Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Waupoos 2019




The first few days at Waupoos were perfect temperatures for jumping off the boat and into the water for a swim. It was the first thing I did when we arrived after our three day haul.

One evening Caroline treated us all to a ribfest on her boat, entertaining Alex and Aldo, Lynn and Mike, and Rob and me. The ribs were done to perfection in the pressure cooker and there was enough to feed the crowd. Lyn and I brought salads to complete the feast. The sunset that night was so beautiful.

The next morning we hopped a ride in Caroline's dinghy to the shore, checking out the little frogs. There were several snakes coiled on the rocks, barely visible when not moving. Luca, the dog we had taken to shore, almost trotted right on top of one, only seeing it once it started to slither; then he needed to be restrained so he wouldn't try to play. There were also snakes swimming in the shallow waters near the shore, their heads lifted like periscopes. I was not thrilled to see them so at home in the water, knowing we shared the lake for a swim.

After three nights at Little Bluffs we went into the marina for more ice, and an effort to fix our dinghy, which has been out of commission. The second day we set sail, we noticed a slow leak, so Rob deflated it to fix later. Unfortunately, no luck. It now rests in the bottom of the dumpster at the marina.

Waupoos shelter
Very dramatic skies and high winds kept us at the dock, although Awful Beloved and Alcione remained safely tucked into their anchorages. There were brief squalls with cloudbursts, lightning and thunder.

The marina is not what it was when we first started sailing east years ago. No more blue moose, or restaurant serving breakfasts on Saturday morning, or whimsical paintings and folk art on the barn doors. Even in 2015 the folk art on Cannery Row, though faded, added charm. Unfortunately the new owners do not quite have the same sensibilities. Still, the docks are safe harbour and it is the only place for fuel and ice for miles around.

Sunglimmer joined us on the docks Friday. Rob, Lyn and I went for a nice long walk to Waupoos Winery. Along the way back we picked up provisions and fresh eggs. That evening we barbecued under the shelter.
Van Deusan

Saturday and Sunday it was back to anchor at Van Deusan. One of the cottages has been keeping a wood fire stoked, which adds to the feeling of autumn in the air. A popular spot -  there are eight boats anchored here this Sunday morning. Awful Beloved and Alcion headed in to Waupoos shortly after we dropped anchor, to enjoy a dinner on shore, but Sunglimmer is closeby.

During the day, just swinging on a hook, enjoying the view, and reading. Cooler temperatures make it less appealing to jump in the lake but it is still such deep pleasure to feel the breezes and the swing of the boat.

Since the storms the nights have been much cooler and we need extra blankets for a comfortable sleep. Evenings we've been playing cards with Lyn and Mike in our cabins, bug screens keeping the mosquitoes at bay.

Sunday afternoon we dinghied up the Black River Creek with Mike and Lyn's for some ice cream; Monday morning Sunglimmer started their journey back. Mike very kindly offered us their dinghy but we declined.

My most favourite day at Waupoos this year was anchored just off the island and across from the marina, just Rob and I. It was warm enough to swim again, the water clear and calm. Sunset was incredible. A beautiful, beautiful day.



All in all, six nights at anchor, three nights tied to the dock.

- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at Little Bluffs.
- Thursday and Friday nights at Waupoos Marina
- Saturday and Sunday nights at Van Deusan
- Monday night Waupoos Marina
- Tuesday night Waupoos Anchorage

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