Monday morning and it was finally time
to leave Midland. Supplies replenished, laundry done and the winds
had finally moved on. As we talked with other boaters traveling, it
made us even more glad we had decided to wait out the weather in
Midland. One couple who was at Frying Pan Bay (our destination) said
even though they were tied to the dock, they put their anchor out as
the dock was being pulled around by the boats.
The waters constantly remind us to be
very cautious navigating even though the channels are very well
buoyed. The ripple of waves highlights the rocks that are just at the
surface – lying in wait to grab the unsuspecting boater! Which by
the way was almost me :-( I'm just following along with the buoys
(instead of checking the chart or GPS) and suddenly realize I am on
the WRONG side of a green buoy – yikes!!! The channel was sort of
an 'S' and I was making like it was straight. Fortunately I saw it in
time to pull back and SLOWLY make my way back to the channel. I'm
still trying to figure out how this was Steve's fault …. perhaps he
was talking to me and distracted me??
We passed through Honey Harbor. Mom and
Dad always talked about being here which I think must have been when
they traveled through (and stopped here) on the way to the French
River in the 40's and 50's. Anyway, it is probably quite different
now – boats everywhere, hotels and campgrounds on the water. The
general store is still there although we didn't stop. Maybe on the
way back.
Arrived at Frying Pan Bay shortly after
noon and were able to tie to one of the park docks. Since the fees
are covered by the mooring pass for the Trent, there is no cost for
us to stay. Nice! We ran into 'Joy Ride' again. First met them in
Fenelon Falls, then again in Orillia and now here in Georgian bay.
Nice couple from NY just out traveling. They are thinking of doing
the loop but maybe in a smaller boat (theirs is 40 feet).
The rocks you see in the picture above
is about where we tied our boats one of the times we came to Georgian
Bay with my parents. This is when they had the Starcraft Chieftian and
we had the Rienell. Lots of work to pull up on shore – no wonder
they weren't ever real keen on doing that!
Steve tried out his new little float.
It's kid sized but seems to work ok! Plus it has a viewing window so
you can see through the water. He said it was just ok ….. what do
you want for 5 bucks?
Again, a perfect place for grilling.
The picnic tables are right on the dock and our boat provided the
shade. Can't remember what we had but I'm sure it was good :-)
Tuesday we were on the move again. The
trees on this island are typical of the Georgian Bay area. Growing
the direction the winds typically blow. The day was overcast with
some rain expected throughout the day. We were sorry to not have the
sun out as we traveled as this is also a very pretty area in which to
cruise.
Rocks everywhere! Hence the buoys which
are VERY close together in many of the tight turns. It's a fun place
as long as the wind isn't blowing you out of the channel or it isn't
raining or foggy :-)
We ended up anchoring in a very protect
bay after traveling about 22 miles. Kayaking was in order as it's a
great place with lots of nooks and crannies. We were there with about
8 other boats for the night.
And what a small world. When we entered
the anchorage, we saw a trawler (with the blue canvas – behind the
boat in front) by the name of 'Mach Turtle'.We know this boat! We
first met the owners in Buckhorn Lock in 2006. At the time after we
got to talking, we found out this is the man from Barrie that tried
to buy 'Yesterday's Dream' when it was for sale in 2005 on Lake Erie!
After the deal was finalized, the seller (Bob) said a guy from Barrie
had looked at the boat and wanted to buy it also. He ended up finding
'Mach Turtle' on Georgian Bay in late 2005 instead. It's a Marine
Trader but very similar to our Albin. We both ended up happy!
Wednesday: A beautiful sunrise (not
that I saw it :-)) before we were about ready to head out –
destination: an anchorage near Perry Sound as the weather is supposed
to turn with thunderstorms, wind and rain. But first Steve wanted to
go out and kayak again. We had seen a number of frogs yesterday but
unfortunately I neglected to take the camera.
They were still out!! Who every has
really seen a frog sitting on a lilly pad??
We passed Henry's Fish Restaurant at
San Souci on the way north. This is the place my Day HAD to stop at.
In fact, we planned the trip to Perry Sound so that we would be here
at lunch time! Mmmm.. we are tending the same way.... makes me
nervous :-) But it was too early in the day so we'll plan on Henry's
for lunch on the way back.
Headed to Parry Sound …... so far
we've traveled almost 500 miles in Guppy. From New York to just south of
Port Severn. Not sure when we'll turn back.
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