Day 23 Journey to North Channel July 23, 2021

0

 Little Current to Tobermory

Dick got up and as soon as the store was open he called to see if he could get a drill and parts. The gentleman on the phone did an amazing job of finding the parts and getting the drill delivered for free to dockside. When Dick came down the stairs I started to sing Happy Birthday to him. He managed to get the repair done and we were able to catch the 10:00 am bridge to Tobermory. The wind was on the nose the whole way there. When we got to Tobermory the harbour was packed with boats and the deck hands were still tying people up. Dick and I were put along side a Tug Dawn Light and we were able to meet and enjoy a visit with the owner Captain Dan. He is making it into a museum.

Day 22 Journey to the North Channel July 22, 2021

 South Benjamin to Little Current

Oh dear we  just got to the best part of the trip and we have to head home. We made it to Little Current about 1:00 pm and I ran to the shower and had time to check out the stores on the main street. The Needle Box where a mother and daughter run. The mother has been working there 45 years! After I meet Dick to show him Turner's. They have a great Art Collection upstairs. We called Sally to see if we could take her out to the Anchor Inn for supper but she was busy. Due to limited seating we had to bring our pizza back to the boat. Before we went to bed Dick checked the engine and he discovered the alternator bolt is broken. He did not bring a drill, I said do not worry I know where there is a Rona in Little Current. Our plan was to leave early and get to Tobermory because we had another day of all day rain in the forcast. I am starting to think of this place as the Everglades.

Day 21 Journey to the North Channel July 21, 2021

 Clapperton to South Benjamin Island

The most beautiful part of the trip no wonder the anchorages have 40 to 50 boats in them. We meet Ed and Jane and Dave and Sandy and Wayne and Max on the red rock on the shoreline and some of us proceeded to take a stroll up the cliff. There is so much flaura and fona to take a look at. We found lots of juniper berries and of course my favourite blue berries. The forest was back from the shoreline and so there were not as many bugs and we did not even have to wear the spray here. We had our last gathering on Wayne's boat and tonight we will stay here and all depart for separate way tomorrow morning. It is time for Dick and I to start our journey back to Port Stanley.

Day 20 Journey to the North Channel July 20, 2021

 Layover Day in Logan Bay Clapperton Island

It started raining at 3:00 am the night before and it rained all day until suppertime. Consistent down pouring the whole day. We stayed aboard and read and relaxed. I made some beets and apple sauce to keep the cabin warm. We radioed our fellow anchor folks but did not venture out in the dinghy which was soaked with water.

Day 19 Journey to the North Channel July 19, 2021

 Little Current to Clapperton Island

The men called for a skippers meeting at 8:00 am. I told my skipper we were not leaving before 12 we had groceries to get and Wayne had asked if Sally could take him to get an oil pump. So the Admiral had plans and the Captain had others. Unbeknowst to me he had agreed to leave at 10:00 am as the direction was great for a tack to the Clapperton Islands and they wanted to play with their boats. Sally graciously came to take Wayne for an oil pump and we saw the Napa store and across the road a Rona. She started to give us a tour of the town by car and then Dick said we are leaving so she brought us back to the boat.

I was furious and so disappointed to not get more time with Sally. She said to call when we were back that way. There was a quilt store there but it had not opened before we left. I must say the race to island was a fun because we caught up to the other two boats. By the time we got to the Logan Anchorage at Clapperton the winds were 20 to 25 knots. When we got in and settled we had a Cockpit Gathering on Nice Butt. 

Day 18 Journey to the North Channel Sunday July 19, 2021

 Heywood Island to Little Current

Love sleeping in until 8:00 am not rushing through breakfast, leaving at 10:00 am  and arriving at our destination around 12:00 pm. Little Current has a bridge that opens on the hour so we navigated very slowly to get here at the appropriate time to avoid the current. On our way and Ed hailed up and Vertigo 1 and Moon Dancer will be with us at Little Current.

Dick and I ran to the grocery store as soon as we got here and had a visit with with Sally onboard Grace C. We had a thousand connection points with Sally and really enjoyed her visit. She offered to take anyone that needs a car to get supplies. I gave her the gift from Angela but did not make plans  as we always never know what we are doing next. 

I walked the main street not all the stores are open because it is Sunday. The sailors meet in the park for munchies. Maxine has a sore back so I had some girl time on Nice Butt. We were offered a delicious meal of Chinese food from Wayne when they got the order it was a huge amount of food.

The wake calms down on the wall so we had a good sleep.

