Bits and Bights

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It's a two long day hike (sail) from Montreal to Quebec City, 137 nm in total and now we have to start considering the tides.   Trois-Rivieres is our half way mark and we have calculated an 11 o'clock departure from Montreal based on current and tide and a speed of 6 knots.  This suits us fine as we finalized the provisioning for the next leg.   This is were it gets interesting - we did not anticipate the amount of seaweed in the water and the amount of fouling going on as we motorsail to maintain the required speed.   Our ETA was suppose to be around 7:30 pm but on the first day we had to stop twice and dive under the boat in the freighter lanes to release our vessel from the tangled mess.  Now with the delays our new ETA is 9:30 pm and the sun sets at 8:30 pm. No problem right... as we navigate through Lac Saint-Pierre all the while staying in the channel because the lake is an average 8 feet deep with rocks everywhere - the sun light is dwindling.  It is now a race to the bridge as a freighter is bearing down on us doing 14.3 knots (we know this because of the on-board AIS system) and we are doing 5.6.  It's getting darker as the moonlight is shaded by cloud cover. This is causing some stress for Ms. Joann, to say the least!   We know though that every mile done today will benefit tomorrow and we have picked out the perfect anchorage in Trois Rivieres - the mouth of a river in downtown that was used as a log pond in days gone by. All has turned out well once again as we beat the freighter to the bridge and the anchoring was perfect as we listened to the concert playing at the outdoor amphitheater "Cogeco".

The next day, seaweed dives and bigger tides are included in the plan. We have 3 feet of tide now and by end of Quebec it will be18 feet.   The day was early with a 5:30 alarm followed by a seaweed dive (a very refreshing start to the day) and we are off at 6:00 am - we need to be in Quebec by low tide which is 2:00 pm.  On this day we have to navigate the Richeleau Rapids, weather the periodic squall followed by sudden heavy wind gusts. That's ok what's a little "round up" between friends after all.  The day finished with another picturesque sail by of the Chateau Frontenac and then into the Port of Quebec where we have to pass a draw bridge and lock that protects the inner harbour from the pending tides.  This harbour has 415 slips of which 100 are dedicated to visitors.  Once we find our slip, it's not long before we are off to old Quebec just steps away.  We were once again totally impressed by the hospitality of all we meet,the historic sites and the shops woven into the hillside. 

Coteau Landing to Montreal

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What we thought would be a quick trip to Montreal took us 14 hours - not due to any weather delays but because of bridge and lock schedules. We left Coteau Landing before 6:30 a.m., anticipating an early afternoon arrival in Montreal.  After crossing a small lake, we started into a canal guarded by two lift bridges.  By 7:30 we were at the first bridge and radioed the bridge operator of our approach only to be told the first lift of the day was 9:00 a.m.  So off to anchor and have breakfast while we wait patiently.  Once through, we proceeded down the short canal to the second lift bridge only to find out it's first lift wasn't until 10:00 am.... The lift bridges done,  it's off to the first set of 4 locks for the day.  We arrive at the first lock and, interestingly enough, caught up to the power boats that had passed under the bridges earlier with us, we are told it's an hour wait.  At another lock it's a 1.5 hr wait etc. etc.... At this point, although seeing freighter traffic at the locks was interesting, waiting on them sucked!  But it gave time for Joann to reclaim the cribbage throne.  I think you should be getting a picture of how the day went but it gets better as we have one more hurdle to overcome.   After travelling 37 miles and with just 1 more to go, we turned  the corner towards harbour and were confronted by a sea of current flowing at 4-6 knots against us. Our boat only goes 5.5 kn (6 if we push it).   So at .5 to 1 knot we spend another hour fighting the current before making our final destination of Montreal Yacht Club in Old Port.  It was funny, at one point we were almost going backwards beside an ocean freighter from Panama that was docked. The crew came out to watch the struggle and we imagine they were cheering us on or else taking bets to see if we'd make it!  According to Andrew, their encouragement sounded like " You can do it leetle juan!" ( use your best Spanish accent for added spice).

Once tied up and safe in port, it was not long before our thirsty souls were walking the 5 minutes to Old Montreal and found a delightful patio offering flights of beer and mouth watering cuisine.   

