BENJAMIN ISLANDS to BEARDROP & TURNBULL

Tuesday morning we went on a paddle to double check for submerged rocks, on our planned exit course from the picturesque BENJAMIN ISLANDS. We also said bon voyage to our boating buddy's on Patriot and Blue Willow. Starting today we are taking slightly different courses. Captain Greg swam to shore to remove our 200 foot stern line from the pine tree. We pulled our anchor and started today's journey. 

As for our weather, the heat wave was definitely over...with clouds, possible rain and increasing wind gusts predicted the next few days. When we departed our plan was to anchor remotely on Tuesday night and stay at a marina on Wednesday night (due to the weather forecast). 

The "Big Picture" plan is to continue on The North Channel the next few days to Drummond Island and clear US Customs. But, remember it's always weather dependant :)

Looper Tip: Always monitor Channel 16 on your radio for weather security announcements! Channel 21 has constant weather updates. Be aware, above Latitude 46 conditions change quickly on The North Channel. (Reminder - Internet service is extremely limited).

The "Big  Picture" ... We are the Blue Dot and the Pink line is the Canadian / USA Boarder.

Navigating out of the BENJAMIN ISLANDS...avoiding granite rocks!

Tuesday's journey from BENJAMIN ISLANDS to BEARDROP - 4 hours.

Navigating through the narrow Little Detroit Channel into Whaleback Channel. 

Whaleback Island in the 17 mile long Whaleback Channel.

Thistle anchored in BEARDROP Harbor. There were about 12 other boats anchored, with room for many more.

Our view from Thistle's stern...just love the name BEARDROP XO!

Captain Greg practicing Yoga...Namaste.

Sunset at BEARDROP... Sending all of you a Big Goodnight Bear Hug 🐻❤️!

Our planned course for Wednesday (Red Line) from BEARDROP to Blind River Marina. But, due to strong winds and squall warnings being broadcasted over the emergency radio... We looked at our charts and made an unplanned stop and anchored for the night at TURNBULL ISLAND (Yellow X) - one hour.

It was a wise choice... With strong wind gusts at 40 knots! TURNBULL ISLAND was very protected (still windy?).

The weather calmed slightly at sunset with a rainbow!!! We were anchored with 6 other sailboats. In The North Channel sailing is very popular. 

Enjoying  a BBQ at sunset ... Early to sleep tonight, hoping for a decent good weather window early tomorrow morning!