We finish the Georgian Bay - Byng Inlet to Killarney

Today’s run (Wednesday, 8/8/12) from Byng Inlet to Killarney was absolutely spectacular with the Collins Inlet being the highlight.

We departed Britt Ontario at 8:00 AM with a forecast of 10 MPH winds from the north east.  This was  optimum as we would be running along a lee shore (read as relatively calm water).  We had stayed in Britt an extra day to avoid 15 MPH westerly winds that would have produced a repeat of the 4 to 6 feet waves we had experienced Monday.  Our expectation for today was wave heights of one foot close to shore and two feet within 5 miles of shore.  This proved to be the case.

Today we were traveling with Fred and Julaine from Boreas, a Carver 405 Carver.

Our route took us east down Byng Inlet for the first 40 minutes in perfectly calm water.  As we reached Gereaux Island Light we had a following sea with waves less than one foot.   10 minutes later we turned northwest and headed toward the approach to Collins Inlet some 28 miles away at a speed of 9 MPH.  Approximately 3 hours later we turned north and headed for Beaverstone Bay and Collins Inlet.  During this segment we experienced two foot waves on our starboard beam for about 40 minutes when we reached our furthest point from shore.  Again, an easy run.

Along the way we chatted with Fred and Julaine of the VHF and found out that dockage at the most popular spots (Sportsman’s and Killarny Inn) was all spoken for.  For a moment I was concerned that we may not find dockage – it being high season in this prime cruising area.  However, a call to Roque’s Marina secured dockage for us and our friends.

As we approached Beaverstone Bay we could see a range of black and white mountains to the north.  Once into the bay we saw beautiful rock cliffs and islands with the areas classic windswept pines that characterized this area.

Rock cliffs on Beaverstone Bay

As we approached the hard left turn to Collins Inlet we had to traverse a shallow 200 yard segment with 6 feet of water over granite.  The depth shows as 4.0 feet in the photo below.  That means there is about 2 feet under the props.

Note the depth of 4.0 feet

Collins Inlet runs for approximately five miles.  It is a relatively narrow channel with 15 to 80 foot depths and spectacular natural unspoiled scenery on both sides.  There is very few human habitations.  I’ll let the photos do the talking.

At 2:30 PM we entered Killarney Channel and tied up a Roque’s Marina at the western end of the channel.  Then we went for a walk along the waterfront (all of the action is along the waterfront) and ran into our friends Bob and Jan from Jan’s Tern (45 Tollycraft) who we had met in Penetaguishene.  The had crossed from Tobermory on the south side of the Georgian Bay.  They had experienced high waves for the first 4 hours having been on the windward side when they started their crossing.

Killarney Channel view

Channel view of the fishing fleet

Guided Discovery at Roque’s Marina

View of Sportsman's Inn and Restaurant

Killarney proved to be charming.  It was limited in terms of retail stores (e.g., no supermarket) but had many restaurants.  Most of the commercial is spread out along the road adjacent to the channel.

Convenience store with limited selection

Sportsman's Inn Restaurant

We shared a Heinekin’s on the back of our boat and then had dinner at the Sportsman’s Inn, which proved to be a first class restaurant with a gourmet chef.   All in all a perfect day.

Everyone talks about fish and chips at the red school bus

View of the Killarney Channel from Guided Discovery's cockpit

Georgian Bay Statistics:

• Total Miles: 200
• Number of Locks: None - Hurrah
• Number of Days Enroute: 11 Days
• Number of Stops: 7
• Total Fuel Used: 116 Gallons
• Efficiency 1.72 Miles Per Gallon

Great Loop Statistics as of today at Killarney, ON:

• 5,501 Total Miles since 10/3/10 
• 5,382 Total Gallons of Diesel Used
•      99 Total Locks
• $3.71   Average Cost of Fuel (up 4 cents)
• $81      Average Daily Cost of Dockage
• 413      Days on the Great Loop
• $217    Average Cost Per Day (unchanged)

Statistics since leaving Branford Connecticut for Phase II:

• 930    Miles Traveled Since 7/2/12
• 593    Total Gallons Used (includes sea trial)
•   72    Locks

Written by Les.