tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55542867026556783582024-03-06T00:04:14.772-05:00Adventures of Great Laker----------------- Keeping our family and friends updated with our boating experiences. -----------------Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.comBlogger322125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-7838970918555048572014-07-16T21:46:00.001-04:002022-04-21T15:16:29.990-04:00Day 305 - July 16, 2014: Crossing our wake and completing the Great Loop!The weather cooperated with sun and light winds out of the northwest, and we headed out towards Little Sable Point. I'm not sure why it is call "Little" since it is physically much bigger than Big Sable Point which we passed north of here two days ago. Later, with the wind on our stern, we passed White Lake and Muskegon Lake, which are both good ports of refuge.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Sable Lighthouse</td></tr>
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We began to see the Grand Haven Pier at about noon, and at 1:15 p.m. we made the turn east, entered the channel, and crossed our wake! I stopped to mount the new gold burgee and tooted the horn, and we high-fived our accomplishment of 305 cruising days covering a 6,850-mile circumnavigation of the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying the new Gold AGLCA Burgee</td></tr>
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Friends and family came out to greet us and get pictures of the event. Our friend Susie was on the north pier, my sister Shari and her husband Jim were on the south pier, and our friend Bari was further down on the south pier boardwalk. Our neighbor, Bob, came out and took pictures as we arrived at our home dock, as well. Thanks to them for being a part of our return home celebration.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pausing after crossing our wake in the entrance to the Grand Haven Harbor</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Showing off the burgee to our friends</td></tr>
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After another 6 miles up the Grand River and into Spring Lake, we were backing into the slip. We'll have to get used to not having marina dock workers meet us to assist in tying up again.<br />
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Now the unenviable task of carrying our clothing, food, electronics and other personal items up the 33 stairs to the deck and another 13 steps into the house. No regrets though, it was well worth it.<br />
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This blog was intended to keep our family and friends up to date on our Great Loop adventure, and we hope it has been of use to others looping or planning to loop in the future. I know we followed other boaters' blogs for the same purpose. My writing became a ritual each day, and sometimes seemed like work, but it did preserve the trip for us to relive again and again in the future. Thanks to Anne for all the help in making this a complete, accurate, interesting and readable record. We will now sign out until our next adventure.<br />
<br />Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-64032698616533278332014-07-15T21:18:00.002-04:002022-04-21T15:12:54.145-04:00Day 304 - July 15, 2014: Anticipating completing the Great LoopWith the hazardous weather on the lake, we spent today in Pentwater mostly on <i>Great Laker</i> anticipating completion of the Great Loop. After 1 1/2 years of researching, looking for boats, and deciding to purchase the American Tug; 1 1/2 years researching the Great Loop and outfitting the boat; and starting our trip in September 2012 (taking 10 months off over the winter of 2013/14), we are about to complete our dream adventure.<br />
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The culmination of the trip will be marked by "crossing our wake" at the end of the Grand Haven Pier and replacing the current America's Great Loop Cruising Association burgee, which has a white background, with one that has a gold background. The gold background signifies to other boaters that we have completed the loop.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gold AGLCA Burgee!</td></tr>
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One of our routines during the trip was recording data about our travels. Both of us kept fairly detailed spreadsheets, mine mostly focused on the logging of boating data, and Anne's on tracking travel and expenses. In addition, I maintained a daily blog, and Anne kept a daily diary. This rainy cold day was the perfect opportunity to bring these up to date, do some reminiscing, and compile some overall statistics. Since Anne has a banking background and I have an engineering background, this data collection/analysis/processing comes naturally.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Summary Data:</u> As of tomorrow in Spring Lake, we will have...<br />
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<ul>
<li>Spent 305 days living aboard Great Laker</li>
<li>Cruised 6,850 miles (the basic loop of 5,250 miles, plus 1600 miles on side trips)</li>
<li>Taken over 11,000 pictures, saving about 9,000 of the best</li>
<li>Visited 17 states, 2 countries and 2 provinces</li>
<li>Traversed through 147 locks</li>
<li>Stayed one or more nights in 179 places</li>
<li>Dined out 152 times</li>
<li>Trekked to the laundromat 28 times</li>
<li>Toured 72 museums, battlefields or forts</li>
<li>Visited 20 family members and 34 friends along the way</li>
<li>Took a break to travel home and back 4 times</li>
<li>Accumulated 914 hours on the boat diesel engine</li>
<li>Averaged 7.5 mph (when including all engine-on hours)</li>
<li>Consumed 2191 gallons of fuel, averaging 2.4 gallons per hour</li>
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We took a break to eat lunch at our favorite place called the Cottage Garden Cafe on Third Street. Tomorrow looks like low winds and sun, and we plan to depart at first light. </div>
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Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-34097714002183006872014-07-14T21:32:00.001-04:002022-04-21T15:09:25.408-04:00Day 303 - July 14, 2014: Pentwater, MichiganWe are getting close to home, and anticipating "crossing our wake" and celebrating the completion of the Great Loop. But, I digress. First, we must get there...<div>
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The route home takes us along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, and one of our favorite ports, among many, is Pentwater. Since it is about halfway to Spring Lake, we chose this for tonight. After leaving Frankfort, there is a long curving stretch where we passed ports such as Arcadia, Portage Lake, and Manistee. This led to Big Sable Point, where we turned south, passed Ludington, and headed for Pentwater. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Sable Point Lighthouse</td></tr>
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Like most ports along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Pentwater is a summer tourist and boating destination and also a port of refuge. A port of refuge is a place that is required to take boats and provide shelter when the captain believes that to continue the voyage would put the boat and passengers in peril. Most of these ports of refuge are inlets with a channel into a small river-fed lake that provides natural protection from winds and waves. Here, the Pentwater River feeds Pentwater Lake which outflows into Lake Michigan. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pentwater beach on Lake Michigan</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pierhead in the Pentwater channel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Pentwater from Pentwater Lake</td></tr>
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The most disastrous day in the history of Lake Michigan shipping occurred here in November 1940, when 75 mph winds and 20 ft. waves and a raging rainstorm destroyed three ships and took the lives of 59 seamen. Two freighters sank with all hands lost, and a third freighter ran aground, losing two seamen. That night a snowstorm arrived, hampering the Coast Guard rescue efforts for three days. </div>
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We docked at the Snug Harbor Marina, and after Anne's especially healthy dinner of baked catfish and asparagus, we walked a couple of blocks into town and treated ourselves to some Amaretto Cherry Chocolate Moose Tracks ice cream before retiring for the night. We are expecting a small craft warning with high winds and waves tomorrow and won't know until dawn whether we will make the run for home. </div>
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Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-66939600612659062302014-07-13T22:30:00.001-04:002022-04-21T15:07:37.457-04:00Day 302 - July 13, 2014: Frankfort, MichiganI awoke to the noise of high winds and rain during the night, and it was howling early this morning as well. West winds of 15 to 20 knots gusting to 25 knots were registering at the Grand Traverse Light. It looked like this would be a "weather day" for sure. In looking at all of my weather sites online, it became apparent that both south of us, in Frankfort, and north of us, in Petoskey, the winds were lower, and that didn't seem to make sense. Local boaters said it had something to do with how the winds became focused on the Leland area from passing in between the north and south Manitou Islands a few miles to the west.<br />
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Win, Anne and I spent a good deal of time studying weather data and listening to the NOAA forecasts hoping for a cruising window later in the day. Around noon, a couple of large cruisers departed, followed by a sailboat or two. We thought they might turn back, but not so. Then there seemed to be just a hint of the slackening of the wind, as the flags standing at attention started to drop a bit. By 2:30 p.m. the weather reports reflected the reduction in winds and gusts, and we said our goodbyes to Win and Susan and departed south for Frankfort. They left north for home an hour or so later. As always, we enjoyed being together, and cruising together just makes it even more special. <br />
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With the waters settling down, we passed Pyramid Point and then rounded Sleeping Bear Point, seeing the first evidence of the massive sand dunes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hundreds of mature pine trees dwarfed by the underlying massive dunes</td></tr>
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The sun was out, and we took this opportunity to stay along the shore and get close-up pictures of the same Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore sand dunes we had walked to four days ago. You can see the steep dune that Rachael and Anthony climbed down and back up, and those current hikers appear like ants on the 1000 ft. high dune. We had watched from the wooden observation deck barely visible in the top left third of the picture just left of the cluster of trees.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Bear Dunes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rachael and Anthony's dune climb location, with climbers strung out on the vertical trail</td></tr>
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Point Betsie came up next, and here we made the turn south to Frankfort, welcomed by the breakwater and the Frankfort Light. We stayed at the Frankfort Municipal Marina, which is on a nice park just a block from downtown. After a somewhat stressful beginning, the day turned out fine, and we capped it off dining on a shrimp and homemade pesto pasta dinner that Anne prepared. It was especially tasty and really hit the spot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pt. Betsie Lighthouse</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frankfort Lighthouse</td></tr>
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<br />Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-78172735509234493352014-07-12T22:36:00.003-04:002022-04-21T15:02:00.629-04:00Day 301 - July 12, 2014: Leland, MichiganIt was another calm morning with an overcast sky but was quite warm. We moved up the Grand Traverse Bay, rounded the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula at the Grand Traverse Light, and passed Cathead Point on the way south. Win and Susan left later, but with a faster Tiara easily passed us and got to the Leland Harbor Marina first. We began to see evidence of the steep high dunes that lead to Sleeping Bear Dunes, which we will see by water tomorrow.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Traverse Light</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cottage looking over the steep dunes along Lake Michigan</td></tr>
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Leland is located where the Leland (Carp) River flows into Lake Michigan. It was the site of a large Ottawa Indian settlement years ago because the river dropping down over the rocks formed a natural fish ladder. White settlers began to come here around 1830 and built a sawmill and 12 ft. high dam on the river in 1854. This increased the level of the upstream lakes and allowed transportation of goods up to ten miles inland by boat. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown dam on the Leland River</td></tr>
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Around 1900, wealthy industrialists discovered this area and began to build cottages and eventually hotels. Today, Leland is largely a summer resort and a vibrant charter fishing location, welcoming tourists by car and by boat. It is a "must stop" for Great Loop cruisers coming from Charlevoix to Frankfort. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A quaint collection of restaurants, cheese, fish, art, and clothing stores</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjej4HKx_Qw9Og35fFC7r4U27y8Y-V1rfVjqfWJXGs3S-HaTfEFzllrpcttY1hoFlx12TB5hq5yD7UBQ312D9PRIYNGMex2W2LfiUzYGQ0GJ6n2_1NsDCfm9IO_JOdRvof46I8goLSQ3A3e/s1600/IMG_9372+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjej4HKx_Qw9Og35fFC7r4U27y8Y-V1rfVjqfWJXGs3S-HaTfEFzllrpcttY1hoFlx12TB5hq5yD7UBQ312D9PRIYNGMex2W2LfiUzYGQ0GJ6n2_1NsDCfm9IO_JOdRvof46I8goLSQ3A3e/s1600/IMG_9372+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early restored fishing trawler</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out exploring the shops</td></tr>
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After a relaxing day, Win, Susan, Anne and I went to dinner at the Riverside Inn, located two blocks east of the marina. This is an honest-to-goodness fine establishment with a real chef. The sea bass was very unusual and delicious.<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-39566895025373917652014-07-11T22:21:00.005-04:002022-05-09T15:33:21.908-04:00Day 300 - July 11, 2014: Northport, MichiganThe overnight temperatures were in the low 60s which makes for great sleeping, and we arose to find a mixture of sunshine and clouds. By mid-morning we were ready to cruise north, along with Win and Susan in their boat Swift, to Northport.<br />
