Fri. 7/27

After a final check of what to take on Puffin or leave on the truck, Glenn washed, parked and covered the truck next to the trailer at the Bay Moorings Marina in Pentanguishene. We departed the marina with some trepidation as cruising the 30,000 islands in Georgian Bay requires careful navigation through many red and green buoys. Any shortcuts or missed marks could spell trouble as there are many rocks lurking below the surface. Using the highly recommended strip charts, we navigated our way from buoy to buoy, checking the numbers on each one to verify our position. Our two hour journey brought us to Bone Island where we anchored in only ten feet of water (many of the anchorages seem to have shallow depths) and stern tied to shore. The islands are low lying with many beautiful rock formations covered with a mixed forest. The "big difference" here compared to the Northwest is the water is warm and fresh! As a result, the swimming is marvelous and makes showering on board unnecessary. While we were swimming off of our stern swim platform, a couple anchored near us, came over and offered to take our garbage as they were "high-speeding it" back to the marina with their dinghy. When they returned, they gifted us with fresh-smoked trout that they purchased in town. "Wow", we thought, these people are so friendly and generous. Later that night, in fact, late into the night, our boating neighbors, along with 3 other boats that rafted with them, partied hardy! "Hmm", we thought, might their generosity have been a peace-offering in advance. We later met them at another anchorage and joked about their partying. At any rate, we have been enjoying their smoked fish during our afternoon wine & snack routine.

Sunday 7/29
We departed Bone Island Sunday morning with fair weather and light winds for what we thought would be our next anchorage; however, upon setting anchor and having lunch in Indian Harbor, we decided the thoroughfare traffic parading pass the anchored boats would not make for a pleasant stay. Upon consulting our cruising guide and strip charts, we decided on what would turn out to be a wonderful anchorage with crystal clear water at O'Donnell Provincial Nature Reserve. Along with more swimming, we dinghied along the shoreline enjoying the sights.

Monday 7/30

Monday morning began with more cruising along the small-craft route until we had to decide upon the two routes to Parry Sound. (The BIG difference cruising here in the 30,000 islands and the Northwest is the rather defined routes. If you opt to not follow the "Yellow Brick Road", you are truly gunkholing, otherwise "STAY BETWEEN THE LINES.") One route skirts along the west side of Parry Island, the other is described as a 12-mile long, narrow, picturesque channel through cottage country. By the way, many of these islands are dotted with summer cottages (some hardcore winter inhabitants stay for the duration). Except for the occasional inconsiderate "yahoo" smoking by at 20 knots, the picturesque channel was just that. Entering Parry Sound, we went through our first swing bridge which to our luck , just opened on its hourly swing when we arrived. As the other "Vern" would say, "Better to be lucky than good!" At Parry Sound, we fueled and emptied Puffin's holding tank. The boat next to us took on over $700.00 in fuel for 123 miles travelled; we, on the other hand, happily paid $40.00 for 70 miles. They, however, got their holding tank pumped for "free" while we had to pay $20.00. Man! Seems like a lot to get rid of your shit! Oh well, that's the price of clean water! In Parry Sound we caught up with the AGLCA group flotilla. We had an opportunity to join the group flotilla from Penetanguishene which would cruise selected areas of the 30,000 island of Georgian Bay; however, having installed a new engine, we didn't want to push Puffin at a constant 7 knot speed to keep up, so we opted to cruise on our own. It was great seeing and socializing with the flotilla group at a wine & cheese social, having been invited by the cruise director to join in the fun, and fun it was as the wine flowed in volumes. Staying at a marina in town also gave us the opportunity to do laundry and provision.

Tuesday, 7/31

During our AGLCA Rendezvous, we met two very helpful, local Looper women who gave us invaluable insider information on routes and anchorages. Our plans were to meet at Parry Sound, but they were delayed due to mechanical issues, so we decided to anchor nearby to contact them by radio (VHF) at their arrival. Our anchorage at Blind Bay was very private as we were the only boat at the head of the bay. After swimming and a long dinghy cruise along the shores of Blind Bay, Glenn started barbequing steaks, when he heard faint distant thunder and approaching dark clouds. Being prudent, we battened down the hatches and sure enough, before the steaks were done, the skies opened up. Glenn dashed in and out of the torrent and when the steaks were done, we enjoyed our dinner in the cozy and dry quarters of Puffin.

