Sand Dollar: July 2019

Bustard Islands

July 20 - Bustard Islands

We left Hopewell Bay passing through Middle Channel to Baril Channel and the on to Pointe Au Baril. Here we entered open waters of Georgian Bay for a 25 mile stretch to The Bustard Islands.

Well the wind was blowing and saw another looper turn around and head back in. Seas were 3-5 feet... not uncommon at home! We cruised along at 14 knts and zig-zagged to avoid taking the waves broadside. Sand Dollar performed well and after a two and half hour ride we made it to calm waters. Another great day!

Here are a few pics (not in order). Unfortunately we didn’t get any pics while in the rougher waters... to busy holding on!

Exploring!

I think she was collecting fire wood. NO fires here... it’s bone dry!

Sand Dollar

Pointe Au Baril Light

As we approached the Bustard Islands from the Northeast Passage

More exploring 👍

The view out front this evening

The view out back

It won’t start getting dark until 10:00 PM !!

Hopewell Bay - our favorite anchorage ... so far!

July 19 - Hopewell Bay

This anchorage will be hard to beat! It’s Kim’s favorite so far!

Sand Dollar - Hopewell Bay

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Her workout ... lug around heavy rocks!

Mr Looper Luke was pretty happy!

He rolled and he rolled!

Another postcard

Enjoying an evening glass of wine... or more like a bottle!!

Exploring one of the small islands near by

He is a handsome pup... and he knows it. He sat and just looked around... taking it all in.

Sand Dollar.... she is serving us well... taking us to some amazing places!

Kilcoursie Bay - Kilbear Provincial Park

July 18 - Kilcoursie Bay

Nice anchorage, open and right off a beautiful park.

At anchor

The large flat rocks leading in to the water reminded us of Halibut Point back home.

There was a “Pet exercise area” .... this was the leash free go for a swim place!

What .... hunting for rocks in the crystal clear water!

I think he found one!

Kicking back after a swim

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Georgian Bay - Anchoring in King Bay

Tonight we are at our first anchorage on Georgian Bay. We found a small cove off of King Bay, it’s secluded and absolutely beautiful! The water is crystal clear and in the mid-seventies... perfect for swimming!

Here are a few pictures of our anchorage.

A perfect evening......

Big Chute Marine Railway

So we have done 75 locks including two lift locks that were very cool. But yesterday we arrived at the Big Chute Marine Railway.... this was awesome. Sand Dollar was taken by rail out of the water and over a hill! The entire process to 10 minutes.

Looking down to where we will be going

A cable system move the cradle on the rails

It’s a pretty big rig!

This was the view as we pulled away

Here are a couple of time lapse videos... very cool!!

Big Chute time lapse looking forward July 15 2019

Big Chute time lapse looking rear July 15 2019

Big Chute time lapse from shore July 15 2019

We arrived at Port Severn, the end of the 240 mile long Trent-Severn Waterway. From here we enter Georgian Bay, land of 30,000 islands! We will spend the next week at many remote anchorages.... so very cool!

Orillia, Ontario - Lake Couchiching

We arrived in Orillia, Ontario on Friday (7/12) after crossing Lake Simcoe in 15 knt winds and 1-2 ft waves... much like we see back home! We’ve been spoiled with all the calm river and canal cruising.

Orillia is a good size town with easy access to lots of restaurants, pubs, grocery store, an excellent marina and more. They have a good size farmers market on Saturdays. It’s been a great place to kickback for a couple of days, take some dinghy rides and catch up with many loopers we’ve cruised with off and on during the past few weeks. We are a couple days away from completing the 240 mile long Trent-Severn Waterway, a couple of days of beautiful scenery and the sure to be exciting Big Chute Marine Railway.

Here a few pics from here in Orillia.