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Northport, in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula, has a reputation for being an area where the rich and famous can live quietly and anonymously. The first cherries were planted here, and there are still farms and vineyards in the surrounding hillsides. We had come here before, but were unprepared for all the changes underway. Since the town put in a sewer system, it has attracted a significant investment by businesses in the downtown. There are new marina buildings, a new bowling alley bar and restaurant, a restaurant/bar about to open in the old train station, a combined wine tasting, restaurant and inn, and a general sense of awakening throughout.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJbXa2HbR0-9VSg_N3HNznbADFokAiMRX51d1ul31abRyJ7edDXtgYlH9gHPLHoklq0ngE1xbHGdyryDaKMLDFoewJRrlEta2XC7JB_dE0sNkMto5_8ikcR92z7-Wy8RESaR_5Lhk-XNb/s1600/IMG_9352+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJbXa2HbR0-9VSg_N3HNznbADFokAiMRX51d1ul31abRyJ7edDXtgYlH9gHPLHoklq0ngE1xbHGdyryDaKMLDFoewJRrlEta2XC7JB_dE0sNkMto5_8ikcR92z7-Wy8RESaR_5Lhk-XNb/s1600/IMG_9352+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Northport Marina</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the upper deck into downtown</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Great Laker </i>in our slip</td></tr>
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Anne and Susan enjoyed the farmers market, while Win and I explored the new establishments and came back to reminisce about the good old college days at the U of M. After hors d'oeuvres on <i>Great Laker</i>, we ate delicious pulled pork and ribs at The Garage Bar and Grill in town and listened to an amazingly great jazz concert in the park just adjacent to the marina. Another great day with good friends.</div>Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-88068684111842755652014-07-11T00:01:00.001-04:002022-04-21T14:56:48.466-04:00Day 299 - July 10, 2014: Wine tasting on the Leelanau PeninsulaToday we rendezvoused with Win, my college roommate, and his wife Susan at Suttons Bay. They are boaters out of Harbor Springs, and we have cruised with them before, so we were anxious to spend some time with them while here in Grand Traverse Bay. Suttons Bay lies midway up the Leelanau Peninsula on the West Arm, and we cruised there this morning in sun and glassy water.<br />
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This peninsula is long and narrow and lined with rolling sandy hills covered with trees and some lakes. It has turned out to be ideal for growing cherries and grapes. The shoreline reveals small tourist towns, hillside cottages, year-round homes and vineyards.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leelanau Peninsula</td></tr>
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We took our bikes up into town and took a bus a few miles to a cluster of wineries to do some wine tasting. The bus was designed for bike and ride, meaning the rear seating of the bus had been removed and replaced with eight bike racks. So we loaded them on and got off at the first winery which was south along the coast road. From there we rode up some very steep inclines, stopping to walk as necessary, to three other wineries. Today was warm, still, and sunny, and the views from up top were spectacular. It reminded Anne and me of areas we have seen in Tuscany.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne and Susan high up on the Leelanau Peninsula</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vineyards overlooking the bay</td></tr>
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We enjoyed sitting on the patios of the wineries, tasting various wines and catching up. Michigan wines are no match for California wines but are getting better each year. The dry whites are the best in my opinion, with only a few reds of interest. The harsh winter is reported to have caused some setbacks for this year's production, and time will tell. Then we rode over to the Leelanau Bike Trail which is on an old railway roadbed and followed it back to Suttons Bay. Fortunately, it was a gentle slope down all the way. Today was relaxing and fun.Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-60965750802866531772014-07-09T22:03:00.003-04:002022-04-21T17:02:03.079-04:00Day 298 - July 9, 2014: Sleeping Bear DunesToday was devoted to seeing Anne's family, including her sister Carolyn and husband Steve and their daughter Rachel and husband Anthony. The four of them are staying at our house for a short vacation and drove up to Sleeping Bear Dunes for the day. Plus, Anne's sister-in-law Mary K. and husband Emilio drove up from Texas and are staying near Traverse City, where they recently purchased a spot in a recreational vehicle park.<br />
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We all met in Glen Arbor for lunch and then drove to Empire, picked up passes to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Forest, and drove out to Empire Bluffs for the most incredible views of the dunes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU4ElBMaZjb4DtGZIluFSpdTz50zG1A_tpjOGmIeUmwd8lNG69fp1JCY8jnELb8Cv54eDqskiZ1r7TUKVO8izkwbxWwkNIFpsDctj6mRWPV0H7L0bCAzWn2XVkZQ0BTP20rNaj2y5GzYb/s1600/IMG_9299+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjU4ElBMaZjb4DtGZIluFSpdTz50zG1A_tpjOGmIeUmwd8lNG69fp1JCY8jnELb8Cv54eDqskiZ1r7TUKVO8izkwbxWwkNIFpsDctj6mRWPV0H7L0bCAzWn2XVkZQ0BTP20rNaj2y5GzYb/s1600/IMG_9299+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gang paired up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubBdEOiOj42hqhO6EFcUKjaQe4beakIltorRNVxUujGtI1DbUBhGkf6LK8tOWli1Flsyu1EwGx1i-h0wmZpf5H3F4ViuiSh6-D0j2VZd02h9quPTYh4YZ0iaS0PzbMYEAm8h8oXjfEQYL/s1600/IMG_9309+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubBdEOiOj42hqhO6EFcUKjaQe4beakIltorRNVxUujGtI1DbUBhGkf6LK8tOWli1Flsyu1EwGx1i-h0wmZpf5H3F4ViuiSh6-D0j2VZd02h9quPTYh4YZ0iaS0PzbMYEAm8h8oXjfEQYL/s1600/IMG_9309+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne, Carolyn, Rachael and Mary K.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2kebIs04fZOeOmoOsKgHXkkXL0DToELejmEsqOpG-0HKPyxxvFrbqORDvUbm08Ji_m8tyv3k6w2i-xjuD85vdFY7MUJpfosLh_hMI-ES9T27kOVmDAj12vxu2-4p-QJdCgm5G6ZFGees/s1600/IMG_9302+A.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2kebIs04fZOeOmoOsKgHXkkXL0DToELejmEsqOpG-0HKPyxxvFrbqORDvUbm08Ji_m8tyv3k6w2i-xjuD85vdFY7MUJpfosLh_hMI-ES9T27kOVmDAj12vxu2-4p-QJdCgm5G6ZFGees/s1600/IMG_9302+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And us, of course</td></tr>
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Next we moved on to the Pierce Stocking Scenic Trail, which is a 7.4 mile drive that winds through forested land and goes up and over the dunes and features lookout points along the way. The most interesting stop is number 9, which has an incredibly steep and wide open dune dropping a few hundred feet to the water's edge. Tourists, who are adventuresome and in good shape, come to hike down and back. A large sign at the top warns of the strenuousness of this hill, and that it make take up to two hours to complete the roundtrip.<br />
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Rachel and Anthony had heard about this climb and came excited and prepared. They got down in seven minutes, put their feet in the water, and hiked back up (sometimes on all fours) in 23 minutes. Oh, to be young again!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk255NTuZTuQBQZvyti71RM7nvAOqZbJ5wW55FG1JSsYpnSsIbvfExonFCnF1JcsxigZEtCGT5VbLzz1xjInGhAgAwqm5mpGmt9h5dGF0PgxUCys0rg43vToGqDNHrXAMQrZGX3q08onp/s1600/IMG_9312+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfk255NTuZTuQBQZvyti71RM7nvAOqZbJ5wW55FG1JSsYpnSsIbvfExonFCnF1JcsxigZEtCGT5VbLzz1xjInGhAgAwqm5mpGmt9h5dGF0PgxUCys0rg43vToGqDNHrXAMQrZGX3q08onp/s1600/IMG_9312+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The steep and challenging Sleeping Bear Dunes</td></tr>
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In 2011, ABC's Good Morning America conducted a nationwide poll which voted Sleeping Bear Dunes the most beautiful place in America, and after a great and fun day, we all certainly agree with that conclusion.<br />
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Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-71814972117959538152014-07-08T20:40:00.001-04:002022-04-21T14:52:11.235-04:00Day 297 - July 8, 2014: Traverse City, MichiganMorning in Petoskey brought a mix of dark clouds interspersed with patches of lighter sky, and the view out over the water showed haze and a dense fog bank in the distance. And, with our good experience using radar yesterday, I was fully prepared to move along despite the uncooperative weather. We expected some rain, and it started and stopped fitfully during the day. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMveeGYxLGcwJtL6uwRqsvZ0kxFTPqcnr5pxCEMuUMvKwahTWJfr2GCALFgB4GCR2h_vE41Do8HiFjTlZgm1qNlvrEZFwY-IxVb5Q-RSfmRvrrY8R1bmZzbPvtbYOl-Ufp3mhqSkFHv6Tc/s1600/IMG_9289+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMveeGYxLGcwJtL6uwRqsvZ0kxFTPqcnr5pxCEMuUMvKwahTWJfr2GCALFgB4GCR2h_vE41Do8HiFjTlZgm1qNlvrEZFwY-IxVb5Q-RSfmRvrrY8R1bmZzbPvtbYOl-Ufp3mhqSkFHv6Tc/s1600/IMG_9289+A.JPG" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early rainy morning over the Petoskey Marina</td></tr>
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As we moved up Little Traverse Bay, we passed Charlevoix, a must-see port for any looper. But since we have been there by boat twice before, we decided to pass on by. Along this west exposure, we were now experiencing 20 mph winds and solid 3 ft. and occasional 4 ft. frothy-topped waves on the beam. This required Anne to do a quick check of anything loose that would soon be taking flight across the interior. On occasion, several large consecutive waves timed just right would initiate some pretty exciting rolls, but <i>Great Laker</i> always damped them back and righted herself to a steady path.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCwDVfIgZotZApDr09emgqKzbP49Vnm5zzamECIDfs9mJBF19Kn_pechvgOsoikIYkkAVM-UBXcaLu-ZFVpFn9aZyKhj5pJs33A6PIK1Yd83bvb61aRFVq1-N_fDl1YkpeK2jqRUW8uUd/s1600/IMG_9294+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCwDVfIgZotZApDr09emgqKzbP49Vnm5zzamECIDfs9mJBF19Kn_pechvgOsoikIYkkAVM-UBXcaLu-ZFVpFn9aZyKhj5pJs33A6PIK1Yd83bvb61aRFVq1-N_fDl1YkpeK2jqRUW8uUd/s1600/IMG_9294+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High winds and waves on the beam</td></tr>
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Finally, we were able to make the turn south into Grand Traverse Bay, and that put the wind and waves to our stern. We would climb a wave and then surf down the other side, causing our speed to vary greatly. All in all, it was kind of a fun change from the otherwise steady heartbeat of cruising on level seas. As the chart plotter reveals, we headed into the West Arm along the Leelanau Peninsula and continued to Traverse City located at the southern tip.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVux8nfxZCyJVaLOUUzSbt58dqJpnzELj80hoE7a4z2efC-XXW8Sd4Qg5DoGG6TJB0yS5uyEUOHzxBbdrGLbQshKO8f1dMxV0MuQHMQwa2RnQgpAAAhHzZ1sCRlNyBAcUtZ17pnqDGg4mB/s1600/IMG_9291.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVux8nfxZCyJVaLOUUzSbt58dqJpnzELj80hoE7a4z2efC-XXW8Sd4Qg5DoGG6TJB0yS5uyEUOHzxBbdrGLbQshKO8f1dMxV0MuQHMQwa2RnQgpAAAhHzZ1sCRlNyBAcUtZ17pnqDGg4mB/s1600/IMG_9291.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chart plotter view of Grand Traverse Bay</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:city w:st="on">Traverse City</st1:city>
is the largest city in a 21-county northern region of lower Michigan. Its
population, including surrounding areas, is close to 150,000. The city got its
name from the French settlers who had made <i>the grande traverse</i> or "the long crossing" across the mouth of the Grand Traverse Bay.<br />
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Today this area, including the Leelanau Peninsula, is the largest producer of tart cherries in the U.S., and the annual one-week Cherry Festival, which attracts over 500,000 people each year, is currently in full swing. The surrounding land also produces wine grapes, making this one of the centers of wine production in the Midwest. There are numerous golf courses of repute here, and in the winter there are several ski areas that draw enthusiasts from across the state. In addition, nearby and along Lake Michigan lie the beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes.<br />
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While Anne and I have been here by car, the chance to take a side-trip to see Traverse City by water was irresistible. Plus, as a bonus, it just so happens Anne's sister and her family will be in this area tomorrow, as well. We found the only slip available in the area for tonight at the Elmwood Township Marina, about two miles north of downtown Traverse City. This marina is populated primarily with locally-owned smaller fishing or sailing vessels, and I have yet to see another person on the docks. No loopers or docktails tonight!<br />
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<br />Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-18240183576426093592014-07-08T08:07:00.002-04:002022-04-21T17:01:18.146-04:00Day 296 - July 7, 2014: Petoskey, Michigan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lake Michigan once again!<br />
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I was excited this morning to get going as we would be passing under the Straits of Mackinac Bridge and entering Lake Michigan headed for Petoskey. It felt good that we were on the homeward leg of our Great Loop voyage.<br />
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After rising and coming up to the pilot house, I looked out and was shocked that I couldn't see more than 50 yards beyond the boat. It was totally fogged in. I walked the dock and ran into a local boater who said that this was fairly common in this area this time of year. With our very good radar and having had some experience previously running Lake Huron in a total whiteout, I felt confident we could venture out. <br />
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The first challenge was avoiding the tour boats that enter and exit Mackinac Island many times each hour. As we moved out into the harbor, the tour boats were properly making warning calls informing others of their presence, and I did the same. Watching their presence on the radar allowed us to stay clear. Soon we had moved free of the tour boat traffic, and by the time we got to the bridge, the fog had cleared enough to get a picture.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvkJviJZqOuX8_x6s0NW_x8ovpJaXF9bEB8R7uyKkrxJOmLlUoh-8a2g70bVr1x2afD63RDoOPfc4BF8vmTePbucj7r7KvV3D9jmi148MGY8HMW1f_5WZ6XMI8hAxIh6QqnzBlH8M9xZL/s1600/IMG_9274+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvkJviJZqOuX8_x6s0NW_x8ovpJaXF9bEB8R7uyKkrxJOmLlUoh-8a2g70bVr1x2afD63RDoOPfc4BF8vmTePbucj7r7KvV3D9jmi148MGY8HMW1f_5WZ6XMI8hAxIh6QqnzBlH8M9xZL/s1600/IMG_9274+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Straits of Mackinac Bridge</td></tr>
