2001LaborDay

The Plan....

Head west! Once again we decided to take to the water and spend a week cruising on the Lady Jane with our good friends, Dave and Jean and their boat, the Kaleen Plus Two.

Our voyage this time will take us to the ports of Port Dalhousie, Port Credit, and Toronto.

Day 1 - Friday, August 24th.
We arrived at the Lady Jane at around 4pm. We were going to leave tonight and head to the port of Olcott, about 50 miles west of Braddock Bay. Jane had cooked a wonderful dinner of barbeque ribs and fixins, which we planned to have upon arrival in Olcott. However, the wind did not cooperate, a stiff northeast breeze scuttled our plans to leave. So we decided to enjoy the night dockside with Dave and Jean. The dinner was delicious, and we had a nice evening playing games and discussing our trip after dinner. We all settled in at around 11, with plans to leave at 7am on Saturday.

Day 2 - Saturday, August 24th.
We awoke at around 6:30 to clear skies and no wind. Great cruising weather! After a pot of coffee and a light breakfast, we were soon underway. The lake had some left over rollers from the night before, but other than that, nice and calm. With the Lady Jane leading the way, we settled into a 19 knot cruise with the Kaleen.

About 20 minutes into our voyage, the Lady Jane's radio crackled to life.. "Houston, we have a problem" It was the Kaleen. Dave informed me that his trim tabs were dead, and he was having a hard time balancing the boat without them.   After a short conference, we decide to take refuge at Oak Orchard creek and try to diagnose the problem. Oak Orchard is a nice deep water port. Not much in the way of facilities, but there are several marinas and a beautiful state park. We pulled into the state park, there are about 5 or 6 small floating fingers to tie up to. While Dave and I tried to get his tabs working, Jane and Rob took the sea dogs for a walk.
After about an hour of trying everything to get the tabs working, we gave up. Dave phoned the marina he bought the boat from for advice, they informed him to take it to a marina nearby and get it fixed. A phone call to the marina across from us and we find out there is no mechanic on duty. The heck with it - Dave decides he will press on and will try to get it fixed when we reach Port Dalhousie.

We are soon back on the water - what a day. Bright sunshine and calm seas.
The Port of Olcott is soon in sight. We both pull in for fuel, the town of Newfane runs a gas dock with great prices - $1.65 per gallon. The Lady Jane takes on about 60 gallons, while the Kaleen does about 40.

Back out on the Lake, we set course for Dalhousie. Our trip today takes us around the mouth of the Niagra River, Fort Niagra greets us as we pass. We see a few ships now heading to the Welland Canal and then onwards to Lake Erie. We pass the mouth of the canal and Port Dalhousie is in sight. We raise the marina on the VHF and get slip assignment. Unfortunately, one of the slips is occupied - a squatter! Dave ties up at an end dock and goes in to get another slip. I get the Lady Jane berthed, the wind had picked up by this time and my docking was not pretty. A near miss of the sailboat in the slip next to us and we are secured. The Kaleen ends up in the slip behind us, and we both go ashore to phone customs. (we are in Canada!)

Once we are checked in, the pooches go for a walk with Rob while we check out the facilities. Dave and I visit the marine store in hopes of getting his trim tabs looked at.
This is a private marina, something of a rarity on the Canadian side of Lake Ontario. Most marinas on Lake Ontario in Canada are run by a municipality. The owners have done a great job here. The grounds and facilities are impeccable. Dockage is $1.25 per foot, plus a $35 deposit for the dock/restroom key card.

After relaxing with a few cold ones, the girls are soon ready to go into town. Dave tells us we must visit Bugsy's, a local bar with a specialty of "fried pickles". Yes, they deep fry dill pickles! It is about a mile hike (all uphill) to Bugsy's, so we are all ready to eat by the time we get there. Jane, Rob, Kyle and Dave all went ga-ga over the pickles. Jean and I were not impressed. Some foods just weren't meant to be fried! We did enjoy a lot of other bar snacks with a pitcher of beer, the crew was happy.
Upon our return to the boats, Rob took Dave and I out for a dinghy tour. We found there is a wall you can tie up to that puts you right in the center of town..we will have to check this out on our next voyage here. However, the sun is just about down now, so we race back to the boat just as night settles in. Jean, Rob, Kyle and Jane all play some games aboard the Lady Jane, while Dave and I go and play with the wiring on his trim tabs (no luck) and watch a movie aboard the Kaleen.
We all turn in at around 11 - a long day of cruising behind us.

Day 3 - Sunday August 26th
The plan today was to cross the lake to Port Credit. This is about a 30 mile trip. After enjoying a complimentary breakfast in the Marina Clubhouse, we checked the forecast. Not good - winds increasing to 25 knots, 3 to 6 foot waves. However, the winds weren't supposed to increase until about noon, since it was only 9am, we figured we could shoot across now. Dave was still concerned about his trim tabs, so he decided to stay in port for another day for repairs.   The Lady Jane will be on her own for today's crossing.

