North Channel, Canada

Killarney – Little Current - Drummond

Some of the text does not always line up with the photos because we are still having to catch up the days when we haven't had internet. The blog is often a culmination of 3 days of travelling and doesn't always match the date when we post it. However today we have good internet access and we will try and catch up.

We stayed in Killarney Mountain Lodge Marina after having travelled the long Collins Inlet. Have been on the lookout for deer, moose and bears but nothing seen to date except stuffed ones in restaurants.(I know it is rare to sight one but some people have – so it could be us). We walked the small town where many shops/businesses seem to have closed & had fish & chips at another 'world famous' Herbert's Fisheries. They used to serve it from a bus but that no longer happens. (probably another health & safety issue).

We made a long side trip into a 10 mile long fjord called Baie Fine which is lined with white silica cliffs and fir trees. At the end is a narrow 2 mile channel leading to The Pool which is a great anchorage. We hiked up a hill on the lakes edge to view a beautiful topaz lake – very clear with no bottom growth due to the acids that have leached in from the rocks – the acids have long gone so it is OK for swimming. We travelled further south to Heywood Is where we anchored in Browning Cove for a perfect night.

Our next stop was Little Current where a swing bridge opened only on the hour, so we made it for the 8 o'clock opening and headed to the Anchor Inn where a “cruisers broadcast” is done over the VHF every morning at 9am. Boaters are welcome to sit in and listen to weather forecasts, world & local news, & other boats calling in with their name & position. Roy will also relay any messages or help with any medical or emergencies. This is broadcast over a large area in the North Channel. Roy's substitute Doug was on the day we were there and after the broadcast and also at cocktails in the bar later in the afternoon told us tales of boaters & the rich & famous who had brought property in the area.

We are now on the last leg of our journey through the North Channel which is at the north western part of Lake Huron. Georgian Bay, which we have just completed was in the north eastern corner. We decided to go to the largest island in Lake Huron - Manitoulin which is a huge island stretching from east to west across the top of Lake Huron. We tied up at Kagawong Bay and next morning visited the Bridal Falls & a couple of museums. Many facilities there for the locals. We travelled on to Gore Bay and anchored for the night. We watched the work being done on the already impressive town docks which were being further developed with a long break wall. It was even more impressive when we realised that it was a Saturday evening and at 7.30 at night they were still working. - 3 large diggers & a barge.

Next morning we had a long but easy journey to Drummond Island and during this time crossed the Canadian USA border.