trishlaplaca HOME TO EPIC BEAUTY & THE MOST ANCIENT ROCKS ON THE PLANET!
Jeff and I had heard the same sentiment from fellow “Loopers” over and over again. “You won’t believe Canada’s Georgian Bay and North Channel. They are the absolute highlight of the America’s Great Loop journey!”
Okay, so I have to admit I was doubtful. After experiencing the Thousand Islands area of the St. Lawrence Seaway shared by Canada and the U.S., it was tough to imagine anything more beautiful. Certainly none of last year’s “Triangle Loop” passages were so shabby, either. The Hudson River Valley, Lake Champlain, Rideau Canal and cities of Ottawa and Montreal all had each their own beauty and character.
THIRTY THOUSAND ISLANDS
Georgian Bay, however is beyond unique. Jeff and I are just now moving on from its eastern region known as “Thirty Thousand Islands”, although I wouldn’t doubt that that number could be doubled. From small rock outcroppings to veritable islands, they seem endless. “Cottagers”, as well as those with permanent homes here, seize the summer days to boat and float around in such pure waters that the granite rocks and slopes below its surface can be seen pretty clearly (all too clearly at times – it can be scary! 😉) In fact, Georgian Bay is part of the Precambrian Shield, carved out by retreating glaciers over 11,000 years ago. The rocks themselves are thought to be 4 MILLION years old in this southern region, and as much as 2.4 BILLION years old in northwest Georgian Bay! Everything here is rugged and natural – from the landscapes to the windswept pines; to the gorgeous myriad of striated patterns etched into the rocks.
That said, the easiest way to share what we’ve seen is through photos. This truly has been a fantastic part of the journey as promised us, for sure.
ASTOUNDING BEAUTY
GEORGIAN BAY FRIENDS How Lucky Are We?
It was pure serendipity to have met two lovely couples as we were docked at a town along the Rideau Canal last year. One of the two happened to own a cottage in Georgian Bay, and offered up the sweetest enticement. “Come for a visit when you pass by next year!” they exclaimed. Never could we have imagined what a lovely time we would share together. We hiked, picked blueberries, shared delicious meals and treats, shopped, and savored wonderful conversations – all in two days! It’s amazing how you can make dear friends for life in an instant, isn’t it? We are eternally grateful, Ken and Mary Lou! 💗
Before our meeting with Ken and Mary Lou, Jeff caught us some small mouthed bass that I cooked in a lemon cream sauce one evening in Indian Harbor. YUM! Nothing fresher! Let’s see what he catches up in the North Channel, soon, too 😉.
Anyway, thanks as always for coming aboard. Hope to see you soon!
