Bustards, Collins Inlet and Killarney

2 days in the Bustards were not enough. The anchorage was tight and somewhat crowded but the scenery like a Kiwanis travelogue... better. Out in the Bay, then navigating our way back in was tough and yet obviously successful. It was the 1st day I have not moved  since we left Lexington 6/24 and that's OK. A tiny, picturesque bay behind 2 bald boulders adjacent to our boat yielded a 3' exit that the kayaks barely fit threw (tighter than a bull's ass at fly time) and opened into a few narrow turns . As the map showed, we were then able to turn into Wick's inlet which was a mile long , narrow (40 yd.) channel that led beyond the trees to the barren, bald rocks on the shore of GB. Above treeline on a backpack trip. The Lion, Witch, and Wardrobe. Thru the looking glass. What adjective have I not used. I need a thesaurus. It was way better than good. I wore my Dr. shade hat. As we left the Bustards, we went out what is called The Gun Barrel into GB. Good wind then back in to Beaverstone Bay. At the end of that was our narrowest, shallowest channel yet as we turned the corner into Collins Inlet. A canyon of sorts and like I imagine a small fjord to be. Part way up we anchored in a bulge called Mill Lake. No luck fishing. Setting out today through the rest of CI, we promptly had a bear cub swim across the channel in front of us Leaving CI there was light wind so we had the spinnaker up until Killarney. Fun. Killarney is small but welcoming. We hit our 3rd and last famous place for fish... Herbert's for a slightly late lunch. It is an old school bus painted red at the town docks with picnic tables . Terrific, scrumptious, delicious fish. Hit the LCBO (Liquor Control Board Outlet), Pittsfield general store, swam, showered, read, napped, kayaked, cock-tailed, ate, blogged and hopefully,soon to bed.

Honey Harbor Madness

South Channel to Parry Sound

Indian Harbor

Snug Harbor and Byng Inlet

Set out from the town of Parry Sound. A mix of leisure and work.The pleasure boats heading out for a secluded anchorage and a weekend of fun. The big, angry trucks that run on testosterone, growl and don't flinch about hauling a few tons of salt or rocks. Trestles and trains and utilitarian, spartan, steel small work boats skimming along with 5-6 guys heading of to do some manual labor of some sort. I can't remember if I have ever seen a young woman, walking down the street, spit! We had some decent Saling in Parry Sound ( the body of water) as we headed out the north channel and on to Snug Harbor. Another superb anchorage and Gilly's, a restaurant famous for, what else, fish. It was another fantastic setting and meal. Went for a kayak, run, kayak yesterday AM then up the Shebeshekong Channel and then the Shawanaga Inlet and on to a peaceful bay called Kitsilano near Pt. Au Baril. It was spaghetti and meatballs, salad and Cusamano red wine. Spectacular sunset after a drizzly day, which was a relief from the heat. Today, we went out in Georgian Bay to the open water and sailed up and into Byng Inlet and are in a slip at St. Amant's. A run, hot shower and a shave. Good! On to the Bustard Islands tomorrow. Probably no wifi for4-5 days. Added an old video, I think.

Parry Sound

I am in the library in Parry Sound. Some very tight channels coming in from the South. I could have almost jumped from either side of the boat to shore at times. Came from Meaford to Beckwith Is., thru Honey Harbor, Bone Is., gorgeous Indian Harbor (where I caught 3 good bass), ate walleye at famous Henry's on Fryingpan Is., anchored in Echo Bay last night and got here today.4 days in a row at anchor! The weather is very hot (90) but last week, we had long underwear, many layers, and rain gear on most days. Due to the narrowness and constant navigation and turns, we have been mostly motoring. In a few days, we will head back out in Georgian Bay to sail. I planned so much and looked at the maps for so long and now it is hard to believe Tobermory, Lion's Head, etc. are done deals and I will probably never go there again in my life. The area is an endless maze of outstanding natural beauty. There are many "to die for" cottages some of which look like compounds of the rich and famous with boat houses that, by themselves, we would love to call home. There are also the quaint little, cool cabins and cottages in spectacular settings. What a trip!

Georgian Bay sunrise

Blastoff from Lexington

Wingfield basin near Cabot Head

Top NE tip of the Bruce. Zoom in on Google earth. What an anchorage. A woman, Katherine approached our boat while she left a man,Terry, on shore. She asked if we had a filet knife and did we want any fish (trout). Yes and yes. Had it for breakfast before heading around Cabot Head to Lion's Head. Got the kayaks out and went out into Georgian Bay (very calm) and paddled down to the CH lighthouse.

Meaford-Back to civilization

Arrived here about 10. Got up at 3:30 to full moon and lots of stars. Got coffee going and pulled up the anchor which held the last 2 nights despite major winds. Nice easy motor sail with another fabulous sunrise today. Very nice town and super marina. Did some laundry! We anchored in Melville Sound (Hope Bay) two nights ago just west of Shoal bay in high wind warnings. Thought for sure we would drag, so we set two alarms but the new XYZ anchor performed beautifully. I tip my hat to it. Great time yesterday getting into Colpoy's Bay and circling Hay and White Cloud Islands before anchoring in Little Elgin Cove, again in big wind. Finally calmed down and this morning, early, it was almost glass calm. This sure is fun! I had a terrific with Ross and now anticipate some more super time with Stan. Stan is now here and Ross left about an hour ago. Resupplied the boat, fireworks tonight for Canada Day(beer stores are all closed-boohoo), then off to Christian, Hope and Beckwith Islands to anchor tomorrow. Through Honey Harbor the next day then north up the east side of Georgian Bay to anchor by Bone Is.

Lion's Head

Getting to Tobermory, getting to Flowerpot Is. and on to Wingfield Basin, then on to Lion' Head have all had there own obstacles and adventures. Spectacular scenery. Water always shows different moods. Calm and rough, wind or none, rain or sun, sunrise and sunset, the moon. It has not all been smooth sailing but every day has been an accomplishment and rewarding while being stimulating and fun. Despite less than perfect conditions, we still have our "backup day" so 2 days of travel but plan to be in Meaford in 3days. Weather is good to travel today so we expect to anchor tonight in Little Elgin Bay then travel to Meaford tomorrow or the next day.

To Port Elgin

10 hours of motoring today. Big swells. Little wind. Went beyond our intended Kincardine to shorten tomorrow.Made it to Port Elgin. Climbing the Bruce Peninsula. Final assault at the summit tomorrow. Destination Tobermory. Then more playtime! We're actually doin' it! VERY cool.

Phew!

Hello to all! We are safe and sound in Goderich Canada. We left at 5:30AM and had a fabulous sail. Ran into some 6-8 foot waves near the end. Glad to have Ross and his experience today. Very calming. Even in the big water, we were on a beam reach (perpendicular to the wind) so we were flyin". Almost lost my hat a couple of times. Some rain (who cares) and some sun. Last 1/2 hour was a little harrowing and coming in the narrow, buoyed channel to the marina in those waves was nerve racking. Cleared customs with a phone call!!!!!!!!!!! Went for a run to do a reconnaissance of the town which sits high on a hill. Great views. Going to eat on the boat, crash, and do it again tomorrow.