posted 06-09-2008 10:41 AM ET (US)        

When: July 26 August 2, 2008

There will be a group of Whalers rallying at Blind River, Ontario on Saturday, July 26, and departing for Little Current, Ontario on July 27. Once in Little Current, the group will explore the Eastern North Channel including the Collins River Inlet, MacGregor Bay and Baie Fine; with a possible two-night engagement at Killarney.

Later, the group will proceed westward in a pattern based on weather/wind and return to Blind River on Saturday, August 2 for haul-out and travel home.

Currently there are 4 boats likely; others are more than welcome to join.

Respond here to discuss or express interest.

posted 06-09-2008 05:50 PM ET (US)            

Perhaps we'll have to arrange a lunch at Collins Inlet or the Bustards (Benjamins?)[I always get the two island groups mixed up and I don't have a chart handy].

posted 06-09-2008 10:17 PM ET (US)            

Gonna be off by about one week. Oskosh, horse shows (Gails a competitive dressage rider, and yep, summer is the show season) and a trip to Cadillac later that month.

posted 06-12-2008 07:49 AM ET (US)            

The office of the Admiralty has granted leave to this ole swabby for the trip. Count me in.

posted 06-12-2008 08:50 AM ET (US)            

Terry,
I've got a boat trip packing list on my computer at home, it was originally made up by Backlash, I'll e-mail it to you on an attachment when I get home.

posted 06-12-2008 04:50 PM ET (US)            

I'm suprised at the request coming from an exprienced cruiser such as yourself!

I'm the quintessential overpacker. I use the same list that Pat uses and then add redundancies. I'm heading out to Canada tomorrow, so I won't have time to send you the list until I return; so I trust that Pat will get you covered. If not, let me know and I'll send you my "modified" checklist.

posted 06-13-2008 07:29 AM ET (US)            

Thanks for the list. Looking forward to the trip. If you pack half of what is identified, notify Whaler cause they may want to include you in an advertisement as further support that these babies cannot sink.

Dave,

Surprised? Well, the mothership is packed with enough crap to feed a boat load of Haitians should we come upon them here on LSC. It has been 15 years since I camped and I am getting old. Memory isn't what it use to be, among other things.

posted 06-21-2008 09:36 AM ET (US)            

Linda,
Pothole Portage is a great place, Summer of 2006 Buckda & I went in there on Gambler (Outrage 18 with twin 90 etecs), left a little bit of gelcoat residue & scratched a couple of rocks with one of Buckda's Props, we did quite a bit of snorkeling and rock climbing....I was not aware of any regulations prohibiting boats from going in there, Don't know if Dave is aware either. We saw a few aluminum runabouts in there too. I'm sure when Dave gets back from Lake Nipigon he'll be able to let us know what he knows re: regulations.

Hoosier, I e-mailed you with an attachment re: Boating checklist.

posted 06-21-2008 10:46 AM ET (US)            

In that listing you'll see a Blind River Government Dock listing. If you click on it it'll list the services offered. It says traveler services not offered. You'll have to research locations in that listing to find which is offering traveler services.

An example is the Little Current listing which says traveler services offered May 15 to October 15. (summer tourist season only) There must be others that will be more convenient for you. I just picked Little Current because I knew they offered it and it made a good example.

posted 06-21-2008 12:30 PM ET (US)            

Private boats

If you arrive in Canada aboard a private boat, you must proceed directly to the nearest designated telephone reporting marine site. Upon arrival in Canada, the master of the boat must report to the CBSA by calling
1-888-226-7277. The master of the boat will provide details of the voyage, the passengers and their declaration. No one except the master may leave the boat until authorized to do so by the CBSA. As proof of presentation, masters will be provided with a report number for their records. Masters must provide this number to a border services officer upon request. You do not have to report to the CBSA when you leave by private boat unless you are exporting goods that need to be documented. To get a list of the designated telephone reporting marine sites, call 1-888-226-7277 before you arrive in Canada.

posted 06-23-2008 09:00 PM ET (US)            

IF there are regulations regarding entering the area, they are not posted anywhere.

