Killbear Marina in Nobel, ON to Anchorage “The Stairs and Maskinonge"

Day #398: Mike and I set an alarm for 2:30 A.M. getting up to look at the perseid meteor shower. Mike and I each saw 6 shooting stars before heading back into the boat. The temperature was 54 degrees which made it very chilly to be outside. The two of us were up at 6:00 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and cookies. At 7:00 A.M. the two of us started to get the boat ready for departure. At 7:30 A.M. John mentioned an anchorage that “The Lower Place” had stayed at last year so Mike and John decided to head to this anchorage. At 8:00 A.M. both “Parrot Bay” and “Alysana” were underway with assist from Bob and Sandy from “Impulse II”. It was a beautiful boat ride with lots of cottages and granite. The weather couldn’t have been more beautiful, the winds were light and it was sunny. At 11:00 A.M. both boats were secure in “The Stairs and Maskinonge” anchorage. “Parrot Bay” had a bow and stern anchor out and “Alysana” had a bow anchor out with the two boats rafted after traveling 21.3 miles (4,985.3 miles for the trip). During the rafting process “Parrot Bay's" favorite handheld radio went for a swim not to be found.  At 12:00 P.M. depth and anchor check with the dinghy and handheld depth meter. Mike worked on navigation plan for Tuesday while I worked on a few boat jobs. At 12:30 P.M. John, Gina, Mike and I took “Alysana’s” dingy to Ojibway Club Island for lunch. The four of us walked into the gift shop and small grocery store before heading back to the boats. At 3:00 P.M. Mike and I took the dinghy to shore to see if we could find blueberries. The second stop Mike was able to find just a few blueberries. The two of us headed back to the boat where they both took a dip in the water where the temperature was 74 degrees. Mike and I then headed to the flying bridge to catch a cool breeze. At 5:30 P.M. it was time for docktails on “Alysana” with spicy tuna dip. The four of us couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful night on the hook. At 7:00 P.M. it was time to get boat boats prepared for departure and thunderstorms in the morning. After a few more boat jobs and blogging it was time for reading and relaxation. The plan for the morning is for both boats to head to a different anchorage 40 miles north. The forecast is for there to be rain starting late this evening lasting until the afternoon on Tuesday. 

Mike and I have never seen tire used as break wall. It worked great. 
 

 Beautiful view from Killbear Marina. 

The canoe channel. 

"Alysana" heading through the narrow cut.

 

Pointe au Baril Light.

 

Spruce Island Light

Beautiful home.

NEBO trip from Nobel, ON to "The Stairs and Maskinonge"

"Alysana" and "Parrot Bay" anchored in "The Stairs and Maskinonge."

Beautiful rocks formations. 

Kids swimming in the narrows as John, Gina, Mike and I were heading to the Ojibway Club.

Beautiful rock formations. 

John, Gina, Mike and I heading toward the Ojibway Club for lunch. 

Historical marker for The Ojibway Pointe au Baril, ON.

Mike and I out hiking looking down at "Parrot Bay's" launch.

View of "Parrot Bay" and "Alysana" from across the anchorage.

 

At this time only three boats in the anchorage. Mike and I out for a hike.

 

Mike and I hiking looking down on "Alysana" and "Parrot Bay".

Only a few blueberries found by Mike. 

Beautiful view from the stern of "Parrot Bay"

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Killbear Marina in Nobel, ON

We have been Looping for Thirteen Months.

