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PERMANENT BARRIERS TO THWART ASIAN CARP
Whenever there is an invasive species entering a balanced ecosystem, there is inevitably disaster for the current species. This is the situation that is being faced in the Great Lakes ecosystem at the Mississippi river entrance. There is currently an initiative to create a barrier into the Great Lakes from the Mississippi river in an attempt to keep out the invasive population of Asian Carp. These Asian Carp present a great threat to the ecosystem within the Great Lakes and could create a permanent shift in the population of various species already existing in the ecosystem. The invasive species would find a place within the Great Lakes food chain, and be very disruptive. The ecological disruption would not just stop at the Great Lakes either, but continue through to the adjoined St. Lawrence River. It is because of this severe ecological threat that steps are being taken to ensure a long-term solution to the problem of the invasive species and the protection of the current species.

A report has come out from the Great Lakes Commissions and the Great lakes and St Lawrence Cities Initiative that outlines the strategy of creating a permanent physical barrier between the Mississippi River basin and the Great Lakes. This barrier is seen as the most efficient long term solution, having the greatest overall effect of keeping the invasive species out, while maintaining a small ecological footprint.

The barrier will still allow access for shipment carriers and small craft boats, using different systems such as lifts to move the smaller boats from one side to the other. The bigger craft will be unloaded at the barrier and reloaded to another craft on the opposite side of the barrier, where the cargo will continue its journey. The action plan does not take effect immediately, but will be taking place over the next few decades. There are plans to have a barrier with limited transport for 2022, with the barrier being fully operational by 2029.

SAVE OUR LIGHTHOUSES!
There is a fascinating rich history that embodies the generations that have fallen in love with local lighthouses. Georgian Bay has more than a few historic lighthouses that are threatened. The history of the lighthouse keepers is just as riveting as the lighthouses themselves (read book review Alone In The Night below). In fact if you start searching around the stories that revolve around the operation of many lighthouses is so strange and under the most extreme conditions that almost every lighthouse on an island in Georgian Bay could be it's own blockbuster movie – murder, mayhem, politics, shipwrecks, history, lives saved, lives lost, mystery, deception and the ravages of mother nature all rolled together. Some of the stories are to weird to be true – but most are true!

Georgian Bay has a number of historic lighthouses that are threatened and so does the rest of Canada. They are among the most important historical structures that we have, and they are essential to understanding the culture and realities of the harsh living conditions and remoteness that settled many communities around the lakes, bays and oceans of Canada. We have to do something to preserve these monuments of a different time.

Please take this link http://www.savecanadaslighthouses.ca/index.php and sign this petition to protect the remaining lighthouses before it's too late.

2012 TORONTO BOAT SHOW SALES & ATTENDANCE UP
Well that's a wrap for the 54th annual 2012 Toronto International Boat Show. The official final attendance for this show was 76,253 - up 5% from 2011. Over 550 exhibitors were represented at the show. The show featured the worlds largest indoor lake and had hourly programing like wakeboard show's, powerboat handling and free boat rides. The show also offered over 140 seminars that attendees could take advantage of. We attended the Americas Great Loop presentation and it was very interesting and well received.

Most vendors report that in booth sales were up from last year and the general consensus is that consumers were positive and confident this year. Several exhibitors had commented that this was the best show in 25 years. "There's been considerable pent-up demand for our products as people determined how to deal with the economy over the last couple of years, and I think we're seeing new sales now as a result" says Rai Mannu Eastern Ontario District Sales Manager for Yamaha Canada. We talked to the crew at Skyline – Sea Ray's largest Canadian Dealer, and they were so busy on the weekends that it was hard to separate the tire kickers from the qualified potential purchasers. During the weekdays things were calmer, and serious boat shoppers could spend quality time with sales agents.

Recreational boating in Canada is a 26 billion dollar business and half of that money generated into the economy comes from Ontario. It is estimated that $80 million gets generated as a result of the Toronto International Boat Show. In any event, it's nice to see that the boat business seems to be back on track and moving in the right direction. Mark your calendar for next years show January 12th - 20th, 2013.

MEET THE SAMWAYS
The Samway family are AGLCA member "Loopers" based out of Miami Florida. The Samway family cruised the Bahamas down as far as Exuma Islands and then returned to Florida to begin their adventure around the loop aboard their 48' Kaddy-Krogen North Sea Trawler. What makes the years journey in 2011 somewhat unique is the learning experiences along the way for the kids – 13 year old Keenan and 11 year old Daria. Dad - Michael and Mother - Jennifer gave the kids a lifetime of experiences on the water ... and some very interesting on land adventures along the way as well. Jennifer contrived and served many vegetarian recipes during the cruise that look good enough to convert almost anyone away from meat. Keenan focused on photography and has an excellent gallery on the website. Daria pursued her interest in making beautiful jewelry and the family has written one of the most detailed blogs with pics pertaining to the Great Loop Adventure that I have ever laid eyes on. Their Blog web site is at www.samwayadventure.com ... and an excellent blog it is for anyone already on the loop or contemplating the adventure. The kids were home schooled along the way but of course no classroom could provide the knowledge that these kids would absorb along the way. They spent a good part of August 2011 in Georgian Bay and the North Channel and like most they really enjoyed the rugged beauty of the area.

One of my regrets is that we did not not undertake a similar adventure with our own kids before they went off to university and grew up to be adults. There are many life lessons that may help to form a child's character while cruising - certainly attributes like a sense of curiosity, self dependence, seeing variations in lifestyle & geography, helping other people, sharing experiences with others, increased awareness of mother nature and perhaps even a dose of bravery all come to mind. For any family contemplating long term cruising with their children the Samway Blog is a must read. In fact the quality of Blog's writing is so eloquent and comfortable to read that once you start into the blog, it's hard to stop. If your not convinced that taking a year or two out of your busy lives and traveling by boat with children is a good idea, then read this blog and you will be converted. Congrats to the Samway family in completing the loop and thanks for sharing your experiences with other Loopers and on the water adventurers.

AT THE OJIBWAY - BOOK REVIEW
At The Ojibway – "100 Summers on Georgian Bay" is a magnificent account of the 42 acre island based Ojibway Resort near Pointe Au Baril that opened it's doors June 1906. The resort was the vision of Hamilton Davis a railway agent from Rochester, New York. Davis at 38 years of age, purchased the island in 1903 for $5. The theme of the resort had it's inspiration from the popular Henry Longfellow book "The Songs of Hiawatha" and there was a true native cultural interest in the USA, coupled with the need to get away from the busy industrialized cities in the north east and southern Ontario.

Rustic holidays came fully into fashion and Davis seized the opportunity by investing his own capital along with that of other investors he rounded up. It was a huge success and upper middle class folks came by train and then steamer to the island where they would spend the summer fishing, socializing and relaxing in the beauty of Georgian Bay.

Famous Canadian artist Lawren Harris was a guest in the 30's. As the summer ended in 1939 Canada joined in with Britain to fight World War 2. Rationing coupons were required by the Objibway to purchase food staples and gas at Pointe Au Baril. In 1942, at 78 years of age Davis retired and his wife's nephew took over management of the resort hotel. In 1943, to preserve the hotel, shares were sold to local island families who raised the money to purchase the hotel and hired various managers over the years to run it. By 1951 it was clear the hotel was a money loser for the investors and they hired a young girl of 21 with a hotel degree from Cornell to operate the property who cleaned the property up. The steamer boat service to the resort ended in 1952 and steamer travel throughout the Great Lakes was winding down at that time. The resort experienced somewhat of a renaissance for a few years, but by the end of the 1950's demographics had shifted so much so that the resort hotel was not viable on it's current path.

Ojibway had remained largely unchanged since it's last major expansion in 1913. In 1959 the resort was incorporated and the shift began from a public resort to a recreation property owned and operated by families who owned islands in the area anxiuos to preserve the hotel as the recreational hub of the islands community. In 1966 the Ojibway stopped taking hotel guests and made the full transition to a recreation centre for Pointe Au Baril's summer community. In 2001 the Ojibway became a registered charity under the Ojibway Historical Preservation Society and $2.6 M was raised and invested in the hotels restoration and preservation. Unlike many historic resort hotels, the buildings are largely preserved as they were and never suffered fires that plagued many of the other resorts of the era. The Ojibway Club achieved full restoration and preservation by 2006 and today remains the hub for area cottagers to gather, socialize and hold events. There are four original resort cottages on the island that can be rented during the summer which include access to the Ojibway Club activities (email: dafandrews@hotmail.com).

Publisher Nancy Lang and Author David Macfarlane have done a wonderful job collecting old photos and piecing together the history of Ojibway. For anyone who has an interest in Georgian Bay, this book is a must read. It is a testament as to how like minded people can come together in the interest of preserving both buildings and the many emotions and historical happenings that are attached to the Ojibway Island resort property.

WYE HERITAGE MARINA BOUGHT BY PARKBRIDGE
Wye Heritage Marina (formerly Doral Marine Resort) in Midland on Georgian Bay is being purchased by Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities Inc. Parkbridge currently owns a number of other marinas based on Georgian Bay in Midland and Penetanguishene - namely Bayport Yachting Center, Bay Moorings and Beacon Bay.

Wye Heritage is the largest freshwater marina in Canada boasting approx. 1000 slips and hosting both large yachts and small boats ranging from 12 to 70 feet. Parkbridge is familiar with the Wye Heritage operation with staff moves both ways that go back many years. Nearby Parkbridge owned Bayport Yachting Center is of similar size and scope to the Wye Heritage marina property. Parkbridge has invested heavily in it's own marinas and it is anticipated that growth potential could be accelerated with further capitalization of the Wye Heritage property.

Parkbridge, a publically traded company, was purchased through Acquire Co. by British Columbia Investment Management Corporation in 2010 for about $489M. Parkbridge is the owner operator of land lease communities across Canada including marinas, residential communities, cottage & RV resorts.

Read Wye Heritage Marina Boater Letter
Park Bridge Marinas
Parkbridge buys Wye Heritage Video

US LANDOWNERS IN CANADA NOW ABLE TO DONATE CONSERVATION PROPERTY
If you are a boater on Georgian Bay, then you know what a great privilege it is to drop anchor in a secluded cove surrounded by an unspoiled wilderness landscape of windswept pines and sculpted granite landscape. When you see these beautiful undeveloped vacant islands and mainland coves you have to recognize that it's vacant for a reason and being permanently or temporarily protected in some manner:

1. Private deeded land that has been left undeveloped - there is increasingly less of this every year and in all likelihood it will be developed at some point
2. First Nations reserve land - which may or may not be developed at some point in time
3. Federal or Provincial Park lands - which will probably never be developed but may host additional visitor infrastructure over time
4. Crown Land - will hopefully get converted to Park land over time ... but with no guarantees
5. Land Trust property that has been donated by deeded land owners to be preserved as conservation land into perpetuity

The Georgian Bay Land Trust www.gblt.org currently manages 28 properties comprising of some 1200 acres. It acquires property mainly by donation but in some instances it will raise money to buy select properties. They are currently working on 76 properties for preservation. For many landowners and the families involved with the property have a multi generational attachment to the land. As families grow and disperse over time it is common that the land owners at some point want to ensure preservation of the property because of their love and attachment to the land and the memories that go with it. That Georgian Bay island or main land acreage may often be the one place on earth over all others that they are grounded to as a family and the place they feel closest to in terms of emotional attachment. They want to see the property live on for many generations just the way they remember it and they want to benefit the flora, fauna and wildlife that were part of their experience with the property.Of course the land donations can also trigger favorable tax treatment and have some financial advantages for the landowner in most cases.

Historically many of the landowners in the Georgian Bay archipelago are US owners. It's just one of those things, that US citizens have been coming to Georgian bay for vacations since the early 1900's and many fall in love with the area and made the move to invest in property. Many of them would come to rustic lodges for the summer season by steamer - after you do that for several seasons you want to own a piece of the Georgian Bay beauty and lifestyle. And chances are friends come to visit and they want the same. Orville Wright was one of those people, however eventually the property left the family. There are many families that couldn't bear the thought of their Georgian Bay property falling into other hands that may over develop the property or have it end up in some future use where the natural surroundings would be disrupted. We think of Georgian Bay as being rugged granite, but everything that takes hold on that granite in unbelievably harsh conditions has to struggle for decades to persevere and survive. It is a very fragile environment in many ways and worth protecting, because there is no where else in the world with the stark beauty and rich history of the Georgian Bay 30,000 Islands.

Recently Canada & the USA facilitated the ability for US landowners to donate their land for conservation. It took eleven years to hammer through the red tape. In the past the tax impediments facing US citizens owning Canadian land prevented them from donated it. Canadian conservation agencies like the Georgian Bay Land Trust found foreign ownership to be an obstacle to preserving the land, other than buying the property outright. This is because if a US citizen donated the land to a US charity they paid the accrued Canadian capital gains tax and if they donated it to a Canadian conservation agency they received no US tax deduction.

A US non profit organization was formed called the American Friends of Canadian Land Trusts (AF) www.nsnt.ca/af hosted by leading conservation professionals from both USA and Canada with the mandate to remove tax obstacles for donated land. Americans can now donate Canadian land by conservation easement over that land and donations are US income tax deductible and are also exempt from Canadian capital gains taxes. The American Friends organizations also gets donations from Canadian and US interests that allows them to operate, craft donation agreements through Canadian partners (like Georgian Bay Land Trust) and promote American donation of conservation properties.The land donations are made through the AF to appease the IRS regulations on tax deductions from foreign property. The transaction fee draws about $3500 in legal/admin costs to the US donor or Canadian partner (whoever assumes the cost). It happens in steps 1/ qualification 2/ proposed land conservation agreement and then three project phases 1/ Inquiry & Feasibly Assessment 2/ Due Diligence 3/ Closing . All are involved legal processes that are guided by AF and the Canadian conservation partner. The lands must also be free from risk of mineral development and the partner taking the donation must be determined by the IRS to be a publically supported charity under the Canada – US income tax treaty recognizing that qualified Canadian Charities are equivalent to US organizations in some instances.

So here's why you might donate land or cash to the Foundation or Trust:

• you are preserving land and wildlife in it's natural state in a fragile environment
• cash donations are tax deductible as a donation
• land donations are also tax deductible and attract no capital gains for qualified situations US or Canadian
• cash donations allow the trust and foundations to function securing more conservation lands
• you cannot depend on government to pick up and secure available unique private lands in the public interest if they become available (although it does happen on occasion when Park lands ajoin)
• if you are a boater consider that you are preserving wild places you can anchor at and enjoy unspoiled views
• most would get some satisfaction in knowing that that their children or their grand children and great grand children will still have unspoiled places to see when they cruise the Bay

If your donating to other worthy causes ... and Georgian Bay is one of your favorite places, consider donating to the Georgian Bay Land Trust. Every bit helps. Boating Georgian Bay will be adding GB Land Trust to the organizations it donates to this year.

MARINA FIRE PORT LAMBTON
A marina fire in a large storage facility near Sarnia claimed 75 boats including antique and collectable boats. There were also some antique cars stored in the building. The fire broke out around 7 am December 20th and by 10 am the building was fully engulfed by flames. Millions of dollars in damage is reported.

CLICK HERE to view a video of the fire. It is reported that the smoke was toxic from the burning fiberglass and fuel and area residents were warned to stay away from the drifting smoke. To our knowledge no one was injured but it will be a sad Christmas for many boat owners.

2012 GEORGIAN BAY TUGFEST
Boating Georgian Bay is pleased to announce it's Gold level sponsorship of the Georgian Bay Tug Fest.

Georgian Bay TugFest is a maritime tugboat festival that is held once a year in different coastal towns on Georgian Bay. The event assembles various workboats throughout the Great Lakes to join and compete in a parade to generate support for local charities. The festival provides locals and tourists with a large variety of fun filled activities including the tug boat parade, a tug run, pancake breakfasts, a parade of lights as well as a TugFest dinner event. This annual event attracts thousands of visitors to the Georgian Bay area and has proven to be unmatched by any other event in its ability to produce such large numbers of historic and remarkably unique boats. The most recent TugFest in Parry Sound, Ontario was a huge success with over 23 vessels partaking in the event.

Tugfest 2012 will be held in Midland, Ontario on the weekend of August 24th and 25th. For more information about Georgian Bay Tugfest 2012, visit www.tugfest.net and www.tugfestgeorgianbay.com

ALONE IN THE NIGHT - BOOK REVIEW
Alone In The Night by Lynx Images Inc. documents the history of all the Georgian Bay & Manitoulin lighthouses, past and present. There are fabulous well researched accounts of sinking ships, lighthouse keepers peril, survival and the transition from manned lighthouses to the automatic beacons of today. The isolation and danger of manning a lighthouse becomes apparent in this book. Some keepers went crazy, some hermit and some just loved the isolation and harsh conditions.

Imagine being a Keeper on Lonely Island (referred to as "one big graveyard from one end to the other") – a rock 50 miles from land with direct exposure to Georgian Bay and Lake Huron running in lighthouse service from 1870 to 1986. This was the island that some of the Asia ship sinking victims washed ashore on. It was an Indian burial ground as well and more than one keeper, assistant or family member died there. Populated by hundreds of rattlesnakes, buffeted by storms and documented as a location where mermaids congregate in gale force weather, one would have to question the saneness of Keepers who had to find there way back to the mainland at the end of shipping season in December by small sailboat before they were trapped by ice over the winter months. And this is just one lighthouse story.

Each lighthouse historically and architecturally is well documented along with the mysteries, murder and mayhem that ensued on some lighthouse manned islands. A fascinating read for anyone interested in Georgian Bay or for those that think they have it tough in their own jobs and want to see what the grass (or rock) looks like on the other side. The book can be ordered through your library or purchased at Huronia Museum in Midland.

WIND, WATER, ROCK & SKY – BOOK REVIEW
This is the story of Cognashene area of Georgian Bay. It is a hardcover bound and beautifully illustrated coffee table style book. If you cruise or cottage in the Midland/Penetanguishene area of Georgian Bay you’re going to relate heavily to the documented history, stories, legends and reflections of the area. All historical experiences, lumber industry, tourist visits and human history are tied to specific places you will know well, like Longuissa, Brown Bay, Franceville, Minnicognashene, Arthur Island and many more islands and anchorages.

