After a stormy nite in Gore Bay we're at anchor again

We ended up staying two nights in Gore Bay due to some nasty weather that rolled through there last night. The local airport reported winds of 35MPH with gusts to 50. Needless to say we were happy to be safely tied to a dock during the event. After a quick pump out we were off again this morning for some nights at anchorage before heading into Little Current for the big Haweaters Weekend celebration. For these folks it's pretty much the end of the season and for us we only have a few weeks left as well. For the next few nights we are in one of our favorite spots at Hotham Island South where the friendly cottagers live. We are also once again joined by our friends George and Lorraine who unfortunately have some mechanical problems and will have to return to Gore Bay for a quick (hopefully) repair so we can rejoin them tomorrow night. After dinner Sheri and I went on a dinghy ride and stumbled upon a solo loon who seem to be all too willing to have his picture taken up close. Armed with only my G9 I got some of my best loon shots of the year as well a pretty sunset and moonrise. Enjoy.

Off to Gore Bay

After three nights in Turnbull in near perfect conditions we are off for a night (or two) at Gore Bay. Our stay in Turnbull was blessed with very nice weather and light winds. On Friday night we joined others at anchor (mostly our Blind River acquaintances) for fun and festivities at the "beach". It seems this crowd hits it hard on the first night and returns much less enthusiastic on the second night. I personally hit it hard on Friday (much booze and way too many cigars) and chose to abstain yesterday (even on the beach). I had no luck fishing but did take a few shots of a flock of immature mergansers on Sunday morning. Although these birds looked like adults they were unable to fly and just hot footed it across the water when I got close. Here are a few shots.

July 27th and we're freezing

I know that many of you are currently experiencing record high temperatures where you live but up here in the north woods it's a bit chilly. When we arrived in Blind River on Wednesday it was so cool that I actually put on a jacket (but still wore shorts). Sheri, of course, was all bundled up like it was winter. Our trip over to Turnbull from Blind River was uneventful and yesterday afternoon was fine but last night the east winds picked up and the temps went down in the 50s. Hopefully the north and east winds will stop and we will start to see more traditional south and west winds and hope that they bring us some warmer air.

When we arrived at our anchorage yesterday we safely executed our first outboard to dinghy docking and Sheri did a great job. One other piece of sad news is that the world famous "Spud Buggy" that has served the citizens of Blind River for many years suffered a kitchen fire on Thursday morning and is currently closed. Residents were shocked but hope it will reopen soon. Sheri and I will have to make that a stop on our next visit to Blind River.

We will be here a few days before making our way to Gore Bay on Monday.

Return to Canada one last time

Another nice Drummond sunset

Al with some fans

After a restful three days at our home base of Drummond Island, Sheri and I departed under storm clouds and headed for our usual first stop in Blind River. We made the five hour, 40 mile trip in mostly calm conditions and made it into the marina just as the rain started. We will head out tomorrow for a few nights at anchor before landing at our next port of call in Gore Bay. On our way over to Blind River we crossed paths with our Friends Dan and Elise from Indiana who we were at anchor with for a couple of nights when Gary was aboard.

While on Drummond we enjoyed having the car at our disposal and having the time to prepare for the next part of our summer cruise. On Monday it was very windy so our activities were limited but on Tuesday the conditions were calm enough to be able to get a round of golf in at the other golf course on the island which straddles the airport. By straddling I mean that to get between certain holes you must drive across the runway after checking for approaching aircraft. The airport has been particularly busy this week with aircraft clearing customs at Drummond before continuing to the activities at Oshkosh Air Venture week. We had one seaplane come in to the marina to clear customs because I assume they had no wheels for landing on a runway. He had a bit of a problem maneuvering around the tight marina but managed to get his clearance and was on his way shortly thereafter.

Back in Drummond

Today was an early start having to get Gary to the Chippewa International Aerodrome (see map) so he could begin winging his way back to Seattle where he landed at 10:30AM PST. In order to get to Seattle that early you must leave this area mighty early which is his case was 6:30AM which meant we were on the road at 4:30AM which happens to be the time that most deer/car collisions happen in Northern Michigan. The road to the airport near Sault Ste. Marie is very desolate but fortunately no deer crossed our path although we saw many along the road. One of my tasks after dropping off Gary was to get some cash at an ATM. Much to my surprise I found several 24 hour ATMs along the desolate stretch of road back to De Tour but unfortunately none were functioning (out of service, error code 526, etc.). As it turns out I finally found one that worked right next to the marina in De Tour so my task was accomplished.


Goodbye De Tour Village for 2012



Sheri and I relocated the boat (I drove) and car (she drove) to our home base at Drummond (again, see map) and will leave here on Wednesday for Canada. So far the boat has covered over 600 miles and as accumulated 100 hours on the engine. Nothing else special to report.

Just Sheri and Al and four weeks to go

After clearing customs at Drummond Island, Gary and I arrived at De Tour marina about 4:30 and after fueling up and pumping out we headed to our slip for the next few days and waited for Sheri to arrive. She was right on time arriving a little after 6PM. Not to be short changed, we immediately headed over to Drummond Island via the 6:40 ferry for an "all u can eat" whitefish dinner at a local eatery. On Saturday Gary and I took care of some admin in nearby Cedarville while Sheri dug in to the laundry. For Gary's last night on the boat we had a first class steak dinner on board and settled into a short night's rest before taking him back to Chippewa International for his 6:30AM flight home.