Wednesday, we spent the day being tourists, walking around enjoying the sites and people watching. This is a very popular tourist destination.  We started by visiting the Notre Dame Basilica, built between  1824 and 1829, and later complimented with additions and upgrades.  We also climbed the clock tower which overlooks the harbour and saw the inner clock workings as we climbed the 200 steps to the top.  It provided a wonderful view of a manmade beach down below which was built on the island across from the yacht club. The beach was filled with umbrellas, water misters (popular here) and of course, bars and sunbathers enjoying the 33 C weather! In the evening we once again had ringside seats on Summer Wine II to watch an International Fireworks display, this one hosted by France.   Apparently, this is a competition that happens every Wednesday and Saturday throughout July with a different country hosting each night. The final is this Saturday. I don't know how they are judged but it sure was spectacular! 

Today, it's prep time for the next leg of the trip - Joann and Andrew went off to get provisions at a neat downtown grocery located on the main floor of an office tower.   And Doug was able to hitch a ride across the river to Longueuil to the local Penta Volvo dealer to replenish oil & filter supplies. It's time Summer Wine got an oil change. A big thanks to our neighbour at the harbour for his help.  

 With fresh croissants, cream cheese and a light Montreal rain, it's off to Sorel and Trois Rivière  for the next stops.  

D,J & A

Upper Canada Delights!

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We had a great day sailing from CFB Trenton to Kingston and then again Kingston to Brockville.

Here, at Brockville, we anchored with our nose tied to shore as Andy tried out the wet rock water slide into the lake while preparing the finishing touches on the moorage. What started out as a beautiful night ended up in rain through to morning. It was not all lost though as the loud music from the party across the bay kept us singing along for hours with one great tune after another. We were thinking of swimming over and getting the play list.  

In the morning we reviewed the St. Lawrence Seaway lock procedures before heading off.   We had an hour wait at the first one, Iraquios Lock, only to be lowered a couple of inches as the dam was completely open. Then while enroute we spied the Crysler Park Marina and made a spontaneous decision to call in for a slip. Andy cooked a wonderful chicken dinner and kicked our asses in cribbage:)

Monday was an early start to the day. We hiked a mile to "Upper Canada Village" on the site of the Crysler Farm where on November 11, 1813 the joint forces of 800 men made of British soldiers, local men and natives pounded the 8000 Americians until they went back home with tails between their legs. This was one of two critical battles which brought the war of 1812 to a close. 

The whole "Upper Canada Village" had been relocated from its original location in the 50's to make way for the new St. Lawrence Seaway.  It was then reconstructed in its original form around a man-made lake used to power a sawmill, flour mill and wool factory. You could easily spend a whole day there.If you like history, you should check out their web site.  The tour concluded with a miniature train ride taking us back to the marina and we were on the water by noon.   

We continued on our journey towards Montreal. Enroute, we transited the Eisenhower and Snell locks which are the only 2 American locks we go through. The primary focus of the St. Lawrence Seaway is commercial traffic so pleasure boaters often have to wait. So far we haven't had long waits. We motored the remainder of the day necessitated by the channel width, tanker traffic, and lack of wind. The day was a scorcher and we finally tied up at 8 p.m. just as the lightening show & rain began. We are still 40 nm to Montreal but with the help of the current, it shouldn't take too long. Today we actually made speed over ground of 10 knots at one point!  The current so far has been approx. 2 knots so combined with our hull speed of 5.5 kn, we seem to be averaging 7kn/hr.

Stowaway update:  No sign of the little critter for several days. We are assuming he jumped ship or passed on....

Kingston, home of Sir John A. and a time to reflect...

