Byng Inlet to Killarney

Our Adventure has continued with a series of gorgeous anchorages including the Bustard Islands and the Bad River, each unique in its attributes. We found a secluded anchorage in the Bustards,

sheltered and beautiful,we spent a leisurely afternoon exploring by dinghy the many shallow coves in this island chain. In the evening, we again boarded the dinghy for a better view of the sunset. A perfectly peaceful place! The Bad River has a tricky entrance that, once inside, opens to a large anchorage at the base of the Devils Door Rapids. People with large outboard motors on small boats were able to run the rapids and explore the area beyond, part of the French River area. We were content to climb to the top of the hill and watch as these attempts were made. We watched a kayak and a canoe come down the rapids, wondering how they got up there. It would have been a steep climb! Our 6 horsepower motor wasn’t strong enough for this, we were satisfied to get as close as possible without loosing control and then enjoy the ride back out again. Further exploration of this area with its rounded pink granite rocks reminded us of vacations on Lake Powell with Leslie’s parents where we would explore down long, slot canyons as far as we could go. Fabulous times there and great memories!

Our departure from Bad River was delayed by strong winds which brought with them five to six foot seas. Our next stop required a 13 mile run in the open water; with those conditions it would have been quite uncomfortable. The wind and waves subsided the next day, we departed early to avoid the afternoon winds which were predicted. The sun peeked out as we departed but no sooner were we through the mouth of the river than the fog enveloped us. We had ¼ mile visibility most of the way to Beaverstone Bay where we again entered sheltered water.Just as we approached the inlet where visibility is critical, the fog lifted. Beaverstone Bay is another gorgeous area which leads to Collins Inlet with its steep, rocky walls. The trees seemed to grow taller there creating dense, lush forests. This trip through Collins Inlet was memorable for the stunning beauty of the area. As we approached Killarney, the gateway to the North Channel, the white quartzite mountains came into view. No stop in Killarney is complete without a meal at Herberts Fisheries for Fish and Chips. Serving daily in July and August from a converted school bus, lunch there was a treat! We will depart tomorrow to begin our exploration of the North Channel.