So, here I am, again, in Britt. It was a great sail from Killarney, which is one of the most spectacular stops in the North Channel. Anchored out in Snug Harbour - I honeymooned there 34 years ago - oh my! How did that happen, all those years gone by?
A friend came by for a visit and we were going to sail...so of course, the winds just vanished (they were 15 knots earlier in the day) and the rain poured down. What the heck, put the anchor down in Covered Portage Cove and spend the afternoon drinking wine, snacking on cheese and crackers and laughing. It's all good.
So of course, the next day the winds pipe up again, too wild to head out on Georgian Bay, which has 6 - 9 foot waves. Go figure. Tie up to the dock at the liquor store - what a civilized community this is! Chat with locals and tourists, walk the dog, catch up on some writing and boat work. Meet some of the locals, get fresh pickerel dinner at Herberts.
The next day, the winds have gone light - again. Head out under motor....about ten miles out, the winds pick up, the last three hours were great sailing, finally. Watched a 36 foot powerboat struggle in the six foot waves about a half mile from me - while I was having a great time and Gypsy Wind was just roaring along in conditions she was made for. Talked to the guy and his wife later at the dock...they were NOT having fun...couldn't believe that I was having an easy time of it and enjoying myself.
Got into Britt, headed for the dock and BANG! Hit something under the water hard and lost my steering. Not good at all. Managed to get the anchor down, and lines to two people on the dock and pulled the boat in. Far more luck than skill involved. It could have gotten ugly. Not happy at all, not the least because it turns out other boats have hit the same obstruction - it should have been marked.
Today, dove under the boat to see if there was any damage. None thank heavens, that would have been a disaster. Might have had to spend the winter here in Canada and go back to work supply teaching in the Catholic high school board. Not that that would be a bad thing, mind you....but winters in Canada are just too cold and I hate to shovel snow. I would need to find some way to stay warm...
So tomorrow, my chum Gerry is driving in from Sudbury with some parts I need to do the repair and that aren't available in Britt, which is a small town...make that very small town....Tuesday, off to Parry Sound, then the day after that, Collingwood. Now, given that I'm going to be underway, can you predict the weather? Yup, you got it....no wind at all! Damn. Another motor trip....
Here's Covered Portage Cove...enjoy...
