Archive for » 2009 «

July 02nd, 2009 | Author:

1littlecurrent400We arrived yesterday to be part of the Canada Day Celebration.

There us docking along the wall of the town as well as in floating slips.

litcur5400litcurtown400litcurtown3400Although the weather was once again “iffy” the locals were having a great day. There was lots of fishing from the docks and swimming. Brrrrr!

lccday400

There were 2 good country western bands that played off and on from 4 to 9. We could hear them from the boat, but after dinner Kelley and I went to the main street to watch them.
Our own celebration came when we were returning to our boat earlier and we ran into Kent and Donna of Scout out of San Francisco.

scout4400We had met them on the Trent Severn last year. It was great to have ‘tails with them and discuss where we have been and where we are going. They are heading east and we are heading west. But, we hope to meet again, perhaps in Chicago.

Must run. It is raining lightly and we want to get to the store. I am glad that we are staying here today.

Tomorrow the winds are to come up but we should be fine.
Happy Fourth to all of you at home.

Category: Cruising, Ontario  | Comments off
June 29th, 2009 | Author:

We decided to go to Gore Bay, about 32 miles from Meldrum Bay. There is a marina there and we had heard that the town was charming. Rain escorted us there. Dark clouds followed. But, being good travelers, the rain stopped when it came time to get out the lines and the fenders. Once we were secure, more rain followed.goreentrance400

The Harbor is on the large size for this area, I think, but as we have heard since starting this trip, it is slow, slower than last year. There is concern in the area.1gorebay400

2gorehome400

I wish that I could have taken pictures of the shoreline as we were coming here. There are beaches, but the huge trees come almost to the shore. Multiple greens dance in the wind; blues change depending on what they rest on. And when the sun is out, oh, my gosh; it is breathe taking.lodge400

We walked through town and then took a long walk up a street that took us to Gordon Township – really just a street with houses and cabins on it. It was a great walk and only a few sprinkles. It is so beautiful here. We are enjoying the days – rain and all.

Cute tiny cottages:

5goreice4006goreice400I know, they are ice fishing huts. I will learn the correct name. We had seen them before and I thought that they were like littleboat houses, and then someone mentioed ice fishing. The people here ride their snowmobiles to Gore Harbor and beyond in the winter – on the lake! Amazing.

It is Tuesday morning and we are preparing to leave for Clapperton Island. There are 2 possible anchorages there. We want the Harbor onr because there will be more protection from the north wind that is suppose to come sometime today, as it brings more rain and possible T-storms.

Did I mention that it rained last night? But, then I like the rain. I think that my California boy is missing the sun. (He does put his shorts on every morning and wear his flip flops! Gotta love him!)

Category: North Channel, Ontario  | Comments off
June 29th, 2009 | Author:

We left after completing housekeeping jobs. We thought that we would go to Pilots Cove (Kelley thought I was calling it Pirates Cove – sounds like a play to me?). So, we motor on – rain and then we hear thunder. We watch as the storm passes us to the right. Finally we reach the spot that we had chosen. 2pilotcove400

Poor Kel. I thought his blood pressure would rise as he looked at the narrow entrance. We couldn’t get a picture of it as we were a little busy focusing on getting through, but it was about 20 feet! But, we made it in. We anchored and judged the swing. Would we would hit the rocks or have the props dredge up dead heads? Finally the decision was made to journey on….sign

We went on to Meldrum Bay, Ontario, Canada. Kelley called to clear customs. Because it was late we decided to stay in the marina. This place is tiny.meldrumhomeWe needed to dock near the marina office because that was the only place that 50 amps.

innagainThere is an Inn there where they serve breakfast (continental), lunch and dinner. It turns out the chef is from California. But, even the offer of free Internet couldn’t intice us to the restaurant.

Look at the darling doll house that sits next to the Inn:

innI have seen other homes with copies of their house done. I don’t think a replica of our home would be as cute.

Great meal of barbecued shrimp and pasta. And what will tomorrow bring?

And “Good Morning, Kelley.” Remember the housekeeping I spoke about in Harbor Island? Well the boat was covered in bugs. Big, ugly bugs that live about 24 hours and smell when they are dead and wet. Remember all the rain? Well, this was on the deck when Kelley got up:bugsSo, after Kelley eashed down the boat again, off we went to Gore Bay. Bye Meldrum Bay.leavingmel

Category: Cruising, North Channel, Ontario  | Comments off
June 28th, 2009 | Author:

We went a whole 7 miles to Harbor Island. It is a wonderful natural harbor and we should be protected from most winds. There is a storm coming through (of course). The sky is blue and it is warm.
We have spent the day reading. We will have a gourmet dinner tonight. Last night at the restaurant we ordered a rib dinner to go. No cooking for me tonight. It is my birthday! Kelley had a card for me this morning. Aw, how sweet.

Sunday Morning Update: storm came through after midnight and it was a wet and windy one. The anchor held. This morning Kelley went out and had to sweep up 1,000′s of these bugs that only live 24 hours. They smell when they get wet. I’ll upload pictures when we have better Internet.
The sun is out now and no storm is expected, just wind, which will come from different directions as the day progresses.
Cheers

Category: Cruising, Michigan  | Comments off