Mooring Ball in Ontario's Massasauga Provincial Park

 I was recently asked by a viewer of the following video as to how one pays for the use of a mooring ball in the Massasauga Provincial Park.

When tied up to a mooring ball in this area (the Massasauga Provincial Park), payment is made to the Ontario Provincial Park's guys who come by in a small boat to collect the fees, as well as take away your garbage for you.

 Sometimes, such as in this instance, nobody showed up when we were there, so we didn't have to pay. Not that that's an issue, because it's very reasonable, but sometimes they don't have enough time in the day to drop by every boat at every location. They will also collect a $10/night fee if your boat is tied to shore anywhere in the park. And that goes for all the boats who may be tied to shore together.

What I mean is that we have been there with four boats tied together (us and three friends) with a line running back to shore for stability. When the Park's guys came by, we all had to pay the $10/night. Again, we are good with that, because they will take the garbage away and best of all, tell you where the nicest anchorages are :-)
 
Have a look at this video I did from a trip there back in 2009. You'll see what I mean about the boats all tied to shore;

:-)

Oh The Humanity!

Has it come to this? Yes, I spend a lot of time on the Interweb. That is because we are working towards expanding our online presence to one day soon providing us with a full time level of income. That is something that doesn't happen overnight, nor does it happen all by itself. This goal requires a great deal of effort and that's why Anchor Girl & I find our days being filled by a full time commitment to this ever expanding enterprise.

 As such, we are interacting more and more with signing in, logging on and applying for various elements in the online world. Most are innocuous and straightforward in nature; email address, password, etc.. Last night, I had to stop, chuckle and share this one with AG - a new line on a sign up page that I had never seen before; 'You must be a human. Accounts registered by "bots" or other automated methods are not permitted'.

 I must be a human to sign up?!?!? The nerve of those non-human servers to make such an outrageous demand. Next thing I know, these same, cold hearted machines will expect us to actually enjoy the fruits of our labours like real humans; taste the food, take in the sunsets and reflect on all the beauty that this human life affords us mere mortals

 Yes, I am a human. And yes, I will continue to take it in with all the glory and wonder that this flesh and blood existence provides. And throw in a dash of spirituality, just to keep it all in perspective :-)

A glorious sunset over Georgian Bay. One more human enjoyment :-)

 

 

 

Buying A Boat in the United Sates - Importing a Vessel Into Canada

 A few years back, we purchased our current boat in the US and brought it home to Canada. Before we actually went ahead with the purchase (when we were still internet shopping for our dream boat), we did some preliminary research as to what we might need to do to make things go smoothly with the 'import' process. Good thing, because there is a lot to learn.



  Getting the boat into Canada was actually very simple. The correct term is 'Importing A Vessel Into Canada'. But please, don't take my word for it - you REALLY should call Canada Customs to get their story. But don't be surprised to get more than one interpretation of what is required - we got three different ones. If you are considering having your boat trucked into the country, the firm you use should be able to handle the border crossing directly, if they are a licensed broker. Check with any potential companies to see what services they offer. The only part you would be handling in that scenario is any Custom Brokerage fees, and the HST on the boat. If you have a trucking firm in mind already, check with them to see how they approach that issue.

 Our boat was purchased in Harrison Township, Michigan, which is located on Lake St. Clair, just north of Detroit. Our journey home took us through Lake St. Clair, up the St. Clair River to Sarnia, Ontario (where we 'Imported' the vessel). Onward from there, we traveled north on Lake Huron, through Georgian Bay and down the Trent Severn Waterway to our home port.

Heading up the St Clair River (Canada to the right, US to the left)

 

 Whatever way the boat comes into the country, it is subject to Canada Custom's scrutiny. As we entered by water, we were obliged by law to report the boat being in Canada upon making landfall. At Sarnia, I gave Canada Custom's a phone call as soon as the boat was secured, letting them know that both my wife and I had re-entered the country as well as the fact that I wanted to import the vessel (we were given a 9 digit number when clearing our passports. More on that later. . . ). To do the necessary paperwork, they told me to report to the border crossing, which was the Bluewater Bridge crossing from Sarnia to Port Huron, Michigan.

