We departed BRITT in the morning under cloudy skies. We are still in the Georgian Bay and have two sets of eyes following the navigation buoys and charts...This is a very remote region with granite islands covered with wind swept pine trees. We cleared the very narrow Cunninghams Channel and Rogers Gut (How do they come with these names?). After passing Bustards Islands we veered off the Small Craft Route into Bad River Channel. In this channel the low gray granite rocks are replaced by pink granite walls.
We anchored in BAD RIVER. There were a few wind gusts and we got a little nervous changing our anchor position three times! The wind finally calmed down and we launched our SUP's. With excitement we proceeded to paddle through The Devils Door Rapids (Luckily we did not bring our camera as we fell in a few times :). After paddling around a couple more islands we headed back to Thistle for dinner. Post dinner we played Eucker with boat buddies. In aw, we ended the evening by watching shooting stars and the Milky Way on our flydeck (We later learned it was the Perseid Meteor Shower) It was one of those special nights we will never forget :).
We were up by 6:30 am for an early start to KILLARNEY, knowing it would be a long journey with strong wind predicted for the afternoon.
The first part of our course to KILLARNEY was traveling on an exposed section of Lake Huron. Later we cut into Collins inlet. The inlet cut was protected, pristine and glassy perfect!
We arrived in KILLARNEY by 12:30 pm, finishing the 165 mile Small Craft Route from Port Severn to KILLARNEY. To celebrate we docked at the Killarney mountain Lodge for the night :)
KILLARNEY was founded in 1820 by a French fur trader and his wife. From 1949 -1961, KILLARNEY was operated as a Fishing Camp by the Fruehauf Trailer Company in Detroit, Michigan. Clients would fly here by sea planes for their summer vacation. It was not until 1962 that the village was accessible by car. KILLARNEY is now a small tourist town and a boaters gateway to the North Channel (Our next chapter in Loop Life).
Looper Tip: The KIllarney Mountian Lodge has brand new docks...and a great staff :)
Our course the last two days:
BRITT to BAD RIVER - Red Line (five hours).
BAD RIVER to KILLARNEY - Green Line (five hours).
Navigating through the Gray Granite Islands.
Some islands have pine trees.
Entering the BAD RIVER Channel we saw a group canoe camping. The channel is lined with pink granite walls.
Our paddle course from where Thistle was anchored (two hours of fun :).
Thistle anchored in BAD RIVER with our SUP boards ready to go.
Just close your eyes and imagine a million stars twinkling in the night sky...with so many shooting stars that we lost count!
Up early to start our journey to KILLARNEY ... The spray was over our bow.
Entering Collins Inlet...What's that in the water - we both asked?
A Black Bear swimming across the channel...and hopping out on shore!!!
So thrilling to see... Possibly the most exciting moment to date :)
The KILLARNEY Lighthouse and docking at the Killarney Mountian Lodge.
Herbert Fisheries....Famous for Fish & Chips. The Fishing Boats dock right by the fishery, they weigh their catch on the dock, the fish are cleaned inside, the fish is cooked and you are served. It was so good and fresh we had lunch and dinner here our one day in KILLARNEY.
A Lot of Loopers in KILLARNEY :)
Sitting by Thistle on the new dock at The Killarney Mountian Lidge.
Good night...tomorrow we start The North Channel.
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