Sunday August 1: Byng Inlet

Well, we didn't make it to Byng Inlet yesterday but stopped instead at Bayfield Inlet (which is really where we were headed as it was 43 miles and far enough for a day). Before we left Parry Sound, Steve had to make one more trip to the store on his bike. Never mind that he had spent 1 1/4 hours in the same store the day before when we had a car. Or that he spent an hour in the store at Orillia on the way back from Buffalo. I could not lift his backpack - it's just crazy what he can put in that thing! The small craft channel north from Parry Sound winds through some very interesting places - including the channel below which appears to go nowhere. There is actually a very narrow (as in 1 boat at at time) channel to the left in this picture. Steve's preferred work time is when we are moving as it is overcast and gives him a perfect time to tape and recoat the railings. This is when he isn't helping me find the buoys!

After a nice sunset, it was up early with an egg in the hole for breakfast and on our way out of Bayfield Inlet. The guidebooks said we needed a smooth lake for the next 10 miles (about an hour and 20 minutes for us) as the channel was open to the full length of Lake Huron. For once the wind was minimal and actually at our backs most of the way. Very interesting run - I was happy the sun wasn't out as you can see to a depth of 10 feet and many of the rocks we went over were VERY visible with sunlight but not so much with an overcast sky. It's just unnerving even knowing we have plenty of depth under our keel. See if you can find the buoy in the picture below - you will have to blow it up - as this is what we look for to stay in the relatively narrow channel. Imagine trying to find these buoys in 3 foot waves! Innovative person that he is, Steve found the perfect solution to the charts blowing everywhere. I was using the binoculars to hold them down but of course every time Steve picked them up to look for buoys, the charts blew around. This is the best use of crescent wrenches ever! Tonight we are staying at St. Amant's Marina in Byng Inlet which has a restaurant - and opens at 8 for breakfast. We're definitely in! Next two nights will be spent at anchor and then we will travel to the beginning of the north channel: Killarney. Update in a few days .....