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Month: August 2018

3 Days in Collins Inlet, Mill Lake, and Beaverstone Bay

3 Days in Collins Inlet, Mill Lake, and Beaverstone Bay

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Stats for 8/2/2018
Origin: Covered Portage Anchorage
Destination: Collins Inlet Anchorage
Distance: 10.4 miles
Speed: 7.9 mph
Time on the Move: 1 hour 18 minutes

There are two paths you can take along the Georgian Bay—one is the “outside route” which basically means you’re in the big bay, exposed to all the open water and changing weather with deeper water. The second path is the “small craft route” that is similar to an intercoastal waterway. It is a path through the rocks that has been charted and marked to allow most boats (not the real big ones, though!!) through in more protected water. The small craft route is filled with rocks and hazards and requires careful navigating at times, as well as containing some very narrow or shallow areas.

To get from Covered Portage to Collins Inlet we had to run on the outside for about 5 miles in somewhat windy conditions (15-20 knots) straight out of the south. This meant that the openness of the Georgian Bay allowed those winds to kick up some nasty waves that were hitting our boat directly on the beam (that means the side of our boat). That makes you rock back and forth, back and forth (and also makes you fear your boat will tip right over if you’re me OR it makes you want to puke if you’re the kids), so it wasn’t really the best traveling conditions. Luckily, we knew we only had 5 miles of BLEH (which was about half an hour) to get through, and then we would reach the small craft route which would be more protected. However, entering the mouth of the inlet where there are all kinds of scattered rocks both above and below the water is a little nerve-wrecking in rough water where EVERY WAVE looks like it hides a rock. (You’ll find that my nerves are wrecked quite often, lol.) Luckily, we kept a close eye out and had two different computerized charts guiding our path and highlighting the areas to avoid.

As soon as we were out of the chop and into the small craft route, it was amazing to see the rocky ledges on both sides of us. We saw tent campers relaxing in hammocks on one point, and lots of trees and rocks everywhere. It was different than the scenery before, but still beautiful. The channel was narrow at some points, and much wider at others. There were rocks hiding just below the water level and also islands popping up everywhere. Very picturesque. However, still no bears or moose. We did see some Loons, and the Cormorants are everywhere.

Tents on the point–rough water on the other side of these rocks!!
We were amazed by the rocky shore so close!

We arrived at our chosen anchorage, recommended by Melissa and George (some of our kid boat looper friends) and instantly the kids took off on their kayaks. It was still quite windy, so we kept a close eye on them. Hayley paddled around while the boys docked their kayaks and supposedly saw a snake. They both described the snake differently, but they are adamant it is not a story, so who knows?! After paddling, some quiet time, taco dinner, and meeting some new friends who stopped by on their dinghy, we took off on our own dinghy adventure.

Our anchorage
Kayak adventures
Checking out the scenery on the bow (at anchor).
Off to go adventuring in the dingy!

 

We met some other boats anchored in the area and some lovely ladies enjoying a floating raft at their cottage, explored some islands, found an old pike head, and did some rock hopping. It was such a cool area with little inlets everywhere to explore. We were treated to a beautiful sunset right after kiddie bedtime.

The next morning we did some more kayaking and exploring the areas by the boat since the wind had died down. We pulled out the shampoo and soap and gave everyone a good old fashioned lake bath before we packed up to head to our next destination. We were not so pleasantly surprised to find that there were leaches in some of the marshy areas we paddled through. Hayley had a few hidden in her ankle bracelets (beauty can be tough!) but the rest were still searching the bottom of our kayaks and paddleboards. Yuck!!

Toby showing off some snake skin he found in Killarney.
Mike and Hay played cards.