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Almost immediately afterwards, we were socked in again, and we ran west off and on in the fog all the way to Gray's Reef where we turned south. The familiar shoreline's high dunes and sandy beaches welcomed us along the way, although the wind started picking up and it got a bit lumpy.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJfpez5C0pKVFVRMbaEflWPQ7uiSldTMOM391yTcQEfdXhHSaKCAdu6qnGtreqDxpsYG7RfqBixLh747pOPJYB1_7QQGbXxUxX4wOe_akqNbddHNhcFcWTvaHSOaBSijmGiia1m4_K_xR/s1600/IMG_9280+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJfpez5C0pKVFVRMbaEflWPQ7uiSldTMOM391yTcQEfdXhHSaKCAdu6qnGtreqDxpsYG7RfqBixLh747pOPJYB1_7QQGbXxUxX4wOe_akqNbddHNhcFcWTvaHSOaBSijmGiia1m4_K_xR/s1600/IMG_9280+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Familiar dunes and sandy beaches on Lake Michigan</td></tr>
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We had arranged to meet Ida and Brian, who are good friends from California and now have a summer home here in Petoskey. As we pulled into the Bayfront Park Marina, they surprised us by being just a few slips down the dock with their new sailboat, <i>Daisy May</i>! They have the perfect boat for going out and cruising Little Traverse Bay. We spent the afternoon at their home, enjoyed dinner in town, and later went back to <i>Great Laker</i> for the sunset.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ5Lh_9RMwDNVWFz5h1oz77iMXd_sTbk49vSnV2Jd-xyZ0CMwmuU8ARmrKuyUSdbQ_CIPUyZOzcVEu5sR8YQkpXikKr8M6zV8OHa3Ma-0wq0TezNIyi7SMuhCc7SpKwN1-UIrlQsyf3kf/s1600/IMG_9284+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZ5Lh_9RMwDNVWFz5h1oz77iMXd_sTbk49vSnV2Jd-xyZ0CMwmuU8ARmrKuyUSdbQ_CIPUyZOzcVEu5sR8YQkpXikKr8M6zV8OHa3Ma-0wq0TezNIyi7SMuhCc7SpKwN1-UIrlQsyf3kf/s1600/IMG_9284+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ida and Brian on <i>Daisy May</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_3SvUjwYRFX-tya_u8YzHR8mvAhDwVHoCBvfFyr1iGnFMPi0GhOazaaCFCSN_ymivelbCxtVEpMFB4KPi_CgS2d2_FBjRIuZ5XRrhUgNzMLZLrHrPDn2sHNpVcvNcOtyYgq_RvqphSQG/s1600/IMG_9288+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_3SvUjwYRFX-tya_u8YzHR8mvAhDwVHoCBvfFyr1iGnFMPi0GhOazaaCFCSN_ymivelbCxtVEpMFB4KPi_CgS2d2_FBjRIuZ5XRrhUgNzMLZLrHrPDn2sHNpVcvNcOtyYgq_RvqphSQG/s1600/IMG_9288+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne and Ida<br /></td></tr>
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Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-65674972498977820462014-07-06T22:33:00.002-04:002022-05-09T15:24:10.202-04:00Day 295 - July 6, 2014: Mackinac IslandMackinac Island is small, at 3.8 square miles, and is located between Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The high cliffs and distant views make this a strategic position, and the British established a fort here during the American Revolutionary War. This was also the site of two battles during the War of 1812. Today the island is a National Historic Landmark, the location of Mackinac State Park, and site of the famous Victorian Grand Hotel. This hotel was built in 1886 and boasts the longest porch in the world at 660 feet! The island is a very popular tourist destination. Most come in by tour boat, and with no cars allowed on the island, the horse drawn carriages and bikes are in frequent use.<br />
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We felt lucky to get a reservation at the Mackinac Island marina and arrived midday in light rain. The marina is right in front of the fort, on the main tourist street of the town and in walking distance to the Grand Hotel. We have been here before and spent a good deal of time at the fort on our last trip. So this time a horse drawn carriage ride made the most sense, and we spent a couple of hours riding around the island. With weather breaks we had a chance to get some pictures of this very unique area. Dinner at the Carriage House in the Iroquois Hotel was simply excellent, and from our table we had views of the harbor entrance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lDklvkWX9ycguS3QVCrjfAYTViY0aH3I2ODyU7DatmH3MYvD1lDuXkZ4TtW0WxKbSM47Ya-CUhfrGMMuMZ80UC4wIO5v7xfr7EjQRGStoTf5GofVfwHkd-QHjdQWCOgZQNNosb0z14BB/s1600/IMG_9270+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9lDklvkWX9ycguS3QVCrjfAYTViY0aH3I2ODyU7DatmH3MYvD1lDuXkZ4TtW0WxKbSM47Ya-CUhfrGMMuMZ80UC4wIO5v7xfr7EjQRGStoTf5GofVfwHkd-QHjdQWCOgZQNNosb0z14BB/s1600/IMG_9270+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mackinac Island State Harbor from the entrance to the fort</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDOR4p3lSamnDLobt91Si4AYNy2MdabEPhHah9o0XVvS1WQh_frTLe8Et0_Bs8no6qHTxk0HnRiEfhLdRdfPlcBVBod9alwtNIjiMoEV7jauVt-ZKz3bHBmRDylIlLQ8a9uDTzKDoCBm-/s1600/IMG_9245+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDOR4p3lSamnDLobt91Si4AYNy2MdabEPhHah9o0XVvS1WQh_frTLe8Et0_Bs8no6qHTxk0HnRiEfhLdRdfPlcBVBod9alwtNIjiMoEV7jauVt-ZKz3bHBmRDylIlLQ8a9uDTzKDoCBm-/s1600/IMG_9245+A.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two "horsepower" carriage</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyBmy5gIstYvLt5fkpHwl7ODZS11fVaPNcEhc4pO20O2osfobl-Ij_eyGL7E2-SeW32OfmPhxnpGVxpgOhSOMTDk-amxOE1O2TktFJZgUuvwFJ-RJ4sJ-6fRZ-TifbAnU_Eb79JI6V1s6/s1600/IMG_9247+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyBmy5gIstYvLt5fkpHwl7ODZS11fVaPNcEhc4pO20O2osfobl-Ij_eyGL7E2-SeW32OfmPhxnpGVxpgOhSOMTDk-amxOE1O2TktFJZgUuvwFJ-RJ4sJ-6fRZ-TifbAnU_Eb79JI6V1s6/s1600/IMG_9247+A.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautifully maintained homes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA4zIVXMo_YrbTNAM2vLXdwGfb10n41PV3NZzMs8DPSZIyDDmOQ9oOtoQ91pBWrk5wCmMBppMhCtqSvZeH4iyscJv8UCbtzJPvuufHOdjG9heYB_TUBGiIOHN83j5gT2j_FnNNOlg1xX2/s1600/IMG_9251.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzA4zIVXMo_YrbTNAM2vLXdwGfb10n41PV3NZzMs8DPSZIyDDmOQ9oOtoQ91pBWrk5wCmMBppMhCtqSvZeH4iyscJv8UCbtzJPvuufHOdjG9heYB_TUBGiIOHN83j5gT2j_FnNNOlg1xX2/s1600/IMG_9251.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The massive Grand Hotel </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPo0HjG4t6ucSjbR29iU6DH-a0M55Rgyp4qgzNedtkDFhpy8Ey3eYIpvbwozy4tAi0swNgD0rQpMYZzhtdpDmbnRwMn1vIZvSu4VDF_EzCLr12DYxwqsnmyVYtxcEkx0GpnGALPI_u14es/s1600/IMG_9260+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPo0HjG4t6ucSjbR29iU6DH-a0M55Rgyp4qgzNedtkDFhpy8Ey3eYIpvbwozy4tAi0swNgD0rQpMYZzhtdpDmbnRwMn1vIZvSu4VDF_EzCLr12DYxwqsnmyVYtxcEkx0GpnGALPI_u14es/s1600/IMG_9260+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arch Rock, 146 ft. above the water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwckq112O57k89hWiljbwilp9pxrfb8oCb-or9JOVsBdvUKHTS36KrgDK9zGH_ZS1S_aUbOxkA3QezWjVF8EZcP5K5iDWB06ZrImv-abz-pDQmAtGfTAwGVBLCagfGyoTBYv0FNW08bI5/s1600/IMG_9266+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggwckq112O57k89hWiljbwilp9pxrfb8oCb-or9JOVsBdvUKHTS36KrgDK9zGH_ZS1S_aUbOxkA3QezWjVF8EZcP5K5iDWB06ZrImv-abz-pDQmAtGfTAwGVBLCagfGyoTBYv0FNW08bI5/s1600/IMG_9266+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Fort Mackinac</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Incidentally, Mackinac Island and and Mackinaw City, across the channel from one another, are spelled differently, but pronounced the same (mack-i-naw).<br />
<br />
At 10:30 p.m., "Taps" was played on a trumpet from the fort. What a wonderful way to end the evening.<br />
<br />Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-3024523924901767732014-07-06T13:21:00.003-04:002022-05-09T15:23:12.958-04:00Day 294 – July 5, 2014: Bois Blanc Island<div class="MsoNormal">
We left DeTour early to cross over to <st1:placename w:st="on">Bois</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Blanc</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype>
and visit some longtime friends from our <st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state> years. The early morning
departure brought low winds and calm water, and the forecast was a bit threatening
for later today. On the way out, we passed the Lake Huron Light which
identifies this channel to freighters going up through Sault Ste. Marie into <st1:place w:st="on">Lake Superior</st1:place>.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6UQ6B-ZHz3ki1n1df1preQyHStYoJh1fxR2rfn3DkfZvRWrvKfGEm7AnPS4jVDUUZlRNu0J-P9vqCo67IDk8tP12zHmyqM5WySFzgtkZRZVuLaDqP-TDMVcpNT2wz2-gW5msei29VxG3/s1600/IMG_9233+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6UQ6B-ZHz3ki1n1df1preQyHStYoJh1fxR2rfn3DkfZvRWrvKfGEm7AnPS4jVDUUZlRNu0J-P9vqCo67IDk8tP12zHmyqM5WySFzgtkZRZVuLaDqP-TDMVcpNT2wz2-gW5msei29VxG3/s1600/IMG_9233+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Huron Light outside of DeTour<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Midway across Lake Huron we passed Spectacle Reef and rounded
the Poe Reef Light to enter the South Channel between <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bois</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Blanc</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place> and Cheboygan on the Lower
Peninsula of Michigan. Here we docked against the wall in a very small
breakwater in the Bois Blanc Township Marina. There is room for only four or five boats, no real services, no nearby shops or stores, and it is only occasionally
manned by a harbormaster. This island is just southeast of <st1:place w:st="on">Mackinac
Island</st1:place> but much larger, and with no bridge, few people live here
and very few are hearty enough to stay for the winter. </span><span style="font-size: small;">This is also where the ferry from Cheboygan comes in and serves those living on the island</span><span style="font-size: small;">. </span></div>
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhL0_0CKgZQpcZvPMPlhMSEhNRVCpMfs2uOh2sIIWwM3aPK-NdVEsv9FPhpdYVUkcZ6cW0MGfjzuBHeIvziNg21SMEFC_NM7o8wj-qGxGwotATq_gBTaWCxXpFyYoEOScNv3HPuhoHurc/s1600/IMG_9237+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhL0_0CKgZQpcZvPMPlhMSEhNRVCpMfs2uOh2sIIWwM3aPK-NdVEsv9FPhpdYVUkcZ6cW0MGfjzuBHeIvziNg21SMEFC_NM7o8wj-qGxGwotATq_gBTaWCxXpFyYoEOScNv3HPuhoHurc/s1600/IMG_9237+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bois Blanc Township Marina</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiKIEyGMhF3mXUecJHlSe3WMRPl_S-rO2n5UXt-ff4ajVlp9OAu8eXHUDO4ziLOJIFocF7mkkmOaM25DdnBkk3epmgT12ICWnM9dkxWufZ_ppxLllJyyEtO7jfrJ2j5hylzC168vnCYaQ/s1600/IMG_9239+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiKIEyGMhF3mXUecJHlSe3WMRPl_S-rO2n5UXt-ff4ajVlp9OAu8eXHUDO4ziLOJIFocF7mkkmOaM25DdnBkk3epmgT12ICWnM9dkxWufZ_ppxLllJyyEtO7jfrJ2j5hylzC168vnCYaQ/s1600/IMG_9239+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bois Blanc Island southern shoreline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Betty and Rich picked us up, and we spent the afternoon and
evening together catching up on what has been happening in our lives since we
last saw them two years ago.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BwzO8jHg7Kx54jEf4qZ0x2WMgvRppoJRrTB9yLxr1r-juNozClgvKJ-t-gCQe6pkLFqwZxfOaJ28FoMXAND6twj0eIOfP41awg92xHTsWjIO0lmCG8hbFPcJt-GmzTpnKs0YZ3Jy1Ufl/s1600/IMG_9240+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3BwzO8jHg7Kx54jEf4qZ0x2WMgvRppoJRrTB9yLxr1r-juNozClgvKJ-t-gCQe6pkLFqwZxfOaJ28FoMXAND6twj0eIOfP41awg92xHTsWjIO0lmCG8hbFPcJt-GmzTpnKs0YZ3Jy1Ufl/s1600/IMG_9240+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betty and Rich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-26217816099906138032014-07-05T00:12:00.004-04:002022-05-09T15:16:28.957-04:00Day 293 - July 4, 2014: Drummond Island and DeTourIt was a bittersweet decision to leave the Benjamin Islands, as this anchorage was as good and maybe better than any on the entire trip. But we wanted to see some more of the northeast end of the Georgian Bay. Our plan was to move on to John's Island. Like yesterday, we wandered around islands and through channels with names that made you wonder where they came from: Frechette Island, McBean Channel, Little Detroit passage, Gilmore Point and Whalesback Channel.<br />
<br />
Little Detroit is the narrowest channel in all of the North Channel and requires a security call before entering. Just past there, we saw a home with just about every toy you can imagine: a float plane, two fishing boats, a catamaran sailboat, kayaks, and a pile of beach toys.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWNk6RwUEv9UHDwYlP_ygyS8sMS6XHUtHSzdRwILT-d7ir69BQ9VzYUGlg_5Hkwli7TyF45eu6zy6FBm2gQqbBKc9-Qkr4idzNwgT3hGQOMtv4WtZZffSeLDBrFsNu7IFWYBCS85e57ik/s1600/IMG_9209+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWNk6RwUEv9UHDwYlP_ygyS8sMS6XHUtHSzdRwILT-d7ir69BQ9VzYUGlg_5Hkwli7TyF45eu6zy6FBm2gQqbBKc9-Qkr4idzNwgT3hGQOMtv4WtZZffSeLDBrFsNu7IFWYBCS85e57ik/s1600/IMG_9209+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Detroit Passage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv209C_bZRsajwy65M1z5ToR_V5av3YOAMJ231c9WaSfy8jerSiCfUjpwVVO1fa1MDAF6eraNU6ciIN5MzvEY7o7KqIo9BTecTQ00Q6tmLZQzk9LV414kGzA33v9OBOtznCuoIYA32iU5/s1600/IMG_9215+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxv209C_bZRsajwy65M1z5ToR_V5av3YOAMJ231c9WaSfy8jerSiCfUjpwVVO1fa1MDAF6eraNU6ciIN5MzvEY7o7KqIo9BTecTQ00Q6tmLZQzk9LV414kGzA33v9OBOtznCuoIYA32iU5/s1600/IMG_9215+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer home with all the toys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we came upon the John's Island anchorage inlet, NOAA weather was reporting severe wind warnings for today and thunderstorms over the weekend. We were concerned that we might get weathered in several days in this anchorage and decided to make a run to DeTour Village. We pushed <i>Great Laker</i> hard to get to customs at Drummond Island before they closed at 5:50 p.m., and got there just in time by 5:45 p.m. The custom's officer was in a hurry to get home and passed us through with just a few quick questions. Two years ago the officer here spent almost an hour on the boat. It felt good to be back in the U.S., and we looked forward to having data service on our phones again.<br />
<br />
DeTour and the State Harbor Marina were another hour beyond Drummond, and along the way we encountered freighters running up to Lake Superior via Sault Ste. Marie.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nhLH1llmEaZOfzxkLf-wYLqEksrzmSbgtO50_pV9SW4ltqve9lFuu68pq_bMvnuViryVcWXfLnA1yIHYvT6OxUKGVl4RCYKmrj1E2zEa5k0WpMWefJXY6IPNS3tLgN1CcMe8V2Ae-Nb3/s1600/IMG_9231+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nhLH1llmEaZOfzxkLf-wYLqEksrzmSbgtO50_pV9SW4ltqve9lFuu68pq_bMvnuViryVcWXfLnA1yIHYvT6OxUKGVl4RCYKmrj1E2zEa5k0WpMWefJXY6IPNS3tLgN1CcMe8V2Ae-Nb3/s1600/IMG_9231+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freighter headed up to Sault Ste. Marie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By the end of the day we had run for 11 hours and were really tired. It was good to dock, get some dinner and relax while watching the 4th of July fireworks over Frying Pan Island.<br />
<br />Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-8525122048021829782014-07-04T21:36:00.004-04:002022-04-21T14:30:37.793-04:00Day 292 – July 3, 2014: Anchorage in the Benjamin Islands<div class="MsoNormal">
The <st1:place w:st="on">North Channel</st1:place> is filled
with small islands, and the northeast end is considered the best area for
cruisers who like to anchor out. We headed out in the late morning for the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Benjamin</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Islands</st1:placename></st1:place>, reputed to be a “must see” in
this area by those in the know. Again, we passed some colorfully named spots.
