July 28, 2010 (3)

July 28, 2010 (2)

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July 28, 2010 (1)

Today was a quiet day. Did some shopping, cleaned the boat a bit for our departure tomorrow to Indian Harbour (on the assumption the weather is good. Today the winds were blowing at around 30 knots which makes it a bit breezy. There was a barbeque dinner tonight where we had a presentation by the folks here at the marina on Georgian Bay and the 30,000 islands. Over the last few days we have met quite a few people doing the loop, some as long as 3 or 4 years. They have started at different places from all over North America I am sure we will run across them again even though most of us are going to different destinations tomorrow. I am going to try and post a few more pictures from yesterday.

July 27, 2007

Today we had a game among the Loopers. We had to build a boat out of cardboard and duct tape. A captain was then selected to sail the boat in a race. I was the captain. Needless to say, our boat was not the most stable and I did not get very far in the race. It was fun though. If I can ever figure how to upload a few shots to this site, you might see a few funny pictures (hilarious pictures-B)

July 26,2010

Well, we got up this morning full of vim and vigor for this was our departure day. After doing a number of last minute things, saying goodbye to people at South Bay Cove, we filled up our fuel tanks with diesel and left about 2:00 pm. Cruising out, we wondered what we would encounter. However, we were only going over to Penetang which was an hour and a half out where a 3 day meeting of people doing the Loop was taking place. We went to the wine and cheese at 6:00 where we met an number of people, some of who had been doing the Loop for 3 or more years - just plugging along. We exchanged some information pertinent to our travels down Lake Michigan and the river system and about Georgian Bay and its beauty and the rocks.

July 25, 2010

We were dropped off by our two daughters and our son in law tonight. Had a very good dinner at the Cove and said our good byes (not that we are going to be far away). We put away the last of our stuff, and are ready to go tomorrow some time, once we fill up with diesel. Weather looks good tomorrow although we are only heading to Penetang for a couple of days. We have a checklist of things that needs to be done before we leave each day, the most important of which is the weather. I have to admit it felt weird when the kids left and here we were at the Marina with no way to get home. They took our truck!

July 24, 2010

Today was a day to close our lists of items to do in Toronto. Getting all those last minute items and instructions to those that remain behind. Tomorrow we head up to the boat and settle in for the start of our journey on Monday. Looking forward to it but also looking forward to the end of the preparations. It seems that the more you do the more there is to do and at some point in time you have to call a halt.

Up to the boat today

More stuff to the boat. Cleaned up the lazerette and organized the engine room. Now we just need to provision the boat. Next time up, will fill up with diesel. The weather is looking to be good for our departure date on Monday.

Today was a continuation of preparation. Changed the insurance on the cars to the kids which helped saved some money since one of the vehicles will be laid up. Bought another anchor and additional rode, some locks and chains for the bicycles and the dinghy. Up to the boat tomorrow to continue the preparation organize the lazerette and the interior of the boat.

Final Boat Prep

This past week we changed the oil in the engine, generator and gear. The engine impeller was changed, Filters changed and new start, house and generator batteries were installed. Made sure we have sufficient spare parts such as extra filters, impellers belts, oil etc. This weekend, we will organize and prepare the boat for departure next week. Unlikely that we will get to the boat this coming week as we have too many social engagements before we leave, plus tying up a number of loose ends in Toronto.

Exactly two weeks to go. Bought some food for the boat - non-perishables, staples etc. Must order business cards which I keep forgetting about.

1. Almost two weeks to go and still I find more things that need to be done. I thought I was close but today when working on the boat, I discovered that I did not have a Navionics chart for Lake Michigan. Immediately started phoning around and ultimately found a chart in Buffalo at West Marine. Will go down to pick it up later in the week. The problem arose because the person who was installing my AIS system dropped my previous chart in the water. The previous platinum chart covered the Great Lakes. The new Platinum Plus chart while definitely an upgrade only cover Lake Huron. Anyways, I keep writing down the things we need to do before departure. I am sure we will leave with a few things left to do or obtain.