 

Stats for 8/3/2018
Origin: Collins Inlet Anchorage
Destination: Mill Lake Anchorage
Distance: 7.4 miles
Speed: 7.7 mph
Time on the Move: 57 minutes

 

Our trip was a short one further down the inlet past more rocks and trees to a big open area called Mill Lake. There are marked anchorages everywhere in this area, so we went along for a while looking for one that was completely empty and that would shelter us from a south wind. At this point, we were without service (ie: weather) for a few days so we weren’t really sure what to expect weather and wind wise. We were “protected enough” that we were too worried, but knowing what to expect with the wind can be helpful in anchoring so you know which way you will swing. We found a nice area with lots of little island close by for the kids to explore.

The kids finished a movie while Mike tried fishing and I read on the bow. Eventually, Colin started fishing and I took the other two kayaking to explore the islands. Toby has gotten so confidant on his kayak AND with swimming (in his life jacket) it is amazing. He wanted to swim from island to island while Hayley and I paddled next to him. We did quite a bit of exploring and came back to see that the boys had caught 2 fish. Toby was thrilled and Hayley and I were creeped out. Hayley and Toby each took a turn fishing while I got dinner ready. Just as dinner was being put on the table we realized that we were swinging pretty close to some of the “cute little islands” that we anchored near so the kids could explore. (We had been watching our GPS carefully and I don’t think we actually moved closer, I think we just spun a little more towards the big rocks—not a good feeling). So rather than eat, we did a quick move about 20 feet ahead and re-anchor. This whole maneuver is not quite as easy as it sounds, but Mike pretty much had no choice but to move us or keep listening to my nervous chatter.

The one Colin is holding was pretty delicious!

That night I woke up to find Colin standing at the bottom of the steps headed out of the salon talking jibber jabber. I put him right back to bed, but it made me thankful that we brought our home alarm system onto our boat so the doors all ding when they are opened or closed. We don’t need any sleep walkers to add any excitement around here. A bonus of his nighttime walk was that I could make sure we were still far away from the big rock and I could take a peek at the stars. WOAH BABY!! The stars are amazing out here in the middle of nowhere!! They were so beautiful and bright, it was hard to go back to sleep. But soon enough, I realized it was the middle of the night, and I was exhausted, so back to sleep I went.

The next morning Mike went kayaking/paddleboarding with the littles while Colin read and I worked on blogging (not that I could post it or anything!). We also went for a dinghy ride exploring all the islands around Mill Lake and checking out the Mill Lake Lodge, where we filled up the dinghy tank with gas. It was cool to see some remnants of an old mill that was abandoned here. We almost found some rocks on our way back, but saw them just in time to turn away. Lots to explore in this area!! If you keep an eye out!! We packed up and headed to another anchorage along the small craft route.

2 kayakers and a paddleboarder, if you look hard enough!

 

Mike is getting ready to open his traveling barber shop: Captain’s Cuts. Coming soon to a marina near you! He had Hayley take this promo pic. 😉

 

Stats for 8/4/2018
Origin: Mill Lake Anchorage
Destination: Beaverstone Bay Anchorage
Distance: 7.4 miles
Speed: 6.2 miles per hour
Time on the Move: 1 hour 11 minutes

We didn’t have far to go again, and honestly we probably wouldn’t have moved if we had to go outside the small craft route at all because it was quite windy. On our way past the Mill Lake Lodge, Colin paddled over to pay for our gas from earlier because of course we didn’t take cash with us and they only take cash. Thank goodness he is a fearless paddler!! 😊

Markers on land remind you not to drive toward the rocks, I guess.

As we got closer to Beaverstone Bay, we entered the narrowest area along this path. The rocky walls through this area are quite close together, but the rocks go straight down below the water, so it is deep right up to the rocks. It is difficult to get used to being that close to huge rocks in your boat. We are used to boating in areas with no rocks and lots of shallow, sandy bottom. This was a whole new ball game for us—and of course it was windy!! So we kept our eyes on our charts and worked together (and somehow I also took tons of pictures) and we made our way through the narrows. Again, no new wildlife, but lots of searching. It was also cool to pass by the random cottages along the shoreline. Such a unique and remote area to spend time in.

