Rain, Rain, Go Away
Fear of the unknown, that's what today was all about. The weather forecast was for bad but improving conditions. One cruiser left at 7am only to be turned back by high winds and seas. The weather bouy in the middle of Georgian Bay, our only source of real-time information, showed the winds at 15kts, half of last night's peak. If the winds would drop to 10kts we'd have a chance to get underway today. The go/no-go decision would be made at 11am.
Bucolic Byng Inlet
Why 11am? I'm sure there's a good nautical reason but, the fact is, 11am is marina check-out time. Cruisers are a frugal lot and $60 is $60!
Heading Out of Byng Inlet and Into the Frying Pan?
By 11am the winds had dropped to 11kts. Close enough. I undid the lines and Bicki took us out. It was a quiet crew that headed down Byng Inlet. But, we persevered.
Windswept Pines Always Point Inland
From a mile away we could see waves crashing on the rocks. Our imaginations made the waves bigger. But we persevered.
Finally we were in it. Last night's 6' seas had decayed into large, lumpy masses. White spume, like fireworks, erupted wherever sea and stone collided. But still, we persevered.
Refuge at Last--Pointe Au Barile Lighthouse
At last, the Pointe Au Barile Lighthouse welcomed us back to calm waters.
Thanks to the Small Craft route Nellie had front row seats to some great fireworks. She was thrilled. Her crew would have been happier in the nosebleed section; and we will persevere to get them next time.
The Setting Sun in Tonight's Quiet anchorage
Byng Inlet to Hopwell Bay on Shawanag Island
It was only 33 miles from Byng Inlet to our anchorage in Hopewell Bay but, oh what miles. Our total mileage is now 1667. DBH