It is a delight to understand the fascinating history of these areas we take for granted as pristine settings with the odd cottage here and there. In reality there were many cycles affected by economy, wars, trends and resource availability that altered the landscape and inhabitants of the area. You'll learn about the historic ships that plied the area shipping cargo and eventually homesteaders, tourists and cottagers. You'll recognize some of the historic attributes that still remain today like Blarney Castle. Most of all you’ll come to understand some of the ebbs and tides that happened over time and that impacted the area with the only constant being the water and the granite which is steadfastly uninfluenced by man.

The books carefully crafted Forward written by the Hon. William Davis is a wonderful summary and testament to the beauty of the area and the colorful characters who made it their home. My only misgivings in reading the book was a better understanding of how poorly the aboriginals that made the area their home were treated by government in the process of managing land on their behalf and herding them from island to island while taking their ancestral homes away from them in the process with very little reward or adequate compensation.

This is a special book and you'll want to read it at least twice. The Parry Sound Library has a copy or you can search it by ISBN 0-9681895-0-4 There are also some local marine chandleries that have it in Honey Harbour.

JOHN GUIDER GREAT LOOP PHOTOS
Douglas Pohl, Captain of Grey Goose and one of the regular posters on Americas Great Loop Cruising Association forum passed this along.

Photographer John Guider has spent two months a year, for the last three years, following the Great Loop in a small boat he built back in 2009. Guider photographs capture images of the the people, scenery and wildlife he meets along the way. The Rymer Gallery in Nashville Tennessee has many of this images on display in an exhibition titled "View From a Small Boat."
The Show runs through to November 26th.

John Guider's Great Loop Photo Gallery is at http://johnguider.com/portfolios/the-great-loop

BIRDS OF GEORGIAN BAY POSTER
Georgian Bay Land Trust has a new full size poster available, highlighting some of the different bird species that call Georgian Bay their home. The new Birds Of Georgian Bay poster complements the existing series of Trees of Georgian Bay & Rocks of Georgian Bay. Any or all of these posters would look great on your wall. They come rolled for $20 or plaqued for $50. These posters make great gifts for those that love Georgian Bay and the revenues go towards preserving unspoiled lands, flora and fauna around the Georgian Bay region. For more information visit their web site at www.gblt.org or give them a call at (416) 440 1519 ext #3 to order.

CRATE'S LAKE COUNTRY BOATS NAMED EXCLUSIVE
PURSUIT BOAT DEALER
Crate's Lake Country Boats in Orillia has been named the exclusive dealer for Pursuit boats in Ontario. Pursuit manufactures boats from 20' to 37' and although they are known for rugged offshore fishing boats they also have a line of luxury cruising and sport utility boats. According to Pursuit Regional Sales Manager, Ron Burkdoll they made the decision to team up with Crates Lake Country based on their facilities, service and customer satisfaction history. Crates Lake Country Boats currently has some in stock Pursuit inventory with more 2012 models on their way. More information can be found on www.crateslakecountryboats.com website.

2012 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW
Mark your calendar for one of the largest consumer shows in North America. The Toronto International Boat Show runs January 14th through January 22nd, 2012 at the Direct Energy Centre Exhibition Place. This is the granddaddy of shows for the average boater. It doesn't have the mega yachts of Lauderdale or Miami and it isn't even on the water but it has a huge selection of boats and accessories from dinghies up to sixty foot sail and power yachts.

It's a great respite from the harsh winters here in Ontario and it comes at a perfect time to lift your spirits and dream of warm sunny days in an anchorage with all that great boat gear. The show also features an outstanding lineup of free seminar speakers so you can learn from other cruisers experiences or some of the more basic necessities like boat maintenance. Everybody that's in a boat related business is at this show and you really need a few days to cover the show and take it all in. The other great thing about this show is there is always some new innovative boat gear to check out and if you're in the mood to buy, there is no better place to get discount priced gear than this show. Last year I saved about $500 on the new GPS EPIRB and I bought all new lines, new flares, waterproof handheld VHF just to name a few items. I had to buy one of those carts on wheels just to wheel my purchases around for two days of heavy duty shopping. Looking for a new boat? .... most of the brokers are there too.

THE CAPTAINS LOG - BOOK REVIEW
The Captains Log - Diamond Lil Does The Loop is a fairly new book written by Melanie Wood who along with her husband Captain John has done the Great Loop cruise and more aboard their well loved 38' Bayliner Motor Yacht registered in Midland ON. The book provides a very interesting heartfelt unsterilized account of the good times and bad experiences (mostly good) as they leave their home in Keswick to head south and eventually back up north and around the loop via the Trent, Georgian Bay, Michigan, Mississippi River and back to Florida to cross their wake. What makes the book especially interesting is the characters they meet along the way and the emotions of cruising and being away from family for extended periods of time. Reading the book it's easy to imagine yourself in the same situations and fall into their daily adventures and routines.

This book is a must read for those contemplating doing the Great Loop or for that matter anyone who is considering long term cruising as a way of life. The adventure takes place between September 2005 through Dec 2006 but Mel & John are still out there cruising and the book was just written in 2010/2011 from Roatan - Honduras Bay Islands.

Mel has collected quite a journal of information for this book and if you want to follow their exploits and adventures on the web including their more current cruising destinations like Cuba, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Honduras & Caribbean, visit her online log at www.mytripjournal.com/melandjohn.

The book hits close to home and brings back memories of our own trip from Simcoe to the Bahamas and back. It sobered me up from dreaming of a cruising retirement ... as long distance cruising is not for the faint of heart and you must be resourceful and resilient in all aspects to make it work. It also takes a great relationship to keep it together on a boat for the period of time that these folks have been cruising. I picked up my copy at a local library but the self published book can be bought online at Amazon.com . We also understand there may be a new book coming in the future that provides details of their other cruising destinations.

NATURALLY OCCURRING BOTULISM KILLS BIRDS
Up to 2,000 waterfowl and some fish have washed ashore primarily in the Wasaga Beach area of Georgian Bay but as far north as Parry Sound. The cause of death has been confirmed to be Type E Botulism. Botulism can occur naturally as part of a cycle and happens from time to time in the fall. There was an outbreak on Lake Erie years ago where 25,000 birds will killed.

Botulism can take hold in lake bottom sediment when a nutrient rich source (like a dead animal) combined with total lack of oxygen and specific water temperature range combine to spawn the harmless spores. When mollusks like mussels filter the sediment they can pick up Botulism and the fish that eat mollusks can spread it through the food chain to birds. Outbreaks are short lived and end once the conditions change that allow Botulism to reproduce spores.

Ontario Ministry Of Natural Resources has indicated that it is safe to eat fresh caught fish as long as they are cooked well. However, until the outbreak ends, pet owners should keep their dogs away from dead birds and fish as they could get sick from eating raw affected game. Dead birds are being removed from shore and homeowners who find a dead bird or fish should bury it or dispose of them in the garbage wrapped in a plastic bag.

RUS BOAT NORTHWEST PASSAGE ORION EXPEDITION
Talk about adventure on the high seas! A home made boat named RUS is circling the globe via the North West Passage. The 25 foot boat made of duct tape and bamboo has four determined Russian sailors onboard.

It left St Petersburg Russia and sailed through the Baltic Sea and across the north Atlantic. It is now crossing from Nunavut to the North West Territories.They are relying on a backup engine for now, but need to repair the main engine to cross the Bering Strait to return to Russia. The journey is to end at Anadyr Russia in November.

LIKE BOATING & FLYING? TRY THIS
So you're a boater and a flyer. Combine the two passions! Click HERE to check it out

ANNAPOLIS POWER BOAT SHOW
While the Annapolis Power Boat Show is much smaller than both the Lauderdale or the Miami boat shows it is certainly a very worthwhile show to attend. In addition to being located in the historic town of Annapolis that is dripping with nautical tradition it is the only large boat show that you can walk out if the show and be right in the heart of the downtown boutique shopping district which is teaming with fine restaurants, many featuring fresh crab, oysters and shrimp. While the show has more dealers representing manufacturers than the actual manufacturers' - and typically not all of anyone manufactured boat line is represented ... it makes up for selection and size with the energy of having all those Chesapeake Bay cruisers in attendance while they wait out hurricane season before heading south to warmer climes.

Make no mistake, this is a busy show and even during the rainy downpours, unusually high tides that flooded some areas and high winds on opening day the show was comfortably crowded and the bars and local eateries near the show were packed. From what I observed attendees were having a blast and unlike many boat shows the vast majority were clearly serious boaters and not just locals looking for a trade show to wander.

It took a full day to wander the show and inspect boats. There was no logical layout to the show and his contributes to covering the same area multiple times and having some fun doing it. It is also an easy show to get onto boats and the yachts that required appointments were few and far between and for the most part even registration was not required come aboard most boats. The other really nice thing about this show was there was a sense that things were looking up and the bad years of poor sales were behind us and optimism and interest were high. Last but not least, because this show is heavily attended by cruisers on-route, there was a very good selection of serious expedition boats to check out which I really enjoyed like Grand Banks, Marlow, Fleming, Selene, Outer Reef etc. We'll be back again. You should book it for next year - sail or power show or both back to back as they are also great excuses to visit and experience the Chesapeake Bay.

CHESAPEAKE BOATING
Once Ontario cruisers sadly have put their boat away for the season, there is a place not too far away where the boating season lives on well into November. In October and November cruising yachts from around the world congregate to wait out hurricane season in the Chesapeake before heading south. The Chesapeake Bay area, while home to big cities like Baltimore is also known to be one of the better cruising areas of the world and has many sheltered anchorages and interesting small towns are all around the Bay. One could easily spend a month in the Chesapeake and never visit the same anchorage more than once. We haven't cruised the Bay for many years, so we wanted to go back as tourists to reacquaint ourselves with the area. It is only a two hour flight from Toronto to Baltimore and you can rent a car in Baltimore and get to the best places on the Bay in an hour.

We timed our trip to take in the Annapolis Boat Show. Annapolis hosts a sailboat show followed by a powerboat show - back to back. The shows are well worth attending, but just being in Annapolis is a treat you won't forget. Fabulous nautical history and architecture await and the shopping in the historic downtown is fabulous. Great restaurants are everywhere and you can have your fill of oysters, clams, shrimp and crab for very little cost if you hit the happy hour dining spots (and it's almost always happy hour there). The Naval Academy is in Annapolis so you will see many Navy recruits and officers around town dressed in uniform, spit and polish. Annapolis is a great nautical town and easy to get hooked on.

Across the Bay are some quant tourist/fishing based towns where crabbers and oystermen still ply their trade. It is unusual in this day and age to be able to step back into time and see towns that are comprised almost entirely of historic homes and businesses. St Michaels is one such town that you'll want to visit that has a Maritime Museum and a downtown lined with historic unique shops - most with a nautical flavor. We stayed at anchor in St Michaels harbour with some friends on their beautiful sailboat for a few days and tendered into town to wander around doing some shopping and wine tasting along the way.To see the Museum and the history of the Chesapeake and to take in the town of St Michaels you need at least a day. It helps if you read Michener's Chesapeake novel before you go to give you some perspective on the history and get you in the mood.

Just down the road from St Michaels and a short ferry ride across the creek is Oxford. Oxford is one of those places where time stands still. It hasn't changed much since we last visited by boat thirty years ago. Also, fishing orientated Oxford also features some famous custom boat yards (including Hinckley and Cutts & Case) and the historic residential architecture of the town is spectacular with very little commercial development. Not a lot to do there "if" you are looking for shopping ... but if you want the laid back Chesapeake feel, you'll experience it here. We stopped by the Robert Morris Inn where Michener wrote much of the Chesapeake novel and we enjoyed spicy mussels and excellent crab cakes for lunch. We also dropped into a few of the boat yards where craftsman were restoring or repairing classic boats. It's a quiet town ... but that's just the way folks like it there and you'll love it if you take the time to wander around a bit and soak up the ambiance. To put it into perspective Yachting Magazine readers voted Oxford "Best Town in the World".

Next time your feeling depressed about the boating season ending in Ontario, jump on a plane for a extended weekend visit at the Chesapeake and you’ll come back rejuvenated and wanting to go back again and again.

KEEWATIN HOME COMING?
The 1907 350' CPR ship SS Keewatin (meaning Blizzard of the North) has a planned move to Port McNicoll Georgian Bay in 2012 where it would go on display as part of the new resort development staging there. The move is subject to a vote by Tay Town Council who must still vote to accept the ship in the Port McNicoll ship basin. The ship has been resting for 45 years in Lake Kalamazoo Michigan which is just north of Chicago on the east side of Lake Michigan. To move the ship the channel between the Lake Kalamazzo and Lake Michigan must be dredged to accommodate her 16 foot draft at a cost estimated to be a million dollars.

Until 1965 the ship moved passengers and freight between Georgian Bay and Lake Superior's Thunder Bay until 1965. It had 105 staterooms and could handle 288 passengers propelled by a 3,300 HP coal boiler. Currently it has been in use as a stationary museum in Michigan.. It would make way for visiting cruise ships to visit her current location in Holland Michigan.

The SS Keewatin is famous for the company she kept as well. She did sea trials with the Lusitania that was sunk by a German submarine that subsequently triggered the first World War. She also shares the same propulsion system and partial layout as the Titanic.

THE LEGACY OF KITTYHAWK
It was 1903 when Wilbur and Orville Wright conducted the first manned heavier than air power flight at Kitty Hawk North Carolina. Airplane aviation was born and the world would never be the same again.The Wrights had rock star status and were celebrated around the world. Wilbur died in 1912. In 1915 Orville depressed by his brothers death and unhappy with the constant challenges to the Wright's mechanical airplane patents needed salvation and a place to escape work pressures. That place became Lambert Island on Georgian Bay which Orville, his estate after death and Trustee owned between 1916 and 1953.

Most boats that have cruised up to the Bone Island area (originally named Boine Island) to anchor at Browns Bay, Hockey Stick or Longuissa Bay have passed right by Lambert Island ... perhaps not knowing they had crossed the path of history involving Orville Wright.

Professor William Worthner from Orville's hometown of Dayton Ohio vacationed at the Franceville Inn on Georgian Bay and suggested to Orville's sister Katharine that it could be a place for Orville to visit and recuperate from his stressful life. Arrangements were made by Worthner for Orville to vacation at a Wawbec island cottage/camp in 1916 and Orville so much liked the experience that he bought nearby Lambert Island that fall. By 1918 he had moved onto the island with furniture into the existing small buildings and it became his summer through fall vacation destination for many years.

Gidley Boats of Penetanguishene started in the late 1890's and was was known for building sturdy bay boats up to 110'. Wright purchased a 20’ Gidley runabout and by 1921 he had refitted the engine with his own Wright manufactured engine that he adapted for boat use. In 1928 Orville had received a compass from Amelia Earhart which he mounted on the boat. He also spent some time dingy sailing too ... as an a honorary member of the Minnicog Yacht Club. Wright relished boating in the area and visiting neighbors and his local forays included the islands surrounding Lambert - as well as places like Hope, Beckwith, Pine and Giants Tomb islands.

It was thought that Wright introduced Gidley to Ford (Henry Ford). Gidley Boats started installing Ford engines in some boats and by 1922 a 24' custom Gidley runabout was delivered to Henry Ford. Gidley also built boats for Ford that were marketed under the Ford brand. As an interesting footnote Gidley (then Grew) would later build the Fairmile torpedo boats at Honey Harbour for the navy.

In 1931 Orville decided to buy a new Gidley 26' Two 66 model with hardtop. A recently built 32.6' Gidley Day Cruiser that was to be used for water taxi service came back to the Gidley boat works due to the economic recession. Orville bought this larger boat and it was fitted just as the Two 66 model would have been and he paid $3075 about the same price as he would have paid for the new Gidley 26.

A new boat house was completed in 1932 for the Gidley Cruiser by George France (Franceville Inn). It was friend of Orville, AY Jackson (Group of Seven fame) who came up with Kitty Hawk as a name. Orville's trusted housekeeper Carrie was drafted to convince Orville to adopt the name for the boat.The Gidley workmen who installed the stainless steel letters mistakenly put the boat letters on as one word - KITTYHAWK - and the name stood.

Orville was a gentlemen and always wore a white high collar shirt, cuff links and tie regardless of his daily activities on and around the island. Orville in his Akroyd dingy was a natural sailor as he would understand the principles of wind sheer from his aeronautical exploits. It seems he trusted his neighbors at the Bay and enjoyed visits and he grew to love the area as his oasis from things that troubled him.

In 1940 Orville had an 8 cylinder 110 HP gas engine bought and installed in Kittyhawk via Wilfred France. Labor then was $1.00 per hour. The boat was also re-varnished by the Gidley Boat Company.

At the advent of World War 2 the government in Washington brought Orville back to the USA by military escort concerned that spies could kidnap important scientists during the war. Orville died January 30th 1948 leaving his Canadian assets including Kittyhawk to the children of his brother Lorin. Lorin's daughter Ivonette and husband Harold Miller along with Bus and Sue Wright were the two family heirs that wanted to vacation at Lambert Island. In 1950's the Millers started having Wilfred France pilot Kittyhawk in the waters that were somewhat unfamiliar to them.

Kittyhawk was sold to Wilfred France by the Wright heirs in May 1953 for $1,100. for use as a water taxi and workboat.The Miller's and Wright's also decided to sell Lambert Island in March of 1953.

Over time, Kittyhawk fell into disrepair from wear and tear as well as storm damage. Wilfred France at 70 years of age was unable to facilitate the major repairs. Wilfred died in 1970 and two years later his daughter Katherine purchased Kittyhawk from the estate and gave it to her husband Guy Johnstone as a Christmas present. Kittyhawk was towed to Langley's Marina in Honey Harbour while being pumped continuously to keep her afloat and in 1973 she was sitting on Johnstone property in Midland. Guy and Katherine dreamed of restoring Kittyhawk and understood the historic importance of the venture. Guy and Kathy ran into Bruce Wilson from Greavette Boat Works of Gravenhurst at the 1973 Toronto Boat Show and plans were made for restoration.