The location is at the top end of North (Iriquois) Bay and on the West side of the bay.

posted 06-25-2008 07:55 PM ET (US)            

Which Whaler do you plan to bring, and are you planning to camp aboard on the hook, or at a dock? That will affect what advice I give you regarding recommended camping gear!

David -

Looks like for now at least, you will be the flagship, with your 23 Conquest. There will be two 22' Revenges, two 18' Outrages and whatever Terry is bringing...and Hoosier's 21(?) Outrage.

Regarding border crossing via water - it is very easy - the best way to do it is to make your entry point Blind River. You disembark and head directly to a toll free telephone to call customs. They give you a number once you've cleared their screening questions.

When you return, you should probably call Drummond Island Yacht Haven ahead of time and request a customs officer. It may take him awhile to get there - if you call when you're 15 minutes out, it will reduce your wait. This is also no problem and not a hassle.

So now we're at 7 boats, which means more likely 5...but who's counting when you're having fun?

I will probably be camping out on the hook most nights, given my recent expenditures on Lake Nipigon - so it will be the occasional meal at a restaruant and every other day or so I will pay a marina to use the showers....i'll try to stay downwind.

:)

posted 06-25-2008 08:13 PM ET (US)            

Terry,
Are you bringing the Outrage 24?

posted 06-26-2008 07:46 AM ET (US)            

I will be bringing the 24. Just ordered the forward shelter from Mills. Already have the windshield and other surrounding enclosures, so staying on the hook is good for me. I will have a small generator along too, in case we want some on board power.

If I pack all that was included on your list, I will be towing a 17 bare hull as a pack mule.

posted 06-26-2008 02:51 PM ET (US)            

http://www.charts.gc.ca/pub/en/products/Chart1/chart1.asp

posted 06-27-2008 06:34 PM ET (US)            

When do we leave Blind River for Little current? What's the plan for follow-on ports? Do we need to make dock/boatel reservations in advance, any recommendations re boatels, shopping for supplies, and any other stuff that should be considered?

posted 06-27-2008 07:43 PM ET (US)            

If you are staying ashore in a hotel/accomodation, you will need to make advance reservations. If you are planning to sleep aboard, in most locations getting a transient slip for the night is not difficult with as sub-25 foot boat. I don't think that will be a problem.

posted 07-02-2008 02:13 PM ET (US)            

I've been up there twice never saw a place where someone got left behind. It wouldn't be unusual to anchor out & jump on board someones smaller Whaler to explore into those tighter places for an hour or so. In two trips I've only seen one dinged prop,

Buckda got one of his, I think that one was more because we got to far off center going through a cut on the way to pothole portage, as I recall there was plenty of depth, I think we just wandered off to the side because we were gawking too much at the scenery.....

posted 07-02-2008 02:29 PM ET (US)            

I think you will be okay if you decide to enter MacGregor Bay if you have the latest charts loaded onto your chartplotter. The updated GARMIN chip for Lake Huron has very accurate information about rocks. The only reason I left some gelcoat in there two years ago was because I momentarily wasnt paying as close attention as I should have been and I was in a very far backwater of the bay exploring.

But see below for other options.

Group

Re: expectations and schedule. It has been my experience that setting out with similar expectations in the minds of all group members is an important element to a successful group cruise. Of similar importance, and particularly when using a Boston Whaler to cruise a large body of water such as this, is a sense of ongoing flexibility on the part of skippers.

Let me elaborate.

Ive set forth a basic cruise pattern for the week in the initial post. This pattern was discussed amongst the original interested captains. During that discussion it was also decided to make this cruise open to the public. We also discussed a very important point: expectations for group cohesiveness throughout the trip. As experienced cruisers, we had decided that a degree of latitude and freedom should be allowed for attendees to decide where to stay overnight, and we set low expectations on 100 percent participation in each and every destination.