Wednesday, 8/1

After a breakfast of pancakes chock full of local blueberries and a refreshing morning dip, we headed out for our next adventure. On our way out of Parry Sound, we crossed paths with Catnip Too, owned by those two helpful local Looper women, and we all agreed to meet later at Regatta Bay, another small beautiful and well-protected anchorage. We are surrounded here by awesome rock formations and evergreen trees. More afternoon wine, cheese and smoked fish, was followed by more swimming and another barbeque. Oh man! LIFE IS GRAND!!!

Thursday, 8/2

So far so good is the state of the systems onboard Puffin. The newly installed diesel engine has been a joy to run. Very smooth, very quiet, no smoke. (Thanks so much to my friend Bill Colson for his unwavering support.) The Espar diesel hydronic heater has provided us with domestic hot water with only a 10 minute run time. It too will provide much needed cabin heat as fall approaches. Our new larger sink makes dishwashing easier and the propane cooktop has been convenient. We especially appreciate the his and hers hanging lockers; it sure beats living out of duffel bags. We have also been pleased with the dinghy davit-no more towing. Today we had our first raft up with our friends, Mary Lou and Joan aboard Catnip Too who joined us at Regatta Bay. We shared a delicious dinner of steaks and corn on the cob. We were captivated by their stories about their trama on the Erie Canal. They were trapped last year between locks during a massive storm which subsequently flooded, raising the water level big time. They had to be evacuated and their boat was damaged by flotsom. One of the boats was actually in the locks and when it overflowed, it was raised over the lock gates and came crashing down on the lower side. These gals have earned the BaccaLOOPerate degree for having circumnavigated the Loop.

Friday, 8/3

This morning we hauled anchor and departed for a bay along Shawanaga Inlet which leads to the resort area of Point au Baril, derived from the days when a barrel with a lantern on top was placed at the harbor entrance. Our stay here was in part to await calmer winds and seas before rounding the exposed points of Nares Point and Hangdog Reef.

Saturday, 8/4

Weather somewhat cooperating, the crews of Puffin and Catnip Too headed out past the charming Point au Baril Lighthouse, navigating our way thru the sometime hairpin turns of the buoys to avoid the numerous hidden rocks of Hangdog Reef. Upon entering the beautiful but countless rock strewn mini- islands of hangdog channel, we were once again protected from the open waters of Georgian Bay. That shortlived odyssey led us to a rock and roll 10 mile trek along the exposed trecherous shoreline until once again entering the calm of Byng Inlet. Up the inlet, we made our way up to Britt staying at Wright's Marina, taking on fuel (33.8L @ 74 nm.), dealing with the usual chores and enjoying the amenities of a marina.

Sunday, 8/5

In boating, you can make plans, but you can't always meet them. So it goes this morning as after a short 1 1/2 hr cruise, we opted to dodge into Sandy's inlet as the winds already at 15 to 18 knots were predicted to increase and our current destination of Bustards Islands would have exposed us to the swells and winds of Georgian Bay. After setting anchor and having lunch, we both had siestas. Our usual swim was followed by a dinghy visit from Mary Lou and Joan who treated us to delicious snacks and entertaining conversation. That evening, we had a bouncing anchorage as the winds and swells shifted from the west.

Monday, 8/6

We contacted Catnip Too at around 7:30 am and decided to hang out here as the strong winds and swells continued . The day was leisurely spent reading, swimming and fixing simple meals as the boat was a rockin. We both commented on our changing state of mind as our days are filled with very little stress and the lack of the often depressing news media. We have not read, or seen any news since our departure from Washington. Around 11:30 pm, the wind finally abated, making for a restful night's sleep.

Tuesday, 8/7

With the wind diminished, we departed for Bustards Island, making our way thru the very narrow passage of Roger's Gut( Pretty much one boat at a time). We really like the Bustards as we are anchored in a well protected cove and there are a lot of places to explore with our dinghy. Royce fixed namasu and steamed vegetables and I barbequed shishkbobs. Yum!

Wednesday, 8/8

We hauled anchor early as our next destination was around an 8 hr journey. This route included a unique 12 mile protected river like route through Collins Inlet as well as a 10 mile bumpy stretch in the open waters of Georgian Bay. The day was long, but we were treated to the quaint harbor of Killarney, located in a narrow channel. After securing our berth at the Sportsman Lodge Marina, we all enjoyed the world famous Mr. Perch fish and chips. A stop at the fuel dock revealed Puffin's fuel consumption at 26 liters for 11 hrs.