By 1975 Kittyhawk had been lovingly restored. An elaborate community celebration was planned by the Johnstone's who had since made contact with the Millers (Wright heirs). Ivonette Wright Miller broke the traditional bottle of Champagne on the bow as Kittyhawk was lowered into the water. More celebrations and visiting ensued including trips with the Millers and Johnstone's to Lambert Island and Franceville. What a special time that must have been with the Kittyhawk reclaiming her place on the water basking in the limelight with such historic importance and all the emotional memories that came flooding back to the time when Orville Wright would have sat at the helm captaining the boat.

To this day Guy and Kathy Johnstone are the owners, custodian and maintainers of this rare piece of Georgian Bay history called Kittyhawk. There were so many times when Kittyhawk could have been abandoned or lost that it is almost by divine intervention that she found her way into the future and has a home in the area that she was first launched. It is hard to imagine another boat with such an interesting pedigree.

Orville loved Georgian Bay as a refuge from the hustle and bustle of business and city life. I'm sure many of our boating readers can relate to that too! Kittyhawk has won many antique boat show awards. But really when you think about it, what act at a show could follow Kittyhawk that was the pride and joy of the man that invented flight?

Guy has done a wonderful job documenting Orville Wright's days on Georgian Bay and the relevance of Kittyhawk and it is an emotional journey to read his book "Kitty Hawk to KITTYHAWK" and to understand the intricate and true nature of a remarkable man Orville Wright who along with his brother Wilbur invented powered human flight. Please visit Guy's web site at www.kittyhawk-boat.ca for further information.

MURDOCH YACHT FOR CHARTER
Rosehearty is a 183' ketch owned by Rupert Murdoch and you can charter it in the Mediterranean or Caribbean for just over $200,000. a week. Murdoch has had some issues to deal with lately, so perhaps he doesn't have as much time to spend on the yacht while taking care of business.The yacht is listed for charter by www.charterworld.com and has room for 10 guests in 5 luxurious suites. The yacht was built in 2006 by Perini Navi at a cost of over $40 million. Interior design was by French designer Christian Liagre and yes ... there is a gym so you can work out in the morning.

FALL IS PRIME GEORGIAN BAY CRUISING SEASON
Well the summers gone ... but the best cruising of the season is about to begin. There are plenty of warm days left between now and Thanksgiving, providing you can pick and choose your departure dates. While the weather becomes a little less reliable the crowds are gone from the anchorages. Mid week even some of the most popular anchorages might have only a boat or two at anchor. For the most part the bugs are gone and the leaves are starting to turn. The water is still swimmable and for the young at heart you can even go for a skinny dip without shocking or offending the neighbors. It is a quiet peaceful time of the year and whether your cruising alone looking for solitude or you head out with a few other boats it is a completely different experience than summer cruising. Right away you'll notice the absence of the many local boats that come in and out of popular anchorages with the teens looking to party. Fall cruisers tend to be quiet at night and you can sit out in the cockpit in breathtaking silence and soak up the star filled skies.

There's a good chance that if your more than an hours cruise from the larger yachting centres that you will be the only boat at the anchorage. It is kind of a funny feeling ... a mixture of guilt (that you're out enjoying your boat while most of the population is back working) and a strange sense that maybe the world stopped because you can sit at anchor for days and never see another human. When another boat does join you at an anchorage, you automatically share something in common and you feel obliged to dingy over at some point and pay your neighborly respects. It's also the time of year that your likely to see more of nature like deer or moose along the shores or perhaps a bear filling up on ripe acorns putting on weight in preparation for hibernation. In the swampy areas at the base of most anchorages you'll find turtles and water snakes crowded onto logs taking in the last warm days of the season. So remember the end of summer doesn't mean the end of your cruising season. The best is yet to come.

"SERIOUSLY GREAT"
Boating Georgian Bay has just introduced it's own brand of "Seriously Great" eco rated all purpose boat cleaner. The cleaner will be available wholesale by the case and retail by the bottle from this web site Click HERE to view the press release.

Boating Georgian Bay will donate 10% of all profits from the sale of this eco rated boat cleaner to:

ANNAPOLIS BOAT SHOWS
The Chesapeake in the fall is one beautiful area! Next to Georgian Bay it is arguably one of the best cruising locations in the world. If your looking for marine history the Chesapeake has plenty of it. Annapolis Maryland is a historic town most famous for the US Naval Academy officers centre established in 1845. The Academy is the main source for college trained Navy & Marine officers in the USA. Annapolis itself has a very nautical feel to the town and there is much history to be seen. It is also a good place to scout out used marine equipment. Visiting the Chesapeake in the fall allows you to take in the beauty and history of the area and at the same time visit two back to back in water boat shows that are one of a kind. Over 100,000 boat enthusiasts visit these two shows so plan ahead and book your accommodation early. www.usboat.com

United States Sailboat Show October 7th to 11th
The oldest and largest in water sailboat show in the world established 41 years ago. The show features everything from dinghies to mega yachts and lots of seminars, gear and accessories are there to browse.

United States Powerboat Show October 14th - 17th
America's oldest powerboat show (39 years) featuring motor yachts, trawlers, cruisers, electronics, cruising workshops, antique boats etc. While not as big as the Lauderdale Show it has more selection of smaller yachts under 50 feet that may be of interest to the average boater.

MIAMI BOAT SHOW FEB 16 - 20, 2012
It's too frigin cold here in lake country Ontario! So we're off to the Miami Boat Show in February. The Miami Boat Show is one of the greatest boat shows in the world. The weather is almost guaranteed to be hot as Miami sits below the threshold of the cold fronts pushing down from Canada. In addition to the hundreds of boats & yachts for viewing, they run the Discover Boating Resource Centre where you can take clinics on topics ranging from navigation to docking. It's also a great place to see the the latest in yacht gadgets and gizmos. The other nice thing about Miami is the great restaurants and local flare - like the South Beach area where you can see the Miami art deco revival architecture. We'll give a full report with video and pics when we get back.

MISS SCARLETT GRANDE DAME OF THE 20's
This story perhaps should be on a What's Old page rather than What's New because it's all about a unique piece of Georgian Bay history. Miss Scarlett is a unique custom 1929 57' Gidley Motor Yacht that was originally built by Gidley Boats in Penetanguishene Ontario. The Gidley Boat company was established late 1890’s and by 1903 Gidley was building government survey boats for use in the St Lawrence River. Orville Wright bought his first Gidley launch in for his island summer home on Georgian Bay in 1918 and later purchased the 32' Gidley "Kittyhawk" in 1931. Wright refitted his first Gidley boat with a more reliable Wright factory built engine. In 1922 Gidley began using Ford engines through the connection of Orville Wright and Ford had boats made by Gidley at one point under their brand. Gidley built launches and runabouts in the 20' - 40' range and also larger cruisers up to the 110' range.

The Miss Scarlett yacht, originally known as Mona IV, underwent a multi million dollar full restoration that began in 1993 and was completed by 2000 by the last owner Lynne Hindmarsh (of Scarlett Investments Inc. – name clue). The restoration included significant interior and exterior work including re-planking and the task was accomplished by many skilled tradespersons who recreated plans and had to deal with remanufacturing parts and accessing exotic materials like hand selected Honduras Mahogany, keel Oak, Teak and custom fabricated steel & brass parts. While maintaining the historical integrity of the yacht, for safety and comfort reasons some modernizing took place including the transition from a traditional carvel planked water absorbing hull to the planking being coupled with cold molded West Epoxy using vacuum bagging rather than fasteners to pressure apply the epoxy. Electrical, electronics and mechanical systems were modernized as well.

Recently the yacht was purchased by Rob Reddick of Alexandria Bay, New York (via Brenda Flower at Westwind Yacht Sales www.westwindyachtscanada.com) where she plies the waters of the 1000 Islands at her new home. Rob has continued to make improvements on Miss Scarlett while maintaining the original character and craftsmanship of this one of a kind hand made yacht. Miss Scarlett is powered by a rebuilt 220 horsepower single 671 Detroit Diesel and being a keeled boat ... we are told she handles very predictably like a dream. It's battery banks and at anchor electrical is handled by a 10 kilowatt Vetus generator. She carries 300 gallons of water and 170 gallons of fuel. Miss Scarlett is built to ABYC standards compatible with US Coast Guard requirements and the charter trade. She is winter stored in a heated pole barn constructed for her by the new owner.

Miss Scarlett has a special place in Georgian Bay history and she is more than a show piece. Her current owner plans to bring her back to Georgian Bay for a visit and she recently completed a 600+ mile cruise to Quebec. For more on Miss Scarlett visit her website at www.missscarlett1929.com

2011 WYE HERITAGE & QUEENS COVE RENDEZVOUS
This year a larger group of 18 power boaters got together for the 2011 Rendezvous and as usual the event started out with a Saturday evening wine & cheese and a chance for participants to mingle and discuss the game plan before the Sunday morning departure. Sunday nights anchorage was Beckwith Island but due to windy weather and choppy seas, many of the group moved over to nearby Hope Island for some shelter. Everyone enjoyed the clear blue water and sand beach at Hope and an onshore beach party started under hot sunny skies that stretched into starlight skies by a bonfire. Many tales and lies were swapped on the beach It was a rolling beam sea across to Parry Sound from Hope. The first night in Parry Sound, Wye Heritage sponsored a catered outdoor buffet dinner which was delicious. Rather than heading further north from Parry Sound in very windy weather, most of the group elected to stay put in Big Sound Marina for a second night and we got together for dinner at Kudos Kuisine which did a great job with our table of 18.

Most boats got fueled up and pumped out in Parry Sound and we planned to head south down the inland route towards Port Rawson in the Moon River area. It was an interesting exercise getting some of the boats off the dock in the heavy wind. Recovery Room's last words off the dock were "I'm loosing it boys" but catastrophe was averted and no damage was done. We raced for the 10 am Parry Sound bridge opening and just got there in time where we waited on the other side for those boats that could slip under the bridge. A gusty morning again, but the scenery to Port Rawson is second to none. Once in the Port Rawson basin the wind settled down and we spent a few nights there, with an excursion to the Moon River Falls and a shore campfire at night accompanied by Gordon Lightfoot tunes to set the mood ... and it went very late into the night for some. All manner of politics and world affairs were resolved at this campfire so it was a very worthwhile exercise at a fraction of the price of the G20 Summit. Most folks headed back to home base on the Saturday wrapping up a week of fun.

Many thanks to Jim, Sheila & Tara of Wye Heritage Marina who organized this shindig. I suspect the event will grow even larger next year.

PENETANGUISHENE BUILDS NEW TOWN DOCKS
Penetang's Harbour West Marina has new T Docks that officially opened June 18th/11. To build the new docks as part of the turnover from Federal to Town jurisdiction forty four tractor trailer loads of old decking, supports and pilings had to be demolished and trucked away. The new T docks were floated across the bay to their permanent home. The 1.4 million dollar newly refurbished marina upgrade boasts 23 new slips totaling as follows:

• 56 seasonal
• 10 designated shopping visitors
• 8 transient
• 13 spots on the cement pier

The docks have updated hydro pedestals (some 50 amp), dock lighting and a pavilion. The T docks can accommodate boats to 45 feet and the cement pier can accommodate bigger boats.

BOATERS CELEBRATE CANADA DAY AT ANCHORAGE
Anchorages within an hour of Midland & Penetanguishene were busy for the Canada Day long weekend ... but not over crowded. There was still room for a few more boats at most of the sheltered harbours even though the weather forecast delivered on excellent weather for the whole weekend. Based on the advance forecast we expected boats would be turned away at many locations. Beckwith Island area seemed to be the busiest. Beausoleil anchorages were busy as usual. We also visited Browns Bay which had lite traffic, Longuissa Bay which was busy with rows of boats (but not packed) and we anchored in Hockey Stick Bay which was near capacity but still had space for six or so boats. In the smaller anchorages like Hockey Stick many of the boats were bow stern anchored to allow for more boats. A number of large groups were rafted.

Hockey Stick had a creative group of boaters that set up their own private beach front tiki bar and several participants were wearing grass skirts. Canadian flags were everywhere and I'm sure the one US cruiser at anchorage must have got a good impression of patriotic Canadians ... that I might add, were very well behaved and respectful of other boaters. Folks had a good time - but it didn't get out of control and turn into a loud all night celebration. It was a family friendly atmosphere of celebration. Dingy & kayak touring was a popular activity. One relaxed cruiser was observed kayak tethered to an anchor buoy, reading a novel for an hour or more. A few from the Tiki bar toured the basin on PWC's to show off their costumes and a couple of small amphibian float planes landed in the bay for a visit before taking off later in the day. The temperature was hot and the water was perfect for cooling off. Lots of kids in the anchorage spent more time in the water than out. It was a great relaxing weekend enjoyed by all.

HURONIA MUSEUM
If you are a fan of Georgian Bay history including shipwrecks and boating memorabilia then Huronia Museum is a must see. There are ship and private yacht artifacts in addition to hundreds of historic pictures and models of various commercial and private boats that plied the waters of Georgian Bay. It is a formidable collection and a great place to spend a rainy day poking around the history of Georgian Bay. I addition to the historic aspects of shipping and ship building there is great deal history associated with the military, commerce and the Huron Ouendat Village recreated on the property. Visitors can take a self guided tour of the first nations village.

It is amazing to touch a ships wheel or anchor chain of some of the great ships that were wrecked during their tenure on Georgian Bay. Lots of detail in letters, logs and postcards – almost sensory overload for boat history aficionados. It reminds recreational boaters that Midland and other Georgian Bay Ports were power houses of economic activity in their time and were central Ontario’s most important hubs for the transportation of grain and lumber. Compared to the sleepy tourist orientated town of today, Midland port was bustling and booming with heavy industry centered around the commercial movement of goods and materials by rail and ship.

The Huronia Museum is open 7 days per week 9 am to 5 pm May 1st to October 31st. It is located right in Midland near Little Lake on 549 Little Lake Park Road
(705) 526 2844. Entrance is $8.60 per adult and wealth worth the visit.

INTERESTING TRIVIA
Not far from Georgian Bay, America's Great Loopers will be travelling through Balsam Lake on the Trent Canal System. Balsam Lake is the highest body of water in Canada from which a boat can circumnavigate the world at 256.3 metres above sea level. The site has been named Canada's Fresh Water Summit. There are two locations in the world that are higher in elevation – one on the Mississippi River and one on the Danube River in Germany. Coboconk the town nearest Balsam Lake celebrates on June 19th beginning 11 am the Summit by offering a boat parade, live entertainment and pig roast at the town wharf. The boat parade called "Boats Through the Ages" includes a flotilla of historical regional and national unique watercraft including Trent Severn Waterways 45' Celebration tug boat. The event ties in with the 100th anniversary celebration of the Trent Canal System.

BOATING GEORGIAN BAY BILLBOARD ADVERTISING
Boating Georgian Bay has secured a highway sign billboard location on Hwy #93 between Midland and Penetanguishene. Our objective is to remind the thousands of boaters that use that corridor that Boating Georgian Bay is a great resource for cruising, weather and marina services information. We are also in the process of investigating an FM licenced mini radio station transmitter to broadcast the #93 corridor between Midland & Penetangiushene and downtown Penetang that will broadcast an one hour loop of Boaters News that will be advertised at the sign location and through other media sources. The sign is confirmed while the Boating News radio will be announced if everything comes together.

TEQUILA AND THE PERFECT MARGARITA
First time I drank tequila was in college at a party and I nearly died. I swore I would never touch the stuff again if I was blessed with a full recovery. The second period I was reintroduced to Tequila was in my 40's where it was used as a substitute for Demerol & Codeine (which I didn't like) during a time when I had my leg and ankle plated on both sides after snapping them both slipping down a rock face. I know Tequila is 40% - 55% alcohol by volume and I have no explanation as to why Tequila kills pain in a very mellow and comfortable way that rum, scotch, whisky or drugs cannot do. I just know it works.

Over the years I began collecting Tequila on various trips to Mexico. The very drink I swore off is now my drink of choice in moderation once the boat is tied to the dock or the anchor is set. It is the only alcoholic spirit I will drink other than good red wines. You can buy Tequila in Mexico from $5 per bottle to $4000 per bottle. Boutique Tequilas are something to be respected and you will not find them at your LCBO. In Mexico you can tour the Tequila region and buy from the growers just as you might tour wine regions in Napa or Niagara to buy fine wines. There are also Tequila retailers in most towns that sell a variety of quality Tequilas – oddly enough none of the brands you would recognize as sold in Canada.

Tequila was first distilled in the 1500's in the state of Jalisco Mexico. Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco and the city of Tequila established in 1656 is where the Weber Blue Agave plant grows best. Blue Agave is not cactus it is a member of the lily family. It takes more than 8 years for Weber Blue Agave to reach maturity. Sadly several years back much was uprooted to make way for corn that was in high demand for ethanol production and more immediate to grow. During production the leaves (pincas) are cut off the Agave leaving the pina heart which looks like a 300 lb. pineapple. It is chopped up and cooked before the alcohol distillation from the fermented juice takes place.

There are two basic types of Tequila 100% Blue Agave Tequila and Mixto. Mixto can be distilled from as little as 60% Blue Agave. Real Tequila comes from the Tequila region of Mexico and know where else. Nothing wrong with Mixto Tequila but lets stick to 100% Blue Agave Tequila for the purposes of purity and medicinal value. Mezcal - the stuff with the worm in the bottle is not Tequila (although there are some excellent Mezcals). Mezcal is fermented from the Manguey plant which is a form of agave but not Blue Agave. Mezcals can be aged for up to 12 years and are often 55% alcohol by volume and has more of a smoky taste.

The 100% Blue Agave grades of Tequila are Blanco (un-aged and untreated with additives), Reposado (rested in oak for 2 to 12 months) and Anejo (stored in oak for more than a year). Tequila becomes smoother and oaky as it is aged and takes on a golden colour ... and good boutique Tequilas are often aged a long time.