As part of the group, if you attend, the expectation is that you will let us know your plans if you decide to splinter from the group for a day or so. The expectation is that we will see you at an agreed upon time and place otherwise, well have to go looking for you!

Here is an example: One day, a group of people may wish to enter MacGregor Bay, while others, for various reasons, may want to explore the Collins River Inlet or another nearbly location (Baie Fine, Dreamers peninsula, etc). The captain(s) who want to do something else should notify the group i.e. Were going to go XXX. Well see you at the dock tonight by 9:00

This type of splinter or deviation from the group is completely acceptable this is YOUR vacation you should enjoy it how you want.

Likewise, the cruise pattern may change due to weather. If the wind is blowing hard, it may require captains of smaller vessels to divert or change plans. These kinds of decisions need not be fretted over simply tell the group what youre doing.

I know that we have three different types of accommodations needed on this trip some of us plan to sleep aboard on the hook at an anchorage, some of us plan to sleep aboard dockside at a marina and some of us may require at least one night in a shore-based accommodation. Unfortunately, due to the variable nature of the cruise pattern, shore-based accommodations may be more difficult to plan in advance. Usually, Marinas have plenty of room for one more small Boston Whaler Boat somewhere but hotels may need a couple days advance reservation attendees with this requirement will need to be somewhat flexible and have numbers available so that they can call the planned accommodations with any change of plans. Also, you should have several options for accommodations. Both Little Current and Killarney have multiple hotels/B&Bs, and should be able to accommodate you. Given my recent discussions with Northern Ontario business owners on my recent trip, I believe there will be some additional flexibility this year due to tourist numbers being down this year.

posted 07-02-2008 02:42 PM ET (US)            

I've been up there twice never saw a place where someone got left behind. It wouldn't be unusual to anchor out & jump on board someones smaller Whaler to explore into those tighter places for an hour or so. In two trips I've only seen one dinged prop,

Buckda got one of his, I think that one was more because we got to far off center going through a cut on the way to pothole portage, as I recall there was plenty of depth, I think we just wandered off to the side because we were gawking too much at the scenery.....

posted 07-02-2008 04:23 PM ET (US)            

I just upgraded my C-Map chip a few days ago, and ordered a copy of chart #2207.

I'm also on board with Dave's previous post. Having cruised at least once with everyone else that's attending, I okay with that protocol.

On another note, I've been reading what I can find online regarding Canadian boating regulations as was surprised to see requirements for heaving line, bailers, etc.

posted 07-02-2008 09:18 PM ET (US)            

Any other Whaler Women out there? Hoosier, I hope you and your wife make it.
Leapinlunker, please tell "The Admiral" we'd love to see her along as well. Suzanne, I am counting on you and Paul to get those trailer brakes fixed!

3 Weeks and counting......looking forward to seeing everyone.

posted 07-03-2008 09:34 AM ET (US)            

Donna, the Admiral, has a wedding to attend on the 26th, as a result she will not be attending the trip. That being said, I am researching alternatives like attending with her, then driving to Rogers City on Saturday evening or Sunday morning. We could launch from there and make the trip across to meet up Sunday afternoon or evening. Will advise as time draws near.

posted 07-05-2008 10:38 AM ET (US)            

U.S. Customs will be on site daily from 12:00 noon til 8:00 p.m. All you need to do is show up.

See you soon,

Joe

Joseph C. DePaul

General Manager

posted 07-06-2008 08:37 PM ET (US)            

Dave

posted 07-06-2008 09:50 PM ET (US)            

They did check for all the items. The first time I didn't have an official "buoyant heaving line of not less than 15m in length" but I happened to have a 50' poly rope and they said that was ok. Since then I've purchase a heaving line and a ring buoy.