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Now with mast up, fully rigged and ready to go, it's seems surreal that we have come this far.  The Great Lakes Adventure started June 17th with Doug and our friends Darrell and Keith as they crossed Lake Superior unscathed except for Keith's stitched head.  Then Joann and I met up with Doug in Sault Saint Marie and we ventured down a major shipping channel encountering lakers along the way, crossed over into the North Channel and were immediately impressed by the clearness of the water and how pristine the entire area was (the people here take care of their waters as there was no sign of garbage anywhere).  In the North channel we discovered the highly touted Whalebacks on the north side as we navigated through islands, swing bridges and narrow channels to Baie Fine and later Tobermory, home of the MS Chi-cheemaun (big canoe).  Now it was time to cross Georgian Bay, some 50 miles wide, but not before stopping off at Flower Pot Island for lunch and a quick overnight in Cabot Head with it's plethora of wildlife.  Georgian Bay was so far our best sailing day, no gusts, 10-15 knots of south westerlies and a spinnaker run to start the day finished with an amazing reach where we rescued Bouy George.  Now that we have crossed, we are off to the next part of the adventure, the famed Trent - Severn Waterway, 240 nautical miles filled with engineering marvels from 60' locks to train cars, hydraulic lefts and picturesque "Group of Seven" scenes.  

My family is from southern Ontario and this was the perfect time for me to take a break from the boat for a couple of days and visit my Oma (who still has a wonderful sense of humour and some dirty jokes), Mom, Dad and Sister Sue, brother-in-law Paul, nephews Issac and Nolan and my Uncle Bob and Aunt Ria. Thanks again for all your hospitality:). 

This nearly brings us to current time and might I say the halfway point of our trip but not before re-rigging Summer Wine II and sailing from Trenton to Kingston.

We've decided Kingston was the perfect place to recharge our batteries. Could not have been a better place - Winnipeg may have more restaurants per capita but Kingston has more pubs per capita and they were all busy even on a Thursday night, mind ya, we only made it to 5 or 6 before settling down to hear some fine local entertainment. Pub crawls aside, the days have been filled with walking, visiting historical sites including Fort Henry and Bellevue House, walking, reprovisioning and oh ya- walking!!  

Thanks again for following us and happy sailing:)

A

Final phase of part three:)

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On Monday we had a new lock experience. We transited 2 sets of "flight locks" which are 2 locks joined together to handle large changes in water levels. They consist of 2 lock chambers and 3 sets of gates each. Their lift height was 54 ft and 48 ft respectively.   At the first set we were with one other boat in the same chamber.  We entered from the top and went down half way.  Then they opened the middle gate and we moved ahead 50 feet to the next chamber to ride down the rest of the way. At the 2nd set, we met a boat coming up in the middle section and we both switched chambers simultaneously in the middle. We carried on down and they went up - just like being at the Red River Ex!  We motored through an area of marshland and saw a flock of white swans!  We started at lock 17, logged 23 miles and finished at lock 6 at Frankford, ON. Dinner was BBQ Salmon, veggie skewers and fresh peacan butter tarts. Creating, preparing and eating these wonderful meals is a really splendid part of this adventure!

Tuesday with 6 locks to go and sunny skies, we passed a paper mill, went under a train line and the 401.  That completed the Trent-Severn waterway and in our case the Severn-Trent waterway.  What a great experience and engineering marvel of its time.  Hats off to the hundreds of Italian immigrants that left their families behind in Montreal while they lived in stick huts and built the waterway at the turn of the century.  The Parks Canada staff have been absolutely wonderful and have provided a wealth of information on the waterway.   

 We arrived at the CFB Trenton Yacht Club by early afternoon.  This allowed us ample time to step our mast and rig Summer Wine for the balance of the adventure.  While rigging  the boat, it was nice having three set of eyes and hands to ensure all lines were proper and equipment triple checked.   Winds were 10 to 15kn out of the west so we had some challenges, to say the least, in making her a sailboat again.  Once all was completed, we took a cab into town and enjoyed the local pizza.  We are now ready for the next part of the adventure.....

Stowaway update: Peanut butter eaten, trap intact!

Doug, Joann & Andrew 

Peterborough to Healey Falls

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Saturday,July 18th, was a layover day in the beautiful city of Peterborough. The day was sunny and hot - a welcome change after the grey skies and rainy weather of Friday. The marina is located in the heart of downtown and is surrounded by a lovely park. The main street was closed to traffic Saturday morning for a giant sidewalk sale, buskers, face painting etc. One of the unique attractions was a green space consisting of natural sod brought in by a local pub to enhance the "chill vibe". It attracted quite a crowd and was really pleasant to stroll along and take it all in.