We left Port Dalhousie under gray skies and a 10-15 knot Southwesterly. Once underway, the winds did indeed increase. We started taking spray on the bridge at about 15 miles out. Waves were running about 2-4 feet, but it was difficult handling the boat since they were hitting us from abeam and astern. I really had to work the throttle to keep us from wallowing. Jane stayed below and secured all the things that began to move around in the cabin due to the rolling of the boat. Our gas usage for the crossing was high, I esitmate we burned close to 40 gallons to cover the 30 miles of open water.

We made port in about 1 hour 45 minutes. As we approched the entrance to Port Credit, we were amazed to see all manner of race boats zipping back and forth. It seems we had arrived just in time for an Offshore Powerboat race. Wow talk about noise! A patrol boat ushered us around the marked track and into the river where we radioed Port Credit Village marina for slip assignment. We were very lucky to get a slip, most of the marina was set aside as a "wet pits" area for the race boats. The rest of the day was spent watching the races and the boats. Rob and I took the dinghy out to get a closer look, unfortunately, we got soaked as the rain started in earnest as soon as we got on the lake. Two of the F-2 series boats got into an accident, we watched one power in with it's foredeck all tore up. The second wasn't so lucky and it submerged and turned turtle. The officials towed the capsized boat in to shallow water while the races continued. We got to see them use a crane to lift the boat out of the water later in the day. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

The sun came out at around 5 pm, and we enjoyed a delightful evening of relaxing and watching the sights of Port Credit. Kyle's father, who lives in Toronto, picked Kyle up so it was just the three of us and the two dogs left to enjoy the nice night.

Day 4 - Monday, August 27th.
We awoke today to warm sunny skies. Looks like a nice day in store for us. After coffee and a light breakfast, we walked into Port Credit for provisions and to check out the Marine Store. Port Credit is a great place to spend time since everything is within walking distance. There is a No Frills supermarket, a LCBO and of course plenty of restaraunts. The marina is always clean, the attendants friendly and there are big security gates on the docks to keep out people who shouldn't be there. We always enjoy our stay here, we think it is one of the nicest ports on the lake.

The Kaleen pulled into port at around 1 pm. Dave and Jean got a slip right next to us, by this time the marina was empty since the race ended on Sunday. We enjoyed an hour or so with them discussing our voyages. Dave got his trim tabs fixed, it turned out to be bad wiring of his D.C. electrical system from the factory.

Around 2, Jane's parents, who live close by, came down for a visit. We took the Lady Jane out for a slow cruise towards Toronto with them as our guests. Calms seas and sunny skies were the order of the day. Wonderful!

We returned to the marina at around 4 and had a drink together before they departed for home. We finished the evening with a barbeque and the good company of our friends, Dave and Jean.

Day 5 - Tuesday August 28th
BOOM! We awoke at around 5 am to the sound of a massive thunderstorm. Uh-oh - Captain Ron had left the bridge uncovered! I scrambled to get my pants on and then out the door in the pouring rain I went. I laughed when I saw Dave aboard the Kaleen scrambling to get his canvas up as well. I think we both got our canvas in place in record time. Not bad, considering not only was it pouring out, it was still pitch black!

After a few more hours of sleep, the crew awoke for business at around 8 am. We had a great breakfast aboard the Kaleen, Dave made the bacon and eggs while Jane whipped up a whopping plate full of rye toast. What a way to start the day!

When everyone was done and cleaned up, Dave, Rob and I took a walk into shore. The girls had provided us each with a list of groceries to pick up, and I wanted to buy a fishing license as well. We found the license at a marine electronics store that also sells all manner of fishing equipment. Neat place, worth a visit if you are in town. Next stop was the LCBO - gotta get some more beer and wine! Finally we stopped at the No Frills store to get the groceries.

After we had everything stowed, we decided that we would leave port soon and head to Toronto. Specifically, we wanted to get a spot on the wall at Hanlans point, which tends to fill up rather quickly on the holiday weekend. So at around 1 pm, we bid Port Credit village farewell. Our first stop, however, was to get fuel. You have to go to the marina next door to get gas. I put $100 (cdn) in Lady Jane, this would be enough to get us to Toronto and back to Olcott where fuel was cheaper. Fuel here was .79 per liter (which figures to about $2.10 per gallon with the exchange)

We arrived at Hanlans Point at around 2:30 and found a great spot on the wall. Both of our boats are facing the skyline of Toronto - a beautiful view. Hanlans Point is a on the western end of the Toronto Islands. For boaters there is a long wall that can accomodate around 100-200 boats. The whole area is a park, and there is a beach about 200 yards from the boats. The beach is clothing optional, I'll tell you more about that later! This is a great spot for boats of all sizes. Some people come in smaller boats and set tents up on shore, which is permitted. Dockage here is $1.00 per foot Canadian. There is 30 and 15 amp power, restrooms and showers. You can buy ice on the island, but come well stocked with food and beer, since you will need to take a ferry into the city if you run out of anything. The ferry to the city is free, but you have to pay $5 for the return trip.

We enjoyed the rest of the day hanging out and relaxing. We found our friends, Rick and Cathy and their boat "Side Kick" tied up on the wall. They had been here for a few days and were also enjoying the nice weather and peacefull surrondings. We also ran into our friends on the "Sea Free", who we first met on our trip to Cobourg over Memorial day.