Miles Traveled (thru August 4, 2019) : 4,964 miles

Ports of Call: Harrisville, MI; Presque Isle, MI; Rogers City, MI; Mackinaw City, MI; Harbor Springs, MI; Leland, MI; Frankfort, MI; Ludington, MI; Manitowoc, WI; Sheboygan, WI; Port Washington, WI; Racine, WI; Chicago, IL; Joliet, IL; Ottawa, IL; Peoria Heights, IL; Havana, IL,; Florence, IL; Grafton ,IL; Alton, IL; Kimmswick, MO; Cape Girardeau, MO; Cairo, MO; Paducah, KY; Grand Rivers, KY; Buchanan, TN; Waverly, TN; Bath Springs, TN; Counce, TN; New Site, MS; Fulton, MS; Columbus, MS; Gainesville, ; AL; Demopolis, AL; Putnam, AL; Silas, AL; Mt. Vernon, AL; Mobile, AL; Gulf Shores, AL; Fort Walton Beach, FL; Panama City, FL; Carrabelle, FL, Clearwater, FL; Sarasota, FL; Cape Haze, FL; Fort Myers, FL; MooreHaven, FL; Stuart, FL; Fort Pierce, FL; Vero Beach, FL; Cocoa Village, FL; New Smyrna, FL, Marineland (St. Augustine), FL;  St. Augustine, FL; Fernandina Beach, FL; Cumberland Island, GA; St. Simon's Island, GA; Midway, GA; Savannah, GA; Beaufort, SC; St. John's Island, SC; Charleston, SC; Georgetown, SC; Myrtle Beach, SC; Southport, NC; Surf City, NC; Beaufort, NC; Oriental , NC; Belhaven, NC; Columbia, NC; Elizabeth City, NC; South Mills, NC; Tidewater, VA; Deltaville, VA, Soloman's Island, MD; Annapolis, MD; Chesapeake City, MD; Bear, DE; Cape May, NJ, Atlantic City, NJ; Statin Island, NY; Croton-On-Hudson, NY; Kingston, NY; New Baltimore, NY; Waterford, NY; Scotia, NY; Amsterdam, NY; St. Johnsville, NY; Utica, NY; Sylvan Beach, NY; Brewerton, NY; Oswego, NY.

"Parrot Bay" has transited (17) States: Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, Maryland,  Delaware, New Jersey, New York.

"Parrot Bay has transited 2 countries.

"Parrot Bay" has traveled the following Canadian cities: Kingston, ON; Bellville, ON; Trenton, ON; Frankford, ON; Campbellford, ON; Hastings, ON; Peterborough, ON; Youngs Point, ON; Bobcaygeon, ON; Kirkfield, ON; Orillia, ON; Coldwater, ON; Victoria Harbour, ON; 12 Mile Bay.

Location for the Nights: Marinas (through August 4, 2019):  385, Anchorages: 9 Free Dock: 3

Miles Walked Total: 1,260.93

Games of Cribbage Total: 233:  Mike wins: 114 (19 skunk) Patty: 119 (15 skunks)

Books Read: Mike: 39 Patty: 31

Day #397: Mike and I were up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit and cookies. During the morning hours the two of us worked on boat jobs and navigation planning. At 9:30 A.M. Gina, John, Mike and I sat down to discuss weather and travel plans for this week. Gina called making reservations for a marina in Killarney, ON starting on Wednesday. At 1:00 P.M. John, Gina, Mike and I walked to the Killbear Park Mall General Store to see what they had for provisioning. On the walk to the store three people on bikes informed the four of us that they had seen a small bear 50 meter ahead. The four of us looked for the bear but didn’t see it. Gina and John were able to buy a few items at the store before the four of us headed back to the marina. Mike and I headed to the flying bridge to enjoy the beautiful day. At 5:00 P.M. it was docktails on “Alysana” with Gina, John, Mike, myself, Bill/Sandy (“Impulse II”). Bill and Sandy had just arrived at the marina this afternoon they are also loopers who just started their loop in New York. There were lots of information sharing and fun stories during docktails. At 7:30 P.M it was time for Sunday night phone calls with Mom/Dad Burdo, Amanda and Mom Boynton. The plan for Monday is for “Parrot Bay” and “Alysana” to head Hopewell anchorage in Georgian Bay. 

Gina, John, Mike and I heading into the General Store for a few provisions. 

Cool camp store. 

