Great Loop Adventures Aboard Next Chapter: The Beauty of Georgian Bay

O’Connell Point

On Thursday August 4th after another early morning trail run and exercise we weighed anchor and headed off for O’Connell Point 22 miles up the north coast of the Bay. The skies were clear and absent of any humidity. We arrived pretty early to our anchorage which was scenic to a fault. There was three other boats in the anchorage but there was plenty of room. When we settled I scooped a bucket of water to clean up around the bow pulpit my attention was immediately drawn as to how clear it was. We threw a penny into it and don’t you know you could tell weather it was heads or tails. We immediately launched the dinghy and explored many little coves and inlets. We could see large game fish lurking about the weed beds. I think they were the famous Muskie know for their fierce strike and big fight. Too bad we didn’t have a fish pole with us. Sue and I found a remote little cove where we swam, sat and Sue read a book. The sound the wind makes as it blow through the sparse pine trees is so relaxing. We had dinner aboard as other dinning options were none. Just after dinner we noticed a big sailboat sitting oddly in the narrow entrance to the cove. She had run aground! Every mariners nightmare. The was already a dinghy in route so I decide to join the the rescue mission.

Before you know it there was a mosquito fleet of dinghy’s wanting to help. Well after about two hours and some creative engineering the sailboat was free from the rocks. We thought we had some bad luck. This was the captain’s second day on his new to him boat. The first night he had it the dock was struck by lightning and took out half of his electronics.

I wondered if he would have been better served to just putting a 4 sale sign on it while parked on the rock! We were treated to a beautiful sunset that evening.

On Friday morning we headed to Perry Sound, home the the hockey legend Bobby Orr. We did a planned lunch stop at Henry’s Fish camp which is located on San Sochi Island. It is another one of those restaurants that you can only get to by boat, with one exception, float plane! Yes they have an excursion from Perry Sound where you can get on a float plane and they take you to Henrys for their famous fried Pickrell dinner. The planes park right out on the docks with the other boats. Pickrell by the way is Canadian for Walleye. At one time Henry’s was the largest purveyor of Walleye on the Great Lakes. Reports are that many of the rich and famous have flown in and enjoyed the meal. Most recently was Bear Grylls and George Clooney.

We didn’t see them so might have just been hype. We met up with a couple of other loopers that had the same idea for lunch. The fish was good but not as good as what we get in North Tonawanda. This was all about the experience and that it was for sure.

O’Donnell Point Sue’s favorite swimming hole. Some of the rocks are petty slimy so I have learned where to exit the water while keeping from slipping back into the water.Good thing no one is around to see the rock dancing that goes on. I left this spot with pruned fingers and blue lips, but no scrapes from the rocks.

Cove view

I do miss Pan”cove” but for now this cove will do just fine. Mike has become a pro at picking out pretty views for our anchorage. He reminds me of a dog Going around in circles and getting the blanket just right before finally settling in. “Good lord already, pick a spot.” Just when I think the search will never end and the anchor will never be launched…down goes the chain and there we are again in the perfect spot.