It was overcast and cool this morning, with a brief rain shower before the lock opened. We went through the first lock opening at 8:30. Our last lock until we are in the river system. Hurray!! We were then out of the Trent-Severn Waterway and into Georgian Bay. Now the markers have switched again, red buoys are back on our starboard side.
Georgian Bay is comprised of mostly granite outcroppings, both above and below the water. Most of the islands are wooded and have a very thin layer of soil covering the hard rock. There are areas of very narrow channels and you must pay close attention because there are many rocks just below the surface outside the channel. Our route will take us approximately 168 miles along the northern edge of Georgian Bay. The area referred to as the 30,000 islands. Although it should probably be called the 100,000 islands since there are many pieces of land (rock) just below the surface
Shortly after entering Georgian Bay we went through a very severe thunderstorm. There was thunder and lightning along with high winds and heavy rain. We were fortunate to be in deep, open water. We stopped navigating and just rode out the storm. The worst was over in about ½ hour and we continued on our way. There was rain until 11:30 when we cruised into blue skies and sun.
We arrived at Fryingpan Island at 2:30. We are staying overnight at the docks of Henry’s Fish Restaurant. This is supposed to be the best place to have pickeral (walleye) in Georgian Bay. We docked, stern in, right up against the island. In 40’ of water.
See Bellissimo navigate a very narrow channel. Note how close the buoys are.
1 lock – total 75
