Killarney-Drummond Island - July 20-24

As predicted, Monday morning was calm so it was time to leave Killarney. We traveled 25 miles up the North Channel and to one of the North Channel's prime attractions - Baie Fine. This is a 10 mile quartz mountain lined bay commonly described a fresh water fjord.  The last 2 miles of the bay becomes a narrow channel which leads to "the Pool" a popular anchorage with room for many boats. We found a beautiful stop next to 30 foot boulders to drop the hook. We tied a stern line off to shore and spent the night swinging within 8 feet of the boulders. We jumped in the dinghy and headed to the north end of the pool where we had been told about a hiking trail up to Topaz Lake. The hike was all uphill, mostly on a rocky creek bed but was well worth the trip. Wow! Upon returning to the mother ship we planted our chairs on top of a 30 foot boulder and enjoyed the late afternoon view of our splendid anchorage. At this point we were 1480 miles straight north of Key West. This is the most northern point of our trip!

On Tuesday we pulled the hook early to travel 26 miles to the town of Little Current. We wanted to get to Little Current by mid morning as strong winds were predicted for the afternoon. We stayed at the Little Current Town Sea Wall. The town was very cute and we were able to reprovision. By mid day the winds did pick up and the Pura Vida rock and rolled. 

By Wednesday morning the winds had lessened so we headed out into the North Channel. Our destination for the day was Gore Bay, 31 miles west. As we traveled the winds increased so as they say "the winds blew and the stuff flew"! (See photo of back deck below). Gore Bay was well protected and calm so we again dropped the hook. We took the dinghy to shore to the small town of Gore Bay where we stopped at the library to get internet. 

On Thursday we cruised 35 miles on a much calmer North Channel to Meldrum Bay. We took a slip at the Medrum Bay Marina. The town consisted of the marina, one restaurant and a permanently closed store. At least they had a beautiful crystal clear bay to offer so to went exploring on our dinghy in the afternoon. In the evening we joined Jeff & Ann (other loopers) from Harvest Moon at the one and only restaurant for dinner. 

Friday morning we untied our lines and set a course to the United States of America. Forty miles later we rounded the north end of Drummond Island and pulled into the Drummond Island Yacht Haven to clear U.S. Customs. During our 5 week trip through Canada we were blessed with great summer weather, safe travels, beautiful scenery and good friends. 

 Entering Baie Fine.

 Quartz lined Baie Fine.

 First mate on bow watching for underwater rocks??? (Sometimes gets distracted)

 Anchorage at the Pool.

 Hike up to Topaz Lake.

 Topaz Lake.

 Overlooking our anchorage.

 Back deck of Pura Vida - most days.

 Back deck July 22. Rough day! (Most of these items are normally stowed on the roof above this deck. Today the waves and gravity had their way with them!) 

 North Channel July 23. Much better!