Great Loop "Just Do It"

June 29 Au Barile to Byng Inlet 29 miles (cruise time was 8-1:30) Rain last night created a drip right on my head.   I got up shut the windows and sunlights and the problem seemed corrected.   I am still slight suspicious of sunlight and another fitting outside that I will check. The other repairs seems to be working the water hose connection is no longer leaking and oil from the transmission is no longer dripping so maybe things are good.   But I have learned not to be hopeful. Wind was up today but we were heading north with a southwest wind and speed was well below the horror limit of 20 knots/hour.   Course was similar to yesterdays working course as far as navigation goes.   It is best if you know the waters if not then pay attention to the charts there are a lot of rocks to hit here.   Notes: No boats on the lake today boat in both harbor that we left and arrived in. One boat behind we this morning while I leaving dock moved out directly where I backi...

June 28   Parry Sound to Pointe AuBaril 35.6 miles The weather forecast was horrible yesterday so we wondered if would get off.   However this morning the water was dead calm so off we went.   The wind build during the day but it never really reached what could be called bad conditions.   When we arrived at Pointe AuBaril we tried to marinas and they both said no space.   So we proceeded to public dock and because we are only 25FT we were allowed to stay for only 14.75 Canadian a bargain.   I do not understand the marinas response I could see tons of empty slips you would think they would be pleased to rent out for the night.   But the claim was no space.   All this means is we will run the generator a little bit today aside from that no problems.   The scenery is spectacular here.   Lots of tiny island and bays to explore if you have the nerve to leave the channel.   Lots of premium anchorages also.   I know people love to anc...

June 27 FryingPan Island to Parry Sound 16 miles Woke to wind this morning checking into it we decided it was a bad Ideal to try to stick our plan and sail north.   So we elected to go east to parry sound and resupply everything. The first part of the sailing was a little “sporty” but not as bad as I feared It require some fancy driving but we made center channel each time Traffic was lighter than Saturday or Sunday but there was still more of it than would have expected and a lot were working boats either ferrying supplies or construction supplies. I guess we did OK as thing worked out. Now finding fuel was more of a challenge there is only one dock in Parry that has Diesel and they hide it pretty well.   We had to go by it twice to find it and even then I had a very hard time finding someone to pump it.   But again it worked out OK.   The lines were badly tangled and had help sort them out had not seen that on a fuel dock before.   After fueling we checked int...

June 25 Midland to Fry Pan Bay (Beausoleil Island) 12 miles   A very short run to the island but it was very busy day.   Counted over 50 boats during the travel.   Most followed common sense but some not so much.   Becoming accustomed to these problem.   The entrance back into the bay is unmarked but narrow with rocks.   I came in slowly and watched the GPS and sonar all the way in had no problems.   Now tied up to Government docks with limited WiFi so I assume this will not be posted till tomorrow. Last night after tying up a small 14 ft boat came and the guy was struggling to tie off his lines.   I went out to help.   Boy was he mad.   Turns out a big yacht had swamped him while fishing and was scared his tiny boat would sink.   After visiting with him he calmed down and turned into a nice guy.   I gave him a boat card and off he went.   Last night was not quite on dock.   Sounded like a woman did not like the fact ...

June 24 Port Severn to Midland 15 miles 1 lock Arose early but not in a rush as we above the lock and it did not open before 9 AM. In the longe we met Kevin and Victoria in Set Free another looper taking a couple days off to visit his son.   When we reached the lock the lock minders were planting a garden and we had go find them.   They said we snuck up on them.   It is just proof that my docking is getting better as there is no yelling about danger. Once through the lock we tracked straight to Midland on the fewest turn route we had in since we crossed lake Ontario.   In the marina we met a boat that was registered in Hawaii.   Turns out he has a boat from Florida and another in Florida.   Maybe we should buy it as it is an upgrade for sure. Had a Chamber of Commerce BBQ just across the dock which we did instead of Dinner. Did a little shopping for pan cake mix and cooking supplies.   When we got back to the boat someone had tripped on our hose and pu...

