Bay of Quinte
Trip Start
Jul 21, 2001
1
12
45
Trip End
Apr 22, 2002
Bay of Quinte,
Ontario,
Canada
Tuesday, August 21, 2001
In the evening, after I posted our last log update, we had the pleasure of entertaining Bob and Mary Linnett from Polar Bear Too. They had initially sailed to the Bahamas in their Bayfield 39, a number of years ago, but for the last five years have lived aboard a Camarque 42 trawler. They return to Canada each summer and then travel back to the sunny south when fall approaches. Mike and Joan Tilston would have loved to compare boats and experiences with them.
We took copious notes and Bob ran off a list of waypoints which Mary had complied during their trips along the ICW. They also gave us advice on places to anchor during the next stage of our trip - The Bay of Quinte.
August 18
We had planned to go to Cobourg but it was one of those rare days when the winds were perfect and we were not going to miss using them. In addition, the forecast was for east winds the next day which would have been right on the nose for our trip that day. After a long but very pleasant day of sailing, we tied up at the entrance to the Murray Canal, the entrance to the Bay of Quinte.
August 19
Woke up this morning to the sound of excited oriental voices. What's going on???
On the other side of the concrete wharf entrance were 6 oriental men who in a short while caught a number of fish. The fish appeared to be the size and shape of a 2-3 lb. Smallmouth Bass but instead the fish were silver in colour. Our book says that perch, bass and steelhead may be caught in these waters. Maybe the fish were steelhead, because I am not familiar with that type of fish. Maybe some of my fishing friends who are reading this can send me an email about them.
The canal itself is about 5 miles long, 100 feet wide and 12 feet deep with three swing bridges across it. The cost of transiting the canal is $4 and at the westernmost bridge a man extended a long pole with a cup at the end into which Margaret deposited our money as we passed without stopping. Neat system!
The wind was from the east as predicted so we motored all day but thankfully in very protected waters and not into the waves we would have found on Lake Ontario. Although we missed meeting up with Michael and Giselle again we were glad we had pushed on the previous day.
Finally we arrived at the city of Belleville prepared to explore a large city and do some shopping. Unfortunately, it was Sunday and in downtown Belleville I could only find two stores open - the Beer Store and a Giant Tiger store. Forcing myself to buy something at each store, I returned to say, "Let's leave"..
We left a marina, which had stifled the little cooling wind which was present, and motored to a small anchorage about 3 miles to the east where we enjoyed a nice evening swim and the peace of a secluded anchorage with only two other boats present.
August 20
We have done more motoring and motor sailing on this trip than during any previous entire season since we have owned the boat and to think we have another 1200 miles to go. Every hundred hours the oil and oil filter is to be changed so that was today's job before we went any further. There is no plug at the bottom of the engine, as in a car, so the oil has to be pumped out of the dipstick pipe. By the time all was completed, there were just a few oil spots to clean up :-)
After working on the motor, we enjoyed a beautiful day of sailing to an anchorage past Ram Island in Hay Bay. Hurrah, no motoring!
August 21
A day of mixed motoring and sailing took us to Prinyer's Cove at the eastern end of the Bay of Quinte. Having cruised the length of this area, and anchored at the two top anchorages I'll make a few comments about what the guide book says is "one of the 10 best sailing areas in the world".
The Cruising Guide PORTS describes the Ram Island anchorage in these words: "The best anchorage - a perennial favourite - lies northeast of Ram Island". Today's stop is described as: "A jewel among the Bay of Quinte anchorages."
Well, the truth is that these premier anchorages would rate a pass in the North Channel. The entire Bay of Quinte is shrouded in trees or houses/cottages. There are no scenic rock faces and cliffs, no granite or quartz escarpments, no crown land to go ashore and explore, no shore line to walk along. It does have protected waterways and cities. All the shoreline and islands are privately owned and there is no taking a line ashore. In fact, there is no shoreline to explore except in front of homes. The trees and bush extend right to the waters edge. It has been a pleasure anchoring out for a few nights and getting off the exposed Lake Ontario waters but the beauty of the North Channel is certainly missing. We live in a paradise for sailing and the more we travel the more we appreciate the beauty of our home waters.
Well, Margaret has just baked a raspberry pie and supper has been announced so I'll wrap up this update for now. We intend to sail to Kingston tomorrow and spend a few days there before heading across the lake to Oswego and the Erie Canal. Best wishes to all.
