8/7/23 - 8/24/23 Midland, ON to Detour Village, MI (Lake Huron: Georgian Bay/North Channel)

3 weeks cruising as many of the 30,000 islands as possible!  We only scratched the surface, so we have vowed to return.  Georgian Bay & The North Channel ranks #1 Looper destination in our book.

Mon, 8/7/23 - Midland, ON to San Souci, ON (Echo Bay Anchorage) (35.2NM)

• Weather forecast was not ideal, but we have been waiting to  get back to Georgian Bay since 2019, so we decided to go for it.  As predicted, it was a dreary, damp day under heavy clouds and frequent rain showers . . . but little wind.
• Despite the inclement weather, Georgian Bay's beauty was still shining through.  Pink granite islands everywhere, some lurking just above the surface, others large enough to support a home.
• Some of the channels were so narrow, it made passing another vessel a little nerve-racking.

• At 1:30 p.m. we arrived at Echo Island anchorage to discover we were the 14th boat!  By the end of the day, 7 more squeezed in, for a total of 21!
• On the way into the anchorage, we passed a house that had some fun toys!

• Thankfully, several clusters of boats rafted together which allowed for a lot more room.
• The sun finally peaked out for a little while just before setting.  We grilled Italian Sausage listened to the Mets destroy the Cubbies 11-2.

Tues, 8/8/23 - San Souci, ON to Parry Island, ON (Menominee Channel Anchorage) (12.5NM)

•  Awoke to clouds and 70 but felt cooler.
• 21 boats staggered their departures, but there were other coming in to replace them.
• The day improved as we cruised Georgian Bay taking in all of the rock islands with iconic Georgian Bay Pines pushing their way through granite only to withstand winds that permanently contour their plumage.

• We found a beautiful, secluded anchorage several miles off the channel, but very close to the marina for the next day.  It was just us and a family of Loons all day.  You hear them before you see them!

• We cruised around the Menominee Channel in the dinghy, getting a closer look at our surroundings.
• Checking out the cottages built on granite foundations.  No lawn maintenance here!
• Two boys spent the afternoon seeing how high they could get the bow of their fishing boat - LOL

• The water was just warm enough to enjoy a bath on the swim platform - it was wonderful!
• Listened to the Mets destroy the Cubbies again.  Come on boys, this is not the path to post-season!

Wed, 8/9/23 - Parry Island, ON, to Parry Sound, ON (Parry Sound Marina) (3.4NM)

• We didn't have far to go, so we lingered in our beautiful anchorage for a bit.
• Around 11:00 a.m. we arrived at the marina but first had to go across the channel to another Sound Boat Works for a pump out.
• By Noon we were in our slip along with:
• Arabella
• Summer Place
• Long Gone 2
• Kayak arrived later in the afternoon (from Midland).
• We walked around the cute town and provisioned at the liquor store!
• Hockey-Great (and former Black Hawk) Bobby Orr was from Parry Sound, and there were several memorials honoring him.

• Tracy (Summer Place) had organized a Looper dinner at the Trestle Brewery about 3/4-mile walk through a charming gravel path leading right to it.
• We met Gold Loopers:
• Committed Aquaholics
• Panacea (formerly Donna Lynn, that met her demise in a fire in the Bahamas last winter).  Thankfully, they were unharmed and are back on the Loop with a new boat!

PATH TO TRESTLE BREWERY

• Even though we were at a brewery, I couldn't resist the chance to have my first Caesar - Canadian version of Bloody Mary (with Clamato).  It was delicious!

Thurs, 8/10/23 - Parry Sound, ON to Ojibway Island, ON (Hole in the Wall Anchorage) (27.4NM).

• Rainy, dreary morning - we walked over to Kayak to say goodbye to our fabulous buddy boat of the past 5 months.  Their wake crossing in Sault Ste. Marie was in reach, so they decided to move through Georgian Bay & The North Channel a little quicker than we were.  We already miss them!!
• The forecast promised clearing skies by noon, so we cut our lines around 10:00 and made our way back out to Georgian Bay.
• As promised, the sun came through and we were enjoying the ride . . . until . . . Cap chose the inside route that took us through a verrry skinny channel - plenty of water, but very narrow.
• I mean, it wasn't named "Canoe Canal" for nothing - LOL
• Luckily, Jim & Lisa Favors were on the other side in their 25-Ranger Tug, Kismet.  They waited for us to come through and we caught up briefly on the radio
• Then, we chose an anchorage (Hole in the Wall) that was in an uncharted area, so more anxiety getting in safely and setting the hook.
• My camera is always at my side, as I tried to capture the narrow channels, lined with rock, cottages, lighthouses and other points of interest.