I just returned from a week of fishing Mill Lake, Collins Inlet, and Beaverstone Bay. I fueled the boat up in the US before we crossed into Canada and only ran about 150 miles on the water so I didn't have to purchase any while I was there. I heard that fuel is about 145-150 at Pittfield's General Store in Killarney. I paid anywhere from 132.9 to 139.9 on the road and saw it as high as 141.9.

posted 07-06-2008 11:53 PM ET (US)            

Finally started on getting the gear organized. Start with what we had for the IR trip and then eliminate about half of that. I imagine we'll be staying at hotels, marinas and doing a little anchoring or camping. We have about three weeks to go and we need to get our act in gear.

I'm assuming a claw hook will be a better choice than the Danforth?

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Paul

posted 07-07-2008 07:58 AM ET (US)            

I'd just installed a Navman fuel flow meter but I set it incorrectly so it appeared I wouldn't make it to Killarney. I stopped at the Lodge but no one was home (out fishing I assumed) and while waiting at his dock I figured out what I'd done wrong. Never did speak with anyone at the Lodge?

Over the years I've heard there may be gas on the north side of the inlet there and some charts (older ones I think) it's marked as having fuel.

Have you ever gone in there? And is there fuel there?

Anyway, it scared the crap outa me thinking I'd be stuck in Collins without fuel. It could have been an expensive tow or fuel run.

posted 07-07-2008 01:01 PM ET (US)            

That site used to be a lumber mill. The Collins Inlet Lumber Company began business about 1868. The old pilings from the dock are still there and marked on the charts. Steamers used to come in to drop off supplies and pick up lumber. I heard that they used to drag the logs onto the iced over Inlet during the winter using oxen. They would tie them together into rafts that were anchored to the iron pins and rings that still be found on the shore up and down the inlet, and then after the Inlet thawed, float them to the mill.

They've got some very old pictures of those operations in the new Mahzenazing Lodge building.

Bill actually put in a modern water driven turbine to power the Lodge but I'm not sure how well that worked out. I don't think they get enough flow down the falls.

If you drive up the creek to check it out watch out for the rocks right off the middle of the dock. They weren't marked last week.

If you need something at Mill Lake Lodge you may have to walk up to the main lodge. If Jerry, his son Derek, or one of the other boys is around and they see or hear you they'll come down. But they stay busy running customers back and forth to the Creek, running back and forth to Killarney for supplies, and doing work and hauling stuff for the other residents in the area.

I was surprised to discover that there is a cell phone tower in Killarney. I could even get a signal at Mill Lake Lodge.

posted 07-07-2008 05:33 PM ET (US)            

Cell coverage in Killarney? The times they are a changing aren't they.

posted 07-07-2008 05:57 PM ET (US)            

Anyway - I saw that as part of a newsletter announcement (online). They are working to make additional infrastructure improvements in the area. Pretty soon, we'll all be making the 20 hour trek to Lake Nipigon to get unspoiled cruising...when the mega McMansions start to really take hold in the area! (Okay..we're a LONG way from that yet!)

posted 07-07-2008 08:35 PM ET (US)            

Take your pick of cell tower disguises

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM129A

posted 07-09-2008 07:37 AM ET (US)            

Anyone taking a dinghy of sorts?

posted 07-10-2008 06:26 PM ET (US)            

The outboard troubles me. While it is small and light, I really haven't devised a good way to secure it while underway, other than on the transom of the Zodiac.

posted 07-10-2008 08:48 PM ET (US)            

David,
I'll have the 9.9 kicker mounted on the stern of the Outrage that is fairly simple to remove. Do you think that would be a good option?

Barry,
What type of fishing have you been doing? I'd like to bring some fishing gear along also and would appreciate some insight into what to expect.

I have a telescope that fits nicely into a cooler that I'll be bringing along. I don't think there are problems with the Kmart Nebula up there and it'll be nice to actually see something.

I'll be getting in late Thursday night from Tennessee so it may be a late start Friday morning to go up. We'll be staying in Hessel on Friday night and hope to be in Blind River Saturday morning.

I think it's been three years since we've been on a trip like this. Looking forward to it.