A Margarita cocktail is NOT the fluorescent green beverage that looks like a slushy most commonly mixed and sold as a Margarita in North America. Although there are many variations of Margarita, the perfect Margarita requires Curacao liqueur ... which the proper stuff only comes from the Senior Distillery on Curacao Island and it is distilled from the Laraha citrus fruit which was developed from the fermented peel during the 19th century when the imported Valencia orange plants morphed into the inedible sour Laraha plants due to soil and climatic conditions. You will not find Curacao in Canada ... you will find a sugar laced orange & blue liqueur going by the same name that is a close to Curacao as a Pontiac is to an Aston Martin. When you go on holidays go to Curacao and bring back as much as you can – orange (coloured with bark) or clear it's all the same stuff that has that unique bitter sweet orange taste. So if you can't wait for vacation use Cointreau which is distilled from orange peel. I suggest you stay away from Triple Sec or Grand Marnier if you are looking for authentic taste. The authentic colour of a Margarita made with real orange Curacao is a light muddy brown - or clear with a yellow tinge if made with clear Curacao. I can't tell you how many bartenders say they can make a good original Margarita that don’t have clue. It can be frustrating and in my experience you pretty much have to be in Mexico or San Diego, California and even then there are no guarantees. Best Margarita I've ever had was in a hotel bar in a town called Loreto on the Baja Mexican coast. It was a masterpiece ... the holy grail ... and we were the only ones there on their second floor patio.

So take approx. 2 oz. of good Tequila and add a good drizzle or oz.of Cointreau (or ideally Curacao) with 1.5 oz. of fresh squeezed lime juice in a rock glass over ice (not crushed ice God forbid). You may wish to salt on the side on the back of your clean hand or coarse salt the rim of the glass. If you find it too bitter it is not heresy to add an ounce or two of lime bar mix to sweeten it a little. There you have it – a limit of two per customer please ... and I promise you you’ll never go back to one of those green snow cones in a glass.

CANADIAN BOATER EXAMS ADOPT STRICTER STANDARDS
Transport Canada has moved to standardized testing and Canadian Boaters as of April 15th face stricter exam standards. The new approach is learning focused and sets a higher standard for boaters to obtain their Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC card). The hope is to reduce preventable boating related accidents. 100 people died in boating accidents in Canada last year and 6,000 suffered injuries. Standardized questions have increased from 36 to 50 questions. Boaters who take their exam online will also be required to complete an online study guide. Failure for boaters to present a PCOC card while operating a boat can result in a $250 fine. Boaters with existing PCOC cards will not be affected by this change. It is estimated that up to half of the boaters in Canada still do not have their PCOC card.

CYA & SKIPPERS’ PLAN JOIN FORCES
Beginning on May 1, 2011, The Canadian Yachting Association and Robertson & Robertson's Skippers Plan join forces to offer CYA members a number of exclusive unique feature benefits including a one-stop source for home, auto and commercial insurance.

"Our alliance with Skippers Plan creates an unprecedented opportunity to provide our members with a full spectrum of insurance services, not just on their boats but also on the rest of their insurance needs," notes the CYA's Executive Director Paddy Boyd.  

"As an active sailor, club member and CYA supporter, I am very excited about this exclusive partnership with Canada's national sailing authority," adds Drew Robertson, President of Robertson & Robertson.

Now that the CYA has made R&R's Skippers Plan its exclusive provider for Insurance services... CYA members will now have access to a wide range of advantages including:

• Upgraded marine insurance
• Preferred rates on personal, home and auto insurance
• Commercial insurance

Robertson & Robertson Yacht Insurance Ltd., owned and operated by The CG&B Group Inc. - servicing the boating community for over 60 years.

CRUISING TO KILLARNEY?
When your docking at Killarney Mountain Lodge this season newcomers Gord & Ginny Kerr will be your dock masters. Like Tom & Liz Morkin before them Gord & Ginny are world cruisers. Tom & Liz will be taking over the skipper duties aboard the lodges 46' charter sloop “Stormy Night”. Both couples will return to cruising at the end of the Georgian Bay boating season. If you have questions about cruising in far off regions of the world both these couples would be happy to talk with you. It is really interesting to know that there are still some people who are so incredibly adventurous left on our planet that they cruise the waters of the world for most of their adult life. What a fantastic way to experience life and the many different cultures of the world - I'm jealous!

Fans of crooner Andy Lowe will be happy to know he's back for the 12th season performing Tuesday to Sunday 9pm to midnight during July & August. Andy brings new concepts to his music every time he returns to his loyal following.

When visiting Killarney, the lodge is a stop not be missed. They offer the most incredible variety of outdoor adventure packages - both on the water and in the mountains. Every cruiser should take an extra day and take a guided trek up into the mountains. The photos that you get will be as spectacular as any you will find in your cruising destinations. It’s also a great place to recharge and use the pool and have a nice dinner in the dining room.

GEORGIAN BAY WATER LEVELS EXPECTED TO STAY LOW
Southern Georgian Bay is showing very low water levels now that the ice has vacated April 11th. There has been a fair amount of south winds that have pushed about 1.5 feet of water out of the southern regions of the Bay towards the north. When things settle back down and equalize the spring levels will still be about be down about a foot below last year. Last winter wasn't a very heavy snow winter but neither was the frost to deep, so a lot of the melt went right into the ground and never made it to the Bay as runoff. Georgian Bay won’t see peak water levels usually until the beginning to middle of June and spring rains could be factor that would help to gain back some of the loss. If the water levels stay down a foot or more and if we have a very hot dry summer it could make some of the waters and especially uncharted anchorages tricky to navigate.

The Trent system looks in not to bad of shape with the feeder lakes about normal to slightly below normal. Lake Simcoe looks about normal and the good news is there is not a lot of flooding in the area this spring. Entering Georgian Bay through Port Severn from the Trent deeper draft boaters should use caution and stay in the centre of the channel whenever possible. For more information on Georgian Bay water levels check out our Weather page and take the NOAA link for water level charts and also our Bay Bio page has some water level theory on it.

BEAUSOLEIL CABIN RENTALS
Georgian Bay Islands National Park now offers rustic cabin rentals on Beausoleil Island. These are brand new cabins that have beds, table, chairs, lights and cooking gear (no running water in cabin).

The Cedar Springs cabins are two bedroom and can accommodate a maximum 5 people. They are close the water with shared washrooms nearby. These cabins are $160 per night.

The Christian Beach cabins are 1.8 km from Cedar Springs and more remote. These cabins are for 2 people and are $140 night.

Boat transportation and baggage handling by Park staff is included from Honey Harbour. They also supply some firewood and drinking water, BBQ, picnic table, fire pit and small fridge and utensils are at the cabins.The cabins are not heated and no smoking is allowed. There is a total of 8 cabins (4 at each location) and advance booking is required - 1 877 737 3783. Now there is a place for the extra guests that can't be accommodated on your boat.

COSMOS YACHT CHARTERS
Offer Luxury Crewed Sailing Adventures On Georgian Bay and the North Channel.

COSMOS Yacht Charters was started in 2006 and operates out of the prestigious Bay Port Yachting Centre in Midland, Ontario. The yacht charter company offers a variety of cruise packages ranging from Sunset Cruises with gourmet dinner, wine and dessert to Week-Long (or longer) cruises to remote anchorages with interesting Ports of Call along the way.

Itineraries are custom designed for guests and the yachts are fully crewed with an experienced Captain and Chef who will insure your vacation on the water is trouble free, yet adventurous ... and will include some gourmet dining to go along with your Georgian Bay sailing experience.

Captain Bill Everitt has twenty five years of boating experience on Georgian Bay and the North Channel and offers ‘All-Inclusive’ charters in the winter months in the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

Midland was chosen as the COSMOS home base because it is only a 70 minute drive from Toronto and Bay Port Marina is a full service high end marina that is close to the heart of Midland. Midland is a historic Port town with lots of interesting architecture and it offers its own attractions, including fine dining and theatre which allow cruising guests to extend their vacation by a day, or so, on shore. You don't need to know navigation or be an experienced sailor as your Captain will expertly transit you to the best anchorages and Ports of Call on the Bay.

You also have the option of getting involved as a member of the crew and gain some "hands on" experience. It's your choice - you can lounge and enjoy the beautiful scenery and be pampered or you can work off some of the fine dining by grinding a winch or taking a turn at the helm.

For their 'All Inclusive' cruises, they welcome your input for your itinerary and menu plan so they can exceed your expectations!

For those guests who prefer to do their own provisioning and cooking, their 'Skipper Plan' is ideal and they welcome your input for itinerary planning.

COSMOS pride themselves on flexibility and personalized adventure cruises – the hallmark of their success!

Visit the COSMOS Yacht Charters web site for details on their various packages and availability.

PLAN TO VISIT TOPAZ LAKE
Many of you may have visited Topaz Lake. Most boaters on Georgian Bay may have heard about it at some point. Here is some background on this jewel of a lake located on the La Cloche mountain in Killarney Park. If you haven't been to Topaz Lake it is a must see and the journey down Baie Fine fjord is also spectacular.

Bay Fine is as close to a Scandinavian fjord as you will find anywhere in North America. Just north of the town of Killarney you would travel down about 8 miles with quartzite cliffs along both sides of the fjord. At the base of the fjord you come through a narrow section and then into the Pool. Many yachts anchor in the Pool but it is weedy when the water levels are low. Giant turtles and bait fish can be seen swimming in the Pool. Some elect to anchor in the little bays off the fjord where there is less weeds and better anchoring. However the surrounding quartz mountains around the Pool make for a beautiful scenic anchorage.

The Evinrude family (the original owners of Evinrude Marine now owned by Bombardier) owns a cottage there and the family yacht during the summers would be located there. During the winters it could be seen in the Caribbean with it's full compliment of Evinrude outboard motors lined up on davits across the deck. It goes without saying – do not trespass on this private property.

So once you've set your anchor in the weedy bottom of the Pool it is common to tie off to the shore Mediterranean style. This affords more boat density in the anchorage which can get busy during the summer weekends.

You can access Topaz Lake by trail which has yellow blazes to follow. Topaz Lake is officially in Killarney Park. The trail from the Pool runs uphill about a mile to the lake. Topaz Lake is sometimes referred to the “lake on the mountain” and it is at a higher elevation than Georgian Bay. The deep lake is named for it's crystal clear Topaz coloured water. Prolific blueberries and the occasional bear can be seen around the lake. Topaz Lake can also be accessed via a trail which is part of the Killarney Park La Cloche Mountains Silhouette Trail, a rugged 100 km loop in the Park. There is also a Park campsite on the south shore of Topaz Lake.

Watch YouTube Video - Topaz Lake above Baie Fine in the North Channel

Famous Canadian Group of Seven Painter Arthur Lismer painted this Lake in 1938 and the painting is titled "Bright Land". AY Jackson also painted in the area. These days your more likely to see cliff divers plunging into the clear aquamarine water. Topaz Lake is also listed as one of the top skinny dipping locations in North America. For most it would be a good idea to bring a bathing suit and some water. Pack out what you bring in. It’s postcard scenic beauty demands respect and visitors equate the experience of the Lake as Zen like on an emotional level ... and fortunately it is not commonly used as a party location - because it is so remote it is not crowded. People take pictures of the lake and cliffs and go about their business of swimming in the aqua water which is completely devoid of weeds and is as clear as the Caribbean on a still day.

HISTORIC POINTE AU BARIL LIGHTHOUSE
Ever wonder about that breathtaking beautiful lighthouse that you pass going up the inland waterway at Pointe Au Baril north of Parry Sound. Early settlers placed a barrel on the rock point and set a kerosene lantern on top of the barrel as a beacon to mariners entering the inlet. Later they turned the barrel on it's side and put the lantern inside creating a range maker that could only be seen when facing the opening of the barrel. In 1889 the 35 foot high front range lighthouse was built with a heavy stone base. A one story lighthouse keepers dwelling was built beside it with connecting walkway. The lighthouse is square but the front range lantern room is six sided with a 43 foot focal plane displaying a red range light.

Still owned by the Canadian Coast Guard the white buildings with red roofs have the last lighthouse keeper and her husband offering tours during the summer months and they have a bakery and gift shop on site. Btw by now you probably realize Pointe Au Baril was named after the original light on the barrel and a replica barrel still stands today in front of the lighthouse on the rock point. Hence point with barrel - one of only a few towns named after their lighthouse. Current and historic postcard picture shown with story.

PARADISE FOUND - Killarney Mountain Lodge Excursions
You've seen lots of beautiful places in the world right? Well feast your eyes on Killarney as a destination vacation you'll not soon forget. Whether you arrive by car, float plane or boat, there are few places in the world as beautiful as the Killarney wilderness surrounding Killarney harbour. Killarney Mountain Lodge prides itself in offering exceptional packages both on the water and on land in the mountainous wilderness regions of Killarney.

Killarney Mountain Lodge was originally built in 1950's as a private facility with boat and float plane access only. In 1962 the first road came to Killarney and new owners Maury and Annabelle East opened the lodge to the public. Fast forward to 2010 and Maury along with his well trained staff are still busy docking, accommodating and touring people who come from all over the world to visit Killarney.

Now lets say you're yacht cruising Georgian Bay and the North Channel and you plan to stop at Killarney to overnight on your way north or south. That would be a mistake - because one night is just not enough. In Killarney you need to stop and smell the roses and that means you're taking some Lodge excursions both on the water and into the mountains. You have to do this because you only live once and this is as good as it gets for remote beauty. The Lodge offers day trips, outpost retreat camp and shorter guided hiking excursions. There are many different excursion options and you should check out the Guided Trips section of their web site www.killarney.com. The way to do this properly is bring the boat in for a week and book a number of excursions and get a real backcountry Georgian Bay wilderness experience. This just isn't any area to hike around the forest ... this is "drop dead beautiful ... I think I died and went to heaven" top ten bucket list kind of stuff.

New this year at Killarney Mountain Lodge is an afternoon motor cruise through the "inside passage" to Collins Inlet and the Fox Islands. Known only to the locals this intricate route snakes through a maze of channels, coves, islets and rocks awash in waters so clear that both yachtsman and landlubbers alike will be astonished. This is a photographers' dream and serious cruisers will enjoy it too, because you wouldn't want to navigate your own boat on this route.

If you want something solid under foot there are plenty of mountain wilderness guided excursions with breath taking views and there are once in a lifetime experiences like elegant dining on a pristine island in the Philip Edward archipelago bordered by windswept pines with an island view surrounded by crystal blue turquoise water. Enough said ... a picture says a thousand words so take a look at some of these pictures supplied by Killarney Mountain Lodge and one of Canada's leading outdoor photographers' - Rob Stimpson.

US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY LAUNCHES
CLEAN BOATING INITIATIVE
The EPA is about to begin stakeholder hearings that will be the first stage leading to new clean boating regulations in the USA. The purpose of the initiative is to look at broad categories of boat discharges and determine management practices that would improve discharge into the waterways and oceans. The study and resulting requirements of which some or all recommendations could be mandatory and will address gray water, bilge water, antifouling paints, zincs, cleaning products, fishing waste and invasive species.

In Canada it's worth keeping an eye on this. As the saying goes "what goes around comes around". In Canada we already have some very strict laws governing invasive species and bilge water. Fishing waste is more of a commercial ocean fisheries issue that is unlikely to impact recreational boaters. Gray water, antifouling, zincs and cleaning products will be areas that no doubt will impact recreational boaters. Hopefully the EPA will come up with reasonable and practical practices and solutions that the industry can address and adjust to and not something off the wall like a complete ban on zincs and antifouling paints.

PARK MOORING BUOYS? - SURVEY SAYS...
It seems the majority of boaters would appreciate and even pay for the ease of grabbing a mooring buoy rather than anchor with ground tackle in the many anchorages around the Georgian Bay Park islands. So it looks like the federal government was on to something when they implemented mooring fields in some of their marine park anchorages on coastal BC.

Only 12.5% of respondents said we don't need park mooring buoys
62.5% would use them if they were $10 or less per night
25% would still use them if they were $20 or less per night
No one suggested it should be free!
Most felt if mooring buoys were implemented it should be first come first serve
Only a small percentage felt that mooring buoys should be by reservation
About 25% thought a combination of first come first serve and reservations would work

Frankly I'm kind of surprised by the results. I thought it would be fairly evenly split but the majority clearly favour some system of mooring buoys in Georgian Bay Park anchorages. When you think about it - it might be nice to pull into Frying Pan Bay, pick up a buoy and go for a swim in clear water undisturbed by anchors being set and unset all day long. I have noticed that in all the smaller harbours the water never really clears completely during the summer season as the considerable boat traffic coming and going from anchor is enough to cause at least some impairment of clarity in the water (NOTE: the underwater pic is summer mid afternoon in Frying Pan Bay). If mooring fields were to happen the preferred price point for maximum adoption as shown in the survey would be $10 per night. FOR FURTHER PROS & CONS OF MOORING FIELDS READ THE EDITORIAL ON THE "MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE" PAGE.

BOAT PRODUCTS MAY CLEAN BUT MANY ARE NOT GREEN!
Clean is not necessarily green. A few years back a thesis's study was done by a couple of doctorate students on marinas effect on Georgian Bay water from an environmental perspective. Surprisingly the samplings and testing over time for many factors brought the authors to the conclusion that the marinas in the sample size studied were not creating an appreciable affect on the environment. That is good news however Lake Huron and Georgian Bay are large bodies of water and it's easy to forget that declining water quality is something that happens very gradually and insidiously. We are blessed with one of the greatest water resources in the world and we should do everything we can to ensure that we sustain it as such for ourselves and future generations. Now that doesn't mean you sell the boat, car and move to a log cabin without electricity. It does mean that you do what you can that is reasonable and that you avoid contributing to a potential problem when other choices that do the job and don't cramp your lifestyle are available.

We all know about the obvious things like recycling and holding tank laws that insure sewage is not going into the water. But what about grey water and external water used for washing the boat by example? The biggest potential contributor to water problem issues from a boaters perspective is cleaning products. What goes down the sink, shower drain or washed off the surface of your boat is especially important when that gray water is not going through any kind of treatment process. Yes it may be a drop in the bucket but it all counts over time.