• We were surprised to see Late Harvest in the anchorage.  We met James and Mary Jane when we cruised the Tennessee River in 2018.  They were at Joe Wheeler State Park on their first Loop.  They just began their second Loop beginning in Orillia!
• We hung out on the boat and took in the solitude.  It was quite nice.
• The rain shower left a rainbow behind.

Fri, 8/11/23 - Ojibway Island, ON to Killarney, ON (Bustard Islands - Strawberry Island Anchorage) (35.3NM)

• Unlike the rest of the week, we woke to a gorgeous sunny morning.  After brewing some coffee, we followed Late Harvest back out to Georgian Bay.
• As soon as we hit the channel, we caught up with Arabella, Summer Place, and Long Gone 2 who had stayed at a nearby anchorage.
• We parted ways with Arabella at Britt then continued with Summer Place and Long Gone 2 to a beautiful anchorage in the Bustard Islands.
• Summer Place arrived first and facilitated Port-A-Gee and Long Gone 2 in rafting together, with the intention of riding out a stormy Saturday together.

• No sooner did we get all settled, 5 Loons came by and serenaded us with their unique call.

Adult & Juvenile Loon

• We all hopped in our dinghies and checked out the intertwining channels throughout the island. 
• 2 Harbors was just setting their anchor at the same place we anchored in 2019!  It was great to return to this beautiful place.

Sat/Sun, 8/12-13/23 - Bustard Islands / Strawberry Island to Bad River Anchorage (7.9NM)

• The stormy weather started to clear around noon, so the flotilla decided to move over to Bad River.
• WOW - this place just keeps getting better!  As soon as we left the channel towards Bad River, the spectacular landscape unfolded in front of us.
• Summer Place, again, took the lead in assisting Port-a-Gee & Long Gone 2 in rafting together.
• It was late in the day, so we stayed on our boats, but gathered for Docktails on Summer Place.
• We were once again reunited with Navigator, who had been in the anchorage for a few days.  Marco and Karen came by in their dinghy for a catch up.
• The next morning, we made the decision to stay another day because it was clear there was lots more to see!  Long Gone 2 had the same idea, so after helping Summer Place peel off the raft, we jumped in the dinghy and cruised around the fingers of this gorgeous place.
• I wish the camera could capture its breathtaking beauty.
• We went up to, but not through, Devil's Door, so we didn't get a good look at the rapids.

• The sunset looked completely different in every direction - A M A Z I N G!!

Mon, 8/14/23 - Bad River to Killarney, ON (Sportsman's Marina) (25.9NM)

• We agreed with Dan & Chris on an 8:00 a.m. departure.  It was a nice cruise over to the "town" of Killarney.
• Until 1962, Killarney was only accessible by water. Locals tell us it's still a 2-hour drive to the nearest grocery store!

• Around 11:30 a.m. we arrived at Sportsman's and got a pump out and fuel before being directed to our slip on the other side of the channel.
• A nice bathhouse was on our side and on-demand transportation to the mainland by the very capable and adorable 15-year-old, Ruby!
• We rejoined Summer Place and Arabella.
• I did a couple loads of laundry, showered and joined a lot of Loopers at Herbert Fisheries for a delicious, fresh fish dinner.

• Brian really enjoyed the afternoon from the Red Anorak chairs at the end of the dock, where he plotted our next course on the iPad.
  

Tues, 8/15/23 - Killarney, ON to Killarney, ON (The Pool Anchorage) (21.9NM)

• 9:00 a.m., the 4-boat flotilla left Sportsman's for what will be remembered as one of the BES DAYS ON THE LOOP!
• 3 hours and 45 minutes later, we arrived at our destination. "The Pool" was 10 miles off the channel, through tall stone cliffs that looked like they were covered in snow.
• It is actually 1 of the few fjords in North America.
• Upon our arrival, Joel (Summer Place) once again took the lead in rafting our 4 boats together and tethering 2 stern lines to shore.
• Then we all (except poor, Tracy who wasn't feeling well) jumped in 2 dinghies to find the path that led to Lake Topaz, at the top of the island.
• It was easy to find, but pretty difficult to climb!  The mile-long hike was a steep climb up a rocky trail laced with thick tree roots.  I had to stop several times to take in my surroundings, because I didn't dare remove my eyes from the path ahead; focusing on my every step.
• We all made it to the top and overlooked the beautiful lake below.
• Dan, Joel & Capel went down the cliff a bit more, where Dan & Joel plunged into the water!