Of course every layover day involves laundry, boat chores and reprovisioning. The boat received a thorough cleaning as we hunted for our stowaway. No luck finding the little critter but we did buy some mousetraps and poison!

In the evening, we took in a free concert in the park. An indie - pop musician,Hannah Georgas, was the performer. We enjoyed her so much we bought the CD!  Peterborough has an amazing "MusicFest" during the summer with free concerts every Wednesday and Saturday evening. The season kicked off with Randy Bachman. The Northern Pikes are on the bill this Wednesday and future concerts feature Sass Jordan and Doc Walker - those are a few I recognize. 

We would have liked to enjoy more of Peterborough but we have to keep moving on...

Today is Sunday, July 19th, and Andrew rejoined us this morning. Upon our departure, Andrew's parents John & Kini transited Lock 19 at Scott's Mills with us. It was a new experience for them and we were happy to have their company. Final goodbyes were said on the other side of the lock as they left for home and we continued onward. The day was sunny and hot with storm clouds building. We reached the next lock late in the afternoon just as a large hailstorm engulfed us. The unsettled weather wasn't finished with us yet as a short time later we anchored mid-channel while  another thunderstorm rolled over us. A very prudent decision!  Thankfully no waterspouts such as Lake Winnipeg experienced this past weekend!!

For birding enthusiasts, blue heron, osprey and bald eagle sightings are common along the waterways. Also, the Canada goose population is alive and thriving in southern Ontario!!

Today we covered 53 nm and transited 2 locks. We tied up alongside Lock 17 at Healey Falls at 7:30 pm, ready for a cocktail and rib dinner. We were treated to a beautiful sunset overlooking the falls. 

P.S. We awoke this morning to discover the peanut butter bait eaten but the trap not tripped. Smart little bugger!!!

Stowaway

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Last night we had an unexpected visitor. A mouse or a small rat ran by Joann and scared the day lights out of her. There was a mad scramble to catch the stowaway but it was too fast and there was too  many good hiding places.  We tried the old trick of leaving a half full pail of water with a bit of peanut butter on the edge, hoping that the pest might fall in and drown trying to taste the smooth Skippy- no luck!
The other day a boater was snorkelling trying to retrieve a pair of sunglasses from the bottom of a lock channel, he scraped his wrist against the wall which was covered in zebra muscles and instantly cut himself. Those little guys are sharp with a capital S.
Today, because the locks are close together we have been instructed to travel with a group of three other boats, ( a lock full). Passage has been a lot slower because of it. We went through seven locks including a 65' hydraulic lift lock ( the highest in the world).
Today's travels took 6hrs to go 8.6 miles and it has rained most of the day.
We are spending the next 2 nights in Peterborough's Little Lake Marina replenishing supplies and hunting down our stowaway to serve it an eviction notice.
Doug

Bobcaygeon - Lakefield

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After dinner last night, Andrew jumped ship to spend time with his family. I went to bed with a fever-- origin unknown.

This morning we were first through Lock 32 at the town of Bobcaygeon on a beautiful clear morning. We motored past Pigeon Lake Yacht Club and through Gannon Narrows gawking at all the spectacular lakefront properties. We are getting into a heavier populated area with much more boat traffic. This is Canada's houseboat rental mecca. We stopped for a swim in the warm waters of  Lovesick Lake in the afternoon. Apparently, there are a few stories as to how Lovesick Lake got its' name. Needless to say someone got their heart broken...  No doubt there's a country & western song about it!!!

We traversed through an area strewn with rocks called "Hell's Gate" but Lucifer didn't want us and kicked us out on a small island where  St. Peter's-on-the-Rock Anglican Church is located. St. Peter wasn't ready for us either so we finished our day tied up on the downbound side of lock 26 (Lakefield). Camping fees are 90 cent /foot to stay tied up at a lock per night. Marina fees are generally about $1.60 / foot and pump outs run $20 each. 

Now that we are inland, we don't need our trusty electric heater which came in handy on Lake Superior and Lake Huron. We covered 39 miles today and went through 5 locks. 