12 Mile Bay Anchorage to Killbear Marina in Nobel, ON 

Day # 396: Mike and I were up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit, maple/bacon butter tart and cookies. At 7:30 A.M. it was time to start preparing for departure. At 8:20 A.M. “Alysana” casted off. At 8:30 A.M. Mike was able to pull the stern anchor with lots of mud. The bow anchor was fouled with a large tree that was twisted in the anchor chain. Due to the tight quarters of rocks in the anchorage Mike maneuvered “Parrot Bay” out into the channel dragging the tree in the anchor. Mike then took a saw standing on the bow pulpit sawing part of the tree off then used a boat hook to disengage the tree from the anchor. Mike was then able to bring the anchor back to the boat. At 8:40 A.M. we were away with “Alysana” in the lead. There was a west wind that caused 1-2 foot waves on the bow then followed by 1-2 foot waves on the beam. At 11:30 A.M. “Parrot Bay” was secure at Killbear Marina after traveling 24 miles (4,964 miles total for the trip). After a few chores the two of us then headed to the flying bridge I attempted to blog but the internet was very slow pictures were not loading. “Stay Strong” another looper boat docked next to “Parrot Bay”.  This was the first time that Mike and I had met the people on this boat. It was decided that the group would have a 4:30 P.M. dinner at the onsite restaurant. Robin/Charlie (“The Lower Place”), Gina/John (“Alysana”), Marty/Deb/Kevin/Vanessa (“Stay Strong”), and Mike/I (“Parrot Bay”) headed to the onsite restaurant  "The Office on the Bay”. The group of us had great meals before heading back to the boats. Charlie from “The Lower Place” made bushwackers for the group which were very good while the group gathered between “Stay Strong” and “Parrot Bay”. At 8:00 P.M. it was time for blogging, reading and Jimmy Buffet concert from Virginia Beach. 

Mike trying to bring up "Parrot Bay's" bow anchor but it has a tree wrapped around it.
 

Thanks to John from "Alysana" for grabbing this picture of Mike trying to get the tree off the anchor.
 

"Parrot Bay" at 12 Mile Bay. 

People camping on the rocks.

Beautiful cottage built on the rocks. 

McDivitt Island 

"Islander 2" a cool tour boat. 

Lighthouse out in the distance on the rocks. 

                                                                                   

                                                                    Spruce Island Light

NEBO trip from 12 Mile Bay to Nobel, ON

The marina restaurant at Killbear Marina. A great place for a group of loopers to get together for dinner. 

12 Mile Bay Anchorage

Day #395: From last evening I beat Mike at cribbage. Mike and I were up at 6:30 A.M. for coffee, grapefruit, cookies and maple/bacon butter tarts. At 8:00 A.M. Mike realized that the head (toilet) wasn’t working so at 8:15 A.M. we started to get all of the tools ready to fix the head. The boat looked like it blew up as when you are fixing something on a boat just about everything needs to be moved. The head pump is under the mattress so that needed to be moved along with cushions to get out tools. John from “Alysana” popped over one time to see if he could help. Mike replaced four "duck-bill" valves.  Unfortunately he worn some stinky water. By 10:15 A.M. Mike and I had the head working and sheets changed on the bed and the boat put back together. Mike jumped into Lake Huron to clean off.  The two of us went for a 3 mile dinghy ride. We saw Gina out on her paddleboard. We headed back to the boat to get ready to head to Henry’s Fish Camp for lunch. At 11:55 A.M. John, Gina, Mike and I took “Alysana’s” dinghy 8 miles to lunch arriving at 12:20 P.M.  We went very quickly and there was lot of wake. When the four of us arrived “Bella Gatto”, “Nomadic Spirit” and “The Lower Place” already had seats and had ordered their meals. Mike and I ordered the pan-fried whitefish, fries, baked beans and coleslaw which was excellent. After checking out the gift shop the four of us hopped back in the dinghy heading back to the anchorage. Upon getting back John, Mike and I hopped in the water enjoying the clean water of Lake Huron. After the swim the four of us then enjoyed beverages on “Parrot Bay”. At 5:15 P.M. Mike and I used the camp shower on the back of “Parrot Bay”. After the shower the two of us prepared the boat for departure and secured the dinghy. At 6:00 P.M. Mike and I headed over to “Alysana” to watch the movie “Mowgli- Legend of the Jungle” (the movie based on the Jungle Book). Gina and John served salami, cheese and crackers and Mike made popcorn; fun was had by all. At 8:15 P.M. Mike and I headed back to “Parrot Bay” after cleaning up it was time for reading and blogging. Still not internet so I organizing my pictures and did the write up in Word. The plan for Saturday is to head to Killbear Marina for two nights.

Mike took this beautiful picture pre-dawn in 12 Mile Bay anchorage. 

