Friday, July 2: Time to Move On

Canada Day celebrations are just a lot of fun! We try to fit in but didn't even think to wear red and white! The day started with a parade that went right by the marina as it ended up in Couchiching Park with lots of activities for kids and parents. Lots and lots of people around. Leading the parade were the bagpipes - I love to hear them! One time we were here we happened to hit the competition that brings many "teams" to Orillia to compete every year. We are here too early for that but still were able to enjoy the marchers. We also saw horses, old cars, recycle bins and of course Elvis made an appearance as well - on a pontoon boat no less!

Just like the Loudonville Fair, one of the best things about Canada Day celebrations is the food! We ended up with sausage sandwiches loaded with the toppings! Did I mention it has been really cool at night? We were on the flybrige waiting for the fireworks to begin and the turtleneck lived up to it's name in warmth - and the fireworks were GREAT! We'll miss being in the states for the 4th but this is almost as good. Funny that until 1960, Canada didn't have a national flag nor a national anthem. There was great pride in Canada hosting the G20 summit in Toronto and the papers have been full of coveage of the Queen's visit.

Today was a good project day as Steve finished the upper helm wheel - complete with polished bronze in the center. I finally spent time putting in a thru deck faucet for a deck hose. It's fresh water so when the anchor is pulled up, it's easier to get the mud and, eventually, salt water rinsed off. Third project was to rewaterproof the canvas - ran out of stuff though so Steve can make a hardware run tomorrow for another quart.

Lots of fun but it is definitely time to move on. We have been here for 8 days - longer than we have stayed anywhere except at East 55th St. We almost are becoming regulars at the breakfast places around so that is for sure a definite sign :-)

We'll stop at Big Chief for a while (nice anchorage with great sand bottom and clear water ---- and about 150 other boats tomorrow!) and then continue heading toward Georgian Bay to the north/west.