  In most cases, a Canadian Custom's officer would come to the boat, do a quick look around and perform the paperwork there, but apparently they were too busy that night to spare anyone and that's why we had to walk over to them . .

 All I had to show the Custom's folks was the bill of sale, the 'Deletion From Documentation' (of the vessel) from the previous owner and pay the HST on the sales price. As it was, the only thing questioned by the woman in charge was how I got the boat so cheap! Quick note; have available any web listings, emails or whatever else to back up the purchase price. We bought the boat through a local yacht broker, so that made things look better & more 'legit' to the Customs folks.

 One other thing to make note of is how much you are going to have to pay at Custom's. Under the terms of NAFTA (the North American Free Trade Agreement), any boats built in either Canada, the US or Mexico during the past number of years is only subject to the HST (in Ontario), and free from duties.

A cautious captain keeps a close eye on all systems on his new ship.

 

  Now, here's where a HUGE, double caveat comes into play. One should make sure that the boat they are bringing into the country was, indeed built in North America. We know of a boater who was unexpectedly hit at the border with a big duty because that particular model was built in England. Even though it was an 'American' company (Viking Yachts), that particular model came from England (Princess Yachts). Oh ya, and the 13% sales tax on top of it all. The other kicker is that Custom's won't take a cheque for amounts greater than $200, so make sure your Visa card is in good standing. Again, if you are simply having your boat trucked back, a custom's agent should be able to give you the rundown on all of your obligations.

Approaching the Bluewater Bridge @ Sarnia, Ontario.

 

  One final note on the sales tax. The boat will be assessed the tax amount on the day it crosses the border - not the day you bought it. What I mean by that is that from the time we took possession of our boat (paid for it in the U.S.) and the time it entered Canada about three weeks later, the Canadian dollar actually rose in value against the US buck, so we ended up having to pay less HST than I had initially anticipated. Plus, since we were out of the country for a few days getting the boat, I could claim the exemption entitled to me for the time out of the country and apply it to the boat purchase price! After all, we didn't bring any cheap booze back with us ;-) All in all, that part worked out way better than I even thought it could!

 Ok, back to the part about 'Deletion From Documentation' I mentioned.  Boats in the United States can be considered a second home, complete with a mortgage and all the financial repercussions/benefits that go along with that. So, many boats are 'Documented' with the U.S. Coast Guard, as an official status as to who owns - or is 'Titled' to - the boat, including creditors that may appear on the Title. Think of it like a Deed to your home. Same idea.

 How does one do that, you ask? Simple. Pay someone to do it for you. I found a firm online that takes care of all that stuff for a very reasonable fee of only $250 (USD). Do a Google search for those services to find an appropriate representative. And don't worry where they are physically located - our guy was in California and it all worked out fine. Thank you InterWebs :-)

 Would I do it again? In a heartbeat!!!The only reason we were able to get the boat that we did was because of the dramatic savings (40% less!) over buying a similar model here in Canada. Yes, it was initially stressful, with all the running around and setting things up to make it actually happen - compounded by the fact that we had to drive a boat home, through mostly foreign waters which would be brand new to us and a complete change from the type/size/style of boat we had been driving previously.

 One final note about driving a US registered boat into Canada. If you don't have a chance to get your Ontario registration numbers for the boat right away, be prepared to be boarded by Canada Customs officers at any Ontario port you may visit. We were approached both at Kincardine (our first stop after leaving Sarnia) and then again at Parry Sound.  They (Canada Customs officers) travel around to all ports of entry to make sure everything is copacetic with both Canadians AND Americans visiting these ports, checking mostly to see if they have cleared their passports. This is where that 9 digit number comes in to play, as they WILL ask you for it.

 All that said, it was an adventure to remember for the rest of our lives and immense inspiration to one day soon travel further and farther! I'd say that if you had an opportunity to do the same - and save a few bucks - then go for it. Well worth the running around, by far.

Delewana Inn Closes It's Doors

A bit of sad news for those familiar with the Delewana Inn, located on Georgian Bay at Honey Harbour. They have closed their doors after going into receivership earlier this year.

