We are here, at last

Even though we're in a marina again tonight (one that has wireless internet!), we got our first taste of anchoring today en route from Thessalon to Blind River. Four years ago we tried to anchor overnight at East Grant Island, because each time we pass it on our way to and from the North Channel we see lots of loons. That time, however, the predicted "light and variable" breezes were actually 20 knot winds from the west, the one direction from which the anchorage is not protected. So we hauled up our anchor and motored into a rough chop all the way to Thessalon (we were on our way home). Today, though, there was no wind, so we dropped our anchor and had a bite of lunch in the cockpit before heading on to Blind River. In the half hour or so we were there, we did catch sight of one loon, at least. We might have stayed there overnight, but our neighbors in Thessalon had told us that was their plan, and etiquette dictated that we let them have it to themselves.

Blind River is much as we remembered it, as a good place to buy provisions and get ready to head out into the wilderness. The major difference we've found (besides the internet access) is that our favorite restaurant has changed hands and no longer offers pick up service at the marina.

There's been a big change in the weather, too. The cold, cloudy, windy days have given way to warm sunshine. Our sailing breezes are gone, at least for now, but as we have arrived in the land of beautiful islands and pretty anchorages, we won't complain too loudly.