We left Little Current and followed Waubuno Channel west, turning north at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">East</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Rous</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place>, and had a
wonderful view of the La Cloche Mountains with white granite sides in the
distance. At <st1:placename w:st="on">Bedford</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype> we turned west again past <st1:placename w:st="on">Amedroz</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype>
to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Secretary</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place> where we turned north, keeping
the Sow and Pigs (many visible rocks) to port. The Benjamins appeared on the
left and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Croker</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place> on the right. </div>
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We picked a bay central to the Benjamins that is surrounded
by small islands and has good wind protection from the south and west. Inside
there was a small cove by a towering rocky point that was open and
irresistible, so we took it quickly before anyone else might arrive. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6x-WZV7u__Thx42r3c6KQOeDwE7fIf_eyFRkDsvpC897O4SYaU6JaZZNFsGPkB0_Mlmo2eHVrKd1RYttk8E9bG6DQn2fAOFlIlUXm9AuZ73HRZYEAdD9eLUqX7_dYhq7q_auEQuv0OFyd/s1600/IMG_9180+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6x-WZV7u__Thx42r3c6KQOeDwE7fIf_eyFRkDsvpC897O4SYaU6JaZZNFsGPkB0_Mlmo2eHVrKd1RYttk8E9bG6DQn2fAOFlIlUXm9AuZ73HRZYEAdD9eLUqX7_dYhq7q_auEQuv0OFyd/s1600/IMG_9180+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to the bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P6Jrn4U9Dz6m8lmFHorQIxYoD2cCUN0rNI2VvyrP5IxlHkwD_g6zozGVRKtY_A0IrOg9M2HKnp5Xmza0PI2R2ga8hlKUxAZvZaShhpuVWTTHMvSoE7-p29VnAjws4srPsKX6emft1lbt/s1600/IMG_9204+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P6Jrn4U9Dz6m8lmFHorQIxYoD2cCUN0rNI2VvyrP5IxlHkwD_g6zozGVRKtY_A0IrOg9M2HKnp5Xmza0PI2R2ga8hlKUxAZvZaShhpuVWTTHMvSoE7-p29VnAjws4srPsKX6emft1lbt/s1600/IMG_9204+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Great Laker</i> on the hook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From this spot we set out to explore the area by dinghy. The
rocks to the south of us sloped up from the water’s edge forming a smooth
incline towards the top of the ridge. We motored over, careful to avoid the
shallow rocks, and as I got out tying up the dingy, I slipped on the algae-covered rocks and got quite a refreshing bath. This granite slope had large
patches with the unusual pink hue we have seen so much of recently.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5nkK6CP04X7IXabXpwp-U7ep23WM7GbZzOExts6RVtQF0fImEWEWC3078780on-IHeTrf7FoScr_F_TuTe1KNnt5q0RW9b1kzO9sYceCKhyVBM-tQ4PT4ue8cZJOkUuc-F-gHcY8ydXv/s1600/IMG_9186+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5nkK6CP04X7IXabXpwp-U7ep23WM7GbZzOExts6RVtQF0fImEWEWC3078780on-IHeTrf7FoScr_F_TuTe1KNnt5q0RW9b1kzO9sYceCKhyVBM-tQ4PT4ue8cZJOkUuc-F-gHcY8ydXv/s1600/IMG_9186+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet from docking the dinghy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkLQUOClxDo0vpbs-tSFcpcNUPvMQZrAP2eF4kmLaSBpk_avotec5jNmejfbNX294dzg3y4rBoX2FtsS9tDUqLTwcATEg6p21cFHexaGOhQ_KGsNo5jFMgr_LkM9TptwEaQ2xBuMXp_Cc/s1600/IMG_9194+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkLQUOClxDo0vpbs-tSFcpcNUPvMQZrAP2eF4kmLaSBpk_avotec5jNmejfbNX294dzg3y4rBoX2FtsS9tDUqLTwcATEg6p21cFHexaGOhQ_KGsNo5jFMgr_LkM9TptwEaQ2xBuMXp_Cc/s1600/IMG_9194+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We climbed to the top of the slope of pink granite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The view from the top was just spectacular, revealing the
mix of hillsides, trees, and rocky shores forming the bay. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboIm6S7XNNjf716PWlF7BQjzm3wrTs9GQcMfmEbU50tm_MKFu3IQY0fubOQkPj3USjqZpQO6gX0p1M_LOWbM-SwMd9OFGzsuDOoJtOYsBsCbH84H5xw3IhNQv2-clm6k-tAsjkcfgUv4I/s1600/IMG_9187+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjboIm6S7XNNjf716PWlF7BQjzm3wrTs9GQcMfmEbU50tm_MKFu3IQY0fubOQkPj3USjqZpQO6gX0p1M_LOWbM-SwMd9OFGzsuDOoJtOYsBsCbH84H5xw3IhNQv2-clm6k-tAsjkcfgUv4I/s1600/IMG_9187+A.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of the Benjamins from the top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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While in Little Current we ran into a couple we had met in the <st1:place w:st="on">Chesapeake Bay</st1:place> last
year. We were surprised to find them anchored here and later joined
them for cocktails on their boat, <i>Last Dance</i>, before dinner. </div>
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Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-70905281984141589222014-07-02T21:48:00.001-04:002022-04-21T14:24:47.156-04:00Day 291 - July 2, 2014: Little CurrentWe departed Baie Fine with regret. It would have been fun to spend several days here soaking up nature's beauty and pretending that the political and economic world around us does not exist. Plus, there were very few bugs and none of the swarming shadflies. Backtracking through the bay, we headed west in the North Channel for Little Current.<br />
<br />
The town of Little Current sits on a narrow passageway between the Georgian Bay and the North Channel. It is named for the high currents that frequent this channel depending on the winds that drive water into one end or the other. We passed by the Strawberry Island Lighthouse and under the swing bridge which is the only land access to Manitoulin Island. It opens once each hour for 15 minutes; however, at 18 feet and with our VHF radio antennae down and radar mast lowered, we were easily able to pass under without waiting.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenq7FIQb1YiXjR69zx_uiVq3vDtTl7Id2MlMvOzxZDoHN9MrCiXHdV7Fe_UFRtZ6aNV3u1bUHcZ4CPAHamH2dC3X9NMMbR9EC7I-7PUUdj1ta8aJetEJvbOJe7ZCkQzqit-0c9LlGvAK8/s1600/IMG_9173+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenq7FIQb1YiXjR69zx_uiVq3vDtTl7Id2MlMvOzxZDoHN9MrCiXHdV7Fe_UFRtZ6aNV3u1bUHcZ4CPAHamH2dC3X9NMMbR9EC7I-7PUUdj1ta8aJetEJvbOJe7ZCkQzqit-0c9LlGvAK8/s1600/IMG_9173+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Island Lighthouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiIHeKpeOKcfL6aIwpAHZlBXu-uac6dgo_YhGyUyfka-t7gCiVthxa9om1aiRp3TYx9nXGKxh4AdxL_bQUIkumAT1Ds9Nh7SQ2YksjTqPsKIKeKrs5X0ib-Vip5Ak_c0oTDmPPgCaghKg/s1600/IMG_9176+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiIHeKpeOKcfL6aIwpAHZlBXu-uac6dgo_YhGyUyfka-t7gCiVthxa9om1aiRp3TYx9nXGKxh4AdxL_bQUIkumAT1Ds9Nh7SQ2YksjTqPsKIKeKrs5X0ib-Vip5Ak_c0oTDmPPgCaghKg/s1600/IMG_9176+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Current bridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is a town dock here which is located adjacent to the small main street, and we arranged to tie up on the outside end of Pier B for ease of departure if the winds and currents are unfriendly in the morning.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJDmT3VNu_HY88JlAY-hR-fq5t12fARN-XoRNF18X1gB-xmYDVgdpgOhBaBZzY-PsFvt2yRQHIdS9xVMGM6M7OGhs8XVqsaTm0Q_wR9rKI2h0r0cfv825-muM4kHgHGiG-3tcFx-wd_Qq/s1600/IMG_9175+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJDmT3VNu_HY88JlAY-hR-fq5t12fARN-XoRNF18X1gB-xmYDVgdpgOhBaBZzY-PsFvt2yRQHIdS9xVMGM6M7OGhs8XVqsaTm0Q_wR9rKI2h0r0cfv825-muM4kHgHGiG-3tcFx-wd_Qq/s1600/IMG_9175+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Little Current Town Dock and city downtown in the distance<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Coming in early gave me a chance to do some maintenance on the dinghy fuel system, as the outboard has been starting hard and running rough the last few days. It was time to change the fuel filter, blow out the fuel lines, and dump the remaining gallon of months old ethanol gas in favor of fresh. Luckily, there was a NAPA parts store nearby where I got a new generic fuel filter for the motor. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We ran into couples from two different boats here on the docks that are loopers we had met last year. One couple finished the loop and is just cruising this area for the summer, and the other couple was with us in Waterford during the Erie Canal delays last year. It is a small world.<br />
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Then it was off to the grocery store for a few items before our run across the North Channel. Later, we ate at the Anchor Bar and Grill and had the Cajun whitefish which was really excellent.<br />
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Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-14654696220991306542014-07-02T16:20:00.001-04:002022-04-21T14:21:15.642-04:00Day 290 - July 1, 2014: Baie Fine, the Pool and Lake Topaz<div class="MsoNormal">
Weather reports are not always accurate, so instead of high
winds and rain, we woke to sunshine and calm waters. Anne was feeling better,
so we abandoned the idea of going to Little Current, tossed the lines, and
headed up on a 25-mile side trip further north to Baie Fine (<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Fine</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place>).
This feels like genuine cruising to me, when you can just choose to go wherever
you want, rather than keep chasing a never-ending, linear series of
destinations.</div>
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The channels here are wide, and there are high, tree-lined mountains
scattered with rocky cliffs rising above the waters. I enjoyed following the
colorful names on the charts as we passed, such as <st1:placename w:st="on">Powderhorn</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype>, Landsdown Channel, Lions Hump,
Underhill Point, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Partridge</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place>, and Steamer Reef.
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0G56ZySCnc76GXvjhbCUaCoWD5bvQhCfXfDyryzqnpYr-AleraA-HUob5S0SpdFRK_QuJhy493l9fTBngNF4BmZ5h5nuNcgeXgI-XqFpSddwumIBSy3sX_dBjrbGx22YIV5EJ96ES3SV/s1600/IMG_9112+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0G56ZySCnc76GXvjhbCUaCoWD5bvQhCfXfDyryzqnpYr-AleraA-HUob5S0SpdFRK_QuJhy493l9fTBngNF4BmZ5h5nuNcgeXgI-XqFpSddwumIBSy3sX_dBjrbGx22YIV5EJ96ES3SV/s1600/IMG_9112+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Landsdown Channel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVefsDjBA63MtomJY05yMgFz7qkb9Ss3EvO4muHpfmXGFo2AuA6Lo6ScrKiwIGy78SxcBLfo9qZAzcX2U99UCJTCSkWUf9qs8M2Ytaxym-WoEas-UA70tVF4vTPh-ayr5h2OsqKjwpEhLN/s1600/IMG_9117+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVefsDjBA63MtomJY05yMgFz7qkb9Ss3EvO4muHpfmXGFo2AuA6Lo6ScrKiwIGy78SxcBLfo9qZAzcX2U99UCJTCSkWUf9qs8M2Ytaxym-WoEas-UA70tVF4vTPh-ayr5h2OsqKjwpEhLN/s1600/IMG_9117+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain rocky cliffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The opening to Baie Fine at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Frazer</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Point</st1:placename></st1:place>
is narrow, but the bay is eight miles long and shaped like a carrot. When
entering, there is no marked channel, so you are on your own to choose a path
by following the chart. This is a very desolate area surrounded by national forest
lands, and there are no cottages visible along the channel. Our destination was
a tiny finger at the very end called The Pool, and as you enter, there is a
right turn which goes around a small point with a cottage built by the
Evinrude family (outboard motors). The cottage is in a pristine location, but somehow
seemed out of place given nature’s surrounding beauty.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIjGSFji2ujAvoqUApm5A1QBOglf8rdyD8LYM-xqH5MDfdR_ND35uZ8dZM4Za2GaWgqY4NC34eJQ1NstjiKCufJXOdykWld9QwmZ8MZ1U2yPbOKL9iRNVpPY64NPDYvHsoEY5qFiJ6mnr/s1600/IMG_9121+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIjGSFji2ujAvoqUApm5A1QBOglf8rdyD8LYM-xqH5MDfdR_ND35uZ8dZM4Za2GaWgqY4NC34eJQ1NstjiKCufJXOdykWld9QwmZ8MZ1U2yPbOKL9iRNVpPY64NPDYvHsoEY5qFiJ6mnr/s1600/IMG_9121+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoreline along Baie Fine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7Uf4y34ugLp_UiFPtu7prvHT6Lo99v8H97xj8gnCJS4NcNz5fJ59tRIhmbqDd1S88JSKFTaOsYCkFQare65DXyNc_vMO9jy2uOB9uAInl6MNvKcYwtcKOB-ltmYEj6dZNFtx78V_M8Gh/s1600/IMG_9132+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7Uf4y34ugLp_UiFPtu7prvHT6Lo99v8H97xj8gnCJS4NcNz5fJ59tRIhmbqDd1S88JSKFTaOsYCkFQare65DXyNc_vMO9jy2uOB9uAInl6MNvKcYwtcKOB-ltmYEj6dZNFtx78V_M8Gh/s1600/IMG_9132+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pool (vertical on the right) at the tip of Baie Fine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Pool is a popular cruising destination because it is
isolated, protected from winds, and large enough for groups of boaters (many of
which anchor and tie their sterns to the shore). We anchored at the south end