My assumption, which I think is valid, is that all boaters love the water or they wouldn't spend so much time on and around it. My second assumption is that given a choice with all things being equal (price and effectiveness) boaters would choose products that are friendly to the water. After all, most boaters swim in that water when they cruise, may eat fish from the water and their pets may drink that water. The notion of clean pure water is one that everyone who loves the water probably embraces. Over the years there has been a plethora of the so called green products that have come into the market and many do not work very well ... and many also may say green on the label but not be certified eco friendly at all. Like many, I am always skeptical of how effective a green product is in comparison to non green competitors. If you have to use twice as much green product to make it work, it may not be that green anymore.

Lately there has been some very effective eco friendly cleaning products that have come into the market. Some are competitive in price. Best way to determine if they work is to use them after checking with other boaters as to their own experiences. I recently came across an eco certified product that was not marketed to the marine market per say that worked better at cleaning fiberglass stains than any other product I have ever tried. I contacted the manufacturer to see if they had considered white labeling the product for the marine industry. Turns out they were not interested and wanted to focus on building the brand strictly as household cleaner. It lead me on a quest though in the US and Canada to find a formula that worked very well and that could be certified eco friendly without costing an arm and a leg to produce. There were several other important qualities in addition to EcoLogo or Enviro Global certification in that the cleaner could not be a solvent based formula that would readily strip existing wax from the boat, it couldn’t be so abrasive that it would scratch the finish and last, but not least, it should be multi purpose ... because most boaters are tired of a dozen cleaners for every job including the inside jobs like galley and head cleaning.

So we found a product formula that meets all the criteria and the formula will be fully eco certified. It will be announced and on the market soon under the Boating Georgian Bay brand name as Seriously Great! - All Purpose Boat Cleaner. It will also be offered at a price that is very competitive with all the none eco rated products ... and in this case, profit is secondary to providing a good product that works without impacting the environment. We are trying to do our part and we hope this product will be the green choice for those that boat or live on the water that are looking for products friendly to the environment and THAT WORK BETTER than solvent and phosphate based products. So stay tuned.

Here are the main things to keep in mind when it comes to pure lake water management:

Phosphorus levels - High phosphorus levels reduce fish populations and promote algae growth and low oxygen levels. Buy phosphate free cleaning products.

Oxygen levels - Lack of oxygen in the water due to high nutrient levels that promote excessive algae and weed growth can choke the water of life.

Metals & Chemicals - These are introduced by man made products including pharmaceuticals that go down the drain and they build up over time in the flesh of lake creatures in the feeding chain. By the time the fish at the top of the feeding chain are full grown the metals and chemicals are concentrated in the species.

What Can You Do:

1. Buy less toxic alternatives in your personal care products - ideally ones that are certified by the Natural Products Association.
2. Always choose biodegradable shampoos and phosphate free cleaning products.
3. Choose truly green cleaning products that have the third party certified EcoLogo or Enviro Global stamp on them.
4. Phosphorous is the most common harmful pollutant to the lake that creates excessive plant growth in the lake and lowers oxygen levels that are required to keep other aquatic species alive and it throws the overall acidity balance of the water makeup out of whack as the vegetation decomposes. So if it is not phosphate free don't buy it - there are lots of good alternatives.

DON'T PROCRASTINATE - GO CRUISING
This passed on from Loopers Jim & Nancy Tracey from Florida cruising their Albin 36. In the Sea of Cortez there is a beautiful anchorage on the Baja Peninsula called San Juanico. A cruiser shrine on the shore offered this hand painted wooden sign:

Now is the time you own
And no man knows the hour
Just when the clock of life will stop
At late or early hour
The futures just a dream of hope
The past a distant link
Go cruising now my brother
It's later than you think

Food for thought and sober consideration.

EXPANDED NOAA WEATHER SERVICE BENEFITS GEORGIAN BAY
The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association (NOAA) is lengthening it's forecasting abilities from 36 hours out to 60 hours. NOAA is under the umbrella of the US National Weather Service and their forecasting maps - including weather radar ... show Georgian Bay. With the National Weather Service and National Ocean Service working together on one massive computer system, boaters will be able to access more weather information and for almost the double the forecast period. Now you will be able to look ahead accurately over a whole weekend. We have found NOAA's weather radar to be an especially valuable forecasting tool. Go to our WEATHER page to view NOAA weather radar over the Lake Huron/Georgian Bay Region. If you use all the resources on our weather page in concert, you can come to very reliable conclusions even with changing fronts etc. Be your local marinas weather expert by studying the BGB WEATHER page - once in the morning and once in the evening and we guarantee you will sleep better at night. BTW the Rogers Rocket Stick will work anywhere from Midland to Britt ... even in most of the most remote anchorages (Bone Island, Henrys, Moon River area, Port Rawson, Parry Sound, Porte Au Barrel, Britt anchorages by example), We take our laptop on every cruise and go online for weather and catch up on email.

SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY BICENTENNIAL
The War of 1812 was a military conflict between the USA and the British Empire. In 1812 the USA declared war on Britain and their were many skirmishes in North America but for the most part the British adopted a defensive strategy repelling the US invasions in Upper Canada. In 1814 after the British defeat of Napoleon, Britain got aggressive with the US and even captured and burned Washington DC. There were also battles fought in south western Ontario and at one point the USA held territory in Ontario. A great book that provides the naval history side of the war is "Fighting Sail On Lake Huron and Georgian Bay" by Harry Gough. Penetanguishene did not see active combat but the British naval base was pivotal as a defensive strategic position to protect Upper Canada near the end of the war. It also was a convenient base that the British war ships could stand by at a distance consistent with the end of the war settlement with the US. Both sides indecently claimed victory in the war.

The outcome of the War of 1812 paved the way for Canada to become a nation in 1867. We exist today as a result of the war. There are many organizations planning to participate in the 200 year 2012 Bicentennial anniversary celebrations. The programs will go on for two years between 2012 and 2014. For details on some on the history of the war and how it affected Georgian Bay region - and to see how some organizations are planning their related Bicentennial events check out this web site and watch the video www.1812bicentennial.com

MAN FINED $50,000 FOR BRINGING ASIAN CARP INTO ONTARIO
As per our earlier story on Asian Carp most people are aware that the carp pose a serious threat to the natural fishery in the Great Lakes including Georgian Bay. The US government is spending millions and going to great lengths to halt the carp south of Chicago. Measures include electric barriers in the water, netting and at times canal closures. If Asian Carp take hold in the Great Lakes the Trout, Salmon, Perch, Walleye, Pickerel, Bass and other species would be wiped out as the carp starve off the young native species by removing food at the bottom of the food chain. Asian Carp can eat 3 times their body weight in one day.

It has been illegal to possess live Bighead, Black and Silver Carp (broadly referred to as Asian Carp) since 2005. Asian Carp can survive long amounts of time out of the water. There is a ready Asian cultural market for the fish in Toronto and other city centres. A Markham fish importer Feng Yang was ordered to pay a $50,000. fine for importing 4,000 pounds of carp. It is the second time he was charged. In 2006 he paid a fine of $40,000. Two other loads have been stopped in 2011 already with charges pending. Carp are easy to catch, monstrous in size and profitable.

A number of years ago while on a photography shoot I had seen for myself a tanker truck in the wee morning hours in Toronto's China town delivering huge live carp. The restaurant owners come out and pick the two or three that they want right from the tank. While one could argue an Asian Carp on the menu is one that won't get into the Great Lakes, never the less they are illegal, and cannot be imported live into Ontario. Several Asian Carp have already been caught in Lake Michigan.

AMERICAS GREAT LOOP CRUISERS ASSOCIATION RADIO STATION GOES LIVE
AGLCA has launched an online radio station for cruisers and Loopers seeking information on the Great Loop cruising adventure. Each episode will air on Fridays at 10am EST. Interested listeners can hear the broadcast on the BlogTalkRadio.com website in the Travel section or they can hear re-broadcasts on the AGLCA website.

Hosts Janice & Steve Kromer will interview guests on the show who have varied expertise on cruising the loop, boat maintenance etc. Listeners can also call in with questions and get immediate answers. Boating Georgian Bay is a Lieutenant sponsor of AGLCA and has offered to be an information source for Georgian Bay cruising.

MIAMI BOAT SHOW REVIEW
We have just returned from the Miami Boat Show and it has been our favorite show to date. We only took in the last day of the show on the holiday Monday and we were surprised at how light the attendance was. Now maybe earlier in the week the show may have been packed but that last day when we compared to midweek Lauderdale was very lite. And for us that was good because we could easily walk on to any boat, the docks weren't jammed with people and folks at the booths could actually talk to you and quite frankly were anxious to find someone to talk to.

CLICK HERE to view the video.

Here's what we like about the show:

• we were able to stay at the beautiful waterfront W Hotel in South Beach and it is just a short walk to the Convention Centre
• the food and art deco ambience at Miami South Beach is fabulous
• shuttle buses between show venues were frequent and clean
• the Convention Centre displays were fabulous and tucked all over the place with all kinds of interesting boat products and ten times the Convention Centre based displays than Lauderdale had
• while there were a dozen or so mega yachts in Miami, what we liked was the tons of boats in water that were under 80 feet that could be boarded without appointment (some required quick registration) and without intimidation or a major screening of your net worth
• without question Lauderdale has more "mega" yachts, but Miami I think has more easily accessible yachts for the average boater that doesn't have 10 million to spend (Miami has way bigger boats than the Toronto show but generally smaller than the Lauderdale show)
• the many unique vendor products, gizmos and gadgets that are new to the market and being introduced at the show
• we got to talk to Russell Newberry Crew Boss of Time Bandit from Deadliest Catch TV series
• it felt more relaxed than Lauderdale but perhaps that was a product of fewer crowds on our particular day at the Miami Boat Show

We only had one day to do the show and it was a rush job. You really need two or three days to do the show properly. Lots of boats with SOLD signs on them so things must be looking up.

My embarrassing moment was as follows:

I always wanted to take a good look at the quality of a Bertram. We went on to the Bertram Island dock and were quickly registered. A salesman came out and asked us what we would like to see. We went aboard a beautiful 60 footer than didn’t look like it was solely outfitted for fishing. It was one of the smaller Bertram's at the show. The boat was sold and it was registered, so I assumed it was lightly used even though it looked pristine new. So we have a good look around and our host goes through all the boat features and answers a few questions. I did not know that Bertram has no coring below the waterline and their major competitor Viking does. I did not know the Bertram fuel tanks were all centre line of the hull for optimum handling. The Bertram boat drips understated quality and workmanship. So I popped the question - What's this yacht worth about 1.8 million? He pulls out his price schedule and says "actually about 3.6 million". To his credit he didn’t just blow me away and go searching for a more serious lead ... we talked for a while about kids and economy and he was a really nice guy who was not just focused on selling a boat to a qualified buyer. In my head, I vowed that if I ever won a lottery I would go back to that Bertram salesman.

So that's it on the Miami Boat Show but my advice is if you are only going to attend one boat show Miami would be the one - but then again I have never been to the Annapolis Boat Show so what would I know.

BGB MEETS RUSSELL NEWBERRY FROM "DEADLIEST CATCH" TV SERIES
Guess who we ran into in Miami! Russell Newberry has been crew on three crab boats that are featured on the "Deadliest Catch" hit TV series on Discovery Channel. Russell is best known as the Crew Boss of Time Bandit. Russell's a down to earth cool guy who will likely be back on a crab boat fishing again when the season starts. In Russell's own words "the easiest day is yesterday". Crab fishing off Alaska in the Bering Sea is as dangerous a profession as one could ever pick. Fisherman work on a commission share basis and you get paid for what gets caught. Russell also owns his own salmon boat and fishes salmon outside of crabbing season.

This is hard work, days from shore, work that goes on around the clock in freezing temperatures while getting constantly drenched with salt water in waves that can be mountainous with massive steal cages flying around the decks.You think you can't get seasick because you crossed the Gulf Stream 40 times in rough weather - then think again, as almost all of those on board a crabber have tossed their cookies at some point and newbies can be so sick they have to be returned to port as they'd rather die than stay out on the water. So why do these "dangerous deckhands" do this work and live life on the edge? Well for one thing the pay is not bad when the catch is good and for another when you grow up on a boat in Alaska that's what you do, because that’s what you know that pays. If you don't have thick skin, stamina, agility, eyes in the back of your head and an appreciation for risk taking then you can't do this job. You also need to have your Last Will in order before you board ship because you are 66 times more likely to die crab fishing off Alaska than in the average in US job.

Some of the crew in the off season (including Russell) are out and about at events and raise some of the proceeds for charitable causes, and they are trying to get more organized in this regard.

So I must say, I really like the show and if you watch one episode you will be addicted. More than once I found myself binging on Deadliest Catch marathon episodes. Everybody that watches this show wonders if they could do it and why those that do - do. Very few could actually do this job. I got the chance to ask Russell a few dumb questions like:

Q/ What happens if you can't get back out to pick up the pods do all those crabs die or do they eat themselves?
A/ They are ok for a week out there and they don’t eat themselves.

Q/ What if you can't recover the pot trap?
A/ The cages are designed to denigrate in one area so the crabs can get out if the pot is lost. This is required by Fisheries.

Q/ What if someone is sick or hurt, do you do your own doctor work like intravenous for sea sick dehydration?
A/ Well there have been cases where someone is really sea sick gets tied in a bunk and gets fluids forced in but we don't do intravenous, but sometimes nothing stays down and you have to make a trip 36 hours or more to port and back to get them off. Coast guard is a last resort for serious injuries only as they risk life to get someone off a fishing boat too. We have a doctors book we can flip through and you can get medical advice over sat connection.

Q/ Will you be fishing next season?
A/ Of course that's how I survive.

Q/ Do the fishermen get paid to be on the show?
A/ No they do not - they just get their commission from the crab haul.

Q/ Are the boats owned by Captains or Corporations?
A/ Most are owned by Corporations that hire a Captain who in turn hires a crew.

I asked Russell some detailed questions about sea sickness but I can't remember all of it ... but essentially it goes something like this. Almost all people can be seasick and almost all people can get over it eventually. The ones that get over it quickly tend to survive and get used to it and the ones that take a long time want to die rather than continue on. There is only a very small percentage of humans that can never be sea sick and only a very small percentage that die from sea sickness even though most are sure they will die when they are very sick. A very small percentage might jump overboard and end it, if they could, rather than continue on.

What's the wet gear he uses? - Grundens of Sweden. Russell was kind enough to autograph a hat and pose for a pic (that's me in the yellow shirt). Look forward to seeing him on TV next season and hope he stays safe and the catches are large.

LOBSTER PUFFS
These little appetizers are terrific for lounging around the sun deck with a chilled bottle of wine. You only use 2 six ounce lobster tails, but your guests will think that you have splurged.

Begin with
2 cups water
1 cup butter diced
1/2 tsp salt

Heat these ingredients almost to boiling.
Add 2 cups of unbleached, all-purpose flour and stir fast to work it in.
Once the mixture starts to stick to the side of the pan, remove from heat.
Put in bowl and whip to cool it down.
When cooled, add 7 eggs, one at a time, until each is incorporated. The mixture will fall apart and come back together.

Fold in 2 6-ounce lobster tails, cooked and minced
1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
1 tsp shallots, minced
Fresh-pressed garlic
Fresh dill
Salt and pepper

Using two spoons or a large tip on a pastry bag, drop mounds on a non-greased baking sheet. Bake at 400F for 25 to 35 minutes or until lightly browned. Serve immediately.

BIGWIN FERRY
The Bigwin Ferry was never on Georgian Bay. Never the less, most of our readers are boaters ... and the history of the boat provides great insight as to the importance of recovering and restoring classic boats and yachts to preserve our marine heritage. Bigwin ferry is the perfect example of how a community can come together and reclaim a valuable artifact of marine history that has become an important tourist attraction in the Muskoka region.

You cannot tell the story of the Bigwin ferry without understanding the bigger picture of Bigwin Island and it's place in society in the 1920's. Bigwin Island was host to the Bigwin Inn that opened in 1920. It was developed by a Huntsville businessman Charles Orlando Shaw. He founded Bigwin Inn Company in 1915 and went about hiring an architect by the name of John Wilson from Collingwood to design the resort. Construction took place mostly in winter when materials could be hauled across the ice by horse. The architectural design elements were a mix of Craftsman, Mediterranean, Tudor and Victorian. The buildings were connected with covered lit walkways and it blended very well with the natural shoreline environment. The hotel had 350 guest rooms, The main buildings were the 750 seat Indian Head Dining Room, the Dance Pavilion and the Rotunda. A nine hole golf course was added in 1922 and expanded to 18 holes in 1930. In the 1930's the smaller Marine Dining Room and the Tea House were built along with the ferry house which housed many boats that provided service to the island.

Bigwin Island was named after Chief John Bigwin and the indian burial grounds are preserved on the island to this day (although some graves were flooded when lake levels changed way back when dams were added to the lake chains for logging). During it's heyday in the 1930's the Bigwin Inn attracted the biggest name bands, stars, heads of state and royalty. Think Clark Gable, Ernest Hemingway, John D Rockefeller, Carole Lombard etc. It was "THE" place to go for a summer holiday and the rich and elite flocked from around the world.

Shaw died in 1942 and Bigwin Inn declined until 1949 when it had a bit of a renaissance until the 1960's when it was resold and finally closed in 1966. For many years the resort was abandoned and over time the west lodge, ferry house, kitchens, golf clubhouse, staff quarters, horse stables and rotunda all were demolished. In 2001 the island began redevelopment. The island is now home to a redesigned golf course and private waterfront residences and includes the Marine Dining Room which lives on serving lunch and dinner. Some of the other historic buildings also have survived and still lend ambiance to the island.