Paul

posted 07-12-2008 04:21 PM ET (US)            

This year we did well on bass. The largest being 4lbs. 2oz. which is a nice sized smallie for that area. We didn't do so well on pike. We caught a number of them but most were small (hammer handles). Other fisherman seemed to be having similar luck.

We did catch our first ever muskellunge! My 17 year old son had hooked a 10" bass and had it to the boat when the musky went for it. The musky missed it the first time but before I could get my lure in the water it grabbed the bass and took off. I directed my son to the bow and I ran the boat following the big fish. I really didn't expect the fish to stay hooked up since my son had it on 10lb test line with no leader and a small #1 gold snelled hook. My nephew grabbed our bass net and I'm thinking that if we keep this fish on there is no way we can net it with that.

Fortunately another boat with two musky hunters pulled up and asked it we needed any help. I said "sure!" and they both jumped into our boat. One with a camera and the other with a net that I could have fit into. The battle went back and forth but 27 minutes later we had the fish in the net. They removed the hook, lifted the fish up and handed it to my son, we took a few pictures, and then released it.

You can see pictures of our trip here http://burtenshaw.smugmug.com

posted 07-12-2008 07:34 PM ET (US)            

Paul, does the telescope mean you and Suzanne might be camping under the stars some night away from marina lights? Sounds like a cool idea.

Is the group all set on Saturday return home to the real world? Jim and I are very amenable to a Saturday night return to B.R. with departure Sunday morning.

Please chime in.

Chris

posted 07-13-2008 10:08 PM ET (US)            

David,
Thanks for the thoughts on the towing us up. We're going on this trip one way or the other.

Barry,
Thanks for the info on the fishing, appreciate it. Gives me a good idea on what to bring up for gear. The hard part will be catching something once we're up there.

A night or two under the stars should be real nice. Especially after a fresh fish dinner.

Paul

posted 07-14-2008 07:05 AM ET (US)            

Chris/Jim, do you have a temporary float plan of Marina's in which you intend to overnight?

posted 07-14-2008 08:43 AM ET (US)            

I got a Coleman Battery Operated/Rechargeable Blender for Christmas, it's going to make it's maiden voyage on this trip....."I See Margarita People!!!!"

posted 07-14-2008 03:21 PM ET (US)            

Nonetheless, I will have my cooking equipment and recipe aboard in case...

posted 07-14-2008 07:31 PM ET (US)            

quote:

---

We are bringing our fresh-caught pan-fried fresh fish eating equipment.

---

posted 07-14-2008 09:47 PM ET (US)            

We may have to supplement the limit catch with some fresh caught store bought fish. What do you need in additional cooking equipment? I have heard alot about your recipe but I think I have yet to taste it?

I'll have to think of something to bring outside of the Crown Royal.

Still packing in absentia - Thursday.

Paul

posted 07-16-2008 05:50 PM ET (US)            

If you want to help out, bring a medium frying pan. I'll supply the oil, batter (my own special mix) and we can source things like onion, lemon and anything else needed locally.

I have room for three medium frying pans on the coleman stove. Feeding this many people may require all in operation at once.

If you're going to settle for "shore-bought" fish, there's no better source than Herbert Fisheries in Killarney for fresh whitefish.

posted 07-16-2008 09:10 PM ET (US)            

I haven't seen many good deals at the duty free shops either and I'm sure the Canadian Royal is cheaper here. Not planning a stop at the duty free shop this trip. We'll probably bring some travelers checks to cut down on the credit cards.

I was in Hartford today and didn't get a chance to speak to the mechanic. Tomorrow was promised - we'll see. I wanted to adjust the canvas a bit and that's not going to happen. Please forgive my language at the dock in advance. Small children and pets should be taken somewhere else. I'm going to miss this love / hate relationship with the Mills someday.

Looking forward to this trip.

Paul

posted 07-16-2008 09:48 PM ET (US)            

If I'm interpreting Canadian law correctly, I cannot possess (no pun intended) alcohol on my boat unless I am docked, anchored or moored.

posted 07-16-2008 11:04 PM ET (US)            

When underway all alcohol has to be packedaway and out of reach...