                                                                                 

                                                        Sunrise at 12 Mile Bay anchorage. 

Oops! the head (toilet) pump stopped working. Mike was able to successfully fix the pump while at anchor. 

Mike needed a dip in the water after completing the successful repair of the head pump.

Mike and I in our dinghy this connected two anchorages.
 

While Mike and I were out in the dinghy we saw Gina out on her paddleboard.

Beautiful rock formations. 

"Alysana" and "Parrot Bay" rafted and anchored in 12 Mile Bay anchorage in Georgian Bay.

"Alysana" and "Parrot Bay" anchored near Canadian Island 397.
 

Beautiful rock formation at the bow of "Alysana" and "Parrot Bay" in 12 Mile Bay anchorage.

The famous Henry's Restaurant. 

Gina, John, Mike and I headed to the famous Henry's Restaurant via dinghy to lunch.
  

Old telephone booth at Henry's.

Lots of float planes in Georgian Bay. This one landed and parked at Henry's for lunch.
 

Small store and ice cream stand at Henry's.

Props that have hit rocks displayed outside at Henry's.

Henry's from the water. 

Me enjoying a dip in 12 Mile Bay anchorage the water was 74 degrees at the surface.
 

Mike diving into the water.

                                                                                  

                        John enjoying the water with a great view of the rocks in the anchorage.

Mike enjoying a brew and floating in the water.

Queen’s Cove Marina in Victoria Harbour, ON  to 12 Mile Bay Anchorage, ON

Day: 394 Mike and I were up at 5:30 A.M. for breakfast nectarine and butter tarts. Beautiful sunny morning with temperature of 56 degrees at 6:00 A.M. At 7:30 A.M. Robin McKeowan the harbor master at Queen’s Cove Marina did a chart talk for “Parrot Bay”, “Alysana” and “The Lower Place”. Robin started with asking the number of days that each boat wanted to spend in Georgian Bay and North Channel. After she had the information she made a plan for each boat. While she was making the plan she made reservations at Killbear Marina for “Alysana” and “Parrot Bay” for the weekend as it is a holiday weekend in Canada. Robin simply texted the harbormaster at Killbear giving him the information for each of the boats. After the talk John, Gina, Mike and I headed back to our boats to prepare for departure. At 9:45 A.M. both boats were underway. It was a beautiful day on the water with gorgeous scenery of cottages and granite. At 11:05 A.M. the boats passed Brebeuf Light. At 1:30 P.M. “Parrot Bay” and “Alysana” arrived at 12 Mile Bay anchorage that Robin had suggested after traveling 33.7 miles (4,940 miles total for the trip). Mike set “Parrot Bay’s” anchor.  Once the anchor was set John brought “Alysana” alongside rafting to “Parrot Bay”. The wind was picking up and the boats started to swing so Mike and I launched the dinghy putting out a stern anchor. The stern anchor helped with the swinging of the boats. It was decided that it was time to have a beer to monitor the anchor to make sure that it was holding. Mike and I joined Gina and John on “Alysana” for happy hour. After a few hours of anchor watch beers it was determined that the anchor was holding. I had my anchor alarm on my phone on just in case. Mike and I at 6:30 P.M. headed back to “Parrot Bay” to do some navigation planning and blogging. I was unable to blog so I downloaded pictures and typed out my blog so that it is ready for when we have internet. The plan for Friday is for the two boats to stay at 12 Mile Bay anchorage. The four of us decided that they are going to dinghy, climb rocks, swim and take John/Gina’s dinghy heading 8 miles to Henry’s Fish Camp for lunch.

                                                                                  

Robin (dockmaster at Queen's Cove Marina), Charlie ("The Lower Place") and Mike getting a                                              ride out to the pavilion for planning session. 

Planning session Mike, Robin K., Robin/Charlie ("The Lower Place") Gina/John ("Alysana").

                                                                                    

                                                                       Brebeuf Light

Lots of rock!

Gazebo on the rocks. 

"CCGS Samuel Risley"

NEBO trip Victoria Harbour to 12 Mile Bay Anchorage

 "Parrot Bay and "Alysana's" stern view at 12 Mile Bay Anchorage.