• We got pretty sweaty on our hike, so when we got back to the boat, we all enjoyed a swim in the crystal-clean water.

• Followed by docktails aboard Summer Place, with the addition of the crew of Two Harbors - WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!

Port-A-Gee Leaving the Pool

• 
  
  Getting the anchor up the next morning was quite a challenge, as lots of weeds collected on the anchor overnight.
• Thanks to Capel, for taking care of that for the rest of us!
• Two more wonderful things happened on this day:
• My Niece, Samantha, gave birth to Eleanor Patricia, coming in at 10lbs, 4oz!  Welcome Eleanor, we love you so much already!

• Our Buddy Boat, Kayak, crossed their wake in Sault Ste. Marie, ON.  We had so much fun cruising with John & Kim the past 5 months.  We met them on my 60th Birthday in North Carolina and had been inseparable until our good-bye in Parry Sound, ON.  We hope to see more of them in the future.

Wed-Fri 8/16-18/23 - Killarney, ON to Port of Little Current, ON (21.2NM)

• Strong winds and rain were in the forecast, so LOTS of Loopers made their way to Port of Little Current to ride out the storm.
• 
  As soon as we were secured in our slip, Brian and I walked to the grocery store to get some much-need provisions.
  
• Everyone had different plans for the evening, so the crew of Port-A-Gee had a quiet dinner at the Anchor Inn Hotel.  We had several good meals there when we visited in 2019, and we were glad to see that nothing had changed.  Great White Fish.
  

Thurs, 8/17:  We were anxious to get to North Channel anchorages, but Mother Nature kept us at the dock in Little Current for another day.  We woke to ugly skies, cold winds, and heavy rain.

• I narrowly beat out the rain for a nice run, then made yummy pasta for dinner - I don't get a lot of chances to cook a real meal on the boat and really enjoy it when I do!
• James & Mary Jane invited us aboard Late Harvest for docktails and sharing of local knowledge of North Channel anchorages.  Have I mentioned how nice Canadians are?
• Fri, 8/17:  I did laundry while Brian did some boat maintenance.
• The sun began to peek out around 3:00 just in time for the LCYC Cruiser's Net cocktail event at Anchor Inn, hosted by Roy Eaton.
• We'd been enjoying Roy's daily 9:00 a.m. broadcast on VHF 71 giving weather conditions, international news, history of North Channel and Georgian Bay, and boater check-in.
• Roy said that it was the largest showing he's ever had - we can probably thank the weather for that!

• Ended up joining the crew of Lucky Chicklette, whom we had just met, for dinner at Anchor Inn.
• After dinner, we enjoyed some local music along with Lucky Chicklette's hairless cat!

• Little Current City Dock is located in the heart of town with easy access for provisioning and dining.
• When we stayed in 2019, our slip was at the other end of the marina - a good 2 block walk, and the shower rooms were public, so not desirable at all.  We were glad to be at the other end this time and enjoyed nice showers in the secure coded-shower rooms.
• Laundry is offsite but literally steps from the marina.

Sat, 8/19/23 - Little Current, ON to North Channel Benjamins Anchorage (16NM)

• The marina emptied out pretty quickly on this sunny morning.  We made our way over to Wally's dock for a pump out and then joined the flotilla to a beautiful and popular North Channel anchorage.

• Everyone dropped their dinghies and slid them onto the base of the "ski slope" for a hike to the top, where we were treated to a Birdseye view of the gorgeous anchorage.

• Afterwards, we sat on the ski slope taking in the beautiful topography and agreed to return for 5:00 p.m. for Rock-tails.

• We were surprised to see a tour boat/wedding party drop anchor next to us - we all gasped at the range of colors painted by the sunset.