I think the key here is Common Sense, I very rarely open a beer when the boat is in motion at home, I don't plan on it in Canada. Lets face it I don't think our crew is the type that will be raising a lot of hell and thus raising eyesbrows of the authorities, other than the looks we get sometime from the fact that we're all running Boston whalers in a fleet.

I plan on having a few beers on ice and a bottle of hootch for evening coctails.

I'm more concerned as to having my porta potty on board.....I keep the tank full of straight water and it is for major emergencies only, I know it's illegal, but would they rather I had a porta potty and sneaked it into a Marina bathroom in the middle of the night and dumped it or jump in the lake and dump or go in a bucket & sneak it overboard? Mine is pretty well hidden I think I'll take my chances.

posted 07-16-2008 11:24 PM ET (US)            

They clearly checked everything, including our safety gear, registration, camping and fishing permits, etc.

I agree with Pat - common sense rules the day. In my experience, Canadians are generally blessed with a healthy dose of common sense and aren't afraid to use it.

posted 07-17-2008 01:18 PM ET (US)            

Theory being if you have a porta potty that is not permanently plumbed then it could possibly be dumped overboard while out on the lakes, you are in violation and can be cited. I can see their point to a certain extent., but I'd have to say that the major number of boaters would not do this. a few of the Canadian marinas I've seen have signs posted no dumping porta potties in their restrooms.

Example: (probably more information than anyone really wants) 2004 North Channel, McGregor Bay, Montauk 17, no porta potty, most days don't need it (natures duties generally taken care of prior to casting off for the day)
Mid after noon miles from shore, unusual call from nature, no way to make it, needs to be taken care of immediately, 5 gallon bucket on board, natures call relieved (not a second too soon), dilema, what to do with contents of bucket, cruise around with it all day in the heat? Nope, overboard it goes....I felt terrible about it, If I would have had a porta potty, that last part of the scenario would never have happened, later that night it would have been snuck into a marina bathroom & flushed....I rest my case, I'll take my chances hiding the porta potty under my V-berth...

posted 07-17-2008 07:24 PM ET (US)            

It's really quiet up here. We crossed on the ferry on Wednesday 7AM from Tobemory. 23 vehicles on the main deck (that's about 1/5 full), 1/2 of the two outboard upper racks filled and the inboard upper racks both pulled up for large vehicle transport. I've never seen it that light, but we've always traveled on the weekends.

Only 35 vehicles passed us southbound, all the way from Sarnia to Tobemory. This was between 1:30 and 5:30AM.

Got out into Campbell Bay yesterday, and we're planning on hitting Porcupine Island sometime later this week/weekend.

If you consider Porcupine, (it's due east from the north end of South Benjamin), I'll take soundings and an image of where to tie up. During the high water of the mid 80's, we saw a 57' ChrisCraft Constellation tied up in the small bay there.

Honest!

Don

posted 07-19-2008 05:35 AM ET (US)            

Some images from GoogleMap of the area, marked with info. More to follow in a day or so.

Don

http://s10.photobucket.com/albums/a118/dfmcintyre/North%20Channel%2008/

posted 07-19-2008 05:58 AM ET (US)            

We've been using some rock climbing equipment when cruising up in this region. The two items are called carabiners and nuts. The nut is a hollow, odd shaped (once you see one, you'll know what I mean) chunk of metal that's attached to a woven wire loop. A carabiner is a metal clip, with a knurled safety that is attached between the nut wire and the eye of your line. You can use just the nut, but with wire will abrade your line.

When mooring, the nut is worked down into a crack in the rock, along shore. Works much better then the traditional wrapping the anchor line around a tree, assuming you can even find a tree close to shore.

Nuts come in various sizes, at your local rock climbing, mountaineering store...

I'll post some images of them in action later this evening.

posted 07-19-2008 07:39 AM ET (US)            

How are the water levels up there this year?