Windy Windy Night

As we climbed into Penny and David’s dinghy (MV “Southern Cross”) to motor into Killarney where we would meet Angela and Chris (MV “Pura Vida III”) for docktails before dinner at Herbert’s for their World Famous Fish n Chips, the update on the weather concerned us, but not enough to cancel our plans.  We didn’t want to think about the predicted gusting winds from the west at 2 a.m.  And so, after a pleasant evening with new and familiar faces, we returned to Velsignet to spend what would turn out to be a sleepless night.  A strong westerly wind picked up after midnight and, with morning’s clear blue skies and sunshine, has continued through today. 

By 11:30 am, Velsignet was anchored in the protected Covered Portage Cove until tomorrow when we will continue in Canada’s North Channel towards the town of Little Current before exploring one of North America’s few fjords, Baie Fine.

As we anchored at a location called "Golden Sword" a couple of nights ago on the Georgian Bay, this was our view to the east.  The full moon was about to rise and what a beautiful light it gave the night sky.

In this same "Golden Sword" anchorage, this was our view to the west...the sunset. 

Routine:  We pull anchor and before Mike joins Brenda at the helm, he wipes down the spider webs that have miraculously been spun during the night.

The last leg of our journey on the Georgian Bay took us through a narrow channel of Collins Inlet.  Beautiful white granite jutting from its sides.  

One of the many lighthouses on the Georgian Bay to help guide boats into shore from the bigger water.

Since catching up with Southern Cross, we've been traveling together and enjoying the process of sharing information and making plans.  

This is the Killarney General Store where one can purchase limited groceries ($$$$), movies ($$$$), ice cream ($$$$), and gas ($$$$).  Until 1962 when the first road was built into the town, Killarney was an isolated town with access by water only and known for fur trading, lumber, and fishing.

This is the world famous Herbert's, known for its fish (caught fresh daily) and chips. 
If you've experienced great walleye in Minnesota, you'll appreciate Herberts.

Killarney  (pop approx. 380) was settled in 1820 and established as a trading post.  It's original name was the Ojibwe name of "Shebahonaning."  Later, in the 1900s, it was operated as a fishing camp (by the Detroit, MI Fruehauf Trailer Company) whereby clients would be flown in via Mallard Sea Planes for vacations.
Today, Killarney relies on tourism and consists mainly of lodges, campgrounds, marinas and limited retail services.

This is the Catholic Church in Killarney.  David and Mike found the doors locked on this Sunday evening we visited.

This is our anchorage tonight in Covered Portage Cove.  We are accompanied by several sailboats in this protected area.

We enjoyed the company of Loopers on Pura Vida prior to dinner last night:  Angela (Pura Vida); Barbara (Grand Cru); Brenda; Penny (Southern Cross); Barbara (Blue Heron); Gary? (Grand Cru).

Mike; Dave (Southern Cross); Chris (Pura Vida); and Craig (Blue Heron).