Doug

Lock 42 to Bob Caygeon

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Now that we have a couple of locks under our belt, you would think we are becoming old hats at this but you probably know better. After we departed Lock 42, it was off through a channel and then into Lake Couchiching.  The water looks great, but many have warned us – stay in the channel or beware of the bottom.  So many lakes and nowhere to sail. Tobermory was the last time we saw the inside of a grocery store, so we have decided to head for Orillia to stock up on supplies. This will be a day spot as we evaluate the pending weather forecast and the “boaters take warning" Lake Simcoe.  We had a wonderful time in Orillia where we saw Door Exhibits and checked out the marina. Winnipeg may have polar bears but Orillia has beautiful sailboats all around their pier.  While walking around downtown, we spotted the famed Mariposa which seems to be the only packed store in town.  People come from miles around to experience the shopping delights of pastries, fudge, retro candy and Annie's coffee.  I bought 'Jamaican Me Crazy' coffee beans.  After the land fun was done, we decided to venture out despite the weather forecast as we felt we had the right window to do so, given the radar and up to date information on following winds the next day.  It turns out we had the best motoring experience on the Lake Simcoe with glass-like conditions and hundreds of birds joining us in the middle of the lake.  I tell you the birds know – we later find out that they were coming from the North where we were and also the forecasted storms.   As we left Lake Simcoe and entered the Trent Canal once again, we knew it was inevitable the storm was going to catch us, and as luck would have it -- the next lock -- our rest stop for the night had a bridge above. We slipped underneath ten minutes before the storm hit. Under cover of the bridge, storm above, we barbecued another fine meal.

The next day was no different -- another spectacular round of sites. Yes, we are getting use to waking up at 7:30 am now given the lock schedules starting at 9:00 am but somehow, I feel we are missing part of the day’s adventure as I was also enjoying early starts. We are at Lock 41 now and while we put on some 32 NM, there was only one lock in that distance.    Today, instead of one lock, our goal is to get to Bob Caygeon which is Lock 32 but we don’t have Lock 33 since that one is a detour.  The day started out with five back-to-back locks within 6 NM, then a 7.6 trek to the next through a small lake and carved out canal to Kirkfield.  Kirkfield - what a wow factor - as we are going down this narrow canal, I start to wonder, what if we come up to a large boat in this narrow channel for which we cannot pass, as we proceed we do in fact approach another boat only to find it already tied up. Then, we saw this magnificent structure in the middle of nowhere. It’s Kirkfield, the tub, the hydraulic lift, the counter-weighted engineering marvel for which there are only 9 in the world like it.  As we approached, an arrow directed us to go right and proceed into the staging area and find a place to tie alongside.  As we waited, we noted that we were actually in the tub and waiting for some vessels at the top of the lift to similarly prepare for the ride.  Now we’re set and the excitement starts – we are lifted 49 feet straight up into the air and are now at the tops of trees and above another road.  We then navigated into the channel and cross the street below. Wow again.  We stopped here to take some additional pictures and stretch our legs and then proceeded onto the balance of the locks.   Additional highlights of the day: reaching our summit in Balsalm Lake and now the rest of the trip will be descending literally to the ocean; and going through Fenlan Falls and reaching our destination of Bob Caygeon. Both of these last places are a few of the most popular locks as they are situated in quaint little towns and offer some great sites and activities.  Parking is at a premium at the locks and we managed to score a space normally reserved as a staging area for the lock itself.  I must say that the Parks Canada Staff have been very hospitable and always eager to assist in any way.  They have given us some great suggestions and tips all along the way. 

Thank you Parks Canada!

Andrew

The Trent-Severn experience begins...

Monday, July 13,2015

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Once everything was secured and our "super duper orange balls" were inflated, we made haste (ha ha-at 5.6 knots) for Lock 45 at Port Severn. 

The Trent-Severn Waterway was designed as a commercial route from Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. However, by the time it was completed, 87 years later, highways and railways had reduced the need for it. Today, it is used primarily for pleasure boaters, cottagers and tourists. There are 43 locks in 240 miles on the main route from Trenton to Port Severn. The waterway raises boats nearly 600 feet from Trenton to the summit near Mile 158 at Balsam Lake and then lowers them 263 feet to Georgian Bay.  We seem to be in reverse because we are starting from Port Severn and working our way backwards to Lock 1 at Trenton. The waterway is operated by Parks Canada and we were required to purchase a one-way pass at a cost of $130.00. 