I knew something was up back in May when their live web cam went dark. I liked to periodically check it out as it showed a nice view of the Small Craft Route in that area of Georgian Bay. It was a good place to check out the conditions on the water, as well as follow along with the receding ice & snow in the spring in anticipation of relaunch and a return trip up to The Bay.

 Hopefully new owners can get it up and running again.

Why No Bay? Extreme Low Water Levels on GeorgianBay!

I recently received a comment/question on the Log Book from a couple who have not boated on Georgian Bay in 15 years and now find themselves up in Penetanguishene (Penatang), on the southeast shore. They asked me why we won't be heading back to Georgian Bay this summer (2013 season) and I thought it was note worthy enough to share here, as the ramifications apply to all of us. . .

 But first, another stunning photo from our time at Wani Bay (2010);

 The reason that will not be visiting Georgian Bay this season is because our home port is on Lake Simcoe and we have to travel through the Trent Severn Waterway to reach The Bay. No trouble in that respect, but once one exits The Waterway at Port Severn, there are only two, relatively shallow channels that lead onto Georgian Bay proper. When we passed through 'Potato Island Channel' last summer, my depth finder was showing us precariously close to bottom and the water levels have dropped considerably since then.

 I'm not going to chance taking out a prop or shaft (or both) right at the beginning of our holidays, so we are looking forward to heading east along The Waterway this summer. Haven't been that way in a few years, so it will be like revisiting an old friend :-)

 If you look at the (long & boring) video I posted earlier on the Blog discussing the water levels, you will notice I make mention of the Potato Island Channel. It's a sad situation affecting not only Georgian Bay, but all of the Great Lakes, to one degree or another. And, by extension, all of us will be affected.

 Here's a video of us heading up-bound (towards Port Severn) through Potato Island Channel, back in 2009. As you see, there was lots of water depth, but not too much width. Imagine that now, with roughly THREE FEET (yes, three feet/one metre) less water  than when this was shot.


 If you are only back to the Penatang area this year and didn't get a chance to boat on The Bay last summer, you will looking at a MUCH DIFFERENT body of water from what you might remember. If you have a chance to drive over to Honey Harbour, take a look at the Picnic Island Store. From the recent photos I have seen posted online, I don't think I would want to take our boat through the Small Craft Route in that area - even if we could safely get onto the Bay :-(

Here are two recent (January/13) photos of the Picnic Island Store + a link to a news story on the cost of dealing with the lower levels to area municipalities. If you are unfamiliar with this spot, there is normally floating docks right here. Note the floating docks on the other side (kinda behind in this shot), you will see they are pretty much sitting on bottom. That makes it difficult for folks like us who need at least 4' of draft to move the boat through the water. (Note, these two following images were found on the http://honeyharbour.net/news/ site, but are widely floating around many news and environmental sites. I do not know who took the photo originally, so I am unable to attribute any copyright or ownership to the author. From what I see on the Honeyharbour.net site, they may have been taken by a 'Bernard Nicholson')

Another one, looking southward, with the Small Craft Route in the distance;

 Now compare the above photo with one I took here in 2008. In this shot, I'm standing on the dock, looking down to where the above photos are looking);

 I think this will, sadly, give you an understanding as to why we won't be up on The Bay this season. Despite the fact we can't make it this year, we are still blessed and fortunate enough to be able to safely travel through the rest of the Trent Severn Waterway. Keep an eye out for upcoming updates from those adventures :-)

 I hope you will have a chance to check out both my YouTube Channel, for LOTS of boating fun.
 Yes, I do have fun with this whole boating thing ;-)

Alarming Water Levels

For all of us who boated on Georgian Bay this past season, we already knew that the water levels were getting quite low. Well, that was in the summer. Since then, the level has continued to drop at an alarming rate. We are now looking at RECORD LOW water levels on Lake Huron/Georgian Bay. The scary figures were so alarming in fact that, late in the season the Coast Guard put out something that I have never heard of in a lifetime of boating in this area - a general warning telling boaters to 'exercise extreme caution throughout the Great Lakes!'