up near a high, tree-lined ridge for wind protection overnight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRpU9zvfLopIO8wfI8SV62UIoveDrK9KhGHB7_KTuny1H6N3uZYKxfKKm2dVWpsb7ADsqRpmn-n5967jqd3crZpLMAJEHXfzqHHMTjntD3_ys-Sx75m-3brApe_3FqHRFypev48T9Pya9/s1600/IMG_9142+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRpU9zvfLopIO8wfI8SV62UIoveDrK9KhGHB7_KTuny1H6N3uZYKxfKKm2dVWpsb7ADsqRpmn-n5967jqd3crZpLMAJEHXfzqHHMTjntD3_ys-Sx75m-3brApe_3FqHRFypev48T9Pya9/s1600/IMG_9142+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North end of the Pool, showing the Evinrude cottage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmNFRHYyJHfj7CFejaiNV_gZ2yJ4HtFehTdRNNat-t8b1N0wL5KjOSCZtQCYscO_nQCI57yHCMk7-tlEtkC2o_M5DyJ17yV_Soy7dV_3UsTX5jD_kPQeeYTCjFAe_LbRuhB1gQmzAjfeE/s1600/IMG_9164+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmNFRHYyJHfj7CFejaiNV_gZ2yJ4HtFehTdRNNat-t8b1N0wL5KjOSCZtQCYscO_nQCI57yHCMk7-tlEtkC2o_M5DyJ17yV_Soy7dV_3UsTX5jD_kPQeeYTCjFAe_LbRuhB1gQmzAjfeE/s1600/IMG_9164+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchoring spot at the south end of the Pool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As a bonus, you can dinghy to the northeast end and hike up
a couple of miles to an outlook over <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Topaz</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Lake</st1:placetype></st1:place>. This lake is
unusual in that its water is crystal clear and turquoise in color; yet
there are no plants or fish in the lake. Some believe that local mining may have caused this. The climb was steep, and the trail
rather poorly marked, but we found the top with the help of another group
(surprisingly from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Ann Arbor</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">Michigan</st1:state></st1:place>) scouting ahead. The view was
well worth the climb!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv4DqufascdkeJkmM0H_IjSfplfrzDIBbMGCdbFhh_zhV-VY2qcRdLKTcsS7m_mHwgoDaXtUn3_JF7M3RfjwbavNLWx23g_iWoTaJsNS6OELpyQ5uACghyphenhyphenkR_g3JE8k027WELPxfWvnVY/s1600/IMG_9153+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkv4DqufascdkeJkmM0H_IjSfplfrzDIBbMGCdbFhh_zhV-VY2qcRdLKTcsS7m_mHwgoDaXtUn3_JF7M3RfjwbavNLWx23g_iWoTaJsNS6OELpyQ5uACghyphenhyphenkR_g3JE8k027WELPxfWvnVY/s1600/IMG_9153+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Topaz Lake outlook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVZ3WLlG-bwruJ6MbMLgbAcUY8exzCUSkfW6K8AapzfRYcf1LfF0vhUxJKqxQXZoKqVH7TAQuLeqPIYbQ5EvtoL3c_XgrxTeGlqXYgNNuxT5ZqJNpl7ziFkwrN-8sImLwALvjSHqY8OPG/s1600/IMG_9152+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVZ3WLlG-bwruJ6MbMLgbAcUY8exzCUSkfW6K8AapzfRYcf1LfF0vhUxJKqxQXZoKqVH7TAQuLeqPIYbQ5EvtoL3c_XgrxTeGlqXYgNNuxT5ZqJNpl7ziFkwrN-8sImLwALvjSHqY8OPG/s1600/IMG_9152+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crystal clear, turquoise-colored water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This evening I swam in the lake, then we barbequed salmon
for dinner, and later both of us relaxed with a good book.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-JTbcdRfKvEUWzus2YxSLlFVF5Mo62qTKN8t922vu2ey-yBfKhjuWWLkVMG_iY3w-WqlcHsM2qTt5iGBX0ElhyphenhyphenKE-ZhcJXVo07bebmskLEhg1exZ3X1RyH0R8_J2FAr95U7SpZsfouFv/s1600/IMG_9167+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-JTbcdRfKvEUWzus2YxSLlFVF5Mo62qTKN8t922vu2ey-yBfKhjuWWLkVMG_iY3w-WqlcHsM2qTt5iGBX0ElhyphenhyphenKE-ZhcJXVo07bebmskLEhg1exZ3X1RyH0R8_J2FAr95U7SpZsfouFv/s1600/IMG_9167+A.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evening serenity disturbed by storm clouds on the horizon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-33718860361004755832014-06-30T22:16:00.002-04:002022-05-09T15:11:11.140-04:00Day 289 - June 30, 2014: Weathered in and a trip to SudburyThe forecast is for more rain and a possible thunderstorm this afternoon with attendant high winds from the south and on the beam. Not a good day to be out in the bay. There are still epic amounts of pollen in these waters, and it is covering the water and surrounding <i>Great Laker</i> at the slip. This massive pollen dump has been evident for several weeks now.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgmJaLiE_q5O5BM1dH0ua68xD69JwL4AjKVI5TlWeOba8yV819AMkjo3QVLmYDU0jzd62XdG-jKUG65gUmG78EgzqD3vHLWQoLSbna7ETS60_s0u-9r2XY_wYcPK7VBueqq4dXuK9CGhM/s1600/IMG_9098+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgmJaLiE_q5O5BM1dH0ua68xD69JwL4AjKVI5TlWeOba8yV819AMkjo3QVLmYDU0jzd62XdG-jKUG65gUmG78EgzqD3vHLWQoLSbna7ETS60_s0u-9r2XY_wYcPK7VBueqq4dXuK9CGhM/s1600/IMG_9098+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain and storm clouds over Killarney</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaed6RlsdBZMVoodb6hKXoSS3owQPbxetDi7wM7pVpyuEypZ5X1PlMVcM4jip7loc4BmFy0bllxspW0PEYtbNAQfZP2bybOYfQDuwvz6hptna1-qWUQhwBjy_G5KkaRhs3CEUL376sS9CW/s1600/IMG_9101+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaed6RlsdBZMVoodb6hKXoSS3owQPbxetDi7wM7pVpyuEypZ5X1PlMVcM4jip7loc4BmFy0bllxspW0PEYtbNAQfZP2bybOYfQDuwvz6hptna1-qWUQhwBjy_G5KkaRhs3CEUL376sS9CW/s1600/IMG_9101+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellow pollen choking the channel and marina docks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are also thousands of shadflies, also known as mayflies, clinging to the sides of the boat and the buildings in the marina. These flies start their lives as nymphs living in the water and eating algae, plant matter, and smaller invertebrates found on the bottom. After about a year in the water, they emerge, split their skin, and become a winged adult that can take flight. As poor fliers, they can not evade predatory birds and are easily caught and eaten. So their evolved strategy for continuing to exist is for all the shadflies to emerge at the same time and overwhelm the bird<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">'s</span></span> appetites. With no mouth to eat with, the shadflies mate, give birth, and die all within a few days. And the cycle of life goes on.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjO5TNL47aDKrwWwmcFpx8y5NuCg1lDy_7ay50nMtE2AlDqaXMQKbqFXMdPcfpkBXTZ_NFPAEj104BVfU_emWWC3xHpRLYdb4xDMYYJv0wWrGfqf7IloMyi7Ka4wo4rzIgpoCI_nsCi93/s1600/IMG_9103+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjO5TNL47aDKrwWwmcFpx8y5NuCg1lDy_7ay50nMtE2AlDqaXMQKbqFXMdPcfpkBXTZ_NFPAEj104BVfU_emWWC3xHpRLYdb4xDMYYJv0wWrGfqf7IloMyi7Ka4wo4rzIgpoCI_nsCi93/s1600/IMG_9103+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadfly, also known as a Mayfly (about 1" long)</td></tr>
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Anne has a sore throat and has been coughing for over two weeks now. We thought is was a reaction to the pollen, but are no longer sure that is the case. It keeps getting worse, so we went up to the clinic here in Killarney and discovered they no longer have a doctor and their nurse was not in today. I looked into alternatives including cruising to Little Current (not a good idea with the weather) or a road trip 75 miles north to Sudbury to the hospital.<br />
<br />
After talking to the Sportsman's Inn staff, Caroline stepped up and volunteered her time and car to drive us to Sudbury. It was unexpected, but important, so I accepted. Caroline, a delightful young woman, grew up in Sudbury and, knowing the city, took us directly to the hospital emergency room. Unbelievably, they wanted $751 for a doctor to examine Anne.<br />
<br />For comparison, we tried the clinic just down the street, and they would do the same for $100. After lunch and within an hour, we were inside seeing a very nice doctor. He concluded that Anne's problem could be a bacterial infection, and antibiotics were prescribed and purchased at the pharmacy next door. Caroline, who had gone home briefly to say, "Happy Birthday" to her father, picked us up again, and even agreed to stop so we could get some fresh food before bringing us back to the marina. On the way back, we saw a black bear cub and two red tailed foxes. What a nice thing for Caroline to do, and what great service by The Sportsman's Inn. Many thanks again, Caroline!<br />
<br />Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-78466443173366023502014-06-29T20:54:00.002-04:002022-04-21T14:10:29.470-04:00Day 288 - June 29, 2014: Killarney and the Sportsman's Inn MarinaLeaving peaceful Mill Lake, we completed Collins Inlet, and crossed a few miles of the Georgian Bay along the coastline. The winds were picking up, although the waves stayed well below one foot. We entered Killarney Channel at Red Rock Pt. This Channel, between Ontario and George Island, is very narrow with occasional high currents, but leads to Killarney and provides safe harbor from the bay.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMtt49lIEKzXas76lisbxs8-4ixzqQ1FGvCYx-K3Hvqq__klXtBdRncoRKmZYy7opG3Bp_mxmXrSPt-7e994NNdIr_BmjNivDzDEKhie4JDzmvxsm8tgzs0OCRzXYpjWDIEODLrh0ZFQG/s1600/IMG_9096+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMtt49lIEKzXas76lisbxs8-4ixzqQ1FGvCYx-K3Hvqq__klXtBdRncoRKmZYy7opG3Bp_mxmXrSPt-7e994NNdIr_BmjNivDzDEKhie4JDzmvxsm8tgzs0OCRzXYpjWDIEODLrh0ZFQG/s1600/IMG_9096+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Rock Point Lighthouse at the entrance to Killarney Channel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Killarney was established as a fishing village, and there was no road here until 1962. Today it is mostly a tourist and boating destination. Our stop was at the Sportsman's Inn, which is something of a resort with rooms, a dining room and pub, and a marina with a small store. This is a holiday weekend with Canada Day coming up, and the marina is empty, and no one here can explain why. It rained heavily this afternoon with some lightning/thunder, and we were glad to be in this port.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOdaZG3sXCrt44ESLxYWJOw-dpUpFVM7zYFQflSbO41uGSRkzoFX8su0bOf5UWtM9dMk4Wo0n1rfscppYLvA5jJtE15Llv88C4c6xb16EnLjb6ON-0g2UON95qVSWxvF5G4iYaR8lMs4C/s1600/IMG_20140629_182928_210+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOdaZG3sXCrt44ESLxYWJOw-dpUpFVM7zYFQflSbO41uGSRkzoFX8su0bOf5UWtM9dMk4Wo0n1rfscppYLvA5jJtE15Llv88C4c6xb16EnLjb6ON-0g2UON95qVSWxvF5G4iYaR8lMs4C/s1600/IMG_20140629_182928_210+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sportsman's Inn</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVleYwoJbHN-6BKpUUifTN7akuUXLKJO4RolAyhBE6gIdC5mZ2g_FkYMDUp7P4riaMU_AOFAZ2y3IsPkRW848RRHMk_Gf0nGx20HMHpbVFcYDXe04NIk873uJ4qSamerFnUuV07OSIWKvF/s1600/IMG_20140629_183051_853+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVleYwoJbHN-6BKpUUifTN7akuUXLKJO4RolAyhBE6gIdC5mZ2g_FkYMDUp7P4riaMU_AOFAZ2y3IsPkRW848RRHMk_Gf0nGx20HMHpbVFcYDXe04NIk873uJ4qSamerFnUuV07OSIWKvF/s1600/IMG_20140629_183051_853+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Great Laker</i> facing the narrow channel at Killarney</td></tr>
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Herbert Fisheries Fresh Fish and Chips is famous here, and we walked over after the rain to get some whitefish to go.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6fy85EXaa58jfpxiV2mg8wBTHFYl1r7_d4dCwYI_Jyz_-Ev3BNFIsPJJxZb1fqVyE4vXVnNVmp2VQP_cYxbdjUn95-eCwZfkf593dVFXQjYdJGLSQErvyly2Cu3dY2_V-i-od7ppIFpJ/s1600/IMG_20140629_180827_943+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6fy85EXaa58jfpxiV2mg8wBTHFYl1r7_d4dCwYI_Jyz_-Ev3BNFIsPJJxZb1fqVyE4vXVnNVmp2VQP_cYxbdjUn95-eCwZfkf593dVFXQjYdJGLSQErvyly2Cu3dY2_V-i-od7ppIFpJ/s1600/IMG_20140629_180827_943+A.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbert Fisheries Fresh Fish and Chips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anne has been researching a plan for the next few days. With increasing winds and rain in the forecast, we are in somewhat of a dilemma over what to do. Sometimes you don't decide till you wake up and look out the window.<br />
<br />Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-19651651480105248462014-06-29T19:28:00.000-04:002014-06-29T19:28:53.397-04:00Day 287 - June 28, 2014 Part 2: On to Mill Lake Anchorage<div class="MsoNormal">
After the harrowing experience at Buoy 30, Rogers Cut with its hard right turn at the entrance, was tricky but thankfully uneventful. This area is littered with small islands and uncountable numbers of glacier rounded rocks protruding over the water. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixAH5HdW5eGf6DpQE3kgNDCRxu2CVU-AhMjXuMogWUUsRAHwikby64H_VlT4NSyqiPKT7yXbddzErMt2bSVlnzyb6HB-pqwHVyJ7uOnK6sTZjFOuSBpHZamBv9sCsK84SrmB4bveHf50c/s1600/IMG_20140628_112010_369+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgixAH5HdW5eGf6DpQE3kgNDCRxu2CVU-AhMjXuMogWUUsRAHwikby64H_VlT4NSyqiPKT7yXbddzErMt2bSVlnzyb6HB-pqwHVyJ7uOnK6sTZjFOuSBpHZamBv9sCsK84SrmB4bveHf50c/s1600/IMG_20140628_112010_369+A.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Rogers Cut</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWUZBoab367FM292jcce-D3Q1NryjMoe3UOGA2ksPAw3V40oZ8wSK7h8xbScI8uM5AEzr4XroefEWAKXI88ra71rd2eqhXpyf7nxkFV-J1ohi2xAjUoSLlIlD46MGyBO18KhhpbEoFRAL/s1600/IMG_20140628_111922_053+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUWUZBoab367FM292jcce-D3Q1NryjMoe3UOGA2ksPAw3V40oZ8wSK7h8xbScI8uM5AEzr4XroefEWAKXI88ra71rd2eqhXpyf7nxkFV-J1ohi2xAjUoSLlIlD46MGyBO18KhhpbEoFRAL/s1600/IMG_20140628_111922_053+A.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Multitude of glacier rounded rocks</td></tr>
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Soon
we entered the <st1:place w:st="on">Georgian Bay</st1:place>’s open waters again to move further north.