Sa

Day 17 Journey to the North Channel Saturday July 17, 2021

 Killarney to Heywood Island

We had to top up the diesel, water and pumpout at the dock before we left Killarney. One more trip to the Gateway Bake shop for some delicious bread and brownies. Ed and Jane and their friends on Moon Dancer went back up to Bai Fine and Nice Butt and Grace C headed to an Island called Haywood on the way to. It was not far but of course light wind on the nose. When we got the anchor set we dinghied Wayne up the shoreline through a cove. We were looking for a historical medical centre that had been a place of safety when the school children travelled over the ice to school. We had a nap a swim and a cockpit gathering until into the evening. Wayne and Max are celebrating their 56th anniverary.

Tomorrow we head for Little Current! I send Sally a head up and she agreed to meet up later in the day.

Day 16 Journey to the North Channel July 16, 2021

 Anhorage at Baie Fine to Marinne Bay 

Up early again and on our way to do another trail at Marianne Bay. Dick led the way and the chart plotter brought us right to our goal. Wehad lunch and dinghied over to the trail. This one was marked orange but they warned me it would be difficult. I decided to enjoy the woods, take pictures and go as far as physically possible.

Wayne and Max meet us when we got back to Killarney. The marina is full for the weekend but we had reserved a space. There was a dinner reservation made for all of us to gather. We were sat on the patio with tables of 4. The music was excellent. and my favourite song that he wrote was The Georgian Bay Blues.

The sun is shining and we are planning to head to Little Current today. To start the North Channel piece.

Day 15 Journey to the North Channel July 15, 2021

 Anchorage at Baie Fine

At 3:00 am it started raining and it poured until evening of the next day. Day living board with no cell service goes like this.

Sleep in

Eat three meals a day and alot of snacks

Clean out the bed from flys

Bail the Dinghy

Swat about a million flys

Read a book

Watch Netflix predownloads

Run engine because solar panels are not cutting it

Day 14 Journey to the North Channel July 14, 2021

 Baie Fine Fiord

The journey today took us out to the beautiful fiord at Baie Fine and we anchored before the narrow passage to the pool. We took the dinghy's up to the end and and there was a dock to tye up at called the Pool. What a beautiful anchorage protected on all sides. Because of our 6 ft. draft we anchored  in 30 feet of water at the  south side of the fiord. We took a trail that is marked with orange arrows and as you know on  paths like this you cannot take your eye off your footing for too long. So all six of us missed the left turn to Lake Topaz and we found ourselves on a blue trail that went back down  only not on the side we came up. We headed back and Ed was able to locate our error so all the way back up the ridge. 

I almost gave up but a lady came along and said keep going it is worth it. So that is what we did.

The scenery was breath taking and the spring fed lake was refreshing but not to cold. It will be a happy memory for time to come.

Dinner and a peaceful sleep with the physical exhaustion.

Day 13 Journey to North Channel July 13, 2021

 Killarney

Life is so funny sometimes. Since I had a minute after breakfast I got a list of things to do and see out of my purse. Angela had told me about a couple she knew from a boat called Georgian Mist. When I got the list out I saw their name and boat name. I said to Dick there name is Bob and Kathy and their boat is Georgian Mist. Dick said to me they are anchored on our bow since yesterday.  I knew to look out for it and had neglected to tell him. He notices every make and name and keeps track of all of them.

We went over to introduces ourselves as their dinghy was being towed to get the motor fixed. Sure enough it was the right people. We went for a walk at 10:30 am and got back at 1:30 pm It was a 7.5 km and through wood, over rocks and mud puddles. 

Our beautiful cool sunny day changed to rain and it was ok because I could have a much needed nap.

We are booked to come back here for Friday Night. Music and dinner with the group and hopefully Wayne and Maxine can join us by then. Tomorrow we plan to see Portage and then Bai Fine.

Day 12 Journey to the North Channel July 12, 2021

 Club Island to Killarney

Raised the anchor after breakfast in which we had time to eat before we set sail. There was a nice breeze but once again on the nose. We arrived in Killarney before lunchand found two mooring balls across from the Mountain Lodge. We tied up and I ran for the showers. We had not had an opportunity since Port Elgin

We are allowed to use all the amenities and the ball only cost 40.00 plus a resort fee of 10.00. After a shower we toured the town and meet Jane, Ed, Terry and now Lyn at the World Famous fish and chip place. They have  upgraded from a bus Angela.

After supper we took a dinghy ride out into Killarney Bay. We decided to stay another day. Jane and Ed want to do a Trail Walk. I am looking forward to that.

