Crossed Parry Sound about 62 miles. There was a wind advisory but off we went. The crossing was uncomfortable, but we were not in danger. The wind blew, the swells rolled by. We are in Lion’s Head and comfortably tied to the wall (with Hydro).
Archive for the Category » Cruising «
September 06th, 2008 | Author: Heidi
We left the quiet of Wani Bay and took the southern route to Parry Sound. We made a stop at Henry’s for lunch. Fresh fish and it was good. We got 2 butter tarts to go. They are suppose to be known for their butter tarts. We have never had one, so I am sure it will be the best we have ever had! The southern route to Parry is narrow and during the season it is filled with cottagers racing through the inlets. There is a large ship called the Island Queen and she navigates these waters daily. There is just barely room for her! But we had a comfortable ride. We saw very few small boats. Labor Day has come and gone and most of the cottages are closed already. When we arrived at Parry Sound the government docks didn’t have anyone working. We tied up and located a woman at the Island Queen office and she said she thought everyone was gone. So, we are staying FREE. I love it!
The town is small and is active during the season because of the cottages. We hit the library (for Internet), a local used book store (knitting books) and Kelley rode his bike to get a few groceries.
We are waiting out a storm. Knowing us we will not wait long enough.
September 03rd, 2008 | Author: Heidi
Bay off Twelve Mile Bay. We have left Beausoleil Island and traveled about 12 miles. The weather is nice. There are few boats out today. Labor Day has passed and most people as at home are preparing their children for school. The last boating holiday for the season. We have a calm trip through channels with with bays called Frying Pan, Indian Harbor…we are on our way to Wani Bay. This little bay was suggested by Paul and Angela. On one side there is a Provincial Park and on another side there is a small cottage, although we see no one. We are thrilled as the anchor holds the first time. We have not had any issues with anchoring, but many times it takes us repeated attempts to get it to hold. During our time here, a few boats come and go. We stay. Rain is passing through and we are cozy and safe.
July 14th, 2008 | Author: Heidi
From Saint-Paul to Saint-Jean it is only about 10 miles. 10 lazy miles in clear, but crisp weather. We approach hoping to find dockage at the City Dock. Yes, Braveheart (whose owners hail from Indio in the winter) and another Looper boat, High Spirits. We squeeze in behind them and go to look for the lock. We want to make sure that we have all of the right information about the Parc Locks and fees.
I was very impressed with the friendliness of the locks men the New York Canal system through Champlain Locks; but these people are Parc Rangers and they want you to have a good time and be safe. They believe you are on vacation. I also think it is Canada’s way of employing more people. In NY, the people that run the locks are with a union. Perhaps the Parc Rangers are unionized, but there are 2 at this small lock. At the NY locks, one person and he only pushes buttons. We had to hold on to dirty lines or tie to bollards. I like this better. There are clean lines hanging down for you to hold on to. All we will do is approach, grab hold of lines, drop, and leave when the gates open.
We are buying a season pass for both the lock systems in Ontario and Quebec and also a mooring pass. This pass will let us tie up at lock walls during the day or overnight for free. Free that is after paying $9.80 a foot. But, we figure if we use it 10 times that is only $45 a night and there isn’t anything that cheap around.
Tonight we will go into town and have a simple meal. I like hearing French being spoken. I also like knowing that most of the people speak enough English to help us. This town is cute. It is in much better shape than the northern towns of NY that seem to be dying. Where we are there are many restaurants and taverns. We are wondering if it will be noisy tonight; it was suggested that we go through the lock and tie on the other side, but we wanted to wait until tomorrow.
