Killarney to Kincardine
Trip Start
Jul 21, 2001
1
4
45
Trip End
Apr 22, 2002
Kincardine,
Ontario,
Canada
Saturday, July 28, 2001
Dad accompanied Roger to Killarney and he found the difference in the last 15 years to be profound. So many boats can now be accommodated due to the building of docks across from the Sportsman Inn. New docks for several companies have sprung and there was a beautiful addition of the docks and picnic area at George Islanders Marina. The Sportsman has a ferry/taxi service across the channel and, as we watched, the tender "Tinkerbell" was constantly in motion.
All our friends who are familiar with Killarney will know what we did next. Yes, an obligatory drink at the Sportsman and then a supper on the docks of Killarney's world famous fish and chips. What a perfect way to end a very trying few days. Hopefully, the next problem with the engine will be a while coming.
Wednesday, July 25.
Up at 5:30 am. I tried to be quiet and not wake Margaret as I went ashore to undo the shore line, took the motor off the dingy, mounted it on the stern rail, and fixed the new cover on the dingy from the stern ladder so that I wouldn't have to go for an early swim in the North Channel's chilly waters.
Due to the extremely high west winds funneling down the channel, we had anchored for the first time with our new Delta anchor in combination with our old Bruce. Two anchors, two trip lines twice the opportunity for a mistake and, unfortunately, that was what happened next.
Margaret was up by then and took the helm as I went forward to take up the anchors. I have always used a floating line for the trip line on the anchor but in our hurry to depart one of the lines was an ordinary line. The next thing we knew the engine abruptly died. One anchor trip line had been caught by the propeller and wrapped itself so tightly around the shaft that it killed the engine. On with the fins and snorkel and down into the chilly morning water. After repeated dives, a sharp knife with a serrated edge cleared the mess and the rest of the up-anchoring process went as it should. Boy!!! What was going to happen to us next on this trip???
The sail to Tobermory was very long - 6:30 am to 3:00 pm but thankfully it was uneventful. We love Tobermory having always looked forward to a stay here. We often meet fellow Islanders as they arrive to take the ferry and this time was no exception. As Margaret returned from shopping, Dawn Madahbee hailed her. Dawn had missed the ferry by 10 minutes so would have a 3 hour wait. She joined us later and we had a wonderful visit as she filled us in on latest happenings.
One special task Dawn described was her making a traditional dress for her aunt, Lillian MacGregor, to wear in Moscow. Lillian had the honour of being selected as a native representative to accompany the Canadian Olympic bid contingent. As everyone knows, Beijing was awarded the games but apparently every member of the Canadian contingent was thrilled with the quality of Canada's presentation.
Dawn is heading home to be the head dancer at a traditional Pow-Wow at Whitefish Lake this weekend. She has competed throughout North America and is often honoured by local First Nations who request her presence as a head dancer.
Friday July 28, 8:00 am
I am typing this in the cockpit of Mystic Loon enjoying a beautiful sail. under clear blue skies. Our cats have settled in to their traditional roles. Hercules is keeping watch beside me while Sinbad is sleeping beside Margaret in the starboard berth down below. We are totally out of sight of land and I can easily imagine that, over the horizon, are the Bahamas and astern is Florida. Hopefully, when we make that crossing, the sea will be as accommodating as Lake Huron is today.. We left Tobermory at 6 am, our destination is Kincardine. This section will take us about 10 - 12 hours and will probably be the longest sail well have to make until we enter the Atlantic off New York.
We left by way of Cape Hurd channel and this potentially dangerous route was child's play. The buoys which can be very hard to find in bad weather blazed like red and green torches in the early morning sun. As we passed the final turning marker, I slowed to record both our GPS and Loran C coordinates. Who knows, we may need they once again in a few years.
7:15 pm
It has been a very long day, but the good weather held all the way and we are safely tied up at Kincardine Municipal Marina. Margaret is taking Hercules for his walk down the dock while Sinbad watches the computer screen with me.
SAILORS NOTES
I thought I would separate these musings from the rest of the text, in order not to bore my non sailing family and friends.
Engine Starters
We have been having problems starting our engine for the last two years. I have received a lot of advice as to the cause but unfortunately no one thought of having the starter checked. If you own an older boat, even if you are not experiencing problems, I would recommend removing the starter when convenient and having it bench tested. Now that John showed me what to do, I am embarrassed to say it is a simple procedure that no one should hesitate to do. Just remove two bolts and the wiring harness and you are ready to send it away. Bagley Auto Electric, 655 Lorne Street in Sudbury, will bench test it and the solenoid. If all is well - no charge. If it needs repair, their rates are very reasonable and the dreaded silence won't happen to you one day.
Trip Lines
I have always used a trip line attached to the end of our anchor. In Lake Superior, we would have lost our anchor without that device as the line wrapped around an underwater tree. Similar things have happened to friends here in the North Channel. It also shows others where your anchor is located so that hopefully they don't cross your anchor line when they anchor. Just remember, use "floating line" for your trip line.
