Mouth of Wick Channel

Wicks Channel

Collin's Inlet entrance

Spinakker

Photos

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Little Current

There is more than a little current going under the swingbridge today because of a big west wind. Felt like the St. Clair River. In Killarney, I went for some good coffee (not mine!) at a little bakery/cafe that we went back to for breakfast after I did a long run on the one road out of town.. Another gorgeous, sunny day as we headed up Landsdowne Channel, not quite sure where we were going with our 2 bonus rain days that we never used. Heywood Island is where we lit. Another peaceful, serene setting to drop the hook. Sitting still and regrouping for a day with a light, off and on, nap inducing rain was just fine. A hour or so exploring by kayak, some time with R.L. Stevenson and Treasure Island (aaaarrrrgh), and then some reorganizing of the boat and packing for Stan. Last night was the last of the spaghetti and meatballs. Conditions did not seem conducive to the mosquitoes, and what there was, was brief, so we stayed up late for us. The sky cleared and the stars were better than I have ever seen. Unbelievable! They were so many and so bright that it was hard to decipher the Little Dipper. And the Milky Way was as if someone tokk and almost dry paintbrush and swiped it across the sky. Today, John Donaldson should show up and Stan goes home tomorrow. It has been a fabulous 2 weeks with Mr. Stanley. He is terrific as crew, cook, and companion. There was good wind today before it got too good, as in high wind warning. I had to put my hat leash on.

Bear swimming across Collins Inlet

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.