We were this close to tall rock walls!!
The captain did a great job!

Beaverstone Bay is narrow at the top where the inlet dumps into it, but it opens up to be quite wide, having many anchorages and lots to explore. We wanted to stay away from the open areas and find a place that would shield us from the strong south wind. We ended up finding a group of islands that protected a little river area so that the kids could kayak and so that we would be out of most of the wind.

Our windy anchorage–this little “river” in front of us was shielded by all the rock islands along the sides.

After we dropped anchor and had our “we made it” beers, I did some reading on the bow and Mike did whatever a captain does. Soon enough, the kiddies were getting restless, so we went kayaking around the islands in front of us and rock hopped and explored to their delight. We went back to the boat for dinner and relaxing in the shelter from the wind.

We weren’t really sure what weather or wind was forecasted, but we were hoping to head to a different area the next day that would require that same 5 mile trek on the outside and then heading to new territory that was a bit more open than the inlet we had been exploring, but not completely unprotected. Not knowing what to expect the next day, and listening to the waves slap against the boat for part of the night, I was up at 5 am keeping watch and Mike was up shortly after. We planned to get an early start, though not quite that early. As it ended up, we were treated to a beautiful sunrise as we headed back through the inlet to maximize our protected water. It was a beautiful morning and we were excited to meet up with our kid-boat-looper-friends once again!
Thanks for following and reading ALL OF THAT!! 😊

2 Days at Covered Portage Anchorage

2 Days at Covered Portage Anchorage

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Stats for July 31st:

Origin:  Killarney, Ontario

Destination:  Covered Portage Anchorage

Distance:  6.1 miles

Speed:  6 mph

Time on the Move:  2 hours +

After soaking up the luxury of Killarney Mountain Lodge for two nights (and fixing that inverter problem!), we were anxious to get back out in nature on the hook.  We have heard rave reviews about an anchorage not far from here at all, and all our kid boat friends were headed that way, so of course we were, too!

 

Boating around here reminds me of scenes from Northern Exposure—wilderness everywhere.  Huge rocks jutting out of blue water.  Cottages and homes built right into the rock.  Every corner brings another breath-taking view.  It is just too beautiful to be captured by any cell phone, so I go back and forth between *attempting* to get the perfect picture and just soaking it all in with my own eyes.

 

We were all on our own schedule heading out of Killarney, so we had friends ahead of us and friends behind us.  We weren’t sure exactly where the group was going to anchor, so we checked out the front part of the anchorage that was more open to the bay and then decided to head through the narrow path in the rocks to see what the protected cove in the back looked like.  As we pulled back there, we saw about 15 boats already anchored (so not much extra room for us), but it was BEAUTIFUL!  Surrounded by high rocky cliffs and clear greenish water.  We decided to see if we could squeeze in amongst all those boaters who were already set up.  Now we aren’t experts at anchoring.  Word is that the bottom around here can be rocky and rough holding.  Lots of Georgian Bay boaters have mastered this trick of tying an extra line off of their stern (back end) and securing it to a tree on shore to secure their holding and to reduce the space you need due to swinging around your anchor.  That looks awesome and all, but seems a tad overwhelming, so we decided to do our best with just one anchor.  On our first attempt, the wind changed instantly and we were spinning pretty close to the rocky shore.  Mike thought about throwing an extra anchor off the back (and actually smashed it into his hand instead) but then pulled it back up right away when we realized we weren’t comfortable being that close to the rocks.  Then there was a second attempt, but on the third attempt we got it right.

Just as the anchor was set and I was taking in the picturesque view of all these boats surrounded by treed rocks, a seaplane came right over the trees and flew right over the anchorage.  It was absolutely perfect.  AND I got it all on video.  (More about why I can’t show you this later).

