August 23, Day 71 - Bear Head Bay to Stairs Island

Woke up to clouds this morning. It was breezy last night, but the anchorage was very well protected and there was no wave action whatsoever. Very peaceful night. After breakfast, Gerry replaced the washdown pump. It had quit working a few days ago, but fortunately we hadn’t needed it as the bottom in our last few anchorages had very little mud.

We made the short run to Stairs Island with a cold north wind on the nose. We went outside to avoid the narrow “Canoe” channel and to stay ahead of the forecasted storm on Wednesday. Unfortunately, we also missed the Parry Sound, Snug Harbor area and other inside channel sights, but with the overcast day, it wouldn’t have been as pretty.

We have the anchorage all to ourselves and it looks like many of the cottagers are closing up for the season. This is the weekend and there is not much boat traffic at all.

After arriving, Gerry took a short nap and Linda relaxed on the foredeck with a book. I think we need to start doing more of this. The sun finally came out and it warmed things up.

After “resting”, Gerry worked on charts some more and confirmed the various waypoints and Linda started supper (Sloppy Joes in the pressure cooker). We have buns and peppers that need to be used before they go bad.

Like yesterday, we have limited email capability using the phone and no internet (unless you have lots of patience & we don’t). We probably won’t be able to update the blog until Tuesday when we get to Killarney.

After dinner, we decided to go for a dingy ride to explore the area. As we started out, a small boat stopped by to say “hi”. They were from Ohio, but have a summer cottage in the area (third generation owners). They told us to follow them and they would show us the highlights in the area. They took as through a “cut” in the island we never would have found and then over to the Ojibaway Hotel and then back to the anchorage. They came aboard for a “tour” and drinks and we shared a few stories. After that it was off to bed as we hope to get an early start in the morning.

Lighthouse we passed by shortly after leaving anchorage


Approaching Stairs Island


Our anchorage

Monk's Vineyard on the hook

Sights around the anchorage

Going through the cut (the locals told us this was blasted to make a shorter passage)

The boat we were following through the cut

Dusk -- gorgeous views in all directions

The Ojibaway Hotel. For the past few decades it has been operated by the locals as more of a "social club" for the islanders.

An interesting dock arrangement -- boat and helicopter