Olden days

In the olden days (about 25 years ago) it was possible to take a boat through this gap into the bay beyond.  Michael used to take his 26ft Bayliner through here without any difficulty at all.

Seven or eight years ago the tree fell, making this bay accessible only to dinghies.  Now, with the water levels as low as they are, we were lucky to get our small boat through without hitting the rocky bottom.

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Three Finger Bay

Today we moved further into the park, to a place called Three Finger Bay.

It's a pretty run, but care must be taken to avoid areas where rocks lay in wait for unwary boaters.  Helpful cottagers often mark these rocks with bottle floats.  In one season a few years ago, at least half a dozen boats from our marina damaged their props on these rocks lying just under the surface.

We arrived without mishap, and again, we had the whole place to ourselves, with our pick of anchorages.  We headed for a small beach, next to a narrow cut through to another bay.  We thought there was a sign posted indicating no fires allowed, which was fine with us.

Michael set the anchor perfectly, and began to back towards the beach to set a stern anchor.  As we got closer, I was able to actually read the sign, which in fact said 'No Anchoring'.  Trust us to pick the only place in the whole bay!!

So we upped anchor, and slowly cruised to our second choice based on the projected winds.  Again, we set the anchor, and waited to make sure everything was OK. The wind gusts were not coming from the direction they should have been, according to the weather reports, and we were soon beginning to drift around the anchor in entirely the wrong direction.

So we upped anchor again, and headed for a large, shallow area where we could anchor and swing all the way around and not hit anything.  It was such a rough day, Michael decided we should go to Henry's for supper, and I quickly agreed!

It was a dark and stormy night.....

Actually, it was a lovely evening, bright and sunny, but still with a cool wind.  We had been joined earlier in the day by Heart Tug (Randy and Audrey from Cambridge, ON) and Frederica Lady (Charlie and EJ from Georgia).  Both boats are heading for the North Channel, and have ended up travelling together after meeting in the Trent Severn Waterway.  They arrived in Echo Bay, set their anchors and headed out to Henry's for lunch.  On the way, they stopped by to say hello to us, and invite us over for drinks that evening.

We headed over around 5pm, looking forward to hearing of their travels north.  EJ offered us a Dark and Stormy - something I had heard of but never tasted.  After hearing it's made of dark rum, ginger beer and lime, I quickly agreed, as did Michael. I think I've found my new favourite drink.

It was a late dinner for us that evening, and we were up fairly early the next morning to wave goodbye to our new friends as they continue their travels.

Michael and I then went on a tour in the runabout.  As you can see, the wind is still very cold!

But another beautiful evening brought our neighbourhood loon back.  This time, I got the pictures to prove it!

Is it summer yet?

Once again, it's been ages since my last post, but quite honestly there hasn't been much to write about.

It's been a long slow start to summer.  Despite the calendar showing us well into June, the weather has yet to indicate the arrival of summer.  It's been often cool and wet, with the occasional sunny day thrown in, and boating activity here on Georgian Bay has been sparse. Most folks are either staying home, or staying in the marina where they can plug in to run heating.

Every Saturday at the marina is hot dog day, courtesy of Doug.  He supplies the dogs and buns, bring your own beer.

We have taken a number of short trips in the runabout to familiarize ourselves with changing water levels, and have finally ventured out for a few days in the Massassauga Park.  This is a provincial park encompassing 13,000 hectares of Georgian Bay shoreline, and is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

Twelve Mile Bay

O'Donnell Point (where Twelve Mile Bay meets Georgian Bay)

One of our favourite spots is Echo Bay, which right now we have all to ourselves. We are visited each evening by a beautiful loon, who heralds the sunset with his (her?) mournful calls.

Last week we went to Henry's Fish Restaurant for lunch with a bunch of friends from the marina.  Great pickerel and perch, but you have to try the Georgian Bay Shrimp (actually deep fried smelts).....delicious.


Today we went to one of our favourite restaurants out here...Craganmore's. They have the best wings on the water!  Being a Monday afternoon, it was pretty quiet, but that didn't stop us having a terrific lunch with a couple of Stella's to wash it all down.