The next body of water on our route in Canada was the North Channel of Lake Huron. Created by glaciers, the North Channel has some of the oldest rocks in the world exposed on its north shore. Many of the rocks in this area are more than three billion years old. The shoreline is rugged and sparsely populated and absolutely beautiful!
About three miles past Killarney was an achorage called Covered Portage Cove. It is famous for a rock formation with a profile of an Indian face on the right side (look closely about half way up). Check out the beautiful water color!
The anchorage was pretty full and it was too early to stop so our flotilla cruised in and out just to see the Indian face.
Our next destination was an area called Baie Fine. We were told that it is the closest thing to a fjord that we would ever cruise in. It was just that, a long, deep, narrow waterway with steep land on three sides.
At the end of the bay was a secluded spot called The Pool, where we anchored for the night. It was very crowded so four of us rafted-up with a little help from Dave in the dingy setting anchors. It was quite an exercise and there is no doubt that we were the entertainment of the day!
After we were all set, we took the dingy to shore in search of Topaz Lake, another spot that we were told we just couldn't miss.
It was about a 20 minute hike on a rocky, uphill trail . . .
. . . but what we found was breathtaking! The water was crystal clear and a vibrant topaz color, hence the name of the lake.
Of course we jumped in the chilly water.
The color of the water was simply amazing!!
From there we continued to hike up the mountain for an aerial view of The Pool. Right in the center was our raft of four boats ~ what a sight!
Dave . . . king of the mountain!
And then it was back down the mountain to dingy back to the boat ~ what a day!! As I said earlier, the North Channel is sparsely populated, so this part of our journey was really about experiencing the wonder and beauty of the land and water.
The next morning we took off for another highly recommended anchorage. On the way we passed one of the very few towns in the North Channel, called Little Current.
We also passed this cruise ship, which was not a typical sight.
After a long run, we finally arrived at the Benjamin Islands, which would be home for the night. There we found more beautiful land and water ~ go figure!! We also found several other Loopers, which turned into a record breaking raft of eight boats! Dave and I took the dingy to the opposite shore to see what we could see from that hilltop.
Needless to say . . . . breathtaking, no matter which direction we looked!
On the shore on the opposite side you can see our flotilla raft.
And a closer view . . .
Being tied to one another made for a fun pot luck dinner and "anchortails" (cocktails at anchor!)
Our position was perfect for waiting for a Canadian sunset.
From the Benjamins we headed to Blind River for our first and only marina stop in the North Channel. It was a picture perfect cruising day for the flotilla. The waters were calm, which made for a fun day of cruising.
We had only been in the North Channel for three nights when the weather forecast for the upcoming week started looking unpleasant, so on July 31st we decided to make the 45 mile run to Drummond Island on the south shore of the North Channel.
With the sunrising behind us, we set off for the good 'ol USA!
