Well three years after we completed the Loop, and many months of quarantine, here we are exploring close to home. Since we really rushed thru this area on the original Loop, I thought I would share a bit of this beautiful area's landscape and hidden gems.
We spent a week exploring what they call the Manitoulin Island, the whale's back and the North Channel.
Since the Loop, we relocated our boat from Britt, Ontario to Spanish, Ontario. Eventhough we knew we would miss our friends and old haunts, we decided on this location because we would be closer to family and enjoy the pristine wilderness. It truly is a gem of a location.
Spanish is a small town about a mile from the marina. It is off Hwy 17, West of Sudbury so it can be a lovely place to connect with family and friends. It has a beautiful lookout of the Whale's Back.
We left for our mini Loop to meet up with II AT C. Their home port is in Penetang, Ontario. We first met them in Ottawa, Il, USA while on the Loop. We saw them on and off during our Loop. Now we met-up with them in Little Current.
To get there, we went thru two narrow passes. Little Detroit and at the North West of the Benjamin Islands. It was our first time thru the Benjamin passage and it appeared intimidating. It is a favorite anchorage, and it was busy, but not too busy.
A local cleaning the table.
Swing bridge that will be replaced
Our first night was spent at the Port of Little Current. Little Current is the first and biggest town as you enter Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin is the largest fresh water island in the world. The area is rich with history of the lumber industry. The railway bridge to cross over to the island was built in the 1913, but in 1940, it started taking vehicles and pedestrian traffic. The railway component was discontinued in the 1980. It is being replaced in the near future with a two lane bridge.
The Anchor Inn is a wonderful stop for a meal. The town square had live entertainment on Friday night. It is a nice stop, as the waterfront is park like with a beautiful boardwalk. There is a beach, roller blade and day park at the end with trails to meander by the water.
We spent two days exploring the town. There are lots of anchorages and four marinas in this area. My favorite marina is the Port of Little Current for it's location and services.
Break water is also a pathway
Local residents influential in improving marina.
Our third stop was in Meldrum Bay. Meldrum Bay is the furthest you can drive on the island. The population is approximately 50 people. There is a pretty campground there and an Inn. The marina is small but we were sheltered and comfortable. There is one restaurant and you must make reservations. We didn't so, we made do with barbecued burgers on the boat.
Blind River Marina
For our fourth stop, we crossed the North Channel heading north to the mainland in the Town of Blind River. There is a big marine store, a small café, a museum and an art gallery on site. We took a taxi to Pier 17 for a meal on the Blind River river. I walked towards town and checked the Small Craft harbour. It looked like a place where you could stop but it only had two fishing boats there. The town center would be closer but we are used to marina services. Blind River was a nice stop.
The following night we spent the night anchored at John's Island. There are many safe anchorages in the area and it is a very scenic area. John's Island is famous for the YMCA children summer camp. We cannot see it from our area. We had some fresh fish to eat that evening as the fisherman was lucky. It was great to enjoy our spoils with friends.
The next afternoon, we left for our homeport in Spanish. It was a beautiful day for travelling on the Whale's back. We enjoyed the local cuisine, broasted chicken and pizza. Our friends left for their journey home the next morning and we will spend a week here. We wonder where our next adventure will take us.
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