Saturday, September 7, 2013

continuing to Wiarton

Our son David and his girls Callista and Esther joined us on the boat Friday evening with plans to visit Upper Canada Village on Saturday.What fun to step back in time and see how the wood was milled in the sawmills of that era,and how the wool mill, grist mill , the taverns , schools and farming all operated in the late 1800s. The special feature for the week was the 'riding/travelling'means of that era . All the horse and buggies and carriages were out for tourist to experience the ways one travelled in those days. We enjoyed the period clothing and were entertained  by some actors and musicians.  That afternoon it was back to the boat to pack up to go to Ottawa to David and Melissa's for the Sunday with their family and the Ottawa congregation. Sunday eve David and Marika brought us back to Adriana1. Thanks again for a great time together. Monday afternoon Bill and I were able to get tickets from the marina again to go back to 'The Village'.It was fun speaking with a lot of the people that work there and portray the life and work of the people who used to farm and work from the homes they moved to the village.
  Tuesday, [July 30] we worked our way to the Iroquois Lock where Janet and her Aunt Shirley waved us on.We made it to the beautiful 1000 Islands and found a great anchorage.  Not until we were around the islands and trees did we see the spot [that looked good to us on the charts] and did we realize how popular and protected a spot it was.Swimming in fresh water was great too.
 Wednesday we arrived in Kingston about noon at one of the many marinas there. That afternoon we made plans to rent a car and go home for a weekend of family camping at Point Farms.So good to see everyone and enjoy the Lake Huron beach and waters
  Tuesday morning we drove back to Adriana1. At about 10:30a.m.we were back on the waters to do the first of our 3 overnighters.- from Kingston to Port Dalhousie.We had good weather and winds and were able to sail and motorsail most of the way. We arrived at Port about 9:30 Thursday morning.We had just  finished breakfast when we received a call. 'you have company. Can you open the gate?'Elissa and her boys were at the marina gate. Her husband ,Ryan ,had seen us come in since he and his dad were working on a house overlooking the marina area and called her right away. what fun! After a short visit she took my grocery list and  came back around 5:30 to pick us up for supper at their home. Back to the boat[ with the groceries] in the eve. with plans to do the Welland canal and locks in the morning with Ryans help.
 Thursday, Left 'Port' at 7:30 and headed for Port Weller. Making arrangements and paying when we arrived there-- we were told we would have a few hours to  wait. The call came just before 1 p.m..The 8 locks we had to lock thru went smoothly. With each lock we went a bit higher on the escarpment . By the 5th and 6th lock when we were brought up- the view back was spectacular .With the long motoring between 7 and 8 lock we were contacted by Lydia and Adam that the were on their way to meet us in Port Colbourne too. We arrived around 7:15. It wasn't long and we were enjoying Pizza and salad with the 2 families and their little ones!
 Friday to Monday , we rented a car again and spent time at home. Tuesday -back to do Lake Erie. Another overnigther.We left Port Colbourne at noon setting our direction for Leamington. The weather was warm but mostly overcast.As the afternoon progressed the wind and waves kept building so we sailed with reefed sails . Later during the night we took the sails down . there was not a lot of  rhyme or system to the waves . They seemed to be confused as to where they wanted to roll.A good thing we have a strong motor. So for a better part of the night we motored. We were glad to see the morning light and calmer seas.We arrived in the well run and pretty port of Leamington  midday.Wednesday.Later that afternoon Chris and Juanita and 3 of their children arrived. We enjoyed a nice dinner outing and after a good nights sleep said good-bye to Juanita and Ella and Nora..
  it was Wiarton here we come. Chris and Michael[his 4 year old son] stayed with us.Thursday was sunny and no wind so we motored  from Leamington to Detroit River on thru Lake St. Claire and river . As dark set in the lights along the St. Claire River lite up the night. About 10:30p.m. we were well on our way into Lake Huron waters. Chris took the first watch. Michael fell asleep in the cockpit area.At 3a.m. Bill took over and Chris and Michael could sleep comfortably in one of the cabin beds. Friday was a sunny calm day as we covered the big lake. About 5 p.m. we motored around exploring Tobemory. Pretty harbour with lots of small ferries and tour boats going out to the islands. We were excited to motor on to Wingfield Basin a protected bay on the north east side of the Bruce Penninsula. We had supper on the way since the waters were smooth plus Michael was promised his long awaited dingy ride when we got there. Not long after we dropped the anchor the dingy was dropped into the water and father and son were off to see the sunset and motor around the many boats in this great basin.Michael enjoyed every minute. Bill and I enjoyed a nice swim and meeting the close neighbours.
 August 17th has arrived . We do our last leg---destination Wiarton. Juanita plans to meet us there around
1p.m.. We are well into Colpoys Bay when we realize we will be arriving in Wiarton near 12noon. So the decision is made to find a good spot to anchor for lunch and a swim. What clear water!!Good to be in home waters.After circling around outside the marina we noticed Juanita pull in so with cameras set on shore we made our way in.What a delight to be in our home port with familiar faces and docks. with our mission accomplished . We thank God who let us see so much of His amazing creation -the wind and waters , land and new skies all the time not forgetting the sea life.
 That afternoon Malcolm , Naomi , Callum and Art[his father in law] joined us too, What a celebration!!
 So ends the Adventures of Adriana1..
Until we get some help you will have to wait for us to post a series of pictures. We may receive that help on Monday
 










 

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