The lock system is really straight forward. There are cables secured vertically along the walls within the lock. You drive into the lock and loop a stern and bow line to the nearest cables, then, as the lock fills or empties you move your lines along the cable. Once complete, you bring in your lines and motor out of the lock. Simple right??  Let me just say, for the record, that I was a nervous wreck!  By the time we go through all the locks I should be a lock master. 

So, the first lock (number 45) was so simple, they said drive in and we were raised up before we knew it. The second lock (44) "Big Chute Marine Railway" was unbelievable!!  The park staff directed us onto a "railway car". As the railway car moved along the tracks, the water appeared to be draining out from underneath you but you and your boat are really being suspended, secured in slings. The giant travelling carriage is a 7 minute ride over a mere 600 feet. At the top is a railway way crossing over the road. The rail arms come down, the crossing bells sound and all traffic is stopped for travelling vessels to sail across the road.  Then it's like being at the top of a ferris wheel when you are suspended in mid air. OMG!!!  Doug and Andy were excited as kids and I was petrified! We disembarked from the railroad and then meandered along the marked channel, stopping for a swim and admiring the beautiful cottages along the route. We grounded twice in mud, ( thank goodness because of all the rock around) trying to get find anchorages that the charts showed.  Then, we just managed to squeak under a swing bridge. The bridge was done swinging for the day and we didn't want to backtrack so with Doug at the bow, we were able to clear the bridge with maybe 4 inches to spare - that was too close!!  

Finally at 7:30 pm, we tied up at Lock 42 for the night. The locks operate from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.  We were first in line for the morning. Be sure to click on the link for the pictures.  

Joann

San Souci to Waubaushene

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We started our day off with a morning swim and left our quiet anchorage headed for "Pier 69" in Waubaushene.  We had to go back out onto Georgian Bay and navigate through a myriad of rocks & islands.  We eventually got into the marked channel and followed it the rest of the day.  The waters here are very shallow and without local knowledge it is best to stay within the buoys. The waterways are very well marked but sometimes get confusing with the frequently changing inbound and outbound flow. You have to know if you are coming or going in order to apply "Red Right Returning" correctly! It was a very hot day with an abundance of power boats zipping past us sending us rocking & rolling in their wake. Sailboats are definitely a minority around here!  We arrived in Waubaushene around 4 pm at  Pier 69 Marina. Pier 69 has been the most "economical" marina so far but despite its lack of amenities, it provided an ideal venue to take the mast down in preparation for the Trent-Severn Waterway. The remainder of Sunday was spent taking the mast down. The whole procedure went really well using the "hinged- step" mast system Doug devised. The exhausted crew went to bed early that night!

Joann

Cabot Bay - Sans Souci

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We finished our Tobermorian experience by sailing to Flowerpot Island for lunch and a 3km "difficult" hike. Along the way, we visited an old lighthouse keepers home/museum, manned by volunteers, caves and the famous flowerpot rock formations. Leaving about 2:00pm, we sailed 14nm to Cabot Head and overnighted in Wingfield Basin. Here we were greeted by 7 already anchored sailboats, an adult eagle bathing on the beach and a black bear roaming the shoreline for fresh berries.  

Saturday, we left the harbour at 6:00 am to cross Georgian Bay.  We started out with a spinnaker run until 11:00 at which point the wind was taking us 26 degrees off our destination.  The balance of the day was a spectacular reach doing almost hull speed.  We are amazed at the vastness of the deep blue ocean-like conditions of Georgian Bay - no land anywhere, clear blue water to be treated with respect. We had an opportunity to practice a "man overboard" drill when we spied a boat bumper drifting aimlessly. The drill was successful and the bumper has found a new home. We have come to affectionately call him Bouy George but we encourage you to come up with your own name.  Other top contenders were OB1, Freddy Fender, Manny and Sven.  The day was rounded up with some navigating through rocks to our final destination, Sans Souci.  To that end, those from Manitoba will be glad to know that the bug screen has come in handy the past few nights, as we fend off  pesky mosquitoes and ankle biter flies.  

