesterday, as more boats arrived for the Rally, we went ashore on the mainland to set up the area for the Rally and to just visit with each other. This is part of a large Provincial Park, so no cottages just miles and miles of beautiful wilderness. As often happens with this group, there was a spontaneous happy hour on shore, followed by a delicious dinner on HOME FREE. It was good to see JE and Michelle from ADAGIO I -- haven't seen them since they visited by boat in Sarasota in 2014.
Today, the 10th is the official beginning of the Rally. Gathering on shore for happy hour and introductions.
So, it is now the 10th of July -- a lot of time and water under my hull.
After DeTour, I travelled the almost 43 nautical miles across flat seas to Meldrum Bay -- to check into Canada and to dock for the evening accompanied by CLASS ACT and THYME HISSOP & RYE. We had a delicious dinner at the Meldrum Inn -- first class food in a community at the very end of Manitoulin Island with probably less than 100 full time population. Go figure. But, the Inn is a staple of the community. And, this year the marina had services like fuel and pumpout. And, biggest surprise was the establishment of a small general store and LCBO.
Next day, the fourth of July, I went to Gore Bay -- my very favorite port on Manitoulin both because of the people, I've been so often that the dock regulars know me and Sonador, and because the staff at the marina goes out of their way to accommodate a single handed sailor. That's not so important in good, calm weather but when it is blowing like stink or fogged in like last year, the assistance makes life so much easier. Stayed for three days to replenish groceries and wine, to get laundry done, and to go to the farmers market on Friday.
Saturday, I took off for Haywood Island to meet up with VISION and MOKU HALE. 34 nautical miles. Mostly easy -- but crossing the Clapperton Channel into the bright morning sun made finding the marks hard -- and it you miss a mark here, you are up on rocks! After that, it's a fast run into Little Current to catch the 12 noon bridge -- probably a little too fast in the no wake zone, but I pulled back on the throttle and made it in plenty of time. Then a relatively clear and easy motor into Haywood. Because of the high water, there is very little accessible shoreline in Haywood this year -- so not the greatest of places for Sophie. But we were planning on staying two nights.
Next morning, after listening to the Cruisers' Net, MOKU HALE announced they were leaving for Thomas Bay -- which is close to Key Hole where the Wilderness Rally will be held. Well, I have a rule never to stay in a harbor without knowing at least casually one other boat in the harbor -- and I didn't. So, up anchor and headed for Key Hole.
Less than 17 nautical miles but at least five of it was in large rolling beam seas after I had passed through Killarney Harbor and entered the north end of the Georgian Bay. With strong southerly winds, that meant close to two hundred miles of fetch right to my passage. Tired and seriously bleary eyed -- trying to keep eyes on all the rocks and the marks for entering the Collins Inlet -- I pulled into Key Hole and dropped anchor near a small island on the south shore. Turns out the best dog island going -- easy access, flat ground, and I've been here before.
HALLELUJAH was already here, MOKU HALE (who wisely chose not to try the entrance to Thomas Bay in these seas) followed not that long after and then SPIRIT of ALOHA and HOME FREE. The evening was spent getting settled into the area, and taking dogs ashore.
Yesterday, as more boats arrived for the Rally, we went ashore on the mainland to set up the area for the Rally and to just visit with each other. This is part of a large Provincial Park, so no cottages just miles and miles of beautiful wilderness. As often happens with this group, there was a spontaneous happy hour on shore, followed by a delicious dinner on HOME FREE. It was good to see JE and Michelle from ADAGIO I -- haven't seen them since they visited by boat in Sarasota in 2014.
Today, the 10th is the official beginning of the Rally. Gathering on shore for happy hour and introductions.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Finally Into Canadian Waters
Well, almost.
Spent several days at Duncan Bay -- visiting with friends and just generally relaxing. But, mostly driven below into the air conditioning since over the weekend the temperatures were in the low to mid 90's and the humidity was to match.
Yesterday morning, there was a little hemming and hawing around the dock about leaving, but finally just before ten I pulled out -- the last of five boats heading across Lake Huron. For the first half of the trip, it was really very nice -- a slight swell off my port quarter. However, and there always is an HOWEVER, just before Spectacle Reef those swells turned into waves which morphed into white caps. And, oh did we roll!
But, we made it into DeTour for a well deserved walk around town, a quiet evening at the dock and ambitions to leave today for Gore Bay. It's somewhat over 65 nautical miles, and if the weather predictions are right, it should be smooth sailing.
I might even take some pictures along the way.
Spent several days at Duncan Bay -- visiting with friends and just generally relaxing. But, mostly driven below into the air conditioning since over the weekend the temperatures were in the low to mid 90's and the humidity was to match.
Yesterday morning, there was a little hemming and hawing around the dock about leaving, but finally just before ten I pulled out -- the last of five boats heading across Lake Huron. For the first half of the trip, it was really very nice -- a slight swell off my port quarter. However, and there always is an HOWEVER, just before Spectacle Reef those swells turned into waves which morphed into white caps. And, oh did we roll!
But, we made it into DeTour for a well deserved walk around town, a quiet evening at the dock and ambitions to leave today for Gore Bay. It's somewhat over 65 nautical miles, and if the weather predictions are right, it should be smooth sailing.
I might even take some pictures along the way.
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