Saturday - June 11

  Another pretty day.   As we walked down the dock, the big group of boaters here for the weekend  (docktails and appetizers last night) had put out quite the spread for breakfast - all kinds of bagels and muffins (toaster plugged in) + eggs, etc.    They invited us to join them....   Tempting, but we walked on up the hill to The Island Grind for coffee and a sandwich (grinder) for Mark and lemon/cherry coffee cake for me – all delicious!    We left around 10 and did a pump out and then were on our way leaving Middle Bass once again, but hope to be back sometime this summer.

Yummy coffee place on Middle Bass Island (MBI)
This is at the Lonz Winery where people can sit and enjoy their coffee overlooking Lake Erie
We sat on the patio with our breakfast
Bye bye to Middle Bass.....we'll be back!

We had just a short 13.6 miles to Pelee Island, Ontario.    Great day to be on the water and in the distance, many, many fishermen.   We are at Scudder’s Marina, the only place to come by boat to Pelee.    We already had our slip # 47, so with the help of 4 young people (2 boys and 2 girls) plus the dockmaster, we were quickly tied up and ready to clear customs.  

This ferry takes passengers and vehicles from Pelee Island to Leamington
We are here!

A few days ago, Mark used the "ArriveCan" which uploads passport #’s, vaccination info, boat documentation, etc., so when we arrived, the dockmaster said it should be an easy check-in.   However, all that previous info Mark had given was strictly for Covid department and computer does not transfer for custom check-in - 2 totally separate computer systems???    So after waiting awhile on the phone, finally talked to someone giving this guy all the same info +++ our alcohol amount, got a cruising permit #(displayed in Catrina's window) and we were good to go.    Checked in at office for our 1-2 night stay (depends on the weather), got a map of the island and decided to walk to lunch (bakery or Dog and Goat Restaurant which has only been open 1 week – formerly “The Anchor”.)

We set off on foot down the road past homes/cottages, the elementary school and along the water which was an absolutely gorgeous color (are we in the Caribbean)???) and 1.25 miles later, we arrived at the Dog and Goat (Bakery was across the road). 

This picture doesn't really do justice to the actual oh-so-beautiful color
Outside this home, selling Pelee Island T-shirts, hats, and other souvenirs in their driveway

Picnic tables with umbrellas on the deck is about the extent of where to sit with minimal seating indoors, but outside is where we wanted to be.    Small menu but decided to split a burger and onion rings.    There was a group at a nearby table having lunch before going to a wedding at 3.   They were excited and of course, commented on the gorgeous day – the father of the bride was among that group. 

Along the 1.25 mile trip back to Catrina, I had a nice chat with a lady outside her home.    I had stopped to take a picture of her pretty peonies and she mentioned she and her husband had sold their home to their son and family.    It had been a B ‘n B for 22 years and now officially retiring and she really wanted to take her flowers with her when they move.   "The kids just don't appreciate them"!   

Pretty peonies against that gorgeous water

Mark took a nap when we returned to Catrina and I read and played some Solitaire.  We had some fruit and cookies for a late afternoon snack discussing our change in plans.    We do not have internet here at Scudder’s, rain is in the forecast for tomorrow, no church tomorrow (a tiny Catholic church that has 1 Mass and that’s on Thursday evening at 6:30 “every other week”)……so, we decided to leave Pelee Island and head to Leamington – 15 miles north.  The lake was very calm and at 6:07, I was backing out of our slip while Mark put away electrical cords, lines and fenders.  

Nice dockhand helped us into our slip at Leamington Municipal, we got settled, checked into the office and back to Catrina for some wine (me) and scotch (the Captain)!  

Back in 2008, we were on Pelee Island and Leamington on Sail Catrina.    Lots of good memories.  Hopefully we can return to Pelee and check out the winery (5 miles away from the marina) and other parts of the island.   But we are happy to be in Leamington for a few days.   One of the things I will always remember about this town is their phenomenal flowers – more on that tomorrow.    For now, we are tired – nothing like hitting 2 ports in one day, settling in and then moving on again!!!    But we are "connected" and that makes us very happy boaters!!!   😀

Till tomorrow...

Happy to display the Canadian maple leaf flag on Catrina!




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