Tim & Bice: Taking the boat to Gore Bay

We had set aside 9 days to take the boat to Gore Bay, our new marina. Started on Friday by driving to Gore Bay in 2 cars, in order to leave one there to make it back home. The weather was horrible, lots of rain, and occasionally some really slow drivers on the parts of the 400/69 that are not twinned. After Sudbury we ran into the construction nightmare, and more rain. The trip lasted 5 1/2 hours. On a positive note, it was sunny in Gore Bay, Stella had a swim and we had lunch.
Also talked to the Harbourmaster, Lee Hayden, who told us to call him on the cell a few days before we would arrive and he would figure out what our new slip might be. Also went to the town hall to pick up a parking permit for the marina lot. Counting on another long drive we hopped back in the Tim's car, putting the permit in my car, and set out. Fast drive back. Construction workers were gone and no traffic. The trip took all of 4 1/2 hours to Penetanguishene, where Ahoy Textile had just finished our new full enclosure.
Got up reasonably early the next morning, but still had to drop off the car at Bayport, our current marina, get some last minute stuff and left Penetanguishene at 10 in the morning. Winds were forecasted to blow 10-15 knts. from the west, which they had been doing for a few days already, and to diminish to 10 at noon. We knew we might be in for a bumpy ride. Never mind, we saw 23, with spray water over the bow right onto the dodger. Never had the timing right for a good picture. This is the best one

Aborted the plan to take the outside route and took the small craft route, where you still may have the wind, but the small outer islands protect you from the waves. Arrived at 12 Mile Bay at 3 and had a wonderful cold beer in the sun. Remarked upon the fact that there is no traffic this year. It's still early in the season for sure, but the spring and start of summer have not been great either. We saw no boats today.

Next morning we looked at all the weather forecasts and they all said the same: winds west 10, veering to SW 10. Rain! and did we ever get rain. Lots, then sun, lake was still a bit of a roller coaster but very manageable. Then the wind went SW and we thought "Yes, we can go outside and sail!"

Too bad the squalls were coming in fast and furious. From the Parry Sound Approaches we very quickly went for the small craft channel once again and motored. The consolation is that you can anchor right away if the weather turns foul. Arrived safe and sound at the Stairs anchorage in Pointe-au-Baril, and brought sunshine with us, much to the joy of 2 other sailboats anchored there, waiting for an opportunity to cross Georgian Bay to Covered. Still no other traffic!

Looked at the forecast and thought "If this is true we have to cross tomorrow. After that winds from the west again at 15 knts. Forecast was winds from the SW going S then SE 10 knts. We headed out at 6, in the sunshine.

and sure enough. We had a beautiful crossing and did not see one single boat. We did see a lot of flies though in the middle of Georgian Bay with no land in sight! They didn't bite, they were just a nuisance and covering everything. A war started right there.

The whole trip to Killarney took 8hrs and 15 min., a distance of 48 nautical miles (straight line), and anchored at the inner anchorage of Covered Portage at 2:30.

Met up with Georgian Mist in Covered and had a nice happy hour. No other boats to be seen.

Winds were forecasted to go west 15 the next day, and since we had to go west, once again we got up early and left for Little Current, where we tied to the dock, had a shower and another happy hour with Georgian Mist. Their cat Misty was very sick and they decided to head home and see their vet and bury Misty beside her sister. Misty took a real liking to me and enjoyed the blue cheese I had in my hand for her.

Based on the forecast we decided to go straight to Gore Bay the next day. We really had hoped to spend a few nights at Croker or the Benjamin Islands but it was not to be. That's okay. Seems we have lots of time to do this in the future.

Off we went to Gore Bay, where we were greeted by Lee, the Harbourmaster, who, after looking at the boat and talking to Tim, decided that we should be on B-dock (B for beamy). That's where we are now. We met some of our dock mates and already had a good time with them and Stella too found some new friends. So far, Gore Bay is a wonderful marina. Only problem is the craft brewer a bit down with a dog-friendly patio and really good beer, where all sailors seem to gather late afternoon. Don't know if you can call that a problem though.