The Sterling Lady
on America's Great Loop
For the Second Time!
8/11/09
No, these are not ballast rocks. The first mate has begun collecting , of all things, Rocks. Rocks on a boat? The boat is getting lower daily.
We were up at sunrise, wanted an early start, as we has a crossing to do today, and the predicted am winds were light.
We are in the upper part of the small boat chanel off Georgian Bay, and it is skiny both water wise, and width wise in places. Note the red, and green bouys, and the bolders, and we had to negotiate this. Fun!! Remember, Red is on our right.
As with all of the Canada we have seen, it is Gorgeous!
As soon as we got in the open water, the fog unsuccesfully tried to catch us.
Then we entered Collins Inlet.
God did some of his best work here. It's was by far the most beautiful part of the trip so far!!!!!
See the "Angry Indian" face, in the wall?? Looked more like a dog to me.
Nice background huh!
That's not snow on those moutains, although I think it's been cold enough.
This is Kilarney.
We got a slip at the Kilarney Mountain Lodge, @ $1.70 a foot, with WiFi only available in the lobby. Nice place though.
The water his is a very clear greenish color. This is the bottom of the water by my slip.
Lunch was at the mandatory Herbert Fisheries, well know in these parts, But to be honest, I have had much better fried fish in many places, including Henry's.
The day ended with no winds, warm, and clear skys.
8/12/09
Departing Kilarney, it's one of those days boaters love. Perfect temperature, no winds, glass smooth water, and scenic vistas
Today will be our last look at Canada's Mountains
You'll see lots of boats tucked in at secluded anchorages.
As the day passed, the weather got even better.
Even in the Bahama's you don't get a wake this white!
You could see the bottom in 20 feet of water .
Because I was too cheap to buy the GPS chart chip for Canada, I am navigating "old School". Been a while.
The swing bridge at Little Current, is a single lane, and only opens on the hour, and will only be open for 15 minutes, Period. No exceptions.
Little Current has fresh new docks, with great WiFi, a cell phone amplifier, and all supplies are available in town.
8/13/09
Tis another perfect day and we are off to Blind River Marina, our hop over point to the U.S.!
It hardly gets better than this!!
Put some 50 miles under out keel today, twas good. Arrived Blind River about 4 PM. Just in time for Happy Hourz!!
For a change, we were the BIG BOAT!
7/14/09
It's an open water run across the lake, but once again the weather God's were with us.
Just before leaving Canada's border, we passed Sterling Bay, named in my honor??
<------Sterling Bay
We were flying the yellow  Quarentine flag as pulled into Drumond Yacht Basin to clear customs.
Judy's wild flower collection was confiscated!
and we filled up with $3 a gallon American Diesel.
Good to be back!
We got a slip at DeTours' Harbor of Refuge, for $1 a foot.
Detour is a small friendly town with most everything a cruiser wants..
DeTours" IGA is also a full liquor store, with cheaper American Prices!
We got 4 bottles of wine(on sale), a pack of smokes , a package of sausage, and a large bottle of Baccardi for a Dollar more than JUST the bottle of Baccardi would be in Canada$$$.
In celebration of our return to the good ol" US of A, we had burgers and wings @ this local establiment.
Very good by the way, and very local.

We discussed Canada, and the pro's and cons.
1.  Even with our dollar being worth 13% more, Canada is very expensive

2. If Canada was warm, it would be the best boating area of anywhere we have been.

3. Canada is worth the trip.

4. We found the Canadians to be very friendly and helpful.

7/15/09
Because of predicted winds, we stayed a 2nd day @ DeTour.  They have really unique handicapped bathroom facilities.
7/16/09
With lighter winds, early AM , we entered the north chanel to head to Mackinac City.
Luckily, the weather held , and the crossing was uneventful.
As we passed Mackinac Island,The water spewing ferrys where everywhere.
The marina is old, docks are built on steel I beams, but in good shape.
The town is full of touristy shops, a cinema, and lots of fudge shops.
7/17/09
After crossing under the Mackinac bridge, we were officially on Lake Michicigan.
It wasn't such a smooth day, as we were passed by fellow loopers,Brad and Patti on "Salvage Crew"
Latter in the day, the wave calmed down , and  70 miles later we entered Frankfort Michigan, one of the may harbors or refuge on Lake M.
The Sterling Lady passing Sleeping  Bear Sand Dunes. The Dunes are 400 feet high!
The fixed steel and wooden slips are only $34 a day, and it  looks like we are here for awhile.
IT's gonna be blowing 25 knots, 7 foot seas, we are  here for the duration. There are 3 bars in town, Tonite was Dinghy's nite.
In town are several swans, and one confused Canadian Duck.
Notice something really different and unusual about this Yacht??
There is an authentic, 1960's Boat Car on davits on top!!
It has Michigan boat registration numbers, and...
Twin propellers underneath.
8/21/09
Twas a windy day today, and spitting rain off and on. Walked the town 3 times , and ended the day @ happy hourz with Dan and Suzan, Canadian loopers on their trawler Potest Fieri.
The rainbow promised we would not get flooded, but Dang, did it start blowing. The nite  as spent up and down adjusting lines on the boat and the dinghy. Rock and Roll all  nite.
5. Canada is a  very clean county.  well maintained, little trash, nice.
Thinks he is aGull=====>
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Favorite place this page, and start there next time.
<------Red Marker
Green Marker----->
8/22/09
The Franfort Fishing  tournement FINALLY gout out today ,Sunday, and boats were everwhere as we headed out.
Those dot's on the dunes are 4 wheel drive vehicals playing.
Because we lost 3 days, and becasue we HAVE to be in Chicago on the 26th, we traveled a long 96 miles today to  Muskegon.