 

We spent some time getting all the toys out to enjoy the beautiful afternoon.  Colin took off on his kayak to explore the rocky shore.  Hayley and I went paddleboarding to see if we could find where our friends set up.  Mike and Tobin went off to try fishing from the dinghy.

 

We all ended up hanging out at our friends’ boats that had tied up out in the cove that was open to the bay for the rest of the evening.  Good company, lots of boating/looping/parenting talk, friends for the kids to play with, and nature to explore.  It was a great evening with a barbeque and lots of swimming for the kids.  The highlight of the night came right before we left for our boat when the last kid boat family caught up with us after making a long trek from Tobermory that day.

**I would be able to add all of my awesome pictures into this post so you could see the fun and beauty, except phones don’t work so well when they’re 20 feet underwater sitting at the bottom of the Georgian Bay.  Somehow Mike was taking pics of the boys paddling back to the boat from their exploring with MY PHONE when he accidentally dropped it in the water.  The interesting thing is that I didn’t even bring my phone out today.  I left it charging on my bed.  And then once it was on the boat with us, I took great care in tucking it away every time after I took a picture.  Now somehow, it has sunk to the bottom of the sea.  I was ticked, but what could I do?  Accidents happen and Mike was very apologetic.  Our friend Ben even attempted to dive down for it a few times, but 20 feet is a tad deep and dark for finding much.  Now Mike and I are BOTH running on our back up phones we brought with us (just in case!) and waiting for civilization where we can get new ones. From here on in the post, there should be more pictures taken with the back up, but I’m struggling to master the camera on this new/old phone.  Rant over and as soon as I have my own replacement, I will avoid telling this story anymore.  I promise, Mike!**

 

The next day started with a rainy morning that led to a smokey afternoon.  There are wildfires raging not too far from here and many areas to the southeast of us are off limits for travelers and cottage-owners alike.  The authorities are working hard to get the fires under control, but it is rough rocky terrain and very dry.  High winds in the area haven’t helped.  We are disappointed we can’t quite get to all the areas we’d hoped to explore in the Northern Georgian Bay due to the fires, but we have plenty of beauty surrounding us.  This was the first day we could definitely see and smell the smoke.

Smokey/overcast sky

 

Toby’s friend, Eva, gave him a package to open every month that he is gone! He was so excited to finally get to open one!! Thanks for the sunglasses and stickers, Eva! You’ve got a note coming in the mail from Canada!!

 

This is what boat school looks like when you’re 4 1/2.

 

 

The kids had a great time swimming and tubing before we took a hike up to the top of one of the rocky cliffs.  There is a very steep marked trail that we climbed to get an amazing view of our boat and the North Channel that goes beyond.  Of course, we had to extend the hike on mostly unmarked trails and rock hop about 3 times further.  The terrain was tricky at times, but it was breath taking the whole way.

Looks okay so far…
Beautiful view from the top!!

 

 

Happy kids eating gummy worms at the top!!

 

Okay, it’s a little steep heading down…

After the hike we had another potluck barbeque and more swimming for the kids.  Mike gave his second and third haircuts of our trip.  It seems that there is a shortage of barbers close to marinas, so Mike has found a way to fill this niche.  They look great at the end of the cut, but we enjoyed giving him a hard time as we watched every in-between step during the cuts.

The scenery here was stunning.  I feel like I could stay and look at those rocks for weeks and not tire of the view.  But hands-down, the best part of this stop was having 4 looping kid boats together in one place.  Altogether we had 8 parents and 10 kids, aged 4 ½-11 playing and exploring together.  It was great to see the kids make new friends so easily and watch as they thought of new creative things to fill their time.  Uno, island exploring, baking, clay crafts, playing with babies, swimming, jumping from the top of the boats (Hayley and Mike actually did this!!), tubing, boat exploring….never-ending fun.  We are so thankful we could all be together in one place.  Tomorrow, we will go our own way for a short while, but we will look forward to a day soon when our paths will cross again!!