This month long sailing trip is the longest I’ve been continuously on the boat, leaving behind my routine worries and cares; and this summer vacation is the longest time without work since I've been 13 years old.
July 18 to August 15: 30 days, 29 nights, and only 6 days on a dock.
Eat when you're hungry, sleep when you're tired, mark the passage of time with sunsets and sunrises, jump in the lake, marvel at the sky, watch the weather and the wind, sleep soundly as the boat rocks gently, dream vividly, enjoy the world with heightened senses.
What a wonder-full time.
What a wonder-full time.
Bay of Quinte to Kingston
Trent Port Marina (dock) 2 nights
Sandy Cove (anchor)
Picton Yacht Club (dock)
Prinyer's Cove (anchor)
CFB Kingston (moor) 2 nights
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| Prinyer Cove |
I was so impatient to arrive in the Thousand Islands and had to keep reminding myself sailing is all about the journey and not the destination. Still, it was eleven days from our home port before we anchored at Huckleberry Island.
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| Sandy Cove |
We took the inside route and visited some ports we haven’t seen in several years, such as Trent Port Marina and the Picton Yacht Club. We also anchored overnight in Prinyer’s Cove for the first time and then wondered why it had taken so many years to check it out.
Slow going due to issues arising. When the fuel system still didn’t seem up to par we called a mechanic who tweaked some hoses (Trenton). Then, despite pump outs in Cobourg and Picton, the head seemed overfull. Thankfully Rob was able to fix the blockage at CFB Kingston Yacht Club with the helpful assistance of the OD, who started up the pump out for us.
In Kingston I needed to visit a walk-in medical clinic, because an insect bite from gardening the week before had turned into a full blown infection. My finger was so swollen I couldn’t remove my ring and I was concerned it would only worsen. The doctor lubed up my finger and tugged and twisted to remove the ring and then prescribed a topical antibiotic, along with some additional meds just in case the first option didn’t do the trick. Preventative medicine!
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| Deadman's Bay |
CFB Kingston was a pretty mooring. Despite the aggravations, every day was offering another beautiful view. Sunny days, rainy days, sunrise, sunset… so many beautiful sights. I knew I was 'over sharing' on Instagram and Facebook and in fact even apologized in advance for the coming onslaught.
It took us eleven days to get to the Thousand Islands, and we explored for twelve more days.
Thousand Islands
Huckleberry (anchor) 2 nights
Camelot (anchor) 3 nights
Leek (anchor)
Navies - Mulcaster (anchor)
Wolfe (anchor) 3 nights
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| Huckleberry Island |
A pair of loons were fishing and we were the only boat when we first arrived at Huckleberry. It didn't take long before other boats joined, but the evening stayed serene.
When I posted our view from Huckleberry we got a warm welcome from fellow cruisers Fred and Jenn. They invited us to join them at Camelot, and were saving a mooring ball for us, when we grounded on rocks en route from Gananoque. Our C- Tow membership came in handy and no real damage done.
It’s been a very long time since we had an extended stay in the Thousand Islands. There is always the worry of overcrowding. You need the right mindset, and can’t really pick a destination so much as have the destination pick you… if a spot is available, great. If not, move on. People are generally on the move between 9:00 and 11:00, so it is all about timing. Stays on mooring balls and docks are limited to three nights, so spots are always opening up.
Fred and Jenn helped guide us along the way, saving morning balls and offering advice and dinghy rides. We also ran into Mark and Shelley from BPYC and spent some time with them.
On July 31, Alex asked whether he and Penny could have their wedding in our backyard on August 28! Of course! Which led to more than a few more calls and discussions to make arrangements for the big day.
An Epitourist Rendezvous was planned on Wolfe Island for August 6. We made a quick stop in Gananoque for ice and a pump out before heading to Brakey Bay. Laura and Peter were gracious hosts to Kaarina and Mike; Caroline; Mike and Lynne; Rob and me. These were the first meals not eaten on the boat after 19 days! Also a chance to do some laundry and extended yoga sessions on flat land.
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| Camelot |
The nicest surprise about the Islands was being able to get off the boat and explore the gorgeous National Park. Nicely groomed trails and well-kept campsites made for pleasurable hikes. Lots of native plants, mushrooms, and oak forests to explore along the rocks. We were able to explore Camelot, Leek and Georgina.
Fred and Jenn helped guide us along the way, saving morning balls and offering advice and dinghy rides. We also ran into Mark and Shelley from BPYC and spent some time with them.
On July 31, Alex asked whether he and Penny could have their wedding in our backyard on August 28! Of course! Which led to more than a few more calls and discussions to make arrangements for the big day.
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| Wolfe Island |
This year we used the Yeti cooler to supplement the ice box and it significantly extended the days before we needed to replenish our meat. Timing couldn't have been any better, as Laura advised we could provision online and pick up supplies at the Market on Wolfe Island Commons on Saturday morning.
We'd planned to head out Saturday afternoon but spent another evening due to threatening storms. The next morning we had a fog delay before heading to Prince Edward Bay.
Prince Edward Bay
Waupoos Island (anchor) 2 nights
Waupoos Marina (dock)
Little Bluffs (anchor) 2 nights
Vandusan (anchor) 2 nights
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| swimming at Little Bluffs |
A long day motor-sailing brought us into Prince Edward Bay and Waupoos. We anchored off the island for two nights. I think this was the most relaxed time of the trip. Swimming in familiar waters with no worries or cares. The third night it was into the marina to charge our battery, fuel up, get water and pump out. We hadn’t been tied to a dock since Picton Yacht Club… that’s a record for us… 15 nights! Extremely hot and humid, we were expecting more thunder showers that never materialized. The docks are pretty weedy and not great for swimming, so I cooled off by floating in an inflatable water chair. The heat killed any appetite. I wanted to get back out to anchor as soon as we could.
Over to Little Bluffs for a couple of nights. A friendly flotilla awaited of Ruby Tuesday, Alcione, and Sunglimmer. Great swimming weather! Evenings shared with Lynne and Mike, either on Sunglimmer or Yondering. I woke up one evening at 2:30 am and went on deck to watch the Perseid meteor shower in all its glory. The water was so still it reflected heaven's brightest stars. There were a couple of meteors with blazing tails that lit my dreams as I went back to sleep.
A dinghy ride to Black River Cheese for ice cream and hot dogs with Mike and Lynne. Rob forgot his shoes so I brought him his pralines and cream. This was the first - and only - restaurant meal of the entire cruise.
The last morning of my vacation I arranged for a taxi. Rob, Mike and Lynne hopped out in Picton to gather provisions and I carried on into Belleville and took the train back to Toronto. Wearing a mask for the entire return trip was so confining after all the freedom on the lake. I was surprised the train seats were fully booked, as I thought with Covid they would be operating at a lower capacity. and the steward was wearing her mask below her nose. Back to reality.
As we extended our stay in the bay, Rob agreed to solo home the following week. He sent me photos of rainbows and sunsets that made me a bit jealous. Who knew a month would go by so quickly?
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