This was a long travel day to Hilton Beach. We bypassed both Blind River and Thessalon. It was one of the calmest days yet on the water and we arrived just after the lunch hour to the marina. To our surprise there was an antique and hot rod car show at the waterfront and it was nice to see all the cars. We will stay for the week as we stage for the run to Sault Ste. Marie next week.
How could we not stop somewhere named Moiles Harbour, even if they do spell it wrong. This harbour was a major logging center for the North Channel, but of course is no longer used for that purpose. There are numerous old pilings that although are close to shore, are just above or just below the water. During our paddle around the harbour we found the old iron rings for holding the log rafts and even came across an old boat.
Considering our next stop was to be a 54 nautical mile run to Hilton Beach, we decided on a very early departure. And of course this would be the time to hook a telephone pole sized log from the bottom. We figured this would be a possibility knowing this was a logging harbour. But having this happen in other years we had no problem dislodging it and got on our way by 6:00 am and were rewarded with a wonderful sunrise as we departed.
Hotham Bay is one of our favorite anchorages. In this bay the water finally is reading about 23 degrees C and this means I can finally get into the water. Tried out the new hooka system for diving under the boat to check out the running gear and anodes.
Met up with Jerry and Sheila on Milaur, another 440 Carver. Enjoyed their company over a little wine on our boat and a beer aboard theirs.
Also finally got the kayaks out and enjoyed our paddle around the bay, seeing Beaver and mink along the shore.
From Clapperton it was a short voyage to the Benjamin Islands. Here we met up with David and Susan on Serenity II and Bob and Pam on Out of the Blue. It was an enjoyable afternoon to dinghy ashore and walk up the big granite hill. On the 17th we dinghied to a nice beach on the south shore for a martini or two with David and Susan.
Our first anchorage after Little Current was Clapperton Island. Nice location close to Kagawong and the Bridal Veil Falls. Nice sunsets from here, how ever the morning shad flies were no fun.
Our stay in Little Current was enjoyable. Of course we found the ice cream shop and did some provisioning in the Towns grocery store.
The docks were not overly busy other than the cruise ships stopping in for a couple of nights.
Finally met up with a number of other Loopers, Out of the Blue, Sea Clef, Red Dog, Heart Tug, Serenity II , Milaur to name just a few.
So the last couple of weeks we have been without, or with very little cell coverage.
We departed Britt and with good weather headed straight to Beaverstone Bay for a few days.
The next move was very short to Mill Lake along Collins Inlet, where Serenity II had caught up to us again. We ventured ashore here, but the blueberries are just not ready yet for picking.
Next stop was The Pool at the end of the fresh water fjord Baie Fine. Here we had the snapping turtle visit us each day.
We also took the hiking trail up to Topaz Lake.
Staying in Baie Fine we moved up the the anchorage at Mary Ann Cove. Joy went for a little swim but the water is still very cool.
From Baie Fine we motored to Heywood Island. Here the weather was very calm and we took the dinghy around the entire outside of the island. The water was crystal clear.
On July 10th we motored to Little Current for a 3 night stay on the town docks. Reprovisioned the groceries and went our for a nice dinner with David and Susan at the Anchor Inn.
