Gore Bay, Ontario (including Kagawong, Ontario)

Absolutely perfect flat seas and mild winds made for a great day to head west along the North Channel! What started out as an idea to only go as far as Little Current which became, "Let's go to Kagawong for a stop and, then if conditions are still perfect, carry onward to Gore Bay!" Score!
We traveled a total of 51.5 NM today in total. After 36 NM we stopped at Kagawong and enjoyed the beautiful St. John the Evangelist church. We then hiked to Bridal Veil Falls and loved that path! Of course, the Manitoulin Chocolate Shop was a must for Charlie, to stimulate their economy.  We then sailed on to Gore Bay and are docked at Gore Bay Marina, Gore Bay, Ontario.

Chilly morning temps were in the 60's so Garmin snuggled up and slept!

Haven't had to think about locks or bridges for over a week! Today was one swing bridge, Goat Island, which only opened on the hour.

Partridge Island Lighthouse

Clean clear water in the North Channel

Approaching the Strawberry Island Lighthouse

Strawberry Island Lighthouse

Approaching Village of Kagawong

Garmin atop a granite Mill Stone at Kagawong Lighthouse, built in 1892

Wish my father was alive to explain these orange rocks.  Perhaps my nephews, Andre and Corey can enlighten me?! (Geologists of the family tree!)

Garmin sitting upon the historic Mill Stones

Below are photos of the Historic St. John's the Evangelist Church: "Hope As An Anchor"

Hebrews 6: 19

Known as "The Sailor's Church", built approx. 120 years ago.

This lovely church is adorned in nautical items reflecting it's mission statement.

Boat Bow Pulpit

Fellowship hall set with porcelain tea service

Fellowship Hall is adorned with nautical lace curtains

Garmin hiking the path to Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Killarney, Ontario - Day 2

Enjoyed the beautiful scenery and cool temps here in this village.  Sampled some of the local beverages and foods.  And we have found the #1 Best Butter Tarts in all of the world here at a local ice cream/bait and tackle shop!!!

Another nice Ontario wine we enjoyed this past week.

Who knew?! Excited to try this tomorrow!

Local berries?! We'll give it a try!

Nice wine from Niagara area we enjoyed this past week.

Pecan and Plain Butter Tarts!!! HEAVEN!

Killarney, Ontario

A slight decrease in winds today so we lifted the anchor and headed north and traveled 57 NM. Once outside the islands in the main bay seas were 3 - 6 feet for the first hour.  Fortunately we were traveling into the wind so we were not rolling side to side.  We arrived at Sportsman's Inn & Marina, Killarney, Ontario and are docked next to 3 other Loopers.  We walked to Herbert's Fish N Chips and ate a late lunch then had a butter tart next door.

 Point Au Baril Lighthouse

Red Rock Lighthouse

Look at the color of this water!!!

Hopewell Bay, Ontario, Days 1 - 4

August 4, 2015

Hopewell Bay, Ontario - Georgian Bay

Winds are still too strong to head north as we are needing to go outside the islands into the main bay. Another day relaxing and exploring islands. 

August 3, 2015

Hopewell Bay, Ontario – Georgian Bay

We had a break in the rain and winds this morning so we took advantage of dinking around to ‘Garmin’s Island’ before the next band of storms rolled in this afternoon.  Forecast is calling for storms the next two days with very strong winds so we are staying in this small bay until fair weather on Wednesday.  The sounds of the Loon’s flying near us are amazing!

August 2, 2015

Hopewell Bay, Ontario – Georgian Bay

Another night “on-the-hook” as storms rolled in and stayed.  Winds were high, plenty of lightning and anchor holding great.  Boat was rocking, which rocked us to a very sound sleep.  We had very few breaks to dinghy to ‘Garmin’s Island’ for his free time.  We are finally receiving weather information via marine radio.  We are enjoying this ‘down-time’ and catching up on our rest. 

August 1, 2015

Hopewell Bay, Ontario – Georgian Bay

We traveled 33.3 NM today and are anchored at Hopewell Bay.  We started the morning off wearing shorts and T-shirts.  As we traveled north we added sweatshirts, then parka’s, hats, and socks! Nice cool temps in the 60’s for the first day of August! High’s expected today in the lower 70’s!

Special thanks to Michael for giving us the info to go off the dotted line to cut across an area which saved time as the water was plenty deep! We’ve dinked to several islands around us and Garmin seems to have claimed his favorite, aka, ‘Garmin’s Island’.  Sunset was the largest moon rise we’ve ever seen! Epic!  The moon was a big as the sun as it rose over the trees! Photos won’t do it justice.

Loon's

Snug Harbor Lighthouse

Cell Tower incognito as a Giant Pine Tree

Garmin's Island

G-Man brought back a bit of his Island

Garmin waits patiently for me to wake up and come up to the Salon each morning!