The North Channel; August 4 - 6, 2011

Link to last anchorage in Ontario via Google Maps

At this point, we are the furthest north the great loop will take us.

The North Channel: 120 mile strip of water along the north shore of
Lake Huron in Canada. It's 1 to 20 miles wide with some small islands.

Going into our first anchorage in the North Channel

Rain + Fog = Day off

Rock shortage in the North Channel - just ask these birds

Looking for the red triangle - still keeping red on the right

Open water on the west end of the channel

Quiet water in the mornings

Relaxing not having to watch for rocks

Lots of different paths through the channel -
We loved the solitude, but missed net connection!

Great anchorage and swimming hole

The bridge at Little Current is a converted railroad bridge used as
one lane transportation between the islands.
It opens on schedule - once per hour

While waiting for the bridge to open,
Skipper saw the biggest fly he ever saw!

Swing bridge opens for exactly 15 minutes - don't be late

Not much movement at anchor 

In case you don't know which way to go

26 degrees today - not going to miss Celsius!

Water temp was 68 - getting cooler, but it felt great

!au revoir! Canada.
Thanks for your hospitality!

Off the Georgian Bay; August 2, 2011

Link to anchorage off the Georgian Bay via Google Maps

Leaving the Bustards Islands to head for Killarny.
The weather and trip was wonderful.
We loved the Georgian Bay and will be back... didn't get a t-shirt!

Anchored off the channel - anxious to start the North Channel 

Georgian Bay - Bustards Islands; August 1, 2011

Link to anchorage in the Bustards Islands via Google Maps

We poked our nose out into the bay this morning intending to go all the way to Killarney, but after 3 miles we turned back. The wind was hitting us directly on the bow making for an uncomfortable ride and greatly reduced speed. We turned back and took the small craft route from Byng Inlet to Bustards Islands. We were glad we did! The scenery was beautiful. The water was wide open in most places and the rocks were smooth without many trees. Houses were few and far between as was traffic.

The water was cloudy and the underwater rocks were hard to see.

Anchorage was tight between the narrow islands

The open waters of Georgian Bay; July 31, 2011

Link to anchorage in Georgian Bay via Google Maps

Point Au Baril to Byng Inlet

We left the small craft channel and traveled in open Georgian Bay.
It was quite a change from yesterday as just a few boats were seen in the distance.
The water was calm which made for a peaceful passage.

Last day for the small craft channel; July 30, 2011

Link to anchorage in Georgian Bay via Google Maps

This anchorage is at the top of the list.
It is in a small secluded cove way off the map.
Getting into it included a lookout on the bow and some holding-your-breath moments
as we glided over gigantic rocks, but it was worth it.

Today's travel continued in the small craft channel of the Georgian Bay.

The water was more open and the islands were larger.  

Bigger island with a single house.

Don't want to wash these windows!

Occasionally you see both a Canadian and USA flag together.

They are still called cottages, but look big enough to be a house

Starting to see cottages close together

This is "Civic Holiday" in Ontario. 

It's a long weekend celebrating the first Monday in August and everyone was out to have fun!

Who has the right-of-way?

Think someone told them to go fly a kite?

Prepare the cannons

Didn't even see 'em coming

Beautiful day for boating

Off to a great start

Site of the original barrel denoting safe passage through turbulent waters.
Just past this marker is a channel that takes you into the open waters of
Georgian Bay. We will experience that tomorrow.