Today Sheri and I will relocate the boat (and car) to Drummond Island for a few more days of R&R before heading back out to Canada on Wednesday. Hopefully I can get another round of golf in while we are at Drummond.

Last anchorage and back to the USA

We made the short hop over to Turnbull this morning and spent the afternoon relaxing under pleasant conditions. Our friends from Blind River, George and Lorraine pulled in just after us and we joined them for cocktails just before dinner. A last dinghy ride at sunset treated us to another beautiful close to the day. As we left Longpoint we saw what I called the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria heading out for another days sail. These were very small sailboats with a single crew member and two large dogs aboard. See you in De Tour.

Quiet day at Longpoint Cove

Nothing special to report today with a short hop over to Longpoint Cove where we were pleased to be with only two other boats after last nights very crowded conditions. We were treated to a nice sunset and will make our way the short five miles to Turnbull Island tomorrow where we will meet up with our friends from Blind River. Until then enjoy the sunset.

Last three anchorages start today

Gary and I left Gore Bay around noon after a relaxing night and a quick pump out just to be on the safe side. The 27 mile leg today took us from the south shore of the North Channel through McBean Channel, Little Detroit Passage and out the Whalesback to Beardrop Harbor where I had been with Dave. Nothing exciting but did have an afternoon swim and a short dinghy ride after dinner. Tomorrow we are off on a short hop to Longpoint Cove and then to Turnbull on Thursday. The attached map shows our route starting on Sunday (red) when we left Hotham south. The rest of the legs are single days with the ride back to the US on the left.

Leaving Gore Bay

Passing through Little Detroit

Back at the dock in Gore Bay

Gary and I had a peaceful anchorage at Croker Island across from the Bejamins. Croker is one of our favorites with close access to the crowded anchorage at the Benjamins and is better protected from most winds. We made two dinghy trips over to the Benjamins so that he could see what the attraction was. On Monday we made the 15 mile trek down to Gore Bay for some dock time and to get some fresh provisions. And yest Sheri, we will probably pump out again and take on some water. On Tuesday we will head back north to our three favorite anchorages (Beardrop, Longpoint Cove, and Turnbull Island) around Blind River before heading back to the US on Friday.

Hey Gary, I think the holding tank is full!!!

After a refreshing lake bath in Sturgeon Cove, we weighed anchor and started out on our next and rather short leg to one of our favorite spots on Hotham Island. Along the way I was taking care of some unfinished business and noticed that the flush water in the toilet bowl kept filling up after it was emptied. Unfortunately, this is a sure sign that the holding tank is full. A quick check confirmed that we were indeed at the "top" and needed some relief. Making a U-turn, we headed back to Little Current which was only about an hour away and got that task taken care of. Retracing our route once again we headed back towards our destination and after a couple of cocktails and dinner, settled in for the night. There was a chance of thunderstorms last night but they never showed up.

Today we head to Croker Island and then tomorrow to Gore Bay for a marina overnight. We'll probably pump out again just to be on the safe side.

Friday the 13th and we're still afloat

Strawberry Point Light

Leaving Baie Fin

We arrived in Little Current on Thursday afternoon making the 1PM bridge and after a quick shower I hustled over to see if Doug the barber was still open. He was and I was able to get a much needed trim. We realxed the rest of the afternoon in the A/C and had hamburgers on the boat.

Waiting on the bridge

Gary and I spent a leisurely day Friday once again in the A/C at our slip in Little Current doing some admin (grocery shopping, etc.) and left the dock at 4PM for the short hop up to Sturgeon Cove about 8 miles away. We settled in to a nice anchorage, had a couple of cocktails and then took the customary dinghy ride around the area. I did try a little fishing but with no luck. The sunset was nice as it is always is from the spot. Tomorrow we're off to another favorite spot about 15 miles away.

Two great days at Baie Fin and a fish story

Gary and I made the six hour trek from the Bad River on Tuesday headed for one of our favorite spots at Marianne Cove in the very scenic Baie Fin. We were planning to rendesvous with our friends from past years, Dan Elise, and anchored right next to them as planned. The trip up was perfect with a light breeze and no chop at all. The first night they came to our boat for dinner and last night we went to theirs to dine on some Lake Michigan salmon the Dan had caught a few weeks ago. During the day on Wednesday we took our dinghies and headed up Baie Fin to the "pool" where we ran into another acquaintence on a very large boat. We also saw another boat we were familiar with and who hail from Turner Camp Road near where we live in Florida. We also found the "pool" to be very free of weeds which is usually not the case. With the new outboard we made it up there in a little over an hour.

Gary and Dan

Upon our return I decided to head up to a favorite fishing hole where I caught my first fish and the large bass last year. Unfortunately all I could muster was a small bass and a perch which I sent back. On the other hand, I through my line in the water this morning off the back of the boat and to my surprise I hooked and landed a big northern pike that was 30" long and weighed 6 pounds. After many pictures I decided to give it a reprieve and set it free to swim for another day. Here are some shots.

Shore tie removal

We're back in Little current for the night and will head to a nearby anchorage tomorrow afternoon after some shopping and a much needed haircut. Here's the route we followed this week starting at Little Current (blue) and returning five days later (green).