Return to Killarney... Ontario, that is!

Stoo · 14 August 2009, 14:18

Once again, this summer has proven to be challenging in terms of long-term weather forecasting. As the saying goes, if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes.

We finally have a nice high-pressure system settled in so Mrs. Stoo and I set out for Killarney in what is a bit of an annual tradition. Killarney is about 50-odd miles due north from Tobermory, on the opposite side of Georgian Bay. The area is most famous for the beautiful provincial park (which is inland) but there is a collection of small islands in the bay that provide safe anchorage and lots of great camping sites. It is quite remote if travelling by kayak, but in a RIB you are never far from important re-stocking outlets... liquor, fish and chips, ice-cream etc.!

Over three days, we covered just over 170 miles (love that 4-stroke!) and had perfect weather once we got underway!

Here are a few photos...

1. We set off in light rain and fog, but with a promise of better weather. As we all know... Dogs Love Ribs... regardless of the weather!

2. Lunch break at Wall Island, about 30 miles out. We found a large skeleton scattered about and briefly thought it might have been human, but once we found a section of jaw, we realized it was a bear.

3. Gratuitous RIB anchorage shot. Weather man is right for once.

4. Approaching Killarney. Our nice sunny day lasted an hour.

5. Rain. Again. Mrs. Stoo not pleased. :-(

More to come... must go diving!

Rigaud · 15 August 2009, 13:10

Stoo,

Wonderfull pictures and thanks again for sharing. I know exactly what you mean about the weather and same here. We have had a full week of nice sunny days (first of summer) and the last 3 it's been 30-33c.

With such a crap summer I ended up taking as many contracts as possible and just work 6-7 days a week. I stripped everything out my rib 1-1/2 weeks ago to re-rig (new paint on console, relocate console instruments, new steering, new seats, new fuel tank). I guess I got fooled now that we have nice weather and I'm dry docked for another 3 days.

I have to convince my wife to go do that trip next year and maybe the girls might go too. Your neck of the woods simply, I simply find it one of the nicest to explore.

Cheers
John

Stoo · 15 August 2009, 15:15

1. Killarney's main street... a busy place with North Channel cruisers.

2. Our campsite

3. ...which kept us in shape hiking up and down...

4. Another gratuitous RIB shot.

5. Mrs. Stoo wonders how many pictures of my boat I really need. So I took one of her and pointed out that this isn't wife.net. Here she is pretending to cook dinner. In fact I am the chef when it comes to campfire cooking. We are roughing it as you can see.

Stoo · 15 August 2009, 15:25

On our second day, we took off to explore Baie Fine.. about 70 miles round trip in beautiful sheltered water...

1. Baie Finn is a long, narrow inlet ending in "The Pond"

2. It's surrounded by the La Cloche Mountains... kinda small ones, but more than I felt like climbing

3. Happiness is falling asleep in the deep grass after a rough day swimming...

4. ...and actually falling asleep with your face in your dinner bowl...

5. Our 3rd morning sun-rise.. shot from my sleeping bag, without actually opening my eyes.

Stoo · 15 August 2009, 15:36

The weather remained great, so we took the scenic route home... straight across Georgian Bay, with one stop at Lonely Island...

1. Lonely Island is aptly named, as it is way out in the middle if the bay. I used to chat on the radio with the last Keeper about 25 years ago. He died some time later, after falling from the top of the light. Some suggest it was suicide...

2. The Keepers house and outbuildings have been destroyed by storms over the years, but the light itself sits well up on high ground.

3. The light... now automated and accessed by helicopter only... or by scrambling up a rock face as we did.

4. The path up... from the top.

5. A sailor passes by... His route would have taken him about 80 miles without landfall. That's one advantage of sail!

From here, we headed straight back to Tobermory... and immediately wanted to head back!

Brian · 15 August 2009, 16:48

Stoo,

Just loved the doggie pics!

Stoo · 15 August 2009, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian

Stoo,

Just loved the doggie pics!

I know there are a few other dog lovers here. That little black fella is the newest addition to the pack. Straight from the pound, he's adjusted well to his new life of boats, water and hikes. I suspect he's pleased with is decision to run away from his last home...