This stretch is considered treacherous in bad weather as it is exposed to
winds for 50 miles to the south. With more amazing luck, we worked our way up
to the beautiful <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Bustard</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Islands</st1:placetype></st1:place> in calm water, and
if storms were not forecast in the coming days, we would have anchored here. We sighted the first Great Lakes sea gulls near these islands since leaving Lake Michigan in 2012. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsUG9n7VPvNlFA1mFb7dA-Z-djZgwishNDKFuHld6uDlgqFE6PO0f5q4NI60U9AZcJ8Ad0SFCaQ_HjFWyu4n4zKbbyRO8i9feexVjullVo9Z57eDxHVP_7RQ1ST61pNqdR8m0ZpTb4Rn8/s1600/IMG_20140628_152215_627+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsUG9n7VPvNlFA1mFb7dA-Z-djZgwishNDKFuHld6uDlgqFE6PO0f5q4NI60U9AZcJ8Ad0SFCaQ_HjFWyu4n4zKbbyRO8i9feexVjullVo9Z57eDxHVP_7RQ1ST61pNqdR8m0ZpTb4Rn8/s1600/IMG_20140628_152215_627+A.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea Gulls near the Bustard Islands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Further up, we reentered the inside channel, crossed <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Beaverstone</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place>, and entered the Collins Inlet.
Collins Inlet was touted by one looping cruiser as the best over the entire Great Loop. It is different from what we have been seeing the last few days, with high rocky cliffs and many trees. It reminded us of the Tennessee River near Chattanooga only with more rocks. We went midway through the
channel to anchor in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mill</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Lake without another boat in sight</st1:placetype></st1:place>. As we sit here this
evening, you can imagine how fortunate we are feeling, as the day could have
been a really serious disaster.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLygBRvQVrgRHAI1EEjQCjRj95LVkLQlNwDlTRIpgwPaIb-oC6w1WTI3YQb5eoNsU1X3fyoTJFWY-6FT1GyvwpgpZ8z-EuWdHUtiTa9Pu_-EmmtPlyhIXaNP9vs4bUUITUm-68JILnqly6/s1600/IMG_9091+A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLygBRvQVrgRHAI1EEjQCjRj95LVkLQlNwDlTRIpgwPaIb-oC6w1WTI3YQb5eoNsU1X3fyoTJFWY-6FT1GyvwpgpZ8z-EuWdHUtiTa9Pu_-EmmtPlyhIXaNP9vs4bUUITUm-68JILnqly6/s1600/IMG_9091+A.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Collins Inlet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDJihMs9tAYWXDhRrcIectJi6ZFukYf6VHAsNMP_njlg_rQCT6Mafhsf6HUo1eT7FdvRLImNPesuxJTGDCIpgMgNUaXKhulbmK7hWrJiAU0oiR_1VFhxTl0YY0-d6HDRXPXxQ23xttFau/s1600/IMG_20140628_153526_097+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDJihMs9tAYWXDhRrcIectJi6ZFukYf6VHAsNMP_njlg_rQCT6Mafhsf6HUo1eT7FdvRLImNPesuxJTGDCIpgMgNUaXKhulbmK7hWrJiAU0oiR_1VFhxTl0YY0-d6HDRXPXxQ23xttFau/s1600/IMG_20140628_153526_097+A.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collins Inlet from the stern</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiBxoEEPNnEEaPsVYPZKPrRD-3CzOGEJ7zESMhh7mRtKtAQBjE7zUoi0eOmcWbOTTSkftH_bUpQcsPnr6OS_c-rIYLQkpbnRW87G22SR4oAiDY0TF0HYQHP6V2BFBpeTzxzqYt8gckuB_/s1600/IMG_20140628_153801_195+A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiBxoEEPNnEEaPsVYPZKPrRD-3CzOGEJ7zESMhh7mRtKtAQBjE7zUoi0eOmcWbOTTSkftH_bUpQcsPnr6OS_c-rIYLQkpbnRW87G22SR4oAiDY0TF0HYQHP6V2BFBpeTzxzqYt8gckuB_/s1600/IMG_20140628_153801_195+A.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of our anchorage in Mill Lake</td></tr>
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Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-20708905165988854382014-06-29T17:32:00.002-04:002022-05-09T15:02:49.656-04:00Day 287 - June 28, 2014, Part 1: Danger at D30!<div class="MsoNormal">
The morning was cool, and I awakened to the soft light of
the early dawn. The sounds of nature’s beings were all around and made for a
pleasant atmosphere. There was no hurry to get going, as we had only 45 miles
up to the <st1:placename w:st="on">Mill</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Lake</st1:placetype>
anchorage; however, we would be cruising through some of the prettiest areas of
the <st1:place w:st="on">Georgian Bay</st1:place>, and that was exciting. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We came back out of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sandy</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Bay</st1:placename></st1:place>
and rejoined the channel at buoy D4. The channels here follow the convention that red buoys mark the starboard (right) side of the channel and green buoys mark the port (left) side. I was at the helm and Anne was reviewing
the charts for the day and keeping a sharp eye out as usual. With all going
well, Anne stepped down for a few minutes into the saloon. Soon we would be
nearing Rodgers Cut, one of the many narrow and difficult cuts we would
encounter, and since I was anxious to know exactly where we were, I called Anne
back to double check the charts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the same time, I was approaching a narrow cut through two large rocks
marked clearly with a red marker on the starboard and a green marker on the
port. As I headed for the center, I foolishly took my eyes off the channel for
a quick moment to talk with Anne. In that moment, I missed a red buoy D30,
placed well to the left of this approaching cut. Seconds later, there was a
large thud, with three more scraping thuds to follow. I quickly pulled back on
the throttle, shifted into neutral, and a second later another thud followed as
<i>Great Laker</i> ground to a stop. I had committed the error that everyone warns about. What ever you do, stay in the channel! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Horrified, I quickly did a series of safety checks below to
ensure we were not taking on water. Anne, fearing the same thing, wondered if
we should lower the dinghy. Satisfied there were no leaks, we hurried to
examine the situation outside. The boat was resting on the rear third of its
keel on a flat topped rock. We had gone over the first flat rock but hung on
the second. I measured the depths with a tape measure, and there was 3 feet 3
inches of water at the stern (our keel is 3 feet 6 inches), and 4 feet 6 inches
at the bow. The boat would not rock, so I was convinced we could not get her
free. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV4bE8wqL7U5gGf65rpwOUGzpbkWYuqg0Z0z5PWtMtv9hbETlBNMWxYEIJI8CTY2j6RHCLprAe8tGAlIEl_B1l71VL8BDxW10XguU-znIkJCQW8G1IkTle_JDB9dore-FZBo30g0iw-BG/s1600/IMG_20140628_110232_745+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV4bE8wqL7U5gGf65rpwOUGzpbkWYuqg0Z0z5PWtMtv9hbETlBNMWxYEIJI8CTY2j6RHCLprAe8tGAlIEl_B1l71VL8BDxW10XguU-znIkJCQW8G1IkTle_JDB9dore-FZBo30g0iw-BG/s1600/IMG_20140628_110232_745+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from hard-grounded <i>Great Laker</i> with buoy 30 on the port</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CerBPrHyGDNSbEGFcgRaxvqJt-vcVWSWQdoPcF4RuUb0LmhJPKwh8seyjWKTwqBnDFau1X0eX6FRxCHChoRIeiLn7GEXU_lXKqmKaLL2_N-FwgKqC-h3W8BwfACJuUmrJA14PUoCDfuu/s1600/IMG_20140628_101937_552+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CerBPrHyGDNSbEGFcgRaxvqJt-vcVWSWQdoPcF4RuUb0LmhJPKwh8seyjWKTwqBnDFau1X0eX6FRxCHChoRIeiLn7GEXU_lXKqmKaLL2_N-FwgKqC-h3W8BwfACJuUmrJA14PUoCDfuu/s1600/IMG_20140628_101937_552+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down at the rock shelf under the bow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k2kp6iAKOCnMPLLB_TWhdJWJJkqImSdhVisMwv8j0WS0yc7OikeQ557NjJGeDFNrEorKzxWGIP9v3M0fKxZt7_TfAj8z4sZfeizQ4whhsGe_hhBR9o1p2UyXJ01GDAqEybQsAAz4H-Hh/s1600/IMG_20140628_101917_618+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k2kp6iAKOCnMPLLB_TWhdJWJJkqImSdhVisMwv8j0WS0yc7OikeQ557NjJGeDFNrEorKzxWGIP9v3M0fKxZt7_TfAj8z4sZfeizQ4whhsGe_hhBR9o1p2UyXJ01GDAqEybQsAAz4H-Hh/s1600/IMG_20140628_101917_618+A.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The rock shelf near the stern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We called the marina in nearby Britt, and Graham, the owner,
said he would gather two assistants and come out within the hour to see if he
could help. He said there was no Boats U.S. towing service here and the Canadian Coast
Guard only comes in emergency situations. He said if we were hard grounded, it
would take floatation equipment he did not have to be brought in from another
area. We both went to the bow to transfer weight forward, and waited and
worried. After twenty or so minutes, I unexpectedly felt the bow start to very slowly
swing around, nudged by a gentle breeze and the very slight motion of the
water. This gave me hope that we had a chance to get Great Laker off the rock.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, an 18-foot outboard approached with a father,
Anthony, and his young son aboard. They were from the same marina as Graham, and were returning from fishing north of us. Anthony
examined the depths in the water behind us and offered help. I gladly gave him a 100-foot towing line (onboard for just such an emergency). With his gentle pull, and my
nudging the throttle on <i>Great Laker</i>, we were able to slide off and glide back into the channel. What a
blessed relief!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took my diving mask and went under the stern and concluded
that there was no damage to the prop or rudder. Just then Graham showed up, quickly
recognizing that we were off the rocks and O.K., and we learned we were the 4<sup>th</sup>
or 5<sup>th</sup> boat to get hung up near D30 this year. We gave our sincere
appreciation to both Anthony and Graham, neither of whom would accept any cash
for their services. I started the engine, gave thanks for our safety, and continued
cautiously and sheepishly up the channel vowing never to miss another buoy. </div>
Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-40098415938227554842014-06-29T15:11:00.004-04:002022-04-21T13:56:50.343-04:00Day 286 - June 27, 2014: Anchorage in Sandy Bay<div class="MsoNormal">
It occurred to me overnight, that we had traversed from Port
Severn (the entrance to the Georgian Bay) to Perry Sound (about one third of
the way up the east side of the bay), had seen probably several thousand
islands, had observed hundreds of cottages and homes (many being the only ones on their islands), and had seen only one bridge! That bridge was just a mile or
so from <st1:placename w:st="on">Perry</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Sound</st1:placename>,
which is the largest city we will encounter on the east side of the <st1:place w:st="on">Georgian Bay</st1:place>. The significance of this is that everyone
in these homes must use a boat for access. Imagine that in rain or shine, warm
or cold, sunny or dark, if you need to go to work or get supplies or visit
friends, you are depending on your boat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also realized that most of these homeowners have no
neighbors. You can’t walk next door and borrow a cup of sugar or just chat if
you are lonely, and there is no one to assist you quickly in an emergency. Are
these owners by nature introverted or is there a social network in place
operating in the nearby small towns, restaurants and churches? Maybe they are
just trying to get away from it all? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Perry</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Sound</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
unlike the small channels we have been in the last few days, is 15 miles long, several
miles wide, and up to three hundred feet deep. We moved west through the bay
observing the many large markers and lighted beacons necessary for larger ships
using the port. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1l4-2_9kne3KO8W_LfiURb8VpuBQR3KgAUqUqp_SkTGjrr9h_hEVJfD8qCxxxGTrV3maSqtZJlNzUGZ9Sl0nbNODkCjmSJVhH6cyiS4m6DoZ8ghMprxmNFeIkLze9mbE6GFPilwdjpy-/s1600/IMG_9018+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1l4-2_9kne3KO8W_LfiURb8VpuBQR3KgAUqUqp_SkTGjrr9h_hEVJfD8qCxxxGTrV3maSqtZJlNzUGZ9Sl0nbNODkCjmSJVhH6cyiS4m6DoZ8ghMprxmNFeIkLze9mbE6GFPilwdjpy-/s1600/IMG_9018+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On shore lighted marker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0TlHlpW-patoHlaGZsYnUxIy7nzZIZL5aInF96v180BY0eF-3lkjfXopxgZSCzCtowyQ0kPIp_2kulfWiYnaCSDKtjqXgy2Ezi2jneomtJrWjZmEWXvjLiOU0-l3nrL0VJzb8yoOP-Z6/s1600/IMG_9020+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS0TlHlpW-patoHlaGZsYnUxIy7nzZIZL5aInF96v180BY0eF-3lkjfXopxgZSCzCtowyQ0kPIp_2kulfWiYnaCSDKtjqXgy2Ezi2jneomtJrWjZmEWXvjLiOU0-l3nrL0VJzb8yoOP-Z6/s1600/IMG_9020+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mid-channel lighted marker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we headed north again inside on the small ship channel,
there were more homes, all constructed with the challenge of having to be level on top of an uneven rocky substrate. They all try to make the best
of the available space, access to water and a view. I’m not sure why, but 95%
are stained or painted brown. Maybe it is to blend them into the landscape? There
is not much color to be seen.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRQzVaYpwFDeZewH99Vo9301ddMSWhozqn1DIUxjuFTcdC12YB40dYmMsSewFx3NAHP3grzLdc2IJKzCoTs99tQ7zL7ddNutiUDN2tH0sFCymBIGzLSX_FF2sFC-jwYhBzkR8UsusF9Fk/s1600/IMG_9026+A+.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgRQzVaYpwFDeZewH99Vo9301ddMSWhozqn1DIUxjuFTcdC12YB40dYmMsSewFx3NAHP3grzLdc2IJKzCoTs99tQ7zL7ddNutiUDN2tH0sFCymBIGzLSX_FF2sFC-jwYhBzkR8UsusF9Fk/s1600/IMG_9026+A+.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nestled on sloping rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YpbyQ_BttIe85ApCdpKbYIDc5zet5XOlwTAqUDeC4E592ddxKRTrh4dC4XzRfbiolTeiWpF2dn3_FMDl10sw91l_mU02AUwM6yU59D9sFWmwV-LxlzwEvJwCd63Ro1CquBECcrAAe-zV/s1600/IMG_9027+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YpbyQ_BttIe85ApCdpKbYIDc5zet5XOlwTAqUDeC4E592ddxKRTrh4dC4XzRfbiolTeiWpF2dn3_FMDl10sw91l_mU02AUwM6yU59D9sFWmwV-LxlzwEvJwCd63Ro1CquBECcrAAe-zV/s1600/IMG_9027+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Octagonal-shaped home with porches all around</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About 14 miles up, we elected to cruise out into the
Georgian Bay and return to the small ship channel at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Britt</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Inlet</st1:placename></st1:place>.
