BAYFIELD INLET, ONTARIO TO BRITT, ONTARIO

Saturday, August 1st to Wednesday, August 5th, 2015

Day 362-366

Miles Traveled on Saturday and Wednesday: 6 and 23

Total Miles Traveled: 5487

  Saturday we awoke to a fair amount of wind.  We decided to poke our nose out in Georgian Bay and see the height of the waves.  On our way down Alexander Passage before entering the Bay, we heard communication between two boaters.  One was coming into an inlet off of the Bay and was advising the boat going out that the seas were over 3 feet and building.  We decided not to venture any further and turned around and headed back into Bayfield Inlet. After looking at our guide books, we noted a marina further back in Bayfield Inlet called Thompson's Marina.  We called and got a slip.  This marina was mostly used by cottage owners for their small boats.  We were known as "The Big Boat".  There was power, but, no water available at the slips.  Fortunately our water holding tank had just been filled, so, we were fine.  The power was only 20 amp (most boats our size require 30 amp).  We can still use this amperage, but, cannot turn everything on all at once.  We were happy to have this place available, since, the wind forecast for the next several days was not good.  This meant that Georgian Bay would not be fit for travel.

  Sunday, as predicted, the winds were high.  We took advantage of being stationary and completed our monthly chore list in the morning and relaxed in the afternoon.  We continued to monitor the weather on the VHF weather station.  We did not have access to internet, so, this was our only source of weather information.  Based on the incoming forecasts, it looked like we would be staying put for several more days.      

  Monday the wind continued to howl. Three other boats came into the inlet and the marina off of Georgian Bay and reported high seas.  We were glad we were tied up to a dock and not out battling the waves.

  Tuesday we still remained at Thompson Marina.  Every day we listened to the marine weather forecast and hoped for better news.  On a positive note.  This was our one year anniversary of leaving on our Great Loop Adventure.  It was hard to believe that this day one year ago we left Holiday Point Marina.

  That evening we had a "stranded at Bayfield Inlet" party up in the marina parking lot.  The wind was much lighter and it was looking hopeful for a departure the next morning.  The beautiful red sunset was encouraging as well (red night, sailors delight).

"Stranded at Bayfield"

sunset at Thompson Marine

  Wednesday, the wind was much less.  The other three boats, untied their lines and headed on their way.  We left shortly after their departure, saying goodbye to Thompson Marina.

leaving our safe harbor - Thompson Marine

  As we approached Georgian Bay, we sized up the waves and decided to continue.  The waves were higher than we had anticipated.  Initially, we planned a much longer travel day.  But, since the seas were still not very friendly, we went a much shorter distance and headed into the protection of Byng Inlet.  We knew there were several marinas available at Britt, Ontario which was located up Byng Inlet.  We called Wright's Marina and reserved a slip.  This marina had much more amenities than the little Thompson Marina.  Water, 30 amp power, WiFi, and laundry were at our disposal.  They even had a courtesy car to get to the local small grocery store.  We took advantage of them all - laundry, shopping, topping off water tanks, uploading blog posts, and catching up on numerous emails.  Although it was not a pleasant ride to this marina, we were glad we pushed on to the new location.