Penetang to Killarney - Georgian Bay

We enjoyed our few days at Bay Moorings Marina in Penetang with 20+ other Looper Boats. A time to revisit with some folks we met in Charleston in April as well as some folks we met somewhere along the waterway. We also met a few Loopers we had not seen. Good time visiting and learning about the journey from here to the North Channel.
The trip from Port Severn at the end of the Trent Severn waterway to Killarney at the top of the Georgian Bay is 168 miles as measured through the small craft channel and offers the opportunity to see every type of scenery without having to cross a large open body of water. The most striking feature of the Bay is its topography – land both above and below the water consists of granite with a very thin soil cover. The entire inner route is dotted with small granite islands – most with small cottages that are only accessible by water. Most of these “one cottage islands” have no facilities (with the exception of a gas powered generator ) and the locals use these for vacation and/or rental property. The area is referred to as the 30,000 islands but in reality should be called the 100,000 islands. There are so many destinations in the Georgian Bay that you are forced to be very selective in the destination you chose to visit.
We departed Penetag on Thursday morning in a steady rain traveling with Ron and Marjie on “Meander” and John and Dottie aboard “Dar Sea”. We met “Meander” in Kingston and have traveled with them on and off for the last 3 or 4 weeks but just met “Dar Sea” in Penetag. Most of the trip on Thursday was in the rain – but no wind – and we stopped at Henry’s Fish Restaurant on Frying Pan Island for a late lunch of fish and chips before anchoring in Echo Bay a few miles from Henry’s. The narrow channel into Echo Bay is lined with granite rocks and shallow water. As we made our final turn into the protected bay, we were really surprised to see 23 other boats – all local – anchored in the small bay. On the advice of a local boater that was anchored, we rafted our 3 boats together, dropped 2 anchors, and tied the stern to the granite rocks on the shore. We dropped the dingy, explored the area, picked wild blueberries, and had appetizers aboard “Meander”. A great first night in the Georgian Bay in spite of the rain.
The trip on Friday from Echo Bay to Parry Sound was once again through narrow, rocky channels that are clearly marked with channel markers. Stay in the channel and everything is fine – venture off course and the bottom is not sandy or muddy but hard granite rock. When I look at the granite, I see bent props; Pia sees counter tops! Nonetheless, our 15 mile trip to Parry Sound was uneventful and we tied up to the town dock (a brick wall) – intended for overnight but, due to strong winds and thunderstorms on Saturday, became two nights. We were able do some grocery shopping along with touring the Bobby Orr museum which was located close to our dock. The picture on the right is of Parry Sound as we departed - notice the brick wall we spent 2 days tied to!
Sunday we departed Parry Sound for an anchorage we had heard about in Hopewell Bay where we once again rafted and tied the stern to the granite walls in this narrow – and still rocky – bay.

The winds on the Georgian Bay are often unpredictable so we were encouraged the next morning when the weather called for 10 knot winds. As we departed the channel at Port Au Barel, the winds were relatively calm with slight waves. About 1 mile into the bay, the winds and waves increased substantially. Suddently we had waves 4 - 6 feet with frequency, taking waves over the bow on a few occasions. We were forced to duck into the closest inlet at "Hangdog Channel” – a channel we were advised to avoid. Although the channel is very narrow - and yes rocky – the water was calm. We had traveled less than 5 miles but we felt like we had been on the water all day! We traveled 5 more miles up the channel to Bayfield Harbour– a small facility with very limited amenities but out of the wind. Once again, due to strong winds in the bay, we stayed here for two nights. Here is a picture of John, Dottie, Ron, Marjie, and Pia on "Meander" as we relaxed after our hectic day in the winds and waves.

On Wednesday, the weather was ideal so we departed the small craft channel and made the 60 mile trip to Killarney across the Georgian Bay. The water was as smooth as we had seen since leaving the canals and the trip was great! The picture below is of "Meander" and "Dar Sea" as we crossed the Bay.

The most important event of the day was in the early morning as we received a call from Jennifer that our newest grandchild, Stella, had arrived! Both Mom and new baby were fine. The crews from “Dar Sea” and “Meander” celebrated with us as we had a champagne toast to Stella upon arrival in Killarney. Obviously a great day for travel and a great day to celebrate and be thankful for life! We wish we could have been home for this important event but look forward to meeting Stella when we travel back to Charlotte late August/early September. The next picture is as we arrived in Killarney after a long day crossing the Bay.

On Thursday the 30th, we plan to leave Killarney to begin our 100+ mile trip through the North Channel before arriving at Drummond Island, Michigan to reenter the US. We have really enjoyed our time in Canada and are very impressed the beauty of the country and the friendly people and look forward to our final few days in the North Channel.