OUR PLAN

We are writing this blog for one reason and one reason only. To provide a vehicle to make it easier to remain in touch with our family and friends back home.



Our plan is simple. Depart our home port of Goderich, Ontario in the Summer of 2011. Cruise Georgian Bay and the North Channel of Lake Huron while visiting some of the ports and anchorages we have missed over the years. As well as revisiting some of our favourite haunts hopefully with some of our very good friends with whom we have cruised with many times before. All the while adding up the miles and gaining experience with our new trawler. Our first and only self imposed deadline is to be in the Chicago area around Labour Day. South of Chicago, weather and circumstances will guide us!



Sunday, August 21, 2011

AUGUST 12, 2011 - GORE BAY TO JOHN ISLAND

We departed Gore Bay at 1045 hrs. Today we would cross the North Channel at 7.5 knots arriving at John Island at 1315 hrs. This would have been lightning speed in our previous boating life on Sailboats. We were not going very far, were in no hurry today and going to have a nice boat ride. We have never been to John Island before and as per usual we take it slow and easy. “Slow and Easy” reminds me of my father who use to work at a major construction company that had the moniker S & E which sarcastically stood for Slow and Easy. I think Rick on “Destiny" might read this blog, so I must be kind. Slow and Easy was not a kind moniker to the company which of course must have been union staffed? Enough of politics again. Enough, enough already! Those of you that know me well can hear me muttering this.
We have arrived at this "new to us" harbour and slowly peruse from West to East and drink it all in. Another God given glacier movement that reminds me in a small way of Collins Inlet. There are very few rocks or shoals to be concerned with. We settle on a spot on the South shore in between two sail boats. But as the anchor settles we find ourselves in too close of quarters for such a large anchorage. Up the anchor comes and we head to our original first choice. We drop the anchor and are in a perfect place for privacy and shelter from most winds. The Admiral reveals that she is happy. As I turn off the motor and start a track on the old Garmin GPS I promise myself that I cannot count myself safe and content until Ter does it first. If she is happy in the current anchorage, the ship will be happy. Lol! The GPS that I have started a track on is one that I have carried with us since our very first boat. Actually this spare is one of two that we carry. They are both hand held and completely separate and independent of the ships electronics. For the people of non-nautical persuasion that are following the blog, a track is a Satellite trace of the boats path as it moves around on an anchorage. If the boat moves out of a predetermined circle of measure an audible alarm is sounded and the reason must be explained to the Admiral to her satisfaction.
ENTERING JOHN ISLAND

It is now 1445 hours and we have had no lunch! As Mike E would say, we are feeling peckish! Not sure of that but I know we are very hungry. Lol! It is now too late for lunch as we will be having dinner soon. Terri does her magic and we have just enough crackers and a new found dip that she purchased at the Gore Bay Farmers Market to tide us by.  The afternoon is delightful and we spend our time on the Fly bridge and watch as the world, boats and kayaks drift by. Our all-time favorite audio selection of "Pachelbel" quietly cements the memory into our brain. We have waited many, many years in order to be at this anchorage. Peaceful contentment fills our spirits and we are again feeling blessed. I take a picture and send it by email to Mike and Glenn, two of my little friends lol. Life is good!
Two dinghies are speeding towards us. Well as much as you can do with an 8 HP motor propelling you. It is Brian and Lynne from “Twilight zone” and Steve and Theresa off of Lion Heart. They have been to the beach and are ready for a rest and soon dinner. Brian gives me his advice and experience on local anchorages and they are off. We might see them tomorrow before one of us moves on. Nice people!
Terri is in charge of the feast tonight. Whitefish on the BBQ as well as her own special blend of rice’s and many vegetables will be the fare. My favorite, hmm, well……. it is healthy and I cannot deny that. Not bad considering I wasn’t allowed to drown the beast in tartar sauce.
We have another early night tonight. What will tomorrow bring?
Mark

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