Day 11 Journey to the North Channel July 11, 2021

 Tobermory to Club Island

We were able to sleep in and have our breakfast finished before taking off. Foodland was a quick walk and I managed to get some vegetables. Everything here is a quick walk and the tourists had not landed on the streets yet. The village was setting up a booth so I managed to get a map of the streets. We had agreed to set sail with Jane and Ed and Terry at 10:00 am. Set sail,

we did even though the wind was light we were able to sail for the first time. We had decided to stop and anchor at Club Island so that meant we could sail there as slow as we wanted to. This was a real joy to be able to not listen to the motor all day. We had a passage to get through at Snake Island and that is the first time I realised you could see the bottom and looking at all the rock was a good scare even though the depth sounder said there was enough water.

Once we got to the anchorage we still had time to take down the dinghy and have a cockpit gathering aboard Vertigo 1. When Dick went to take the dinghy motor lock off he realized the lock he had on it did not have a key in the bag. There was a key on the floater and a lock in the middle of the dinghy bag.

These are the kinds of things that can drive you insane. After a while he got the hacksaw out and cut the chain and we were able to progress with our day. 

Bev and Alastair this was our first launch with the new hoist and it works great. Once we trusted the rope to hold it in mid air we were able to set it in a matter of minutes.

Having the dinghy in the water gave us an opportunity to scrup down the hull and get the carbon off the exhaust hole.

Thanks to Ed and Jane for a lovely refreshing opportunity to relax again.

Day 10 Port Elgin to Tobermory July 10,2021

 Woke up to a favorable wind direction and sunny day. We are on the move again. We headed north to Tobermory.  

We made it around 2:30 pm and had time to do a load of laundry before meeting  up with Ed and Jane at their Air B&B cottage.

It was fun to have a gathering of Port Stanley folks in this beautiful Georgian Bay setting.

One of Ed's crew had put together a video of the trip so far. It was such a photo amazing look at the trip. When they got to the part about anchoring in Peche there was a photo of Grace C. but the artist did not realize we were the same people on board.

The wifi is not loading on computer so will send pics later. We are heading to Club Island today. 😉

Day 9 Journey to the North Channel Friday July 9, 2021

 Port Elgin 

Woke up to a strong north wind and decided to layover another day. We asked the dock master if we could have a weekly rate and he offered to give us a discount on our fourth night. We do not want to pound into waves and wind on the nose. The trip to Tobermory is approximately 50 miles. 

I had a shower and we had sometime to read and catch up on news and headed uptown for a walk. 

Our Port Stanley Bridge is open again after a year of repairs.

On the way back from the downtown we came down Green Street and found a whole row of cottage and cabin  rentals. We ordered out from the restaurant at the marina and listened to live music at the dock. The sun is out again, and the weekend crowd is back.

Day 8 Journey to the North Channel July 8, 2021

Oliphant side trip!

On hold in Port Elgin

Dick and I woke up at 6:20 am to pea soup fog and he checked the radar and said we were going to get a thunderstorm and I heard my first rumble. We went back to bed and when we got up we made breakfast with toast always a simple pleasure aboard. 

Janet texted to see if we had gotten away and she sent Bill down to get us off the boat. This is a perfect place to be weathered in. The day involved cutting carpet out of the main floor of the cottage, lots of laughs and a yummy dinner. They bought us back to Port Elgin after supper.

Day Seven Journey to the North Channel Wednesday July 7, 2021

Sister's Cottage in Oliphant  

Woke up at 10:30 am!!!! I cannot believe I slept that late. I guess we were tired. Being on dry land was a comforting experience. The weather was cold and wet. So thankful to be in a warm cottage.

Dick and Bill went to Wiarton to find stove alchohol. The company Captain Phab quit making it during the pandemic and started making sanitizer. Bill found a place in Wiarton that had Lloyd's brand.

Janet and I had a wonderful day to catch up. She made us a delicious dinner and drove us back to the boat.

When we got back to the boat we checked the weather and we have a wonderful wind tomorrow and  a purposeful direction to the wind. We hope to make Tobermory. Sound like a long and wet day.

Day 6 Journey to the North Channel Tuesday July 6, 2021

 Bayfield to Port Elgin

Today we headed out and it was what we call on Lake Erie a bug day. There was no wind and so we set the auto pilot and cleaned and packed, read and ate. We made it in to Port Elgin about 4:30 pm and we were meet on the dock by my sister and her husband Bill. This had been a milestone for me to sail to my sisters cottage in Oliphant. We were advised by sailors in Erieau to pick Port Elgin and leave GraceC tied up at a dock. We went to Wismers for dinner and they took us back to the cottage for the night. 

It was a rainy and windy night and so glad we decided to park here. 

Day Five Journey to the North Channel July 5, 2021

 The Cove at Sarnia to Bayfield

We decided at 45 nautical mile trip today was long enough so that brought us to Bayfield.

