June 30 - We left Manitowaning at 9:25 on a perfectly calm morning with sunny skies. Mark exercised; we had pancakes and bacon and cruised 27 miles to beautiful Baie Fine (Bay Finn) which lies between 2 fingers of quartzite bluff. It is very picturesque and we anchored out just before the 2-mile jaunt to the “Pool” which is one of the North Channel’s ultimate cruising destinations. After settling in and Mark putting out a stern anchor, we had lunch, put on our hiking gear and took Tigger (dinghy) to the “Pool”. We’ve anchored here before but have since read that it’s sometimes hard to hold an anchor cause of the soft mud and grass. Apparently that is the case as there was only 1 boat there (used to be very crowded).
Beautiful quartzite cliffs
Tiny little cottage in such a pretty setting
We tied Tigger up on shore and took off to find Topaz Lake (we were last here in 2003). The books say it’s a 20-minute hike, but we look the long route? Anyway, huffin’ and puffin’ as we kept climbing higher and walking over boulders, rocks, thru heavily wooded forest, etc., we came upon this gorgeous lake only accessible by foot. Sat on some big boulders soaking up all this beauty as way down below, swimmers were enjoying the cool water.
Topaz Lake
As we were making our descent, we came upon 8 young men who were traipsing up the hills with all their gear to spend the night (4 were carrying canoes and the rest, all their other stuff). I cannot imagine, but we know these guys had “youth” on their side and were obviously very physically fit! IMPRESSIVE!
Onward ho....
I exercised late afternoon in the warm sunshine on Catrina’s deck! Was hoping to see a bear or deer come down to the water (which our neighbors had seen), but didn’t happen!
Some of you asked about clearing customs. We did that by phone as we were entering Canada. We have NEXUS cards which allow us to phone (they have us in their system) and then after answering many questions, we are given a number which we place in the windows on both the port and starboard sides. Once you actually step foot on Canadian soil you must clear customs (NEXUS cards prevent the waiting and interview and sometimes search process). So, our first port was Gore Bay, but since we were given our numbers over the phone, we didn’t need to do any other check in.
Wednesday, when we were buying our ice cream at Van’s in Manitowaning, the shop had a few groceries. Mark loves Lay potato chips (just the plain ole plain ole). Along with the bar-b-que, sour cream and onion, plain, etc., they had “ketchup”…..the chips are a reddish color and the lady told us they are only a Canada thing! So, we bought a small bag and had some with lunch that day – not too bad!!! Must not have passed the taste test to sell in the states?
Had bar-b-que chicken on the grill – just a spectacular, calm evening – us and nature (well, there are 3 other boats in the area) One of our neighbors had been out fishing in his dinghy and came over with some fresh caught Pike (all cleaned and filleted and enough for 2 meals!) What a nice treat from these Michigan folks.
July 1 – Oh Canada It’s Canada Day and celebration of their independence. We’ve been flying the Canadian flag since arriving last Monday.
The Maple Leaf - Flag of Canada
We left Baie Fine around 8:30 and cruised to Killarney (27 miles). Stopped at Mountain Lodge where we got fuel, pump-put and enjoyed fish ‘n chips from Herbert Fisheries for lunch. This place (in an old red school bus) has been a tradition for years – can’t imagine being in Killarney and not eating here!
Great fish 'n chips
We left Killarney at 12:20…heading to Georgian Bay!
Starting our entrance to Pointe au Baril
We have arrived at Desmasdons Boatworks on Pointe au Baril and what a happening place. Although a tiny village in Georgian Bay, this marina is home to many small boats and tonight they are coming and going….folks are stocking their boats with family, friends, food, clothes and other stuff and then off to their cottages for a fun holiday weekend!
I’m sitting outside the marina in a nice comfy Adirondack chair with my laptop catching up after 2 days of no internet. Mark is changing oil in the engines and just better for me to be outta there!
The dockhands are a bunch of young guys and gals and so efficient….they promised fireworks off the dock for Canada Day later tonight – we should have ringside seats!
Wishing you all a happy, safe, fun 4th of July weekend!
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