(¯`·._.·(¯`·._.·(¯`·._.·--·._.·´¯)·._.·´¯)·._.·´¯)
Onward and upward on the ever continuing coverage of the 2009 Georgian Bay trip - this time it's north towards Echo Bay.
Moving on from all the excitement that was Chimney Bay, we begin our trip northward from Honey Harbour. As you can see by the following photo & video, there is always LOTS of boat traffic in this area. I've heard it said that this is the busiest boating area in all of Canada. Go there once & you will no doubt agree;
In this video, you'll see two Sea Rays in front of us. Water Wings is the one in front of the one in front of us (read it slowly and it does make sense). Ya, another Sea Ray that looks like ours. . . That's why you can hear me comment on the fact that passing boaters probably thought that the three of us similar Sea Rays were traveling together. Nope, it's just that them darn Sundancers are a dime a dozen. On the last part of the video you can hear some boaters talking on the radio about how far they were from Honey Harbour. Seems that one of that group ran out of gas just after this, as we saw him being towed past us. Oh ya, one must also be aware of their fuel situation up in those waters as, unlike our local boating, fuel, food, pump out stations (D'oh!) and even docks in this area are far afield from each other. Prudent planning and a confident familiarity of the charts in this area are an absolute prerequisite before heading out as there are few options for any of the above and the point of no return comes up on you quickly. That's why it's an ADVENTURE;
Another shot of all the yahoos coming & going through here. One more reason that you have to pay close attention and maintain a firm grip on the wheel when driving on The Bay;
Hey, even the markers look different;
Rocks and trees;
And beautiful scenery. This is what makes all that planning and chart studying worth it!
Entering into 'Monument Channel'. This is one of the Alternate Routes, which takes one off the Main Small Craft Route. You don't have to go this way, but it makes for a more scenic journey and these side trips usually offer protection from the main Bay when the wind is kicking up. Again, you need to really keep your eye on the charts to be able to pick out the markers you want to follow as some direct you along one route and others take you off the main track. Even more markers lead you into or off of the main part of Georgian Bay. Whichever you choose, there's only one way to go - the correct side of the markers :-)
A nice shot of the rocks off to the side of the channel. Many times these rocks aren't necessarily marked, just off to the side of the imaginary line running between the sets of lateral buoys;
Here comes SunAria, rounding the bend. Despite the high winds that were forecast for that day, it turned out to be a beautiful one;
A great picture of us looking out onto the open and unprotected waters of the big Bay. It can be a little disconcerting the first rime you make this trip - especially on your own and in rougher conditions, as it was for us the year before. I guess that's why the cross was placed on that tiny island - to provide a measure solace for the faithful amongst the adventuresome of this area;
I took this one just before (south of) O'Donnell Point. Pretty rocks;
One of the big markers;
Here's Water Wings approaching an area called Starvation Bay. A cool long shot with the classic wind swept pines on the rocky shore;
The passage at Starvation Bay is quite narrow, with low water markers in place. Of course, you would figure that even the most bone headed boaters would be mindful enough to slow down. Not only for the sake of other passing boaters, but their own safety. Or not;
At least buddy slowed down once he passed us. Did someone yell at the guy, perhaps?
Three hours after departing from Honey Harbour we head east, leaving the Main Small Craft Route to make our approach into Echo Bay. Notice that Von A is going into here keeping to the RIGHT of Echo Island. I bet there's one captain looking at this right now & thinking to herself 'I'll never forget that spot' and probably wishing she could;
Here she is now . . .
OH! I can't wait to see some videos from here;
Video, you say? Here we go;
Water Wings coming into the park - 1/4 of a tank less than when we left;
Echo Bay is one of the 'Designated Overnighting Bays' of the Massasauga Provincial Park, meaning the park has made provisions for boaters who choose to spend a night or three on the hook. These include such things as mooring pins that have placed onshore to tie to as well as the odd dock that can be used to tie up your dingy for a walk onshore.
~~~
And so, the excitement builds as we look forward to the next installment - our time at Echo Bay. Stay tuned for such highlights as the big dingy ride into the lily pad patch, the arrival of the Maple Leaf crew and the infamous dinner trip to Henry's - and back.
See you back here real soon . . .