Entry #99: N45.58.134, W81.31.482
Saturday, August 10th (Day 95) – Prior to Washington Island (Lake Michigan), I couldn’t wait to embark and meet the sailing challenges and adventures of the day. Sailing for days at a time and through the night(s) or anchoring days were common and easily undertaken. But the frequency and severity of weather had resulted in a number of challenges to overcome over the course of two months and it had taken a toll – physically and mentally. Since Washington Island (Lake Michigan) leaving the safety and comfort of each marina had become a mental challenge in and of itself. Further, my stamina – again both physically and mentally – had deteriorated and I found myself anxiously looking forward to docking after only a day or at most two of sailing. I am definitely feeling my age (70).
For the first time in a while my spirits were a bit lifted. I was beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel – Blue Water Bridge, Port Huron. With fair winds and seas and a good angel over my shoulder, I would be leaving the North Channel and entering Georgian Bay today.
I left the protection of Gore Bay refreshed and eagerly headed northeast. I had been averaging a little over 3 mph over the course of my journey and todays’ destination (Killarney) was 56 miles away! I hoped the forecast of fair winds coming from the west at 12 to 18 knots would hold true. With the winds on my back and following seas, I should be able to achieve NTLs’ hull speed (5.6 mph) and arrive just before dusk. If not, I should be able to find good anchorage along my projected route. It will be a long day in any case but I felt I would be up to it.
In addition to needing to nearly double my average daily distance, the route to Killarney would require focus and good decision making as there were many boulders and rocky shoals to contend along the way. Todays’ trip would not be a walk in the park.
I found the winds and seas true to the forecast on my way to Little Current. (Will wonders never cease!). I was consistently at or over 5 knots (or 5 3/4 mph). With winds consistent, on my back and following seas it was a comfortable sail. This allowed me to focus on depths, shoals, isolated boulders and to make decisions on the best (safest) courses to take around numerous islands.
The scenery was beautiful and I wished I had more time to visit and take in the magnificent landscapes. In a little over five hours (a little past noon) I had reached the community of Little Current. I patiently held NTL in position while waiting for the swing bridge to open on the hour.
As the bridge swung open, I was suddenly swamped by what must have been a 70+ foot cruiser overtaking me to be first through and into Georgian Bay. It turned out to be a precursor as I experienced two additional instances on my way to Killarney.
As I power sailed through and into Georgian Bay I was faced with orchestrating through a spattering of islands and shoals. The winds were picking up and I was flying at nearly 6 knots (7 mph) in relatively calm (island protected) waters. For the next five hours while continuing to head east north east, I found myself maneuvering NTL through channels and in and around a number of islands. I chose to head south of Garden Island and north of Strawberry Island. I then rounded the south end of Partridge Island (avoiding several boulders) and once cleared, immediately headed north following the west coastline of Badgely Island. I finally entered Powderhouse Bay and sailed past George Island, lowered my sails and motored east through a tight channel into Killarney. I hailed the Killarney Mountain Lodge and was directed to dock next to a seaplane! It was a little past 6 pm and I had sailed 56 miles in just over 11 hours! My back was aching but what a great day of sailing.
I had travelled with my parents to Killarney once before as a young child. I could only call how far away by car it was from Toronto and how deep in the woods we were while visiting a family friend. Killarney has a current population of under 400. It is located at the base of beautiful landscapes and multiple rivers and streams on the northern shores of Georgian Bay.
That evening I went into the lodge for a meal. I ordered a hamburger, a side dish of poutine and a Stella. I enjoyed the meal more than the $59 bill! And US currency exchange was dollar for dollar!
I was tired and didn’t have the energy to check out the area. After completing my meal I returned to NTL, checked out the forecast and studied Georgian Bay charts to strategize tomorrows sailing route before retiring.
Never Too Late For 