My cousin Brenda joined us for the evening and took us to The White Squirrel Golf Course. Apparently the owner started M&M Meats. It was all outdoors. Bayfield Restaurants are closed on Mondays. The Albion Hotel had a 40 minute wait so we went up the road and later for a tour to Grand Bend.

It was fun to catch up and see all the places. Ed and the boys have decided to sail all night. 

Day Four Journey to the North Channel July 4, 2021

 Peche to Sarnia Yacht Club/NOT

Day Four reminded me of walking a tight rope. The sportof cruising we took up puts you in positions like that sometimes. We were depended on our engine for the whole day. No wind and calm water meant we would not have support from the sails and we had a downbound current to forge through all day. If the engine fails today we are in a big pickle. All around us is the beauty of creation and everyone out enjoying water sports for the 4th of July. You become the centre of massive amount of wake waves that throw you around like a top. After a day of this my head was pounding. We still had the Blue Water Bridge ahead where you get down to one knot. Oh engine, 'do not fail us now. '

I had called Sarnia Yacht Club and amazingly was told I had a reservation. What I did not know at the time was I was talking to another marina. We forged on to the Sarnia Yacht Club and stopped for diesel. When we asked our dock location the marina deck hand call someone and they told us they were NOT taking TRANSIENT Boaters for 2021. 

Dick and I had to Anchor in a small body of water. This gave us front row seats got 4 of July Fireworks all the way up the coast of Michigan and they were letting off  about every mile down the coast. Never seen anything like that before.

It was a sweet treat to be the only boat in the anchorage and have the celebration take place when your are there.

Wake in the St. Clair River

Bluewater Bridge in Sarnia 

Day Three Journey to North Channel July 3, 2021

 Leamington to Peche Island Anchorage

This was an exciting day for me. We left Lake Erie and headed up the Detroit River. The water way narrows and you can see things on both sides of the boat. Actually you see two different countries! I wish my parents could have joined us they would have loved the view. Sailing under the Ambassador Bridge was a big thrill for me and brings back memories of  some many wonderful visits to the USA.

The Kanters told us about an anchorage at Peche Island across from Windsor Yacht Club. It was a great location and apply placed for a break. Ed and his all man crew joined us for the evening. Terry and Steve braved the waters and swam over for a visit. This is our first visitors on the trip.

The weather co-operated and we had a glass sea and low wind. It was a good practice at our first anchorage. One of the power boats beside us came over in their dinghy to talk and they were former Port Stanley residents. They have been enjoying the Island Provinacial park for years now.

Day Two Journey to the North Channel

 Left Erieau this morning at 8:00 am. Lisa Freeman waved good-bye. The wind was 15 to 20 knots from the North so we left the main down and just ran with the Gib. The waves kept building and it picked up as the day went on. After we rounded the Point Pelee we had to take the sail down and beat into the wind and waves directly. It was the most uncomfortable ride I have been on in Grace C. It kept crashing in the troughs. When we got into the harbour we realized our electrical panel has pulled the screws out and blew them across the room with the washers and the anchor cover I made had blown aside in the wind and the waves has spilled into the anchor locker and wet the end of our bed. We were happy it was only 8 miles.

The weather at night is going down to 11 degrees and so we went to a store and got a blanket and I picked up some long sleeve tops. So much for packing in sweltering heat. 

The harbour here is beautiful for photos and so we got to see a graduation complete with Oscar winning carpet ball gowns. Not something I expected to witness.

Day One Journey to the North Channel 2021

This holiday we have been planning for over a year began today, Canada Day 2021. Our weather window opened for two days of North wind so we were able to get away when we planned. Because it is the holiday we were joined by some other boats from the club. I called the marina mid day to book a dock and they said they were full for two weeks!! Erieau had been discovered. That meant we would have to anchor in Rondeau Bay. When we rounded Point of Pins the wind was really strong and the bay was not an option.We went up the creek to Erieau Marina to beg for mercy. Kathy was on the dock and tied us up with no problem. Lisa and Manfred Kanter came down to welcome us and she was happy to see we knew each other. Kudos to Kathy an wonderful dock master and someone who has your back.

All the Port boats were put together and Randy was the harbour Prince who towed Christine in for six hours. Amazing people you meet out on the lake. We fortunately ran into Bill Kerr and his family. Bill and his wife Annalee have gone to the North Channel 18 summers now and they were full of some tips and things to watch out for.

I am starting to realize as we enjoy our retirement honeymoon age that we are old enough to have some wonderful friends we have know for a lifetime and young enough to be able to still enjoy this sport of sailing.

Special thanks to Rose Lang for getting up to take the photo as we left on Thursday am