Knock Knock

Apparently (we've been told), should you decide to rent a houseboat to tour Canada’s canals, expect the extent of your training to be a video demonstration.   As a result, it’s not uncommon to encounter a houseboat and its captain in awkward predicaments (examples:  sideways in channels; rough dock landings--usually with a boatload of family members who don’t have a clue on throwing lines, positioning fenders, or anything else…they’re usually seen standing idly watching without ownership of their surroundings).   And so as we sat around  a fire pit at Rawley’s Resort with four Canadian couples (long-time friends on an annual boat outing who loved to laugh:  John & Lisa; Ray & Laura; Mike & Deborah; George & Lisa), Ray told of an incident where a houseboat  approached a canal lock with its doors closed.  The (obviously inexperienced) Captain inched the houseboat right up to the closed doors of the lock, walked out to the front of the rectangular vessel, put his arm out and….KNOCKED!

We passed through Lock 45 two days ago, the last lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway and entered the Georgian Bay.  We cruised over 60 miles to Hopewell Bay to reunite with “Southern Cross” and “Pura Vida III.”  Anchored in Hopewell Bay, we began making plans for late September/early October:  Mike to Seattle; Velsignet at a Lake Michigan marina; Brenda to Saint Paul; Claire-Bear’s wedding in Indianapolis, and Chicago!

We're currently on the Georgian Bay cruising "The Small Vessel" route.  There's a rule for the "The Bay" (that's what the locals call it):  If you don't know where you are, stop until you do.  Reason:  There is rock above the water and below the water.  Boaters watch closely their chart plotters and carefully follow channel markers.  Not paying attention can be disastrous!

We heard about Rawley's Resort from a Canadian couple with whom we'd locked through several locks on the Trent-Severn.  It was a welcomed rest before entering the Georgian Bay.  Excellent restaurant.  Heated salt-water pool.  Work-out facility.  Adirondack chairs for watching the water.  A gas-fueled fire pit for relaxing in the evening with new friends. 
AND nearby: Kawartha ice cream, a general store for provisions, slow roads to enjoy a walk.

There are homes/cabins located throughout the Georgian Bay on the thousands of islands.  What a beautiful part of the world to have such a place.  If you look closely at the bent trees in the photo, it gives evidence of the area's harsh environment as well.

This land of exposed rock (resulting from melting glaciers/Precambrian age) is referred to as "Canadian Shield."

This is called "Canoe Channel."  Not recommended for boats more than 40' in length. 
Velsignet is 40' and Mike captained her through safely.

Selfies always bring the best smiles!  We took this with Dave and Penny (MV "Southern Cross") to document the full  moon and how it reflected on Hopewell Bay.

The isolation of this area in Canada (limited internet access; few small towns; remote) makes catching up with these friends a sweet, sweet thing.  

After 60+ miles on the Georgian, we were delighted to reunite with Chris and Angela (MV "Pura Vida III") and Dave and Penny (MV "Southern Cross"). 

Communication from Navy Academy Graduate (and retired Navy) Dave:

FM:  Southern Cross
TO:  Velsignet
Subj:  Get Here!

Ref (a):  Phoncon Penny & Brenda

Take ref (a) forac.  Get here and anchor up ASAP!  We'll send the dinghy over when you are securely set!  BT

Communication to Dave from Brenda after Velsignet is anchored:

RE:  Ref (a)

Mission Completed.  Ready for transport!

We continue our cruise through the Georgian Bay today, planning to fuel up and pump out at Wright Marina before anchoring out in the Byng Inlet.  This is the picturesque lighthouse on Pointe Au Baril.

Last  night as we shared a meal with Penny and Dave on Southern Cross, we again took time to admire the beautiful sunset. 
Stop + Look up to the heavens = Peace.