The Bigwin ferry was first commissioned as steam ship for James Kuhn of Pittsburg PA in July of 1910. It was completed by Polson Iron Works in Toronto and was named Ella Mary after the owners wife. It was 42 tons and 66 feet in length and was used by the owner for transportation to his island called Belle Isle on Lake Muskoka. In 1925 the Kuhn’s lost the island and the boat was sold to the Lake Simcoe Navigation Company for $3500. It was moved to Lake of Bays - by rail to Huntsville and then towed and winched to it’s final home on South Portage lake in the Dorset area. Her name was changed to Bigwin and for the next 45 years she ferried tourists from Norway Point to the Bigwin Resort. She was left to rot when the resort ceased operating in 1966. It was stored for many years in the ferry house supported by cross beams with the bow, bridge and stern above the water. Over the years the boat was stripped of parts and fittings and eventually it sunk in it’s berth. In the 1990’s it was first thought that the boat would be scuttled in the lake but fortunately it was transported to the mainland in 1991 by volunteer firefighters where it was dry docked at a place on Hwy #60. Cheers to the volunteer firefighters!

A savior who cottaged in the area by the name of Jeff Gabura came to the rescue in 2000 and even though the formerly graceful lady was a wreck, Gabura had the insight of a wise man and was determined to see her sail again. Through a variety of fund raising and donations and hard work the Bigwin is now fully restored and sitting right in her berth along the wharf in the beautiful town of Dorset. It does not yet go out for tours but it may start group tours soon. There is a marine centre right beside the boat and you will find lots of historic information on site. In the winter time, the boat is craned up onto solid ground and in spring it is set back into the water. It is a magnificent site to see and well worth the trip to Dorset ( www.dorsetcanada.com ). If you appreciate old boats and history you surely will appreciate the Bigwin. She has transported the wealthy dignitaries and stars of the world, nearly came to her end - and now she has reclaimed her place in history, on the water for everyone to appreciate.

FIRE SAFETY AT THE MARINA
There was a dramatic fire on January 6th 2011 at McCotters Marina in Beaufort County North Carolina. Three people were injured and twenty five boats were burned. Only a week before there was another marina fire in Florida where a boat was burnt to the waterline and sunk. Fires in marinas are an all to common occurrence. Usually the source is on unattended boats that have heaters left on, or sometimes electrical faults. More common lately in the recessionary economy, it has been insurance fraud. Most fires in marinas happen at night. Boats are docked so close together that fires spread very quickly and can rage out of control in minutes.

In most marinas there are some boats that have people living or sleeping aboard. Fires at night are especially dangerous as it's not unusual that gas tanks start exploding before people start waking up. In the interest of safety every boater in a marina has a responsibility to do everything possible to minimize the chance of a fire starting and getting out of control.

• your boats wiring/electrical systems should get a good look over once per year to minimize the chance of short circuits
• have your electrical work done professionally
• if you must do your own electrical work, do not over fuse or use under gauge wire for the task at hand
• no heaters should be left on unattended
• propane should never be stored on the boat in any unvented space not designed for propane storage
• when you sleep over in a marina make sure others know someone is on the boat
• no fuel outside of the boats manufactured fuel tanks should be stored inside the boat
• run your bilge blowers from time to time when your boat has been sitting at the dock for weeks on end
• always run your bilge blowers before starting your boat
• take the obvious safety precautions when fueling ... including everyone off the boat except the marina attendant
• keep fire extinguishers on your boat as required by law and keep some extra oversized extinguishers at hand
• have your extinguishers and engine room fire suppressant system checked and serviced yearly
• if you don't have a carbon monoxide detection system on your boat get one
• don't use old cracked or frayed dock cords

Here is the video of the McCotters fire underway

Here is the aftermath of the fire (note: short ad at the beginning of this video)

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW REPORT
It's always a pleasure to step out of the cold Canadian winter into the proverbial oasis of one of the largest boat shows in North America. As soon as you see that massive landscape of colourful boats all thoughts of winter melt away and pleasant memories of summer boating rush in to fill the gap. We attended the Monday opening until 6pm and it was surprisingly busy all through the day. Not rubbing shoulders everywhere like Lauderdale, but there were lineups for many of the bigger yachts and some waits of 10 or 15 minutes. There were also areas of the show where the traffic was very light. The main small vendor area on the north end was crowded at times. However the food vendors had light traffic through most of the day. Now we understand from our interviews that the past Saturday & Sunday were about the same as last year and of course the big vendor concern was the snow storm Saturday - but folks still showed up.

We talked to many vendors and some said traffic was up, some said traffic was down ... but most said it was about the same as last year. More important, we polled a number of our Boating Georgian Bay advertisers that had booths at the show and universally no one came across as pessimistic about the show or the general condition of the boating industry. In fact everyone was optimistic about the show and most either guardedly optimistic about the renascence of the marine industry at large or very positive about boat sales when comparing this year to last. While the dollar is hurting Canadian used boat sales (unless you are bringing up boats from the US), it is helping new boat boat sales ... and there is a real window of buying power that purchasers can use to their advantage.

2011 Toronto International Boat Show Vendor Webcast - Watch the YouTube Video

We saw lots of vendors writing deals and we spent quite a bit of time in the Sea Ray area and they were busy negotiating sales in the booths that surrounded the display. One of the weak sides of the industry is yacht financing is still tight and hard to come by, unless you have a significant equity stake in the boat.

As you might expect, Sea Ray, Carver and Meridian had the big yachts of the show. But this show is one where every boat in every size can be found somewhere at the show. Henrys Restaurant was back again with their Pickerel sandwiches. We saw kinds of neat one off accessory products featured and most of the marine chandlery's were their with some good specials. It takes a day to see everything the show has to offer and if your shopping you might want to spend one day looking and the next day running around picking up things.

The Toronto International Boat Show comes just once a year and like Christmas you don't want to miss it.

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
When you need help on the water even seconds can count. The Coast Guard will be on their way, but if you are on South East Georgian Bay and a member of Ontario Boating League - Dave Holding will also be on his way within seconds, day or night, 24/7, May 1st to October 31st. Nice to know someone's got back whether the call is life threatening serious, a sheared off prop, you've run out of fuel, snagged your anchor or perhaps run aground ... Dave will get you going or tow you to safety.

Dave started the Ontario Boating League (OBL) in 1989. He actually lived aboard his 35' Roamer year round in Penetanguishene harbour with his son Stephen between 1986 and 1991. In April 1989 Dave had his first major rescue when the 110' yacht "Radel" struck ice and started rapidly sinking near Midland. All 12 people aboard were saved within a half hour (including a baby). Since then, the OBL has updated and expanded it's specialized rescue fleet and has assisted hundreds of boaters on the water in emergency situations.

Btw OBL will also assist non members but it makes more sense to join ahead and save, as it is very cheap insurance and peace of mind at only $69 per season.

The Coast Guard does excellent rescue work, but it is also comforting to know when your in trouble that Dave is monitoring VHF 16 and has an emergency line to call. Just as important Dave knows the Bay like the back of his own hand and he can find you fast with his specially equipped rescue boats. When I moved my boat to Georgian Bay I acquired an OBL membership even before the boat arrived in Midland. Keep in mind that OBL will assist for any boating mishap, not just emergency Mayday situations. They also do underwater recovery services, boat training courses, boat inspections and operator cards. To contact the OBL visit their website at www.ontarioboatingleague.ca or call (705) 549 6500.

If you need OBL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE call (705) 528 9927

WEATHER RESOURCE
Boating Georgian Bay has a practical and important feature for the cruising boater. While various web sites have weather some information on Georgian Bay (if you want to hunt around for it) Boating Georgian Bay has many weather resources all from one page - making it a one stop source for those that want to be weather experts.

• NOAA live weather radar
• Environment Canada weather conditions for every Georgian Bay & North Channel port
• Four weather warning locations
• Two marine weather condition locations
• NOAA National Weather Service maps with wind speed, water temperature, water levels with both existing and forecast conditions
• Georgian Bay weather buoy readings
• Beaufort Scale & Mafor Code chart

With a Rogers Rocket Stick you can usually get 3G wireless for your laptop from Tobermory around the Bay to Britt and some other ports north. In addition you can usually pic up a free wireless signal in most of the ports around Georgian Bay & The North Channel. I check the BGB Weather page every morning before getting under way and every evening after setting the anchor. I especially find the NOAA Weather Radar and wind speed maps to be great weather predictors. So bring your laptop along and use www.boatinggeorgianbay.com as your weather station.

SHIPWRECK TREASURE IS WAITING
This past few years a number of valuable finds of vintage wines have been discovered and retrieved from shipwrecks. The most publicized recovery of vintage wine was from a 1907 Swedish shipwreck Jonkoping, with 200 bottles of Heidsieck red wine from the Champagne district of France that was destined for the Russian Imperial family in 1916. This particular bottle was 300 years old and matured further for 91 years at the bottom of the sea. Bottles were auctioned at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Moscow and fetched up to $275,000. bottle.

Another 200 year old wreck from the Baltic Sea produced bubbly Champagne worth $70,000 a bottle. A wreck off the coast off Savannah Georgia produced a 1800 vintage bottle of Madeira that sold for $4210. One must remember that quality old world wines from France and Spain can last a long time at cool temperatures. The wealthy bought and shipped good quality wines and if the ship went down, so went the wine. Because the wine was packed and crated to survive the rigors of the sea voyage, it would often survive the demise of the wreck.

Now do you think Georgian Bay holds some of this treasure? It most certainly does. There are hundreds of wrecks in Georgian Bay and many of them remain undiscovered. Cold fresh water is ideal for preserving wine. Many wealthy industrialists cottaged on Georgian Bay and transported sizeable quantities of wine to their island mansions which were seasonal destinations where the family would spend June through October at the cottage. These wealthy summer residents also did some entertaining, so wine was a requirement for the well heeled. In fact if you search around in photo archives you can see pictures of some well known cottage owners sitting on long tables with family and friends with large quantities of wine bottles out on the table. In addition the merchant ships that transported people to their summer destinations also transported goods for resale to the various port towns around the Bay.

So how much do you think is down there? Know one knows but it would surely be hundreds of bottles. Almost every wreck transporting passengers would have some wine on board and in some situations there would be many case lots. What would it be worth. The mystique of a shipwreck and the bragging rights adds further value to any vintage wine. Vintage wines recovered like that are auctioned in Europe and the highest bidder establishes the price but a documented mid 1800’s Rothchild Chateau Lafite would likely buy you a new 40 foot boat. A case of it would procure a sizeable yacht. So if you come across an intact wine bottle diving a wreck don’t open it for your dinner!

THE NICE THING ABOUT GEORGIAN BAY!
I once ran into a large Bull shark snorkeling off an isolated off shore reef on the Atlantic (north) side near Man O War Cay in the Abaco Islands. Spearfishing back then was almost a daily activity and I had seen some small sharks and many Moray eels and Barracuda before. The tides were running in and I was hunting for my dinner – and so was he. He came in from no where even though the water was very clear. He was very big and just glided by and disappeared into the indigo water outside the reef. I think my heart stopped but I didn’t freak out. I was too scared to panic – like a bad dream. I did feel very insignificant and in awe. He went about his business and I got back in the Zodiac pronto. I love sharks but not while I’m in the water - unless it’s one of those touristy well feed semi trained shark excursions.

The nice thing about Georgian Bay is you have that almost turquoise Caribbean like water at many locations ... without the dangerous critters. So the waters ten degrees colder – suck it up!

So here is a demonstration of why Georgian Bay is "nicer than the Caribbean"

Girl Ready To Dive Off Yacht	Whoops ... What's That Coming Out Of The Water?
Hey Look At The Cool Whale Breaching	Geez I Didn’t Think He Would Land On Us!

So did I prove my point how nice and safe it is to swim in Georgian Bay? What's that you say? – Muskies can grow very big in Georgian Bay! Suck it up - it's only 60 lbs. and it couldn't swallow more than your leg!

Georgian Bay Muskie

SHIPS FIGUREHEADS
Although earlier ships had often had some form of bow ornamentation (e.g. the Viking ships of ca. A.D. 800-1100), the general practice was introduced with the galleons of the 16th century. As with the stern ornamentation, the purpose of the figurehead was often to indicate the name of the ship in a non-literate society and demonstrate the wealth and might of the owner. At the height of the Baroque period, some ships of the line boasted gigantic figureheads, weighing several tons and sometimes twinned on both sides of the bowsprit.

A large figurehead, being carved from massive wood and perched on the very foremost tip of the hull, adversely affected the sailing qualities of the ship. This led to figureheads being made dramatically smaller during the 18th century. After the Napoleonic war, figureheads made something of a comeback, but were then often in the form of a small waist-up bust rather than the oversized full figures previously used. The clipper ships of the 1850s and 1860s customarily had full figureheads, but these were relatively small and light.

Figureheads as such died out with the sailing ship. The vogue for ram bows meant that there was no obvious place to mount one on battleships. An exception was HMS Rodney which was the last British battleship to carry a figurehead. Smaller ships of the royal navy continued to carry them. The last example may well have been the sloop HMS Cadmus launched in 1903. Early steam ships did sometimes have gilt scroll-work and coats-of-arms at their bows. This practice lasted up until about World War I. The 1910 German liner SS Imperator originally sported a large bronze figurehead of an eagle (the Imperial German symbol) standing on a globe. The few extra feet of length added by the figurehead made the Imperator the longest ship in the world at the time of her launch.

Why are so many figureheads female? For one, ships were always referred to in the female context. Secondly, the figureheads were often of the owner's wives - to guide the ship safely home. Figureheads were always the ship's owner's decision. In addition to the female carvings, figureheads were also often mythological characters, patriotic themes or children of the owner.

BOATING GEORGIAN BAY'S "LOW COUNTRY BOIL" RECIPE
This dish has many variations but it all got started with an African American Gullah (African Creole culture) from South Carolina that put it together. It became well known with it's use in the militia during the American Revolution. Richard Gay of the Gay Seafood Company also claims the invention of their variation called Frogman Stew (Richard was from Frogmore) about 50 years ago while serving with his fellow National Guardsmen. The Steamer Restaurant at Beaufort's Lady Island in South Carolina was the first restaurant known to offer the dish on a commercial menu. In any event a Low Country Boil is a delicious group event that you eat with your hands that is very popular in the Carolina’s and Georgia. Best shared on hot summer days with friends and cold beer on ice. This is our version of the Low Country Boil.

4.5 quarts of water
4 lbs. of baby red new potatoes halved (Little Gems)
3 lbs. of Kielbasa sausage cut into 2" pieces
6 cobs of corn cut into thirds
5 lbs. of jumbo fresh shrimp (peeled)
5 lbs. of crab legs
2 cloves of garlic
3 lemons halved
4 rough chopped onions
1 bottle of beer

Old Bay Seasoning to taste (1 tbsp. bay leaves, 2 tsp. celery salt, 1.5 tsp. Keens dry mustard, 1 tsp. black pepper, 1 tsp. paprika, 1/2 tsp. ground celery seeds, 1/2 tsp. white pepper, 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. ginger, 1/4 tsp. allspice, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon red peppers flakes, 1/8 tsp. ground mace, 1/8 teaspoon cardamom

Boil potatoes in Old Bay Seasoning for 5 minutes, add sausage and corn pieces, boil 10 minutes more, add all other ingredients except shrimp and boil another 5 minutes, add shrimp and continue boil for 3 minutes. Total cooking time is 23 minutes. Drain off liquid and pour onto a table covered with newspaper and dig in.

LYME DISEASE & BOATING
Are there ticks around Georgian Bay that could give you Lyme Disease? You bet-cha! While Lyme disease is most common along the rural north shore areas of Lake Ontario and Erie you can catch it anywhere in Ontario. It is spread by animals and migratory birds via infection from the Black Legged Tick. Basically the ticks wait on blades of grass and low shrubs waiting for a host to come along. If you doubt that tics have moved to central Ontario in greater numbers then check with any veterinarian as they are seeing a increase in pets that are coming in and being diagnosed with Lyme Disease.

What does this have to do with boating? Fact is many boaters at anchorages dingy ashore and explore islands and other brushy or grassy areas that can harbor tics. Lots of folks and pets like to explore the trails on many of the Park islands among the 30,000 Islands. If your walking around the trails or the bush you should not be wearing shorts or bathing suits - long pants and full foot/ankle protection will protect you from tick bites.

The Black Legged Tick that spreads Lyme Disease is most dangerous in the nymphal stage which is most common in July & August. This is the second smallest stage and the tick would be about the size of a letter on a dime – very hard to see. The tick bites are painless and not itchy. When the tick latches on they take 3 to 7 days to fill up on a full blood meal. Infection can be transmitted most often after 24 hours of tick attachment. As the tick consumes a blood meal the tick enlarges and becomes easier to see. Flu like symptoms and sometimes a bulls eye reddish rash are the most common symptoms that manifest in 1 to 2 weeks after the bite.

Lyme Disease untreated can be debilitating and even life threatening for some people. In the early stages it can be treated successfully with antibiotics. Many doctors overlook Lyme Disease when patients come in not feeling well. There are tests for Lyme Disease and there are also false negatives so multiple tests are sometimes needed for proper redetection.

If you have been bitten by a tick pull it straight out from the head with sharp tweezers. Do not crush the tick. Save it and take it to the doctor for testing. Not every tick carries Lyme Disease. Check your pet for ticks after a romp in the forest and visit your vet to get tick control products and medication. More info at www.ontario.ca/lyme

CRUISING TO THE BAHAMAS?
The Bahamian Government has changed the fees for yachts cruising to or stationed in the Bahamas. The old entrance fee of $150 (35 feet & under) and $300 (35 feet & over) with up to four persons onboard is now and additional $20 for each person (over 6 years old) when there is more than three people on the boat. Departure tax has also increased from $15 to $20. If you reenter inside 90 days there is a $30 transportation fee payable to Customs. There is some confusion over the length of allowable stay with some Customs offices offering up to three months only and others offering up to six months without renewal. Check ahead based on where you are making landfall. It is likely that this will get sorted out quickly and six month cruising stays will universally available.

The Duty for leaving your boat permanently in the Bahamas is now a flat 10% of value for all vessel sizes (it used to be 6% for boats over 30 feet & 27% for boats under 30 feet). In 2006 yachts were flocking to the Bahamas due to shortage of docking space in Florida. Now this is not the case and there is plenty of available docking in Florida so this fee adjustment should attract smaller boats that will just be stationed in the Bahama islands permanently ... and along with the boats comes tourist dollars as folks visit their boats for extended periods.

