Hanging around Thessalon

E-Z Baby -- 36' Gozzard belonging to one of the officers of the GLCC -- and Class Act is right behind her -- a 40' Caliber. Weather kept all three of the club members in the marina for an extra day -- so we had another pot luck dinner and played UNO.

Fairie Tale -- a 38' Caliber right next to us. Gotta admire this lot -- they are in their late seventies, early eighties and no thought of hanging it up! Mostly they anchor out in the islands in the eastern part of the North Channel -- where the rocks have your name on them, and the bays are tricky to enter, but apparently just beautiful. Several "oh, we've run aground" stories -- but no hesitancy to do it again. They've offered to help me get into some anchorages -- they'll go in first, then I can follow them in when they can dinghy to me to help give "secret" guidance.

Two days earlier it was sunny and beautiful, this is the Thessalon River that runs through the middle of the town. We borrowed bikes and peddled all over.

The War memorial in downtown Thessalon -- lots of names for such a small place -- the center column is WWI, surrounded by WWII, and Korea. Homes are mostly clapboard -- with just a couple of brick buildings -- including several churches and the town hall.

From just outside of town looking south west up the North Channel -- it sure is beautiful country.

When life gives you lemons ---

So, those who followed the blog last year may recall that Cathy Gaddy and I had a little "snafu" -- well, BD was jealous, so backing out of the slip at Thessalon -- on a clear and crystal Friday -- I managed to not have a starboard throttle cable. For those who are not boaters -- that's BAD! For those who are boaters -- that's *#@**!!

So, back into the slip on one engine, walk into town to check if there happens to be a marine mechanic here (no, but a very nice resident came down to see if he could help -- he couldn't), called Blind River which is about 28 nautical miles east of here, and they will send a mechanic today (Monday), with repairs probably no later than Wednesday (but parts have to be ordered).

BD and I weren't too bummed! There are bikes to ride -- and the sun was shining. By afternoon, we also had company in the marina. Two sailboats -- one from Canada and the other from outside of Chicago (a Mackinaw racer named "Zippitydoda") The latter left on Saturday morning, and another two boats arrived on Saturday afternoon -- turns out the ones still here are all members of the Great Lakes Cruising Club (which I joined this year), so we've had good company.

Sunday night we had pot luck in the Marina boaters' lounge -- a modern building with great facilities including sofas, stove, refrigerator, and china and silver. Twelve of us for dinner and good comradery.

Today, they were trying to leave but the weather has been miserable since Saturday evening. Rain, blustery winds, and some limited visibility. Now we have another sailboat (a Gozzard 44') and a 30' motor boat (his port engine is broke) -- also hanging around for the day. So, the deserted marina has become a busy port of call.

I'll keep you posted.

To Thessalon

We had a wonderful passage to Thessalon -- about twenty-five miles (most in Canadian waters). There were clouds all around us, but the rain never fell where we were. Coming into the Harbor, we weren't able to raise anyone in the town -- so just pulled in, called Canadian Customs and told them our "vitals" -- received my Customs clearance for this year -- and then went ashore. BD did a great job throwing the lines to catch the cleats on the floating dock. Eventually got hold of the Marina manager -- a young guy named Chris, who holds this job and several others with the town of Thessalon. The town manager, and others at their municipal offices were most friendly. The fantastic facility was opened to us -- even includes a full kitchen and lounge for the boaters -- and SHOWERS! Chris told us that the Town used to employ a full time Harbor Master, but can no longer afford it. Note, we are the only boat from out of town here -- and there are only four other boats at the marina. Nice little town -- we walked main street -- there's a Pizza parlor, and Ice Cream (two stores), a bulk food and butcher shop, and a cute "thing store" which sells everything from clothing to specialty foods. Population less than 1500 (that's fifteen hundred)

Across the harbor from the marina is the major industry -- a large sand, gravel, rock and salt shipping point. We are only a few miles from Canadian road 17 which is the major road from Sudbury to Sault Ste. Marie -- can even hear the trucks rumbling by at night.

Lime Island

Sonador on the wall at Lime Island -- eleven miles from Harbor Island on the St. Mary's River. This was a coal refueling stop for the Great Lakes' freighters then turned into an oil refueling stop -- but with the 1000' tankers now plying the river to Sault Ste. Marie, it's been abandoned by industry and turned into an anchorage, cabins, and camp ground run by Michigan. We were the only boat on the wall for the evening.

Just behind us is a Common Tern nesting area -- boy did they make a fuss everytime Chessie got on-board the boat. The Department of Natural Resources manager explained that last year there was a large mink that destroyed almost all the nests -- so the Terns are understandably nervous.

Looking toward the cabins and the old marine railway that was used to haul small boats out of the basin. At one time, there was actually a large hotel on the Island. The cabins, and other buildings that remain, are remnants of the refueling industry -- the workers were housed and schooled on the Island.

The one room school house is nicely restored -- and serves as a reminder of the harsh days that must have been spent here. There are pictures of the old Mackinaw Ice Breaker going past, and of sleds providing supplies during the winter over the frozen St. Mary's River.

BD and Chessie resting after a short -- but very hot walk up to the school. It must have been close to 85 again -- so we returned to Sonador to wait for cooler weather before venturing out again. This place is a keeper for future stops.

This is "down bound" from the Sault -- the tanker is named Redhead and is from Hong Kong. We saw three "up bound" and two "down bound" freighters during our time on the Island. The DNR manager said traffic is significantly off this year -- some firms aren't even running all of their ships to cut costs.

Harbor Island Pics

Sonador at anchor in False Harbor on Harbor Island -- so called because there is a more protected anchorage within the Island -- but the water looked pretty skinny, and there were already two boats inside. We had this place all to ourselves.

So Chessie and BD and yours truely took advantage of the day and enjoyed time just relaxing in the cockpit. Yes, that is a G&T in BD's hand -- Chessie is not allowed to imbibe, so she gets dog biscuits instead.

The next morning we went hiking around the harbor and into the inner harbor where we discovered a wonderful pasture leading up the island. Did a little exploring, but eventually walked back to the dinghy and raised anchor for a short run to Lime Island (still in Michigan)

Drummond Island

At anchor by 3 p.m., lovely little cove on Harbor Island -- surrounded by dense woods and clean water (although it's not clear) -- we are the only boat in this anchorage, more in the next cove but the water looked skinny on the charts so seemed like "local knowledge."

Good crossing on Lake Huron, some fog but no other boats showing on radar, so we made good time and are now enjoying the afternoon.

Darned dink motor wouldn't start so Chessie and I rowed ashore. Welcome to SUMMER!! It's probably 85 degrees right now at 5 p.m., but will inevitably cool this evening.

More Cheboygan

A little bit of sweat equity helping friends grout the entry in their new home -- this little bit of contribution on my part is only partial pay-back for the spectacular views off their beach. Usually accompanied by Gin and Tonics and good laughter.




Ric wading in the shallows in front of their property -- the shovel is to dig a trench to help drain the water caught between the beach and the main land.




BD looking for frogs.


And, swans swimming past on their twice a day trip from Cheboygan down the lake and then back.