Thursday, July 21
It was a maintenance day today in Orillia. Gigi had chewed up the arms to Rusty's glasses and we found an optometrist who fixed them up for $5. A run to the local butcher shop filled our freezer and Rusty and I worked on things like cleaning the strainers, replacing a burned out fuse, and topping fluids levels, ready for our early morning departure on Friday.
Friday, July 22
Today we went over the Big Chute lock. The boats float over straps that then lift the boats out of the water. The boats are then lowered (in our case) gently as if on a railway track heading down to the lower section of water. Anchored out tonight near a group of islands that looked like they would provide some protection. We are getting better at finding spots to anchor.
Saturday, July 23
We met up with James, Jen & Courtney in Port Severn, which marked the end of the Trent-Severn Waterway. As the lockmaster said, "we are the only show in town". We all headed back in the Waterway, anchored for lunch and a bit of swimming. Weather was perfect. James then accompanied us through Lock 45 at Port Severn and onto Midland, Ontario, where we met Jen and Courtney who had driven there. We were treated to a nice birthday dinner and then it was time to say goodbye again.
On our way to Midland we travelled down a narrow passage into Georgian Bay. To our horror we encountered a high speed boat coming straight at us. Only at the last minute did he turn but across our bow. There are idiots on the water.
Midland town docks are not well protected and we bounced around quite a bit.
Sunday, July 24
A quiet day in Midland. We moved to the inner basin at the town docks.
Monday, July 25
Enterprise had a car and off I went to Hamilton to see my Mom. We had a lovely visit. Rusty stayed at the boat and had some quality father/daughter time with Gigi. It was 2.25 hr. on the return trip from Hamilton to Midland.
Tuesday, July 26
High winds prevented us from leaving the dock and going to Penetanguishene for our AGLCA rendezvous. It would be our 4th night in Midland. About 4 pm there was a knock on the door. The coordinator for the rendezvous offered to pick us up for the evening wine and cheese to be held at the local museum in Penetanguishine. By road the two towns are 4.5 miles apart, by water they are 1.5 hours apart.
The museum and docent were excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed learning something of the history of that region.
Wednesday, July 27
An early morning departure brought us to Beacon Bay Marina in Penetanguishene by 9 am. We were in time for the charting session. While we had charts for Georgian Bay there are so many options for side trips and anchorages. The charting session was invaluable for getting insider information. That evening Beacon Bay hosted a BBQ for the AGLCA members.
During the day Rusty, Gigi and I went biking along the waterfront paths, stopping for lunch, and picking up some supplies at the great supermarket in town.
Thursday, July 28
It was a short but beautiful run to Frying Pan Bay on Beausoleil Island. We travelled past Honey Harbor through some narrow channels, slowly. The anchorage was beautiful and we took advantage of the dinghy ramp to do some easy hiking.
That evening we took Gigi to shore and as I was approaching the dinghy I slipped on a wet rock. Nasty little head gash that Rusty doctored up with hydrogen peroxide and gauze bandages. Determined that my crocs do not have enough of a tread.
Friday, July 29
It had rained during the night and by morning it was still overcast. We did a 3 hour run today and anchored in Indian Harbor. A number of other boats were rafted together and then tied to shore. They seem to like it. Guess it helps to be young and not mind others being so close. Rusty dinghed Gigi over to her own rock to do her business. I'm coping with ibuprophen.
Saturday, July 30
As we pulled anchor we noticed the screw had fallen out of the anchor roller. This was the Civic holiday weekend in Canada. Our focus was to find a place to get it fixed and finally found a place in Parry Sound called Sound Marina. The mechanic installed bolts, nut screws and permanent Lock-tight. Cost: $20. What good news and what a relief.
We stayed at the Parry Sound town docks and found ourselves docked next to Gemini. That evening we had a wonderful dinner at Kudos Kuisine, located across from the docks.
Sunday, July 31st
We left Parry Sound around noon and as we got underway the weather reports indicated squalls were expected so we headed for Killbear Marina instead of Hopewell Bay. Killbear Marina is for people who like to "chill out". There is nothing to do but relax. No wifi. No laundry. No trails. But there is a wonderful (reportedly) German restaurant on site. Next time.
The weather did not turn and we suspect that the weather folks were trying to drum up some business for the marinas.
Monday, August lst
A nice run to the anchorage in Hopewell Bay today. Rusty caught a fish which we had for dinner. There were some wind gusts to 20 mph in the evening.
Tuesday, August 2nd
Wednesday, August 3rd
We woke up to fog and increasing wind. We were protected and we were alone so we had plenty of swing room. By noon the weather let up and we were on our way to the Bustard Islands. It was so beautiful. Lots of cozy inlets and places to explore. Gigi had her own rock island to run off the lease. She fell in the water at one point but swam to shore so we were very proud of how she handled herself.
Thursday, August 4th
We travelled to Devil Door Rapid for the morning and went blueberry picking followed by a dinghy ride near the rapids. Kids were body surfing and others braver than us dinghied up the rapid and back down again. Lovely setting and we would have stayed. Well, we almost did.
The engine would not start when we were ready to leave. How could the engine not start? Rusty pulled out the manuals and turned to the troubleshooting section. We went down the list of what could be wrong and eliminated them one by one, periodically trying to start the engine, and meeting with no success. Rusty got out the voltmeter and he did some fuse testing and still everything seemed ok. We were in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone coverage. We had enough food to last a few more days. And there was a suggestion that we dinghy around to the other boats to see if there were any mechanics aboard.
After an hour Rusty looked at me from the place down under and asked if I would try turning on the engine. So I went over and turned the key and pressed the "start" button. The engine turned on. I looked at Rusty and he had a very happy look on his face. "I was pressing the "stop" button" he said. Now in case anyone should be wondering - don't - my darling has been pressing the correct button for the last four months. We kind of sank into each others arms with relief.
We ended up at the Mill Lake anchorage around 6 pm. Lovely, lovely place.
Friday to Sunday, August 5-7
We arrived in Killarney by noon on Friday. The scenery was spectacular along the way.
Laundry, fish and chips, reprovisioning, hooking up to wifi was the order of the days. A lovely service at the small Catholic church in Kilarney on Sat. afternoon with an informal inclusive communion policy. So here we are, ready to go, and it has started to rain. What to do??
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