This is recommended since the channel in between these points is quite shallow,
windy, and thus takes much longer. As you exit, you pass the well known Point Au
Baril Station. This lighthouse stands on a point where years ago the locals had
placed a light on a barrel for sailors to see at night (hence the name.) As you reenter, you pass the Gereaux
Lighthouse with its attendant outbuilding. Our luck
continues with another day of glassy water.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pHROjoX1cufy2DvVMneRafKO7-zI5pfES2mkNB0IKXLzMhsi0mvkth2d8Jxr6tvaQGuwgekxVEyRNQ609sY7g-2EogQEnz3a0z7cNQ5cu-6HzSVgBIBqAUBErI_YCHeXfapT1MTIg-6C/s1600/IMG_9049+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pHROjoX1cufy2DvVMneRafKO7-zI5pfES2mkNB0IKXLzMhsi0mvkth2d8Jxr6tvaQGuwgekxVEyRNQ609sY7g-2EogQEnz3a0z7cNQ5cu-6HzSVgBIBqAUBErI_YCHeXfapT1MTIg-6C/s1600/IMG_9049+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Au Baril Station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4ntMaPYYzCoSZ2eVRhYpOobUFBb3xeS6dJxvbfc7DdqBWyFKfOtqLgjU-_SvmeoiabWqocIHYx5rlANB57n0rJDeSidkt9tvhhnct4TTMKnwa4Mi7kxf3KZ_yJdYnc47ftHntFuv4Vsn/s1600/IMG_9055+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4ntMaPYYzCoSZ2eVRhYpOobUFBb3xeS6dJxvbfc7DdqBWyFKfOtqLgjU-_SvmeoiabWqocIHYx5rlANB57n0rJDeSidkt9tvhhnct4TTMKnwa4Mi7kxf3KZ_yJdYnc47ftHntFuv4Vsn/s1600/IMG_9055+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gereaux Lighthouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoi6QY8PCsmQg2q5vpZaT10E-bIOUTqrR_4t1eF_akiwZXyq910nCpqYmGEXfUdrCK670Yu-xbesY0O2CooRYF_z0KqbpHeZDaVH_QZUF8iKShkvVE2ylxaJlYdF8RXtPoO7Yt6-O4ToJ/s1600/IMG_9029+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoi6QY8PCsmQg2q5vpZaT10E-bIOUTqrR_4t1eF_akiwZXyq910nCpqYmGEXfUdrCK670Yu-xbesY0O2CooRYF_z0KqbpHeZDaVH_QZUF8iKShkvVE2ylxaJlYdF8RXtPoO7Yt6-O4ToJ/s1600/IMG_9029+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wake in the glass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just north of Britt we entered <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sandy</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Bay</st1:placename></st1:place>,
a long narrow finger with great anchoring. We really are enjoying these
peaceful nature settings and quickly set the hook and relaxed up top reading
our books. The sunset began around 9:00 p.m. and lasted in technicolor till 10:30. We stayed up to for the entire time before retiring for the evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3KHJXR6l5OoWBNbdqmdiH_ROWMly1KR50-fdpoKp95EMRNkVdcSb-8Texll1Q8g0vaBrd_XX0T8xZxoGisi22CTAB9R0Oiu-eHtyBPQVu3HryaWt1JdBfO9p7Xb-WBKwHY8KhvC8QZsS/s1600/IMG_9062+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS3KHJXR6l5OoWBNbdqmdiH_ROWMly1KR50-fdpoKp95EMRNkVdcSb-8Texll1Q8g0vaBrd_XX0T8xZxoGisi22CTAB9R0Oiu-eHtyBPQVu3HryaWt1JdBfO9p7Xb-WBKwHY8KhvC8QZsS/s1600/IMG_9062+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anchorage in Sandy Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLcJzCA1KPzFKc3hizLxIMP9Sm_G6vrQWh3Q6RyzcEWK6YvMolTcRzuiqQrxhZfqAKVLgYHflKbMrH4Tq0lZViBhJ-LvyycuRlqRuKMKHFuzd5JCZ6ukBgmE_2edFpIJR26wHEwJbEHOE/s1600/IMG_9067+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLcJzCA1KPzFKc3hizLxIMP9Sm_G6vrQWh3Q6RyzcEWK6YvMolTcRzuiqQrxhZfqAKVLgYHflKbMrH4Tq0lZViBhJ-LvyycuRlqRuKMKHFuzd5JCZ6ukBgmE_2edFpIJR26wHEwJbEHOE/s1600/IMG_9067+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sunset to remember</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-30888733283528913062014-06-26T21:47:00.001-04:002022-04-21T11:28:38.865-04:00Day 285 - June 26, 2014: Echo Bay and on to Perry SoundEcho Bay is so special we just couldn't get up and leave. So we climbed up top and enjoyed the morning. It was very still, and we could hear a variety of birds singing and chirping in the distance. Occasionally, a faint breeze would swing the boat around presenting an entirely different view. At one point there was a turtle swimming head up off the stern, seemingly unaware of us. The sun warmed the air enough that I put my suit on and prepared to take a swim, but sticking my foot in the water changed my mind. I'll wait till next week.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYBkf5CZXzAcCaC0uQgDL7WzTE-bovSiEAoq4Bblory4OrHFP18UDC3lqLTNvHpXKlqDIzyaOMG65ClkOEX0q_4C2PooZPj1Vm7kGBF91RJEKxeqjAYKQCz_WdO1nDx6IWfez6CgkjRIv/s1600/IMG_8991+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCYBkf5CZXzAcCaC0uQgDL7WzTE-bovSiEAoq4Bblory4OrHFP18UDC3lqLTNvHpXKlqDIzyaOMG65ClkOEX0q_4C2PooZPj1Vm7kGBF91RJEKxeqjAYKQCz_WdO1nDx6IWfez6CgkjRIv/s1600/IMG_8991+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning stillness in Echo Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Reluctantly, after lunch, we started the engine and slipped out as quietly as we could so as not to disturb the other boaters. Our plan was to wind through the South Channel up to Perry Sound, named after the Arctic explorer Sir William Henry Perry, where we could get wifi for a night, do some minor provisioning, and get a more detailed plan for the next few days.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcZSLMi8ipc6Ob2LDxm_6OYE60NKmKd8TlnhiCdtYIGDgbnUqPGzqeYlAYVeqHRH6N21n5SE_PznyBqG1dubOcmncwrE2X9CRdZnlnKDHKIQqaV3epML4eiXYNSu3pH2ni9E7Pg_HW_s8/s1600/IMG_8994+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcZSLMi8ipc6Ob2LDxm_6OYE60NKmKd8TlnhiCdtYIGDgbnUqPGzqeYlAYVeqHRH6N21n5SE_PznyBqG1dubOcmncwrE2X9CRdZnlnKDHKIQqaV3epML4eiXYNSu3pH2ni9E7Pg_HW_s8/s1600/IMG_8994+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Channel to Perry Sound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzAFiZmbk1vnBi5SfzmBPWEdW0QdIDEk0IOQhBT37-FyXzFksLpX-NmpiIy27Qo3ov3BiehdviZLXqQCu768dC1awbbBaGHwrN-RExpdF0LCpT49tVJw-QvXJpKELRKghWVj0rBG73j2I/s1600/IMG_9014+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitzAFiZmbk1vnBi5SfzmBPWEdW0QdIDEk0IOQhBT37-FyXzFksLpX-NmpiIy27Qo3ov3BiehdviZLXqQCu768dC1awbbBaGHwrN-RExpdF0LCpT49tVJw-QvXJpKELRKghWVj0rBG73j2I/s1600/IMG_9014+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky point cottage high over the boat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The town, Perry Sound, is located on the eastern shore of the sound after which it is named, and we stopped at the Big Sound Marina. It was surprising that the marina was mostly empty of boaters given the upcoming weekend and Canada Day holiday next week. We rode the bikes along the sound for exercise and then stopped for a few groceries. We learned that the hockey legend Bobby Orr was born here, and we passed the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame located near the marina. This day had a great beginning, and we ended it watching the sun set while feeling the cool breezes over the bay.Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-56543688212993955482014-06-26T20:29:00.005-04:002022-05-09T14:09:29.963-04:00Day 284 - June 25, 2014: Anchorage in Echo Bay<div class="MsoNormal">
Before departing South Bay Cove Marina, we took a morning
walk around the grounds. They have done a lot of landscaping, creating eating
and entertainment areas, playgrounds, and a lookout point over the rocky water's edge. There is also a swimming beach (no Lake Michigan sandy beaches in sight so far in the <st1:place w:st="on">Georgian Bay)</st1:place>. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzxBj8g46LBmaxTc55tT3eUPbB5PEIXqtXLdXKQOO-czX1q1Gya-t9RAdO5w2Hg-Nd-ZxuRDQNrA-DaQul9tPfJ8NugB0m5gIpGqHNmjjsxtUQuctYruebA_B7vKDrGkzONIkvJSH77uz/s1600/IMG_8921+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzxBj8g46LBmaxTc55tT3eUPbB5PEIXqtXLdXKQOO-czX1q1Gya-t9RAdO5w2Hg-Nd-ZxuRDQNrA-DaQul9tPfJ8NugB0m5gIpGqHNmjjsxtUQuctYruebA_B7vKDrGkzONIkvJSH77uz/s1600/IMG_8921+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute wife, unusual bridge</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYx8nnufNrIRulThEhe2Ne6z0pMqwV19AvAJJb4EgBlj6IWsVJTC3MiuwK9UENrQk3M-FsSnhx-wqygAmrojp_A1cD6D7i5EReJUa_pdUcfrXQImbr5RPlFo_cZ9r2b_a-fyDi3hGJw1z/s1600/IMG_8924+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYx8nnufNrIRulThEhe2Ne6z0pMqwV19AvAJJb4EgBlj6IWsVJTC3MiuwK9UENrQk3M-FsSnhx-wqygAmrojp_A1cD6D7i5EReJUa_pdUcfrXQImbr5RPlFo_cZ9r2b_a-fyDi3hGJw1z/s1600/IMG_8924+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so sandy beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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A small cove, unmarked on the charts but referred to by
locals as “Hockey Stick” for its shape, had been suggested as a place we must
see. Since it was relatively close, we decided to make a side trip and have
lunch there on the hook. You can see Great Laker about to enter it on the chart
plotter, and we went in all the way down the "stick" and into the middle of the "blade." I dropped what I call “the lunch anchor,” which is my third backup. It
is a very small, light Danforth anchor, and it held nicely in the very low winds in what surprisingly
turned out to be a muddy bottom. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbWNSACmInBRDRvayIu-JqtHgY8J91uO0ZjigVZq-hfrhPUtJi-6YXN3Cc4r_1TWtajEJ8jEz5KEKKzPcqXxduPWNfrF29380UFHEIIA82jXOAv_YYWMJJVzJKgpZ4lnS7iqvmF_LTS2Y/s1600/IMG_8930+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYbWNSACmInBRDRvayIu-JqtHgY8J91uO0ZjigVZq-hfrhPUtJi-6YXN3Cc4r_1TWtajEJ8jEz5KEKKzPcqXxduPWNfrF29380UFHEIIA82jXOAv_YYWMJJVzJKgpZ4lnS7iqvmF_LTS2Y/s1600/IMG_8930+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chart plotter view of Hockey Stick Bay (to the upper right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ77kYaZyHY1CGPfhyphenhyphenFjbLzo0WiPL19TG43E71C-bj6i4oij2AgrNkXPF5XA0q2Vy9UwmTUelgefaJOw1D_p7UlI9KiHZumWRW52BRYwKbJFVw4shgGEJB7lqVrk8FeSLyRu5TSunFJtaz/s1600/IMG_8937+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ77kYaZyHY1CGPfhyphenhyphenFjbLzo0WiPL19TG43E71C-bj6i4oij2AgrNkXPF5XA0q2Vy9UwmTUelgefaJOw1D_p7UlI9KiHZumWRW52BRYwKbJFVw4shgGEJB7lqVrk8FeSLyRu5TSunFJtaz/s1600/IMG_8937+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tight turn to starboard to enter the "blade"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1LEmXKXNPTye-TGIJNZPDtZ27h55-koO32uZRb-h8eGV922K7vOyMu2olPU8BAhad-Ou40EHK6RjAN0atWf-vCkvRtZGz-cp7FvfIZ4_7sy-40WVCrv1WbJSD7ZFCJtGmzht-nNJZhH-/s1600/IMG_8939+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1LEmXKXNPTye-TGIJNZPDtZ27h55-koO32uZRb-h8eGV922K7vOyMu2olPU8BAhad-Ou40EHK6RjAN0atWf-vCkvRtZGz-cp7FvfIZ4_7sy-40WVCrv1WbJSD7ZFCJtGmzht-nNJZhH-/s1600/IMG_8939+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View off the side of the boat</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-j0YvRS6ZU0bnlVdhU7R2j-7wdvYAEmEsieEjWhmTrXh9FhYjHKTQ2m3rFdWM8L4e9fy5ilTMfUa49glZ6JmYANuoDPf1walEYvgUMqZdgoWwNPq4x9dRo1maCpprLOJ-IDRIZNppMDS/s1600/IMG_8952+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-j0YvRS6ZU0bnlVdhU7R2j-7wdvYAEmEsieEjWhmTrXh9FhYjHKTQ2m3rFdWM8L4e9fy5ilTMfUa49glZ6JmYANuoDPf1walEYvgUMqZdgoWwNPq4x9dRo1maCpprLOJ-IDRIZNppMDS/s1600/IMG_8952+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View off the bow to the end of the bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Moving on north, the channel winds between hundreds of
islands of all sizes, and in a couple of spots the channel is fully exposed to
the open <st1:place w:st="on">Georgian Bay</st1:place> waters. With Anne taking
a turn at piloting and doing a great job of keeping us safe, I was able to
spend time up top taking some pictures of the never-ending scenic beauty.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmQGsIlzW2w_ttTMUDFaC6Hili7vZgEWxwUgW7cCFKnpvnipjikeOgJ4QhiUX4-P7bdPoJLPoWI6b_2WzIkPAuqj9S503k984yF3u5HHPGhdqGCJ7PPlrKk6xSNhm6HslOqqZ3ZPnbUWx/s1600/IMG_8967+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmQGsIlzW2w_ttTMUDFaC6Hili7vZgEWxwUgW7cCFKnpvnipjikeOgJ4QhiUX4-P7bdPoJLPoWI6b_2WzIkPAuqj9S503k984yF3u5HHPGhdqGCJ7PPlrKk6xSNhm6HslOqqZ3ZPnbUWx/s1600/IMG_8967+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View off the top of one of the 30,000 islands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuePAxOywBBHHK2WZ99MSQ95pi19C89KszETr7S6X3egLfdo0R_HJAJKhoMDaE6CM9HuXcLUcGWbUdWiHz2Hb00ziqgOD64HhyphenhyphenFvcHY_L3X1MXM-i7RAKNpZ-BpVz55y7ntj-MZwi4v7P/s1600/IMG_8975+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuePAxOywBBHHK2WZ99MSQ95pi19C89KszETr7S6X3egLfdo0R_HJAJKhoMDaE6CM9HuXcLUcGWbUdWiHz2Hb00ziqgOD64HhyphenhyphenFvcHY_L3X1MXM-i7RAKNpZ-BpVz55y7ntj-MZwi4v7P/s1600/IMG_8975+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unusual colored rocks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Another recommendation by both locals and the guide books is