LAUDERDALE BOAT SHOW COULD BE THE HARBINGER OF GOOD TIMES FOR BOATING INDUSTRY
The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show featured over 3 billion dollars in yacht inventory. The largest vessel featured was "Cakewalk" a 281 foot 2950 ton yacht ... the largest built in the USA since the 1930's. Exhibitor contracts for the show were up. Exhibitors were selling some boats for a change, and there seems to be a consensus that folks are comfortable again about buying and the lead quality of traffic was higher than vendors have seen in years. Particular interest and sales were strong in the 30 – 60 foot range which is a sign that the middle class are getting back to business. Several reasons could be considered responsible for the positive shift towards yacht purchase interest.

1. Florida tax on boat purchases has now been capped at $18,000 maximum regardless of the total capital cost. For USA located buyers this is a huge incentive to buy bigger boats and there are a lot of builders and sales outlets in Florida.
2. Even though there is still high unemployment, the general feeling is now is the time to get back into the market because the worst is over and inflation will be coming down the pipe.
3. Politically it seems the Democrats loosing control over the House to the Republicans is seen (at least in yacht manufacturing circles) as being a positive thing for the boat industry and business at large. At the time of the show it was almost a certainty that the Democrats would loose their majority.
4. There is pent up demand. Just like cars, boats wear out ... and owners want newer model features. For the past few years owner made due and avoided trading up but now they are ready to move to newer model boats with the features that they want like IPS and fuel saving technologies.

What does this mean for Canada. Well ... our dollar has excellent purchasing power for US boats new or used. Canadians are feeling pretty good about how the country came through the recession with flying colours. In general there is pent up demand here as there is in the US and there are lots of folks with money that are doing just fine. If the US is feeling better about yacht purchases then as the saying goes "what goes around comes around".

I was surprised to see a number of new high end boats over 40 feet come into the marina even in the tail end of the summer boating season. Things are looking up, but to be sure brokers and new boat outlets are not yet bogged down with business - but better times are certainly right around the corner.

HORS D OEUVRES AT THE DOCK
So you have a bunch of friends dropping by the boat and you need something nice to serve as finger food to go with the wine. Word gets around and before you know it there’s twenty boat buds socializing on the dock. Here is a simple recipe that is sure to please that goes great with chilled Chardonnay.

36 slices of prosciutto
4 jars of sundried tomatoes in oil (approx. 140 pieces)
1/2 cup plain goats cheese
1 bunch of basil
1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil

Drain oil from sundried tomatoes. Slice prosciutto in half lengthwise. Place a tomato half on the prosciutto and add a dollop of goat cheese. Top the cheese with a piece of torn basil leaf. Then add the other half of the sundried tomato on top. Roll the tomato package up in the prosciutto. You can freeze these now to cook later. To serve let them thaw at room temperature and then cook about one minute per side in an open frying pan with 1 tsp. of olive oil. Makes 72 pieces.

EVERY YACHT NEEDS A WINE CELLAR
Your at anchor in a secluded protected little bay and the sunset is to die for. Time to break out a bottle of wine from the ships wine cellar (a plastic bin with bubble wrap between the bottles stored in a cool dry bilge compartment will suffice). Here’s a suggested starter list of international wines to have on board that won’t break the bank but will impress fellow wine lovers. Cheers!

Mirassou Pinot Noir – California
Wildass 07 Red – Ontario
Mille Lire Montepulciano – Italy
Mud House Pinot Noir – New Zealand
McWilliams Cabernet Sauvignon – Australia
Belle Vue Haut Medoc - France
Nero D’Avola – Italy
Flourish Merlot Pinot Noir – California
Enzo Vincenzo Valipolicella – Italy
Tour St. Bonnet Medoc – France
Villars Fronsac - France

COMFORT FOOD
Here is a vey simple BEER BREAD recipe that we used daily to bake fresh bread when we sailed to the Caribbean in the early 80’s. The bread to this day reminds me of a fall day on the Chesapeake Bay. The best thing about this recipe is it is really easy to make and has a unique yeasty beer taste that you’ll enjoy.

Ingredients:
3 cups flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
3 tsp. sugar
1 egg (optional)
1 12 ounce can of beer

Mix all ingredients together and put into greased bread pan. Bake for 45 minutes at 375 degrees.

Variations:
Onion bread - add 1/2 cup of onions
Herb bread – add 1 tsp. caraway seeds, 1/2 tsp. nutmeg, 1/2 tsp. sage

SERVICE CANADA CHANGES BOAT REGISTRATION PROCESS
As of November 1st 2010 Service Canada will no longer offer the over the counter pleasure craft licenses. You have new options; the first is to go online at www.boatingsafety.gc.ca and use the Pleasure Craft Application kit OR complete the application form, provide proof of ownership and a valid signed copy of your government issued ID (Drivers License, Health Card) and snail mail it to the Pleasure Craft Licensing Centre. Those buying used boats now have 90 days to transfer the ownership. There is no charge for the Pleasure Craft License.

GHOSTS OF THE BAY - BOOK REVIEW
Ghosts Of The Bay is a guidebook to the history of Georgian Bay written by Russell Floren & Andrea Gutsche. The book comes with a full length companion video which is essentially a visual summary of the book. As a guidebook I did not have a high expectation of what was to come, but the book in fact is very well researched and written. This book is a must read if you want a fairly detailed account of the history, culture, commerce and characters of the area.

The book is divided geographically into Georgian Bay regions of the southern shore, east shore, north shore, Bruce Peninsula & Cabot Head to North Channel - Graveyard of the Bay. This book is sprinkled with interesting pictures and map graphic locators. It is rich with shipwreck information including the lesser know wrecks on the east shore away from the main diving centre of Tobermory. In most cases the map graphics show the location of the wrecks and the author offers cautions regarding the exposure and difficulty of the dive or snorkel.

The book really gives the reader a glimpse into the earliest recorded settlers in the area, the hardship, perseverance and of course puts it into perspective with the aboriginals who roamed the land long before Europeans arrived on the scene. Most important the authors did the field research and exploring around the remote ghost towns on the Bay and this gives the book a huge credibility boost with this combination of research and practical experience. Pick up a copy - you'll enjoy the read.

The book is published by Lynx Images:
website www.lynximages.com - email orders@lynximages.com - phone (416) 925 8422

FAVOURITE ANCHORAGE ADDITIONS
If you haven't been on the Favourite Anchorage page lately it's worth taking a look. We have added a number of new anchorages to the list of must visit places to drop the hook. We have also started taking Flip video of these anchorages and uploading them to You Tube so you can get an idea of what the harbour looks like. When we don't have our own video we try and find a link on You Tube to other posted video footage of the anchorage so that as you read about the location, you can get some perspective of the surroundings.

We have also heard the argument that anchorages should be kept secret from others to minimize use but the other side of the coin is many boaters frequent the same anchorage over and over because they haven't experimented with other locations. So our roll is to build up a portfolio of great anchorages so that folks will cruise around and try different locations and get into the habit of being adventurous. In fact if people learn many anchorages they get comfortable and challenged to find more and that spreads the load for everyone ... and there are hundreds to be sure all around Georgian Bay and up into The North Channel. If you have an anchorage you want to share with others send it along with a description and photo (if you have one) to info@boatinggeorgianbay.com and we will try and include it.

AGLCA CARDBOARD BOAT RACE AT BAY MOORINGS
We couldn't resist showing you these pictures that come from the American Great Loop Cruisers Association Rendevous organized at Bay Moorings Marina and sponsored by Parkbridge Marinas. AGLCA Loopers from all over North America attended the Rendevous for Georgian Bay cruising information sessions, opening reception and the cardboard boat race which was just one of the many events that were hosted. So take a look at these pics. Everyone of these boats were constructed with CARDBOARD ... and yes they all float - at least for a while they did. Cardboard boat building is a real art and in terms of water proofing and longevity and any expert cardboard boat builder knows the secret is the use of the handyman's favourite - Duct Tape.

Obviously weight is an issue so the wise used young boat captains that weren't packing a lot of pounds. We attended the opening reception and a number of Loopers told us this was the warmest welcome they had experienced since leaving their home ports. They felt very welcome in Canada .... and Georgian Bay & The North Channel is their highlight for the the year or two it takes to do the entire loop. Anyways the participants in the cardboard boat race and the Loopers in general had a blast and Parkbridge Marinas looks forward to introducing a new group of cruisers to Georgian Bay next season.

PARKS CANADA GULF ISLANDS STUDY
Parks Canada has contacted Boating Georgian Bay to round up power & sail boat representatives familiar with various aspects of Parks Canada - Georgian Bay Islands National Park to join a Focus Group who will be studying and discussing how the attributes and operations of the Georgian Bay Islands National Park could be applied to the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve in British Columbia. To this end Boating Georgian Bay along with three other individuals will relate their experiences from a boaters/cruisers perspective along with the opinions of other stakeholders during upcoming Focus Group sessions.

While the BC Gulf Islands are a long ways from Georgian Bay they share many similarities and some of the same challenges in managing remote Canadian Parks accessed primarily by water. They also share a unique topography and graphic beauty that makes them both top cruising destinations for visiting yachts from around the world and popular with provincial boaters as well. As the Gulf Islands plan becomes further established it is thought that the process could benefit from the Georgian Bay experience. Obviously how Canada Park resources are managed to their best possible use with minimum impact to the natural environment on the islands is always the balancing act. Parks Canada by most standards has done a pretty good job of this on Georgian Bay, but as always they seek out user feedback from a diverse mix of stakeholders. Stay tuned for more info on this.

GEORGIAN BAY ECO MUSEUM
Did you know that Georgian Bay is Canada's only Fresh Water Eco Museum (the Georgian Bay Eco Museum)?

The Ecomuseum (Eco Museum) concept was introduced in 1971 by the French musicologist Hugues de Varine.  There are only 300 designated in the world and 200 of them are in Europe.

An Ecomuseum is a museum focused on the identity of a place, largely based on local participation and aiming to enhance the welfare and development of local communities.

With the Georgian Bay Eco Museum, the common ground of a geographic boundary of water identifies the area. One additional component of the Georgian Bay Eco Museum incorporates the watersheds feeding into Georgian Bay. The objective is to strengthen and improve the presentation of the region's culture and nature in order to provide the local people and the many guests to the area with the best possible experiences and possibilities. One could consider this eco area to be Ontario's equivalent to the Galapagos Islands with its own unique geography, history, flora and fauna.

COSMOS Yacht Charters familiar with the features and attractions of this living museum and they offer sailing excursions on a private luxury yacht to witness this watershed in a manner that will assure you of a unique eco experience! Enjoy the splendour of Fall colors that adorn the islands and shorelines in September & October and the spectacular sunsets! www.cosmosyachtcharters.com (905) 715 8795

FIRST DORAL & QUEENS COVE RENDEZVOUS
A BIG SUCCESS
Participants in Doral/Queens Cove first annual rendezvous by all accounts had a great time. The event started off with a meet and greet wine and cheese on the Saturday night August 7th and the boats departed Monday morning for Big Sound Marina in Parry Sound. A shore BBQ was supplied by Doral that night and the next morning the group departed for the Hopewell Bay anchorage. Hopewell Bay is a beautiful serene anchorage with good sand/clay holding and spectacular scenery. Swimming off the boats in near 80 degree water was great as was the exploring by dingy. Maureen from Carpe Diem came by and served excellent appetizers from a kayak.

The next day on the way up to Britt via the Bying Inlet the rendezvous group encountered some serious fog which eventually lifted as the flotilla entered the inlet. Most boats fueled up and pumped out at this stop. The Pickerel dinners at St Amant's Waterfront Inn were delicious. On Thursday the group headed south again for docking and more Pickerel at Henry's on Frying Pan Island. Canoe Passage on the way was interesting for the bigger boats. We did some dingy exploring and swimming from rocky islands while based at Henry's.

The last stop was a short ride from Henry's up to the Port Rawson Bay anchorage where the group went by dingys over to the Moon River waterfalls. Other than the morning fog the weather was spectacular during the entire trip. To be honest, I don't thing anyone really wanted to come back but commitments and changing weather meant pulling anchor and heading for home port. The whole trip was breathtaking and around every turn there was postcard quality pictures to take. The group all plans on doing it again next year. Thanks to Tara Baumgardner, Sheila Baxter and Jim Ball for organizing the event.

FANCY A LIFE AT SEA?
If you've ever thought about a second career after early retirement or if you have a lot of general boat experience maybe working on a private yacht would be up your alley. To be sure the crew are not guests on the boat - they are there to work ... and hard work it is. But if sea water runs in your veins and you can't afford your own yacht why not crew on someone else's. Most of the crew jobs are not high paying by professional standards, but if you like the lifestyle and want to see some beautiful parts of the world by water it may be worth investigating.

Job postings can vary from specialized skilled trades like Mechanics and Carpenters to accredited requirements like Captains and Chefs. But there are also many deckhand positions that may require a minimum of experience. Boat owners and Captains are looking for crew members who show initiative and it is usually the hired Captains that do the recruiting. Boat owners in many cases are not actually on the yacht a great deal, so the the role of the crew under the Captains direction is to keep the yacht ship shape and move the boat to the owners preferred destinations at various times of the year.

Boats can range in size from mega yachts to yachts down into the 50 foot range. There are cases where as owners become older, they loose the motor ability and agility to be running their own boat ... but they still are not ready to give up yachting so they hire a Captain to manage the boat for them. If you want to pursue this further here's a few sites that will be of interest. This one www.jobs-at-sea.com posts available yacht crew positions. You can also walk into almost any Atlantic coast marina where large yachts congregate and see job postings on the bulletin boards. To get a better feel feel for the yacht crew lifestyle check out this site www.thetriton.com which is a online communications directory for yacht crew.

ASIAN CARP BATTLE
Chicago locks are moving towards closure to stop the spread of the invasive Asian Carp. This could could have a major impact on Great Loop Cruisers and on all shipping up the waterway between Mississippi and Chicago. The Carp are a threat to the other fish species in Michigan and in fact in all the Great Lakes. A Carp Act Bill was put forward May 6th requesting immediate closure while they look for long term solutions. They have already tried electrical barriers in the waterway. The Governor of Illinois and many other politicians do not support this Bill because of the economic impact of the reduction in shipping and flood concerns with closing locks on an ongoing basis. Washington is not anxious to close the river either, but a number of Senators and neighboring States that could have there fisheries harmed do support the Bill.

WHAT IS THE "WITCH OF NOVEMBER"
The 'Witch of November" is an old saying that goes back to the 1800's when sailors believed in a literal sense that during the month of November witches would have there way with unsuspecting ships & crew and take them to their doom by creating gale force weather that gets conjured up very suddenly. So much so, that even experienced crew and well built ships got caught off guard and were not able to manage ... they would be overcome or run aground. The phrase applied to all the Great Lakes but especially Lake Superior, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay where commercial traffic by sail was frequent and the lakes very exposed to early winter storms that could come up quite unexpectedly due to shifts in the jet stream and clashes with cold air from the north and fronts from the south that just seem to commonly meet in the Lake Superior & Georgian Bay regions.

Fact of the matter is, as the weather turned colder and fronts were colliding, this type of unpredictable weather used to carry on into December until the lakes froze over (they did use to freeze over way back then) and the lake affect winds and snow subsided to a degree as dryer, less humid air took hold ... and of course shipping would cease as the ice came.

It's a good lesson though. If you go to our Shipwrecks page and study the table you will note that the vast majority of ships went down in November and early December. Captains were under immense pressure and pushed the limits to haul the last shipments of grain, that would otherwise not get to markets in the south. As was typical of the sailing ships, there was always a mixed bag of other things on board including cattle, consumer goods and passengers. Historically many lives were lost and their were not many to survive - even when ships ran aground close to shore. Because of the extremely cold water, many of the sailors and passenger bodies that perished never floated to to surface for recovery ... and that added to mystic. Stolen by witches!!! In warmer waters bodies naturally float up to the surface at some point - usually in spring as the water warms up.

Same thing holds true right to today in terms of predicting weather - it is not a perfect science. Even with modern weather forecasting and robust ships - there is no man made match or room for error when the gales of November scream across Huron and Georgian Bay. If you go on YouTube, there is no shortage of videos of modern "laker ships" exiting the St Clair River and running into weather that they anticipated but really weren't prepared for in the severity and brutality of the onslaught. We're talking waves that can lift the screw of a freighter right out of the water staling forward momentum and risking breach of a ship. November gales often include sleet. snow and significant ice building on decks. It goes without saying that November is no time to be repositioning pleasure boats. Most of the "lakers" get buffeted but live to tell the tail - but every now and again the witch comes stealing and claims her prize.

GEORGIAN BAY WATER LEVELS
Water levels throughout the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay have been a hot topic for a number of years now. In the Georgian Bay region the problems of low water can be more than an inconvenience. Low water levels cause real economic hardship and affect property values due to the fact that many areas are rock bottom and have marginal deep water access at the best of times. For marinas dredging is expensive and not practical when required on a large scale (and not that environmentally friendly either). In some cases dredging has been the only option to stay in business. However you can't dredge granite and many of the navigable passages are just that - pure granite or limestone base. Many are a calling for something to be done by holding back more water flowing from Huron down the St Clair River. Some studies have claimed that the river is scoured deeper over the years by an amount allowing 11% more water flow from Lake Huron. Other water volume studies indicate that from the historic measurements the water flow down the St Clair have increased only 5% from historic levels. One thing is for sure, I don't think they will be controlling water flow from Lake Huron down the St Clair anytime soon with all the major shipping and commerce going on. We're also not alone on the problem. Lake Ontario and in fact all the Great Lakes are suffering from low water problems with year to year variations. Even the Trent watershed had unusually low water levels this spring - the lowest in 20 years. Lake Ontario is down about 14 inches this spring but is expected to gain back 7 inches before summer evaporation begins in earnest.

Last year water levels in Georgian Bay were up over previous years and this year in early spring there was mixed reporting from normal levels on some of the east shore inlets to down a foot around most of the Georgian Bay. One thing is for sure, we haven't had much rain this spring and other than a few lake affect snow pockets there wasn't much snow this past winter. Considering the lack of snow ... oddly enough there wasn't much frost either. Low snow and low frost years create a double whammy because what melt there is goes right into the water table through ground filtering rather than washed into the lakes and rivers from runoff.. That's not really a bad thing either because the underground aquifers need replenishing too from time to time, seeing as that’s where the majority of humans draw their water from.

