Our Summer Cruise 2015

Aug 3

 

Randy, Bob, Jan, Kim, Bob Judy, Fran and Stephen

We all gathered on STB this morning for coffee and blueberry scones while listening to the Cruisers Net broadcast before Bob and Kim left Thomas. Unfortunately, Bob clipped Randy's anchor ball (a rubber duck) and the line to the anchor became detached. it was easily retrieved by Randy with his wet suit on as it was only about 8' deep.

A little later, Randy was calling on the VHF radio for help and we found him struggling to get his wet suit off as he couldn't reach the velcro neck strap! A simple fix when someone else is around but impossible otherwise.

 

No Randy Is Not Praying on the Swim Platform, LOL

 

The Narrow Entrance to Thomas Bay

 

The Three Amigos in a Line

 

The Fourth Amigo A Little Distance Away

Aug 4

I'm the Birthday boy today but still had to wipe the boat down before a quick three mile trip to Killarney to fill up with water and get a pump out. Should have been very quick but the dock was backlogged and they only have one water hose. Most boats take anywhereup to 30 minutes to fill their water tanks so we spent the best part of 4 hours there. Still it gave us chance to grocery shop for the Amigos while we waited.

We made it back in time for the Birthday Party on our boat and we invited another couple over as it was close to his birthday as well. Each bought some goodies so we had a complete meal and a candle for me.

The Party

 

My Birthday Sunset - Not Too Bad!

 

Aug 5

Up early today and had the boat wiped befor the Cruisers Net broadcast - no coffee and blueberry scones today!

Fran Doing Her Bit of Herb Gardening on the Swim Platform

 

Randy Departing

Today, Randy left us to begin his solo trip south to meet up with his wife, Audrey, at the south end of Georgian Bay and then head home via the Trent-Severn Canal and lake Ontario. He was hoping to hook up with another boat or two heading south to keep him company. So long until next year!

Dry weather today but much cooler, but we decided to pack a lunch and head to the Park again to finish the hike across the rocks that we cut short the other day.

 

Bob Finding Something Funny About the Plaque

Plenty of Layers Today

All Waving to Stephen

A Taste of Fall Along the Trail

 

The End of the Trail Overlooking Georgian Bay

 

Drones Have Even Made it To Thomas Bay

 

Aug 6

Still a bit cooler today but sunny. Had a relaxing day with some success fishing. I say "some" because I caught a very large pike just as I was about to give up for the afternoon. Big enough I was afraid my net would not be big enough. Stephen and Fran were fishing nearby and I called them over to help. Stephen gaffed the fish and offered to lend me his stringer as it was much better (stronger than mine?). I carefully made my way back to Thomas Bay and went to show the fish to Bob and I pulled up an empty stringer! The pike had broken the hook open on the stringer and escaped :( I didn't even get to phoograph it :(

Tonight we had a big fish fry on the rocks with catches contributed by the others. We compensated with making the salad and bringing fresh-baked bread.

 

 

 

The Main Course - Pike and Bass

 

Aug 7

Today bid farewell to Thomas Bay after a nine great days here. "Tug'N" and "Wings" were heading for Little Current to re-provision and pump out while we just went to the 3 miles to Killaney for the night and stayed on the George Island side of the channel with good views of the marina and channel. You have to get a shuttle ride on a pontoon boat to get across but it's a minor inconvenience to have more open air and the view. We did the usual marina chores, washing, food shopping - the Killarney "supermarket was surprisingly well stocked with fresh local produce and a decent selection of fruit.

Views Across the Channel From George Island

 

The Killarney Jail

 

The Garden at the Killarney Mountain Lodge is Still as Good as Ever

The Last Remnant of the Old Killarney Fishing Fleet

Not long after we arrived, "Dream Girl," a 35' Kadey Krogen Manatee, arrived in the slip next to us.( We had met them in Thomas Bay and they are doing the Loop). We chatted with them for a while and invited them over to STB for hors d'oevres later when we shared the best places to go in the North Channel and Lake Michigan. Subsequently, we kept up with their blog and they had a great time over the next two weeks in the NC.

We were hoping to spend the evening at the Killarney Mountain Lodge but the entertainment was only Sun - Thurs now :(

Aug 8

Up early to get water at the fuel dock befor leaving for McGregor Bay to meet up with "Tug'N" and "Wings".

Left for McGregor Bay, 2 pike

Aug 9 Sun