to anchor overnight in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Echo</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Bay</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It has a very narrow
entrance and opens up into a small round bay where we joined four other boats which were nicely spaced for privacy. Here we dropped the main claw anchor, but with virtually
no wind it will not be much of a test. These pictures in the overcast do not do justice to this bay. Maybe more tomorrow? </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTKqFu5zXsF3RaEvqy-y_EzbKtEhVDRJVR-9faRtFCP0TqtXIhIed2As8cJAObUTJeAaScoQNFZZALMg22a5Yq6OGKxtoxfa6GeVyMB-DSpqJY6gdeI0gDsnvO_gI9KAHDK5g3fFkAY5s/s1600/IMG_8982+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTKqFu5zXsF3RaEvqy-y_EzbKtEhVDRJVR-9faRtFCP0TqtXIhIed2As8cJAObUTJeAaScoQNFZZALMg22a5Yq6OGKxtoxfa6GeVyMB-DSpqJY6gdeI0gDsnvO_gI9KAHDK5g3fFkAY5s/s1600/IMG_8982+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Echo Bay - be cautious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRDPT0yEdfeDmZsFIO-7qW28MSTZduxCSvaDqSU1AIw0HVypjBJKrVSr4r3dMnT26NFUeqEU_9EqliqvZhPOQILxCocNPG2dOqU-bLL9WLYZ-NC_U4QFB-gtFwy2XqJZhAjvjsfsIrTVb/s1600/IMG_8983+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRDPT0yEdfeDmZsFIO-7qW28MSTZduxCSvaDqSU1AIw0HVypjBJKrVSr4r3dMnT26NFUeqEU_9EqliqvZhPOQILxCocNPG2dOqU-bLL9WLYZ-NC_U4QFB-gtFwy2XqJZhAjvjsfsIrTVb/s1600/IMG_8983+A.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of three other lucky boaters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a change, we dropped the dinghy and went about two miles
back to what is billed as “The World Famous Henry’s Restaurant.” It is the only
one for many miles around and serves <st1:place w:st="on">Great Lakes</st1:place>
fish. This was the first opportunity to take the dinghy out since restarting our
trip, and going eighteen mph instead of eight mph was quite exciting. The food was just OK. </div>
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Anne captured Great Laker using her phone camera as we came back. The American Tug fits into this environment so well. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR8SCAD11IMlmnVjuE-KrFrAtq-cOxD_OE3XublCLNmPDvGoD4jDsiZvwpIV1eLIvftf24tNxOEWSA_4vgTSBKMesOWpJhg6heVAZLFvWFtobX63jQKdcfZTFSN3EaFOmC9_PPtmkNH-p/s1600/IMG_20140625_201647_304+A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyR8SCAD11IMlmnVjuE-KrFrAtq-cOxD_OE3XublCLNmPDvGoD4jDsiZvwpIV1eLIvftf24tNxOEWSA_4vgTSBKMesOWpJhg6heVAZLFvWFtobX63jQKdcfZTFSN3EaFOmC9_PPtmkNH-p/s1600/IMG_20140625_201647_304+A.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Laker on the hook in Echo Bay</td></tr>
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Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-62241682799288609422014-06-24T20:06:00.002-04:002022-04-21T11:19:36.559-04:00Day 283 - June 24, 2014: South Bay Cove MarinaIt rained hard overnight, which actually makes for good sleeping, and has continued on and off this morning. It was a good time to clean the interior of the boat, including all teak, vinyl, floors, and windows. This will help get rid of the pollen, which is reported to be the worst in many years. It is like yellow dust covering every surface, and Anne has been getting a strong reaction to it.<br />
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The marina is mostly full of permanent boats, and they are mainly large fast cruisers with open salon/cockpits. The boats are virtually deserted as school is not yet out, and it is mid-week. The services here are extensive as they have modern floating docks, good wifi, trash pickup and pumpouts at your boat, take you to and from the laundry building in a golf cart, and provide newspapers on the weekend. The restaurant has 22 planned weekend events including theme dinners and entertainment for boaters from May through September, and the gift shop has a large assortment of creative and unique gifts from around Canada.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7ppdG4pLsak5VgDpt_pR0Fe2bvmrtWBz3EJBM02vEnrFOOpf6pdfIk3bNtPUVJwCEzCSRBoz94BOhtR3g5apeRfmAKan1EmMOvbGrK8qPYtKmDm_dRLDeiGr1f2rJMM3FFyAauwB4wzr/s1600/IMG_8914+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf7ppdG4pLsak5VgDpt_pR0Fe2bvmrtWBz3EJBM02vEnrFOOpf6pdfIk3bNtPUVJwCEzCSRBoz94BOhtR3g5apeRfmAKan1EmMOvbGrK8qPYtKmDm_dRLDeiGr1f2rJMM3FFyAauwB4wzr/s1600/IMG_8914+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our dock at the South Bay Cove Marina</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PEfHFrVKbeq3MRH_mwt35ze9kLTiEIdFnYHo3d0J98RVaZz_KfvFxX6EX6Ukn8kbRNgLrb_qiq85-u3KEmHWbqGeBWLZ7uyZjNFWWd64_UQuDRLxTV1r4172xn4mN6OH1TAy8BuqJO0x/s1600/IMG_8920+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PEfHFrVKbeq3MRH_mwt35ze9kLTiEIdFnYHo3d0J98RVaZz_KfvFxX6EX6Ukn8kbRNgLrb_qiq85-u3KEmHWbqGeBWLZ7uyZjNFWWd64_UQuDRLxTV1r4172xn4mN6OH1TAy8BuqJO0x/s1600/IMG_8920+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two Sedan Cruisers</td></tr>
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I walked the docks to see what kinds of anchors are in use. They are mainly claws or plows (both of which are named after their looks) and an occasional Rockna.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr6afY0umronbmO6crZt-b6WzslFJZqfVmPeJ-PpSrvyzH1L7nWT7VHQg86tB8Ab5pGHCyrPKYQT3oj1NYPdHzfDhA7e1d_xqIXKtTWt6EGmbIn4LSJMPRV5cUth3TgOQXJ2Xl_fhnw5S/s1600/IMG_8916+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUr6afY0umronbmO6crZt-b6WzslFJZqfVmPeJ-PpSrvyzH1L7nWT7VHQg86tB8Ab5pGHCyrPKYQT3oj1NYPdHzfDhA7e1d_xqIXKtTWt6EGmbIn4LSJMPRV5cUth3TgOQXJ2Xl_fhnw5S/s1600/IMG_8916+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claw Anchor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL-5lPe42qBcORdLdkGOPBoOesc8HPgY8YvOpaS3XwdlAW0LamGJZAO4nYkoPID3M5bOGQKd4AfOEHn-fz-sQhURcu-wJ7jBAg5ou97JSI5HmSAroPmipOOMx-mAa_eULgeAo6EKJmOg-/s1600/IMG_8917+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYL-5lPe42qBcORdLdkGOPBoOesc8HPgY8YvOpaS3XwdlAW0LamGJZAO4nYkoPID3M5bOGQKd4AfOEHn-fz-sQhURcu-wJ7jBAg5ou97JSI5HmSAroPmipOOMx-mAa_eULgeAo6EKJmOg-/s1600/IMG_8917+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plow Anchor</td></tr>
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There are many types of anchors and endless debates in the boating forums over which are best. It seems to me that none are best overall, but some are better in certain types of bottoms than others. The anchors needed for grass, mud, sand or rocks are quite different, and I am interested to see how our claw will hold on these rocky bottoms. If it doesn't, I have two backups, of course!Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5554286702655678358.post-17031526929702432372014-06-23T22:13:00.002-04:002022-04-21T11:18:00.929-04:00Day 282 - June 23, 2013: The Big Chute to Honey Harbor on the Georgian Bay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We awoke and were second in line for The Big Chute railway lift. This gave us a chance to learn more about how it works and reduced our anxiety (but not our excitement).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUMkfvL0iMj9w6TOcbPCa_lewLaaI10bBdzj9p_eaLz60HLOBfukcuiIdFW9Tnx_nM1W2eT5OgVOom3-jh_hzqeDY_HaTPONXY2f4WOihddnf6XfvZDzTQqNDlgKVgGAN518v4lFbjlLc/s1600/IMG_8817+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUMkfvL0iMj9w6TOcbPCa_lewLaaI10bBdzj9p_eaLz60HLOBfukcuiIdFW9Tnx_nM1W2eT5OgVOom3-jh_hzqeDY_HaTPONXY2f4WOihddnf6XfvZDzTQqNDlgKVgGAN518v4lFbjlLc/s1600/IMG_8817+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boat ahead of us moving into the carriage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lifted up by the slings</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Underway up over the road</td></tr>
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Then it was our turn, and I expect that this will make the highlight reel in our documentary!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuXdlNWD60vHWkOn8ckHGeAT8Z4QN09IVoq9LDXzcRuC4lFc6vcV-bXZjoC5t3dNy5i4lgKu0iB-b0r8ZL7WurTblf89GVXXfXCEE2KgAyYHBzALNjkPN_efo4KNqfFqYReVD5kHVMJp3/s1600/IMG_8832+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuXdlNWD60vHWkOn8ckHGeAT8Z4QN09IVoq9LDXzcRuC4lFc6vcV-bXZjoC5t3dNy5i4lgKu0iB-b0r8ZL7WurTblf89GVXXfXCEE2KgAyYHBzALNjkPN_efo4KNqfFqYReVD5kHVMJp3/s1600/IMG_8832+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtjJlGoBt5VUclVJEWLEGlqg1dwt5umARu8DUq6GlIfLEmDUH0H9b0FfAf0q1N7PFy9jUJSMpl-WVKiiVM_Odzm9rvHTV3_QfNYTq8HUAiIe1OAcOfdaW4YYKW4wbACBALIP7z-zsyUc3/s1600/IMG_8838+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtjJlGoBt5VUclVJEWLEGlqg1dwt5umARu8DUq6GlIfLEmDUH0H9b0FfAf0q1N7PFy9jUJSMpl-WVKiiVM_Odzm9rvHTV3_QfNYTq8HUAiIe1OAcOfdaW4YYKW4wbACBALIP7z-zsyUc3/s1600/IMG_8838+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the sling</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over the top and about to start down</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nVtajKgjXhfsaQDjdxpBnOlH6I1_wpvhCcbh-dj_dCNKEwWgdFQt1DFHaXgZ7HR0aRO0FlhhRv4QikgyhqX7_VCdskOcA6_YhKoRe62gMXL4IsDVkDZUL2mOkNjcwbdhAh5UNnoYraCl/s1600/IMG_8850+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nVtajKgjXhfsaQDjdxpBnOlH6I1_wpvhCcbh-dj_dCNKEwWgdFQt1DFHaXgZ7HR0aRO0FlhhRv4QikgyhqX7_VCdskOcA6_YhKoRe62gMXL4IsDVkDZUL2mOkNjcwbdhAh5UNnoYraCl/s1600/IMG_8850+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne holding on with some apprehension</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near the bottom and almost back into the water</td></tr>
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After passing through lock 45, we celebrated having <b>NO</b> more locks to deal with on this trip. Not that they weren't interesting, historical, and challenging, but we have passed through 51 locks in the last 17 days, and 147 locks in total on this Great Loop trip. It is time for a break.<br />
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Today starts another new chapter in our trip, The Georgian Bay, which is a part of Lake Huron and located entirely in Ontario. Many loopers list this area as some of the best cruising on the loop. It is 120 miles long and 50 miles wide and was formed by glaciers as a part of the Canadian Shield. There are tens of thousands of islands here, but most are on the east side and known as "Thirty Thousand Islands." Cruising here requires full attention to charts, location of buoys, and depths at all times. Moving just a few feet off a marked channel here can tear up the boat bottom on the rocks and severely damage running gear. Clearly, we plan to be especially alert.<br />
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After leaving Port Severn, our route started by taking the small boat channel known as "Potato Cut," named after an opening near Potato Island which has two 90-degree turns separated by a narrow rocky channel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq42Jwh9tlpXkiZOsyZedGoGYmwSIGh-fTFmrlH0JlzIU9q4gR5R_t2QamOVWRpObe3Y2xSTxl3DgokQ12a-us4k6xmELzoFDgbKTKD-fp85aJOkjQ21TyeQ5sBNB9IW7n0f50t3kgWFfm/s1600/IMG_8895+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq42Jwh9tlpXkiZOsyZedGoGYmwSIGh-fTFmrlH0JlzIU9q4gR5R_t2QamOVWRpObe3Y2xSTxl3DgokQ12a-us4k6xmELzoFDgbKTKD-fp85aJOkjQ21TyeQ5sBNB9IW7n0f50t3kgWFfm/s1600/IMG_8895+A.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical view ahead</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_qKcJbzc7YcKNNxleO-jcDxOMDsvVXb1RqVNVBaI_HKctl5yN2W4bko56FCabH0wF1YZd9nusprw9y1a1O83OZWh7Kq-5WtVYOevUlxSGAKg9LJiLyziCVO2on57YAwahO7M-jxoYwYE/s1600/IMG_8903+A.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_qKcJbzc7YcKNNxleO-jcDxOMDsvVXb1RqVNVBaI_HKctl5yN2W4bko56FCabH0wF1YZd9nusprw9y1a1O83OZWh7Kq-5WtVYOevUlxSGAKg9LJiLyziCVO2on57YAwahO7M-jxoYwYE/s1600/IMG_8903+A.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mounds of granite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlTgEHwAPCeIWlgkqY6vNMzpdaIU_Ch81XB6A6dQOrLhO6VdTNTOcpJfnBDm5-a5LtSk7Lqda20sI0THYnyK94G1J1_cnFjL_wxu_YRltdMxMejA4K4Pj2a1Rx55SQtrLBYXNVvZEsAAH/s1600/IMG_8910+A.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlTgEHwAPCeIWlgkqY6vNMzpdaIU_Ch81XB6A6dQOrLhO6VdTNTOcpJfnBDm5-a5LtSk7Lqda20sI0THYnyK94G1J1_cnFjL_wxu_YRltdMxMejA4K4Pj2a1Rx55SQtrLBYXNVvZEsAAH/s1600/IMG_8910+A.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edge of a narrow channel revealing interesting pink granite</td></tr>
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Then we worked our way into Honey Harbour and stayed at the South Bay Cove Marina, one of the nicest we have seen on the entire trip. We sought shelter since rain is forecast for the night.Larryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02997139312600411987noreply@blogger.com0