AUG.2,2013- PORT SEVERN LOCK 45 TO WIARTON, ONTARIO

Well, we awoke feeling a bit deflated from the day before.  We listened to the radio weather forecast for Georgian Bay and came to the consensus “all systems go”.  Terrmar departed the marina leaving a token of our appreciation to the marina staff to be used for their next party. She motored the 5 minutes to Lock 45 and took her place waiting her turn along the blue line.  The green light flashed and the lock gates opened indicating it was safe to enter and tie up to the concrete walls.  Terri was a bit annoyed when the young dock hand who had just endured a lecture and “first strike” from his supervisor for tardiness, proceeded to advise her on the proper way to secure Terrmar to the lock wall.  After the previous day’s events, Terri was not feeling her usual patient and gracious self, however she managed to ignore the little eejit and successfully secured the lines to the lock wall for the 200^th time without incident.  All secured!  Terrmar gently bobbed as the water slowly drained out of the lock until again the green light flashed and the lock gates opened as we unceremoniously released our lines and turned our attention to the last leg of our Great Loop.

This grand adventure just keeps on giving!  Our first impression was one of perplexity while scanning the horizon.   Red and green buoys scattered everywhere like crab pots on Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana.   Terrmar cautiously meandered through the channel maze until finally finding herself in the open waters of Georgian Bay.

Buoy Maze

Nesting Ospreys

Georgian Bay Beckons

So Close

Squall in Distance

Bumpy Ride

Nearing Home

Ah Georgian Bay!  Feels like home.  Sometimes referred to as the sixth Great Lake, it actually forms the northeast section of Lake Huron and is almost as large as Lake Ontario.  Staying true to its reputation of changeable weather and sea conditions, Georgian Bay was determined to give Terrmar’s last day of the Great Loop, roller-coaster memories.  Moments of tranquil seas and mesmerizing horizons contrasted with being tossed about by white knuckle, adrenaline pumping squalls and Terrmar savouring each precious moment of our fantastic voyage!

Wiarton Marina Break Wall

Colpoy's Bay

Sutter Family

Home Port - Wiarton Marina

Truly it was bittersweet as we slowly entered Colpoy's Bay and then Wiarton Marina, each of us quietly occupied with our reflections and realizations that one of the greatest adventures of our lives had been completed.  We were suddenly snapped out of our daydreams when we spotted our daughter Danielle and our grandchildren Lauren and Ian waiting at the dock to welcome us back home.  What a wonderful sight.  We are home indeed!