Doug

Tobermory Sidetracked

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It was an 11 hr. motor from Baie Fine to Tobermory.  Wind  was 10 knots on the nose for most of the day therefore we motored.  We stopped in a cove on a uninhabited island for lunch.

While there, a pair of sand cranes took flight and flew right past us - what an awesome sight!  The water here on Georgian Bay is unbelievably clear. You can still see bottom at 40 feet. The changing water color relative to the depth reminds us of the Carribean - too bad the temperature wasn't similar!  It's been rather cool on the water!!

We arrived in Tobermory at 6:30 p.m., ready to be in out of the wind and ready for a cocktail. Then we were off to the "Crowsnest"  for dinner.  As you can see in the pictures, the seagulls are very accustomed to people and always looking for a handout!

We woke up on our layover day in Tobermory to the strains of nearby bagpipes. Tobermory used to be a fishing village but now is a quaint tourist town.  One of the major attractions here is scuba diving the many shipwrecks that litter the depths. Doug went diving in the morning to the wrecks of the schooner "Caroline Rose" at 50 ft. and the tanker "Niagara II" which lies from 90 - 120 ft.  He said it was quite interesting but really cold despite the wet suit. ( See below for a You Tube link).  

Click Here for a replica of Doug's scuba dive

In the meantime, John & Kini Meyer (Andrew's parents), drove 2.5 hrs from their home in Holyrood to spend the day with us.  We had a great day wandering the streets, poking into assorted shops & galleries and dining on the local fish & chips.  We also hiked the "Burnt Loop Trail" out to the tip of the  Bruce Peninsula. Hopefully some of our pictures will communicate the natural beauty we have seen these past few days. The day ended back at the "Crowsnest" with great live entertainment and cold beer. In case anyone questions, the live entertainment was not Doug and Andy!!! Just saying.....

Today began with a few boat chores and provisioning. Once that was done, we left Tobermory for Flower Pot Island. We are now cruising in the Fathom Five National Marine Park which requires a boat and individual passes to transit.  Flower Pot Island is made of dolomite, a type of limestone, which has resulted in intriguing cave and rock formations due to water erosion. We did another great hike - rock, trees and water - they never appear the same twice and you never get tired of them!

We are now sailing on a lovely beam reach with 12 knots of wind under warm, sunny skies headed for our next anchorage of Cabot Head.

To those who know of our alternator problems, it remains intermittent but the bypass method works perfectly!

Joann

Laundry to Baie Fine

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Lake Huron is divided into basically three parts - the North Channel, Georgian Bay and the main lake south of Manitoulin Island.  We have just completed sailing through the North Channel and are on route to Tobermory on the west side of Georgian Bay. This is another 40 mile leg.

The North Channel was beautiful with its high islands and deep clear waters, a guy could spend a life time sailing here and not see all its nooks and crannies. 

Last night we pulled into Baie Fine about 6:00 pm after a great day of sailing.  We left Dave and Margaret in Laundry Harbour and sailed through a rainy, misty morning to Little Current. We had to wait about 40 minutes there because the swing bridge only opens on the hour to let the boat traffic through. That was our first time through that type of bridge.  After that the winds picked up to 15 - 20 knots and we sailed close hauled to the long narrow Baie Fine.  We anchored off the stern and tied the bow off to a tree in Mary Ann's Cove. This is one of the most picturesque bays and the easiest to anchor in that I have ever been in. The sun came out just as we arrived and the water was so clear we could drive around and scout the area for rocks with no problems. The only thing missing in Mary Ann's Cove was our good friends Stephen & Marianne!

We got in just in time for cocktails and a swim- who would of thought?😀.    Doug 

Gore Bay to Laundry Bay

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Yes Gore Bay to Laundry Island because the trip from Meldrum Bay to Gore Bay was completely uneventful - full of no wind, lots of motoring, yada yada. But once we arrived ar Gore Bay it was a wonderful time.  A walk on the boardwalk, fantastic marina store with lots of toys - folding bicycles for $185!  Then we went downtown for groceries and supplies - thank goodness it was open, being Sunday in a small town, pretty much everything else was closed.  I think we were the sole transients strolling downtown other than a couple of skateboarders.

