Entry #98: N45.55.120, W82.27.723
Wednesday, August 7th & Thursday, August 8th & Friday, August 9th (Days 93, 94 & 95) – I awoke to partly sunny skies and moderate winds from the west. While having breakfast comprising of cold oatmeal. dried blue berries and (2) tangerines, I checked the weather on my I-phone app. The forecast called for more thunderstorms from the west predicted to hit in the early evening. Given my experiences with weather forecasts, I made haste and lifted anchor setting out for Gore Bay about 32 miles to the east. Like Vidal Bay, Gore Bay would offer good protection but unlike Vidal Bay, there would be a small town with a marina. I hadn’t showered in several days and looked forward to the comforts of a slip with power for coffee and warm food.
As I sailed east following the Manitoulin Island northern coastline, I marvelled at the tranquility and scenery. I’ve always been fond of nature and the beauty of natural habitats. When sailing the North Channel, I was very focused on my water depth and potential granite rocks just below the water surface. Numerous guides recommend having a person at the bow of the boat to keep an eye on uncharted rocks – difficult to do when sailing singlehanded. I made a point of sailing in the deepest waters while avoiding taking a course over shallower water depth. As I progressed further east I began to notice limestone cliffs along the shoreline. This part of Manitoulin Island serves as the northern portion of the Niagara escarpment.
In the early afternoon I needed to adjust my heading to better handle the growing swells. Eventually I had to adjust my helm to better manage the overtaking swell. I made good time and arrived in my slip in a little over 7 hours covering 32 nautical miles.
After showering and sponge drying my tender skin, I walked into the small town and enjoyed a warm poutine meal and two cokes. The town of Gore Bay (population under 900) was one of two Manitoulin communities with a small airport for people travelling further north to fish and hunt or charter a boat. It also served as the government centre for the island. After my meal, I found a nice little grocery store and purchased two bananas, prindles and a dark chocolate bar. Yummy.
I returned to NTL in the early evening, ate a piece of chocolate and listened to ‘Give Me One Moment In Time’ by Nossa Vitrola on my I-phone before turning in.
I don’t know were the time flew, but before I knew it I had spent three nights in my slip. I was prepared to embark Thursday but the winds were howling that night and all day as evidenced by numerous vessels (35′ – 45′) had come in seeking safe harbour. I didn’t mind, for whatever reason I found my stay in Gore Bay very relaxing and comforting. I was still aching but I felt a little better. And, I had access to food and supplies, a shower, a laundromat, power, warm food and friendly people. What more could I ask for. Except for not having access to an internet. On day two, I had a unique dinner at a restaurant that looked from the outside like a gun tower. The restaurant was owned by a Buddhist! And my meal was delicious. On the third day (Friday) I went to an art fair at a park next to the marina. I ended up purchasing a handmade wooden jewelry box designed to look like a sailboat. A gift for my six week old granddaughter Mallory. I was looking forward to going to Dallas and seeing her.
OK, all good thing must come to an end and after checking the weather forecast, I prepared to set off for Killarney first thing in the morning. Given its distance (56 nautical miles), it will be a long day.
Never Too Late For 