Sun, 8/20/23 - Benjamins Anchorage to North Channel Beardrop Anchorage (19.2NM)

• Beardrop is another popular North Channel anchorage.  We actually spent an evening there in 2019.
• This day was overcast, but it was a nice cruise.  In comparison to the past week, the small anchorage was a little underwhelming.
• We enjoyed a quiet day on the boat and then joined the gang for docktails aboard Long Gone 2.
• 
  The day was not without a little excitement.  Arabella's windless decided it had enough, so Capel needed some help pulling his anchor manually.  Brian and Dan rowed over in the dinghy to offer assistance, then Arabella rafted to Port-A-Gee and Long Gone 2.

Mon, 8/21/23 - Beardrop Anchorage to North Channel Turnbull Anchorage (7.1NM)

• This day marked 1 month in Canada and 1 year on the Loop!
• Arabella and Summer place elected to go to Blind River, while Long Gone 2 & Port-a-Gee chose to squeeze 1 last anchorage out of Canada.
• In my opinion, we made the right choice!  Despite the overcast skies and cool temps, the anchorage was gorgeous.
• We dropped the dinghy and cruised around the many fingers on this island in the middle of the North Channel.

• 5 Common Mergansers (thanks Google photo) entertained us for the afternoon.
• The behave similarly to Loons, diving underwater.  Females also carry babies on her back.

Tues-Thurs, 8/22-24/23 - North Channel-Turnbull Anchorage to Detour Village, MI (Detour State Harbor) (50.5NM)

• We agreed on an early start to cross to the south shore of the North Channel, so at 7:00 a.m. we pulled the anchor and shoved off of Long Gone 2 for a perfect cruising day.  Sunny skies and smooth seas.  It was a wonderful farewell to Canada.
• Before long, we were joined by Arabella, Summer Place and Unsubscribed as they made their way over from Blind River
• 
  Around 2:00 p.m. we were BACK IN THE USA!!
  
• Arabella was the first to cross the US border, I started the first couple lines of God Bless America on VHF Channel 72, and our buddy boats each followed by taking the next lines - I got chills!
• I launched the CBP Roam app and cleared customs with 20 minutes without any human contact.
• Upon arrival at Detour State Harbor, we stopped at the fuel dock for a pump out and 120 Gallons of diesel. 
• No more converting liters and exchange rates.
• Sandhill Cranes were grazing on shore!

• A gaggle of Loopers walked into town for yummy pizza at Dinghy's.
• Arabella
• Long Gone 2
• Summer Place
• Unsubscribed
• Port-A-Gee
• Wed, 8/23:  It rained, HARD, all night and half the day.
• I used the cold, dreary day to do a couple loads of laundry, then we walked into town for provisions. We came up a little short:
• 
  Detour Passage Market was a step back in town.  The old wood floors creaked, and the checkouts clearly have not changed in 50 years.  It was reminiscent of shopping with my grandmother.  Unfortunately, their selection was pretty sparce, except for a well-stocked liquor aisle!
• Dollar General was not there when we visited in 2019, and I assume is a thorn in the side of the Passage Market, since it's right next door.
• Between the 2 stores, we were able to get some essentials, but many things remained on our list.
• We had been watching weather all day, and finally made the decision to hang in Detour Village for one more day.

• Thurs, 8/24:  Whilst Chicago is enduring full sun and 100+ temps, we only reached a high of 70 under cloud cover all day in the UP.  A good day to sit tight and let the seas calm.
• Clouds and cool air remained all day.  It was a good day for a run and a walk to the Detour Village Botanical Garden.  The unique gardens were more of a memorial for lots of, I assume, local people, it was very peaceful.

• I spotted a very sprawling Camperdownii Elm in a yard (thanks Google Photo).

• 

  Detour Reef Lighthouse

  Loopers gathered at the very cool, retro Detour Village Inn for burgers and brews.
• I chatted with a couple who were in town preparing to be the Lighthouse Keepers for the weekend!  Turns out Michigan offers overnight lodging at a number of their lighthouses - very cool, I'll have to look into that! 
  
• Dinghy's was closed, so we had to settle for Dollar General ice cream!

Leg Stats:  

Miles: (283.5) 35.2, 12.5, 3.4, 27.4, 35.3, 7.9, 25.9, 21.9, 21.2, 16, 19.2, 7.1, 50.5

Marinas:(4) Big Sound (Parry Sound), Sportsmans (Killarney), Little Current, Detour Village

Anchorages: (9) Echo Bay, Menominee Channel, Hole in the Wall, Bustards, Bad River, Baie Fine Pool, Benjamins, Beardrop, Turnbull

Locks: (0)