But on to sailing .... this morning we started at the usual time - up at 6:30 am - we have found this is the best time to start.  Up, shower or whatever you have to do, leave and have breakfast underway - today was awesome mile high pancakes, bacon, peanut butter and syrup.  Today we sailed across the northern channel into the "Whale Backs", a chain of islands where you really need to navigate carefully!  Half way across we got a text from our new friends Margaret and Dave Steele - they let us know that through  "Find My Friend" they could see us enroute to John Island.   We then proprosed a rondezvous on the south side of the island where we rafted together for lunch.  Afterwards, we made plans to meet later in Laundry Harbour. We had a great sail this afternoon and anchored in Laundry Harbour around 6 p.m.  I have no idea why it's called Laundry Harbour!???

Today; winds around 10-15 knots gusting to 25.  Great sailing day and saw some pristine Canadian shield. 

What a great day:)

Andrew

Milford to Meldrum

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The water is like glass and the bullfrogs are singing.  I cannot believe how crystal clear the water is!  Doug decides its a good time to go for a swim - he thinks everything looks bigger in the water.  The time is 6:30 am and we have 30 minutes to departure.  Leaving under the iron Genoa, the days forecast will be winds light, off the stern with a spinnaker run for 60 minutes and a chance of steak and eggs for breakfast.  The day rounded up with an early arrival into Meldrum Bay where we found 

a sleepy village with a closing general store and an historical restaurant with live entertainment.  There was spotty cell phone service at best but we were able to get a quick call into Doug's mother to wish her a happy birthday.   We're on the Rock were there is no Clock!

Andrew

The Soo to Milford

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Left Sault Ste. Marie at 0815 this morning under overcast skies, 7C, calm waters. Motored down the St. Mary's River with a following 1-2 kn current, keeping mid channel and out of the path of big tanker ship traffic. Doug cooked a gourmet breakfast while underway. We managed to sail once out of the channel, each of us taking 2 hr. shifts at the helm.  Today's top speed was 7.8 knots over ground with 5.8 over water. Top winds today were 28 knots but sailing under head sail only was no problem.  Doug & I were dressed for winter and Andrew was in shorts and a light jacket!  Life jackets are mandatory on deck and the helmsman must be tethered in at all times - captain's rules! For those of us use to sailing in remote regions without traffic, this is a great introduction to marine traffic and AIS systems. We were worried worried about 100 ft wide tankers in St. Mary's River but once we experienced the first one there was no issue.  We are now in the North Channel on Lake Huron and arrived at our destination of Milford Haven and anchored down at 4:20. Only 1 other boat in the anchorage. We enjoyed a cocktail with the last of Keith's gin. It gave Doug the courage to test the waters. He's now trying to convince Andy & I that it's really not that cold!!

Enjoyed a great steak BBQ for dinner and are now chillin' for the evening. Doug's reading and Andrew is teaching himself the harmonica ( everyone needs a hobby!)  Fishing line is in the water but no takers yet!  We are off to Meldrum Bay tomorrow and hoping for sunny skies....

Joann

Soo Captain

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As we write this we are listening to the Blue Bomber home opener.  Go Bomber's Go!  

Joann and Andrew rolled in Tuesday night around midnight with Andrew's parents, a day after Brooklyn's grade 12 graduation, and were welcomed by the members of the "4 Corner Yacht Club."  

Yesterday was Canada Day and the harbour front was the centre of celebrations including music, hot dogs and an  awesome display of fireworks!

Dave, our "Soo" ambassador, rounded up two more bikes for us so the 3 of us were able to visit the Canadian locks and parkland.  Today was a lay day to provision and prepare to take off for Lake Huron - we leave in the morning. 

I had a wonderful time in Sault Ste Marie, thanks to Dave and Margaret Steele and all the members of the Four Corner Yacht Club, Cliff MacKay and the gang on the tugboats. The marina staff were wonderful and the  facilities were terrific. If any of you read this blog please know that it was you who made my stay so memorable. Thanks to all of you.

Doug