So who is really to blame? Probably no one in particular. Every time Georgian Bay gets really low water levels ... so goes Lake Superior and the other Great Lakes - we just feel it more on Georgian Bay because of the rocky shallow shorelines in many areas of the Bay. What can we do? Probably not a lot. The major factor is ... Mother Nature's natural outcomes of precipitation, snow melt, frost, and summer evaporation that affect water levels. Of course there is latent cause and affect, so we see these things year by year but in reality there are long cycles in weather and ground water filtering that are less measureable and harder to reconcile that also affect water levels. It fits right in with the bigger debate over global warming and it's causes and effects. Some suggest the recent volcanic eruptions in Iceland have a greater net affect on global warming than anything man made over the last twenty years. In the vast interior forested regions of Ontario an unusual amount of water being held in large tracts of swamp by beaver dams and this is a major factor of flows to our waterways. There are no water shortages in the interior swamplands and the beaver ponds are everywhere and countless roads and trails that were open for decades are now under twenty feet of water. It really becomes obvious when you fly over and this has been building gradually for decades. But these swamps are our natural filters as well and support a rich diversified eco system. Some municipal politicians on the Trent water shed regions have suggested beaver culls as a way to bring water levels back to normal in Ontario. Yet only a few years ago they couldn't open the Trent system on schedule because of torrents of water flowing through. One thing is for sure, this is not something that there is a clear answer to that will get solved anytime soon by any single solution or group of bright minds. It is a complex issue and I for one don't believe that we should fool around with Mother Nature more than we already have. These things do correct themselves given time as has been proven time and time again - although it's hard to be patient when your dock is sitting on bare rock.

INDIA OPENS IT'S FIRST MARINA
It's a sign of the times. As wealth grows in emerging manufacturing economies like India and China so does the individual wealth of entrepreneurs that search out expensive recreational leisure products like yachts. Accordingly India has opened it's first marina with the introduction of the 37 berth Kochi International Marina located in the south western state of Kerala for the Kerala Tourism Development Corporation. The marina can birth yachts up to 75 feet and offers full marine services. It is situated as part of the Bolgatty Palace Heritage Hotel. A number of yacht owners have already signed up for dock space.

FUNGUS ATTACK
Many boaters experience a pinkish tinge that shows up on their marine vinyl after a few years. Unless you can put up with pink spots on your vinyl for most the solution is replacement of the upholstery. Most boat owners think that these are wine stains, dye from bathing suits or someone is sabotaging their boat. Vinyl cleaners, magic eraser, upholstery cleaner, bathroom cleaners etc will not touch these stains. Most marina operators will try, but don't have a clue how to remove these stains.

The pinkish stains are caused by an airborne fungus. The pink is actually the byproduct or poop of the fungus as it digests oils and dirt embedded in the porous vinyl. These are the conditions that allows the fungus to take hold on vinyl that is as new as just two years old:

• storage above 60 degrees F (this includes outdoor wrapped boats in the fall or spring sun)
• lack of air circulation
• dark conditions
• lack of fresh vinyl protector before storage

You do not need much moisture to have this fungus take hold - heat and lack of air circulation is the main catalyst but moisture can accelerate it. Enough moisture (rain) and it cannot take hold. Most of the problems with this fungus become apparent after winter storage. On pre 90's vinyl this did not often happen, unless the vinyl was really old and dried out. Why? The marine vinyl manufacturers claim that the fungus has become immune to the fungicides put into the vinyl formula. Boat pundits claim that the manufacturers are using less fungicide in the formula to save on costs or intentionally accelerate replacement on vinyl upholstery. Who knows for sure!

Now if the fungus gets too imbedded, replacement is the only option. If you catch it early enough there are two cures:

1. Direct hot sunlight over a number of days will gradually fade it out
2. Oxi 10 or any Acne Cream with 5% or more peroxide spread on the stain and left overnight to do it's magic

Be careful to avoid stitching as peroxide will weaken it. Also be aware that simply wiping the stain with peroxide (or bleach for that matter) will not remove the stain.

Here's how you avoid the problem to begin with.

• keep upholstery away from heaters in storage that would allow the temperature to achieve 60 degrees
• make sure there is some air circulation and do not drape anything or leave anything on the seats that would reduce circulation
• use a vinyl protector after every cleaning and do not clean and store without vinyl protection
• if your boat is wrapped get some air circulation going as soon as the sun is strong enough and the outdoor temperatures get high enough to allow for 60 degrees under the shrink wrap

And remember, give Mother Nature some credit - oxidization and breaking down natural and manmade products is something she does very well given some time and the right conditions ... and you know what they say "you can't fool mother nature"

BEST TIME TO BUY BOAT ACCESSORIES
In Canada we came off in pretty good shape given the depth of the worldwide recession. Thanks to our natural resources and fiscally sound banks we weathered the recession as well as any country in the world. Our major trading partner is the US. America got clobbered in this recession and they are still reeling from the zero subprime meltdown, government debt and depressed real estate prices. The marine industry was also hit hard. Much of our boat accessories come from the US. National boat product retailers have dropped their prices on many items and sale pricing is the norm. In Canada we have a very strong dollar against the US currency and it is making boat products a bargain. This won't last forever as the US comes out of recession things are likely to fall back into line. So next time you see that trick boat product that you always wanted on sale snap it up because 2012 and beyond may be a different situation and the US dollar will rise along with inflation costs, prices and demand.

HOW TO CHOOSE A MARINA
This may sound like a no brainer but many new boat owners struggle with where to dock their baby. This might help.

1. decide on the geographic region of Georgian Bay you want to boat in most frequently
2. rates are all over the place so decide on the services you want and have each marina quote you on those services so you are sure you are comparing apples to apples
3. get a few examples of repair costs and compare
4. talk to other boaters and ascertain if there are any down sides to particular marinas
5. look closely at the upkeep of the marina, friendliness of staff and their willingness to answer your questions directly
6. compare what is included in terms of recreation facilities at the marina
7. consider how much time you will spend out boating vs. cottaging at the dock as the physical location of available dock space may be also be an issue
8. consider how far the drive is from your home to the marina and take into account that boats burn more fuel than cars so if you plan to spend most of your time on the water in a certain area of the Bay take driving time vs. boat access time to the area into account
9. some boaters like more remote marinas and some want their marina to be right in town with access to restaurants, supplies and entertainment ... take this into consideration
10. last but not least this is one of those situations where you want to trust your gut feelings ... if the marina feels like a home for your boat and feels like a yachting community that you fit in well - then you are probably going to be happy there and cost of docking and services may not be the overriding factor in your decision making.

BBQ RULES
Here's one I came across that I couldn't help but share with you.

BBQ RULES
We are about to enter the BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refreshyour memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity. When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion:

Routine...
(1) The woman buys the food.
(2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert.
(3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - beer in hand.
(4) The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman...

Here comes the important part:
(5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL.

More routine....
(6) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery.
(7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another beer while he flips the meat

Important again:
(8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.

More routine...
(9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table..

(10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes.

And most important of all:
(11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts.

(12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed 'her night off' and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women!

INTERNATIONAL TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY
International Talk Like a Pirate Day (ITLAPD) is a parodic holiday created in 1996 by John Baur (Ol' Chumbucket) and Mark Summers (Cap'n Slappy), of Albany, Oregon, U.S., who proclaimed September 19 each year as the day when everyone in the world should talk like a pirate.

According to Summers, the day is the only holiday to come into being as a result of a sports injury. He has stated that during a racquetball game between Summers and Baur, one of them reacted to the pain with an outburst of "Aaarrr!", and the idea was born. That game took place on June 6, 1995, but out of respect for the observance of D-Day, they chose Summers' ex-wife's birthday, as it would be easy for him to remember.

At first an inside joke between two friends, the holiday gained exposure when John Baur and Mark Summers sent a letter about their invented holiday to the American syndicated humor columnist Dave Barry in 2002. Barry liked the idea and promoted the day. Growing media coverage of the holiday after Barry's column has ensured that this event is now celebrated internationally, and Baur and Summers now sell books and T-shirts on their website related to the theme. Part of the success for the international spread of the holiday has been attributed to non-restriction of the idea or trademarking, in effect opening the holiday for creativity and "viral" growth.

Seamen in the days of sail (as well as today) spoke a language so full of technical jargon as to be nearly incomprehensible to a landlubber. For example, few could follow these instructions:

Lift the skin up, and put into the bunt the slack of the clews (not too taut), the leech and foot-rope, and body of the sail; being careful not to let it get forward under or hang down abaft. Then haul your bunt well up on the yard, smoothing the skin and bringing it down well abaft, and make fast the bunt gasket round the mast, and the jigger, if there be one, to the tie.
—Richard Henry Dana, Jr., The Seaman's Manual (1844)

These phrases date back to the 17th century:

If the ship go before the wind, or as they term it, betwixt two sheets, then he who conds uses these terms to him at the helm: Starboard, larboard, the helm amidships... If the ship go by a wind, or a quarter winds, they say aloof, or keep your loof, or fall not off, wear no more, keep her to, touch the wind, have a care of the lee-latch. All these do imply the same in a manner, are to bid him at the helm to keep her near the wind.
—former pirate Sir Henry Mainwaring (see Harland (1984) p.177)

From Lt. Robert Maynard's report of Blackbeard at the Battle of Ocracoke:

He styl'd us 'young puppies' and shouted 'May the Devil take my soul if I ever gives quarter or asks it of ye!' "Damn ye, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, I'm a better man than all of ye milksops put together"
- Blackbeard

The only written records recovered from the Adventure after Blackbeard's death ran as follows.

Such a day, rum all out - Our company somewhat sober - A damned confusion amongst us! - Rogues a-plotting - Great talk of separation - so I looked sharp for a prize - Such a day found one with a great deal of liquor on board, so kept the company hot, damned hot, then things went well again.

FAMOUS NAUTICAL SAYINGS
Over the Barrel -
The most common method of punishment aboard ship was flogging. The unfortunate sailor was tied to a grating, mast or over the barrel of a deck cannon.

Footloose -
The bottom portion of a sail is called the foot. If it is not secured, it is footloose and it dances randomly in the wind.

Booby Hatch -
Aboard ship, a booby hatch is a sliding cover or hatch that must be pushed away to allow access or passage.

Pipe Down -
Means stop talking and be quiet. The Pipe Down was the last signal from the Boson's pipe each day which meant lights out and silence.

Chock-a-block -
Meaning something is filled to capacity or over loaded. If two blocks of rigging tackle were so hard together they couldn't be tightened further, it was said they were Chock-a-Block .

Leeway -
The weather side of a ship is the side from which the wind is blowing. The Lee side is the side of the ship sheltered from the wind. A lee shore is a shore that is downwind of a ship. If a ship does not have enough leeway it is in danger of being driven onto the shore.

Windfall -
A sudden unexpected rush of wind from a mountainous shore which allowed a ship more leeway.

Groggy -
In 1740, British Admiral Vernon (whose nickname was Old Grogram for the cloak of Grogram which he wore) ordered that the sailors' daily ration of rum be diluted with water. The men called the mixture grog. A sailor who drank too much grog was groggy.

Three Sheets to the Wind -
A sheet is a rope line which controls the tension on the downwind side of a square sail. If, on a three Amsted fully rigged ship, the sheets of the three lower course sails are loose, the sails will flap and flutter and are said to be in the wind. A ship in this condition would stagger and wander aimlessly downwind.

As the Crow Flies -
When lost or unsure of their position in coastal waters, ships would release a caged crow. The crow would fly straight towards the nearest land thus giving the vessel some sort of a navigational fix. The tallest lookout platform on a ship came to be known as the crow's nest.

Buoyed Up -
Using a buoy to raise the bight of an anchor cable to prevent it from chafing on a rough bottom.

Cut and Run -
If a captain of a smaller ship encountered a larger enemy vessel, he might decide that discretion is the better part of valor, and so he would order the crew to cut the lashings on all the sails and run away before the wind. Other sources indicate Cut and Run meant to cut the anchor cable and sail off in a hurry.

Skyscraper -
A small triangular sail set above the skysail in order to maximize effect in a light wind.

The Bitter End -
The end of an anchor cable is fastened to the bits at the ship's bow. If all of the anchor cable has been paid out you have come to the bitter end.

Toe the Line -
When called to line up at attention, the ship's crew would form up with their toes touching a seam in the deck planking.

Slush Fund -
A slushy slurry of fat was obtained by boiling or scraping the empty salted meat storage barrels. This stuff called slush was often sold ashore by the ship's cook for the benefit of himself or the crew. The money so derived became known as a slush fund.

Bear Down -
To sail downwind rapidly towards another ship or landmark.

Under the Weather -
If a crewman is standing watch on the weather side of the bow, he will be subject to the constant beating of the sea and the ocean spray. He will be under the weather.

Overreach -
If a ship holds a tack course too long, it has overreached its turning point and the distance it must travel to reach its next tack point is increased.

Gone By the Board -
Anything seen to have gone overboard or spotted floating past the ship (by the board) was considered lost at sea.

Above Board -
Anything on or above the open deck. If something is open and in plain view, it is above board.

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea -
The devil seam was the curved seam in the deck planking closest to the side of the ship and next to the scupper gutters. If a sailor slipped on the deck, he could find himself between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Rummage Sale -
From the French arrimage meaning ship's cargo. Damaged cargo was sold at a rummage sale.

A Square Meal -
In good weather, crews' mess was a warm meal served on square wooden platters.

Son of a Gun -
When in port, and with the crew restricted to the ship for any extended period of time, wives and ladies of easy virtue often were allowed to live aboard along with the crew. Infrequently, but not uncommonly, children were born aboard, and a convenient place for this was between guns on the gun deck. If the child's father was unknown, they were entered in the ship's log as son of a gun.

Taking the wind out of his sails -
Sailing in a manner so as to steal or divert wind from another ship's sails.

Let the Cat Out of the Bag -
In the Royal Navy the punishment prescribed for most serious crimes was flogging. This was administered by the Boson's Mate using a whip called a cat o' nine tails. The cat was kept in a leather or baize bag. It was considered bad news indeed when the cat was let out of the bag.

Start Over with a Clean Slate -
A slate tablet was kept near the helm on which the watch keeper would record the speeds, distances, headings and tacks during the watch. If there were no problems during the watch, the slate would be wiped clean so that the new watch could start over with a clean slate.

Taken Aback -
A dangerous situation where the wind is on the wrong side of the sails pressing them back against the mast and forcing the ship astern. Most often this was caused by an inattentive helmsman who had allowed the ship to head up into the wind.

At Loggerheads -
An iron ball attached to a long handle was a loggerhead. When heated it was used to seal the pitch in deck seams. It was sometimes a handy weapon for quarreling crewmen.

Fly-by-Night -
A large sail used only for sailing downwind and requiring rather little attention.

Give (someone) a Wide Berth -
To anchor a ship far enough away from another ship so that they did not hit each other when they swung with the wind or tide.

Cut of His Jib -
Warships many times had their foresails or jib sails cut thinly so that they could maintain point and not be blown off course. Upon sighting thin foresails on a distant ship a captain might not like the cut of his jib and would then have an opportunity to escape.

Touch and Go -
This referred to a ship's keel touching the bottom and getting right off again.

BAY STREET BOOKS
Rainy day ... nothing to do? Take a trip into Bay Street Books in downtown Midland and browse their collection of over 3,000 used nautical books, magazines and charts (they clam the largest selection in Simcoe County). The store is just off the main King St. drag at 483 Bay St. There have a lot of naval history and detailed books on seamanship. I suppose because they are in a historic shipping port and surrounded by many other shipping ports they get a lot of retired captains and marine stuff passed down from families that gets turned in. I picked up three charts including one out of print chart of the whole Lake Huron, Georgian Bay & North Channel for $15. They also have other books of course that are not nautical themed. They can be reached at (705) 526 0362.

WHAT ARE LOOPERS?
No ... "loopers" are not sailors who have been into the rum. They are cruisers following the America's Great Loop waterway adventure from various starting points along the continuous route that includes Trent Severn Waterways on both sides of Lake Simcoe, Georgian Bay, Lake Michigan, south from Chicago down the Mississippi and around Florida and back up the inter-coastal east coast waterway through the Chesapeake, out the Delaware, up to New York and then back to Lake Ontario to Oswego via the Hudson River & Erie Barge Canal.

There is an association that loopers can be a part of called the Great Loop Cruisers' Association and they rendezvous a few times during the year along the route and share information, attend seminars and generally have a good time. There are several thousand members and the colour of the burgee on the boat signifies their level of involvement. A White burgee signifies membership and doing the route, Gold burgee means route has been completed, Platinum means the route has been completed more than once. I believe there is some looper who has done the loop five times ... and they must have won a lottery at some point. The boats come in all shape, sizes and colours but the majority tend to be trawlers due to their economical operation under power. There are watercraft as small as PWC's that do the route and sailboats too with mast down for a good part of the journey. One common element is that maximum draft to do the whole loop is about five feet.

Loopers are a growing group thanks to demographics ... with all the baby boomers retiring and packing up their boats to cruise. This Great Loop is also known as the Great Circle Loop and is considered one of the safest long distance boat cruising routes in the world. Having done one half of the route from Florida to Georgian Bay/Lake Huron I can say the cruising is spectacular and a life altering experience that should be on the top of any boaters bucket list. Loopers are a tight knit group and help each other out along the way and often travel in pods or meet up at designated locations along the way. Many loopers take breaks between sections and many take side trips along the way to places like the Caribbean (to kill some time over the cold winter months) before journeying back north, up the east coast. There are also variations on the route which can mean sacrificing the Trent and Georgian Bay for the Erie Barge canal and Lake Huron (who would want to miss the the Trent and Georgian Bay?). The loop runs counter clockwise because the currents run south from Chicago. The association offers all kinds of benefits, discounts on services and merchandise to it's members. At www.boatinggeorgianbay.com we support LOOPERS!

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