Please have a look at my report on what is and what is not happening with this situation. I made this video in hopes that it will lead to awareness and a discussion on the severity of the lake levels. I look forward to your comments;

>

More Georgian Bay by Boat

Here's a few (dozen) more pictures & videos from our 2011 Georgian Bay jaunt. Fear not, these are almost the last ones from that there period of Boogaboo's history. That said, there is some new destinations coming up from up on The Bay that I'm sure most of you haven't seen or been to, so it's all good.

 If you recall the last post of our 2011 summer holidays selection, you will remember that the Boogaboo crew was just pulling away from the docks at Killbear Marina.
 As you can see, we were greeted by a very pleasant, sunny morning with nice conditions for doing some traveling;

I thought it would be nice to head a bit farther north, as we had never been this far & my wanderlust drew Boogaboo upward. And, like I said, it was a loverly day for cruising;

Look at that, yet more rocks and trees ;-)
 I'm only funin' with ya. I love the scenery up here and wanted to share lots of photos of same;

Looking off to the starboard side of the boat, this set of buoys marks to west side of  'Canoe Channel'.  Although narrow, it looks like we might have been able to pass through safely but the chart has an advisory for this spot that vessels over 40' shouldn't attempt it.
 Probably just as well that we didn't attempt it. As you'll see in an upcoming video that we had a narrow enough passage a couple of days after this was taken;

Looking north again towards 'Regatta Bay' and the Snug Harbour lighthouse;

A look back over the shoulder to see our trailing path.
 Please remember to click on ANY of the photos to get a full sized view for ALL the photos;

The Snug Harbour lighthouse comes more into view. Check out the jagged, rocky ledges. Beautiful;

Take note of the black stripe painted on the 'front' side of the building. This is done purposely as the entire building acts as a range marker for vessels heading in from the big part of The Bay;

Here's a video from our passing of the lighthouse;


 This was a pretty common site - a cormorant sunning itself, wings spread on the rocks. It's a shame that these goofy animals seem to be taking over Georgian Bay just as they have Lake Simcoe;

We spotted this sign, all by itself on a rock at the top end of Franklin Island. I'm sure some guy would love to have that old Shell sign for his garage. Or Ebay;

Again we are witness to one of my appendages, indicating some sort of milestone on our boating travels. This time it signifies not only the turnaround point of our adventure, but the farthest north we have so far ventured on Georgian Bay;

I had to capture the spot on my chart plotter. This will continue to act as inspiration for me to go past this point ;-)

On our way back south, we encountered this little curiosity - a dear swimming across the Small Craft channel between the mainland & Franklin Island;

Here she is coming ashore on one of the tiny channel islands;

A quick jaunt across & she was back in the water, heading towards Franklin Island in the background;

 And wouldn't you know it - I caught this neat little event on video;

One of the mini lighthouses on the bay. This one is no longer in service, but still makes for a good day beacon and a nice pic;

Crossing Parry Sound (the body of water), I filmed the captain being really serious as Boogaboo IV blasted across the waves;


Back in Parry Sound, we spotted this vessel coming into port & I thought it was a great  lakes fishing boat It was similar in style to what we encountered the summer before in Lake Huron when we brought Boogaboo IV home from the US of A.
 Turns out it is a scientific research vessel. Better that than having to worry about more errant fishing nets on the open water;

I was playing around with the camera and grabbed a couple of cool shots of one of the float planes coming in for a landing behind our slip at Big Sound Marina;

There is always lots of float plane activity at Parry Sound, as it is a good spot for the locals to pop in for fuel, food & whatever else they may need - just like us boaters;

Yea, it was a classic, hot summer evening when I took this shot. The view of the A/C water coming out of the side reminds me of how warm it was outside & how comfortable it was inside the boat;

A nice shot of the sun glittering off the side of the boat;

I wasn't sure what view looked better (sideways or topways), so I'm sharing both.
 SWEET SUMMERTIME;

Anchor Girl relaxing and taking in a beautiful summer evening;

Check out the sharp angle of this guy coming in for a landing;

Yep, more video. This time it's the planes coming & going;

Ahhhh - Summertime :-)

Ice cold beer on a hot summer evening on the boat. It don't get any better, my friends;

Yes it is;

