Day 286 - June 27, 2014: Anchorage in Sandy Bay

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 Perry Sound, which is the largest city we will encounter on the east side of the Georgian Bay. 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.

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?

Perry Sound Bay, 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.

On shore lighted marker

Mid-channel lighted marker

 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.

Nestled on sloping rocks

Octagonal-shaped home with porches all around

About 14 miles up, we elected to cruise out into the Georgian Bay and return to the small ship channel at Britt Inlet. 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.

Point Au Baril Station

Gereaux Lighthouse

Our wake in the glass

Just north of Britt we entered Sandy Bay, 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.

Anchorage in Sandy Bay

A sunset to remember