June 23   Again not a travel but still a little relaxing and stressful We arose early and started plans for our guests to arrive around 11:00.   A lot of cutting and dicing and prep work that was all complete at 10:00. Then waiting till about noon. The boat mechanic arrived at 9:00 am and started fooling around on the boat.   I had prepped the job so all he had to do is reach down put a 6 mm hex wrench on the bolt and turn it.   With limited space made a ratchet that fitted but still could not turn the bolt.   After 3 more hours of trying on one side he gave up.   So even with the prepping and correct tool he could not get the job done.   They claim he spent 4 hours and charged me only 2 but the rate seems high.   Now I figure we will finish the trip without a stern Thruster a big disappointment but I guess there is not a lot I can do about it.   Joe and Debbie arrived first at about 10:40 then Donna and David arrived around 11:30.   We ...

June 22 Zero boat miles today. Waiting for repair. Yesterday they said if it was a cool day they would work on my thruster today. My guess is that it was not cool enough for them.   I really do understand logic sometimes, now I have been told too busy, too hard to do, not enough time and too hot to work today.   There were not scheduled till the 23RD so I guess I can not complain unless they do not show up tomorrow.   That would really piss me off as I have prepared the boat for them.   We will see I keep my fingers crossed. Last night both Dianne and I had showers my shower was hot and Dianne only had cold water.   Not sure what is up with that but she did mumble about it last night.   Today sleep late and then had just a bagel for breakfast..   Then took the bikes out and rode for groceries in Victoria Falls.   It was longer than I thought and I did not pack water so there was some dehydration issues on the way in and way back.   Once we di...

June 21 Swift Rapids Lock to Starport Marina (In Port Severn ON) 15 miles 1 marine Railroad Started off slow this morning as we knew it would be a short day.   Got up and made coffee and then put in route to the marina in Port Severn arriving here around Noon.   As we had time this morning I made apple Pancakes and I had a second cup of coffee. Started out to the Big chute.   On arrival someone on a speaker said something that sounded like come right in BLAA BLAA.   I yelled back please repeat and got nothing.   I did what I normally do when I do I did not understand instruction and that is look around and try something.   As there are limited options in at a marine railroad I did the right thing and drove into a what looks like a sling.   They lifted the back of the boat with the sling and big railway car with a cradle came up under the boat and lifted it up a slight hill and down a big hill.   With a water cooled inboard I yelled should shut off...

June 20 Lake Simco to bottom of Lock 43 43 miles 2 locks Started the day a little chilly but warm enough during the night.   It was still warm enough to wear short sleeve shirts and shorts for me.   Dianne of course is still in a hoody.   and long pants.   Went right out into the Lake at the start of the trip and headed North to fill the tank with Diesel.   The marina was open and did have Diesel so we filled up put in 44 liters and it cost 131 or 10 gal and $103 in real US dollars.   But the good news is that the wind and current was us today so we made more than 5.8 miles per gallon which is considered excellent for loopers. We started the morning with a computer log that showed 37 gallons in the tank.   A boat indicator that said 63 gallons.   After filling the tank (which should hold 75 gallons) the log showed 47 gallons the indicator showed 55 gallons.   So I reset my log to a full tank of 60 gallons at the start of the day and ended up ...

June 19 Balsam Lake to Lake Simco Entrance (5 locks plus one lift Lock 23 miles) A lot has happened since last post so here is a daily set of notes to catch all people up to date. Wed. June 8 Arrived at Balsam Lake and started visiting Marilyn and Frank   Thurs. June 9 Went to town to do shopping and make sure our plans were made and searched for a Marina willing to do repairs. Dianne had a Doctors appointment that was canceled due to not being in state for the phone call. Friday June 10 Sharon and Rupert arrived and we had a good visit with them. Sat. June 11 continued visit the three sisters and had a turkey Dinner Sunday June 12. Was slightly less busy just relaxing around cottage and spent time plotting days into the future and when returning home.   Turns out should be around Aug. 1.   Plus I updated the blog. Mon. June 13   Drove to Visit Marg Diannes mother.   Then drove to Fergus and had dinner with my sister Donna and Dave her husband it turned out well...