Morning comes & it's time to head out. The very lovely Anchor Girl tends to the lines & fenders as we leave the gas docks for a pump out.
 On our way back south and back to Henry's;

As it was such a beautiful and calm day, I decided to take the long way around, through Parry Sound (yes, the body of water), around Parry Island and through this gorgeous slice of heaven known as 'Long Sault' (pronounced Long Soo);

The water is incredibly clear through here. Not sure if that's a good thing though, as you can see ALL the rocks and some of them look like they aren't as deep as the charts would suggest;

 

 Yes, it was this tight;

After clearing Long Sault, we pass to the south west of Parry Island and continue southbound on the main small craft route;

We enjoyed a wonderful sunset evening, secured at Henrys for a few nights.

One last look at the 2011 Georgian Bay adventure coming up. . . .

Working On It - Boating Sunsets

Fear not, my regular visitors, as I am working on another substantial post with lots of still pictures and lots of moving ones, too.

 Until then, here's a little taste of what's coming up;

SUNSETS . . . .

SUMMER SCENES . . . .

BEAUTIFUL EVENINGS . . .

SWIMMING DEAR . . . ?

Moon River Falls - Georgian Bay

Another day that we were at Henry's Restaurant with the big boat, we took an all day dinghy adventure tour to the Moon River Falls. This is something we tried to get to a few years back (twice), but fate held us back and the trip never happened.

 So fast forward to 2011 and another attempt. I'm happy to report that not only were we successful, but I have a bunch-o-photos and video to share with you :-)

Believe it or not, but the round trip was 30 miles, so we had to make a pit stop at Woods Bay Marina on the way down for a fuel top up. As a matter of fact, I was a little concerned that our on board fuel tank wouldn't be able to get us there, so before leaving I 'borrowed' a small gas can at LeBlanc's (on the same island as Henry's) to fill and have as a spare for the trip. And when I say 'borrowed', I really meant 'rented' to the tune of $20. Plus fuel to fill it.
Note to self: bring small gas can from home to have for trips such as this. Believe it ;-)

A shot of the docks at Woods Bay. Almost all small, outboard powered boats here for the local cottagers. Biggest ship in port that day was a 340 Sundancer;

The store at the marina sold fuel, some groceries and the all important LCBO wares. Probably why it was so busy this day;

Not sure if this was a bad omen or not, but we spotted this turkey vulture on shore as we were making the final approach to the falls area;

Here we are. A popular spot for folks to dingy to;

Wow! Sure was a pretty sight;

This shot looks like a Group of Seven painting. I mentioned to Anchor Girl that this setting looked almost like someone built this to look as pretty as possible. I think 'someone' did and it was put there for us to enjoy.
 Thank you.

Nice shorts buddy;

Pretty, eh?

Preparing to get some really cool underwater videos to share with you;

Like a little kid playing in the water;

Here's the dinghy where we parked it on the rocks. As you can see, we had to pull it up on the rock shelf to leave it while walking around. When it came time to leave, we had to work out our quick exit, as there was lots of big rocks just under the surface behind the boat. So the plan was for A.G. to push the dingy back while I dropped the motor and started it.
 All good until she shoved us off and jumped into the boat - WITHOUT SITTING DOWN! Of course, I was looking back to get the outboard in the water and start it. When I pulled the cord, she was still leaning into the boat and - you guessed it - got the full force of the back of my hand right in her face!!
 S  M  A  C  K  !!!!!! Right in the kisser :-)
 I guess that vulture we saw earlier was a bad omen (for her at least). . .

Here's some wonderful and masterfully edited video of the Falls;



Heading back to the big boat, we spotted a young bear swimming across one of the channels. You can see it here in front of a Sea Ray. I was in radio communication with the folks on the boat to make sure he saw it and didn't hit it or startle it any more than it probably already was;

Here's one last photo we got of it before a couple of jerks raced up to within a 100' of it, full speed ahead in a centre console fishing boat to grab some photos. Fortunately the fuzzy little guy was able to get to shore and quickly disappear into the brush before those goofs got right up to it;

Back at the Boogaboo boat for a lovely evening on The Bay;