Georgian Bay

The most striking feature of the Georgian Bay is its topography. Land both above and below the water consists mostly of granite outcroppings. The surface of many islands is a very thin soil over hard rock. Rugged pristine landscape abounds. The water is so, so clear that you can look down at least fifty feet or more in places. It is such a shock to see water the color of the Gulf on its best days in fresh water. It is as if you are looking into a fresh water spring. At times, it is the color of green grapes. We are just fascinated with it. The area is blessed with numerous islands and is often referred to as the 30,000 islands. In reality it should be called the 100,000 islands, since there are many pieces of land just below the surface. We basically followed the small craft route from Port Severn to Killarney along the Northern edge of the bay.

0ur first stop was Pentanquishene at the Bay Moorings Yacht Club. Believe it or not, it was VERY hot. We felt we were in Florida, rather than Canada. 0nce we got settled into our slip, we immediately headed for the pool [and the laundry]! Gail’s question was, “Can we spend the night in the pool tonight?” It felt wonderful and was worth the fee of the marina!!! We didn’t even leave the marina and saw nothing of the town..

The next place we visited was an absolutely awesome anchorage in Indian Harbor. Anchoring itself was a feat because the bottom was soft silt. 0nce secure however, we had a delightful dingy ride over to the magnificent rocks to explore, returned for a refreshing swim and then sat topside on Monarch to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.

Sunset at Indian Harbor

The next morning we departed this little piece of heaven and headed out for Frying Pan Island and Henry’s Restaurant. It had been written up as the BEST fish place to eat in the whole Georgian Bay. Much to our dismay, they were out of the famous white fish that are so popular. Needless to say, we found great substitutes and filled ourselves with perch!

After napping, which has become pretty routine, we jumped into the beautiful water for a leisurely swim with Elizabeth and Bob. Hanging on floaties in Georgian Bay is GREAT!! 0nce again, the water is unbelievable. You can see your entire body underwater.

An Anukshuk pointing the way to Point Baril

We spent the night and headed out the next morning across Parry Sound, back into the small craft channel that passes around Squaw Island. We eventually arrived at Point Au Baril. At Point Au Baril Station there are two public docks that serve passing boaters. After a little confusion, we found the right place and secured Monarch for the night. It was a great stop: the grocery store was just yards away and there was a great little place to eat up the hill. We actually “dined” in the yard surrounded by flowers and hummingbirds! The homemade ice-cream was t die for!!! The whole experience was another one of those unexpected surprises that make us feel so lucky to able to be on this adventure!

Point Au Baril Lighthouse

August 4th our home for the night was Sandy Bay. The guide books tell you that you have to feel your way in and they certainly know what they are talking about. It is pretty scary to look down through that clear water and think you can actually touch the huge boulders that are looming up at you. It is very difficult to determine the depth. It makes us feel like real pioneers. Makes you wonder how in the world the first people who traveled these waters ever made it without disastrous consequences...

Departing Sandy Bay

Lest you become bored with our travels, we will take a break and resume again tomorrow. This “catching up” is longer than we thought it would be!