Day 6 - Wednesday August 29th
Ahh the boating life...we awoke today to another brilliant day. Our biggest decision today was to decide what to eat for dinner! We had another gut busting breakfast with the crew of the Kaleen, sometimes I think we ate more for breakfast than for dinner. Bacon, eggs, french toast, orange juice and coffee. No complaints about the food on this trip!

After breakfast and cleanup, we spent the rest of the day just relaxing. Jane and Jean spent some time on the beach, Rob and I did some fishing. We caught alot of small bass, but nothing big enough to keep.

Around 5 pm we had an impromtu coktail hour with Dave, Jean, Rick and Cathy. This turned into a nightly tradition on the Lady Jane. Everyone enjoyed our new cocktail of the month - Sparkling Pink Grapefruit soda with vodka. After dinner, we played Rummikub with the crew of the Kaleen until about midnight. A perfect ending to a perfect day!

Day 7 - Thursday August 30th
Thursday already! We have been aboard for almost a week now and everything has been great . The nice thing about staying on a boat in a place like Hanlans is that you really do start to lose touch with the outside world. Things that used to be important at home, like watching the news and going to work seem insignificant now. The park around us has become our santuary, we spend hours just talking, relaxing, watching the squirrels run around.

Around 2, some of our dockmates from Braddock Bay pulled in. Lucky for them, there was just enough space for them to tie up in front and behind us. The wall was just about full now, everyone is getting ready for the holiday weekend. After they were secure, we spent a few minutes chatting with them. Dale and Wendy of Wendal's Playpen and Bill and Kathy (can't remember the name of their boat) both made the trip today from Braddocks. They both have new 24' boats, Dale has a Chapparel and Bill has a 2355 Bayliner. They told us that the crossing was great. Light winds and calm seas.

Later in the day, we take the ferry to the city for a dinner away from the boat. Dave and Jean treat us to dinner at one of their favorite resturaunts, Marche. This resturant is fashioned after a European open market. You go from area to area and pick what you want to eat. Be prepared - there are ALOT of choices! Everything from quail to pasta to fresh seafood. All of it is cooked to order right in front of you. Took me about 45 minutes to decide what to get!

We returned to the boats later that evening by ferry - very nice ride with the city aglow behind us. After a few games of Rummikub, we called it a night at around 11.

Day 8 - Friday August 31st
Rainy today. However, we can't complain since the weather had been just fabulous so far. Our plan today is to take the ferry into the city to meet Janes's friend, Marg, for lunch. We left for the city at around 10:30, by this time the rain had stopped but it was overcast. Marg works at the University of Toronto, we had to take the subway and a streetcar to get there. We met Marg and walked a few blocks to a small resturant. Nobody remembers the name of it. but it was ok. Jane had a nice pasta lunch, I had a roast beef sandwhich which I thought was only so-so.

After lunch we took the subway to Yonge street and id some shopping. We went to the Worlds Biggest Bookstore (yep, that is the name of it!) and then off to Eaton center. I didn't find anything of interest,but Jane was loving every minute of it! A few hours of this and I was shopped out. We made one last stop at the LCBO to replenish our wine and beer supply and it was back to the boat.

Around 7pm, one of Jane's old friends, Tom, came by ferry to visit us. We took him over to the beach and enjoyed a spectacular sunset over the city. This was the first time I had met Tom and we found we had alot in common - we both love our beer! We enjoyed a relaxing evening talking and drinking on the bridge of the Lady Jane, with the lights of Toronto in front of us. Tom took off at around 10 to catch a ferry home.

Day 9 - Saturday, September 1st.
Airshow! Today is the big Toronto Air Show. The weather has taken a turn to the cool side, it was in the low 50's when we awoke, with an expected high of only 65 or so. But it was crisp and sunny, great weather to view the show.
Rob and I did some more fishing this morning, we still haven't caught anything big enough to eat, much to Dave's dismay. Oh well - maybe next year, Dave!

Today we finished up the last of our eggs, bacon and breakfast goodies. But that was fine, since we are planning on leaving tomorrow morning.

I took Jane for a dinghy ride around the islands after breakfast. There are all sorts of small channels and low bridges that you can only explore in a dinghy or small boat. I even took Jane to that "special" area of Muggs island which Dave had christened "TTYC" All manner of decrepit and derelict boats can be found here, most with people living on them! There was one very unique houseboat so covered with flowers and hanging plants that the boat was barely visible beneath them.

By the time we got back to the Lady Jane, the show had already started. The US Thunderbirds were there, as well as the Canadian Snowbirds. But the girls insist that the best show was not in the air but on the beach - yes, the "clothing optional" beach! As you can imagine, most of the clothing-less people were men. Some of these men went to extreme lengths to "express" themselves. There was one older gent who really wanted to be noticed - his "privates" had every manner of gold chain, earrings and trinkets dangling off it. And yes, most of it was held on by piercings. Ouch!

Anyway, back to the AIR show - we did have a great time watching it. We all lined up our beach chairs and used our binoculars to get a great view of the planes. It lasted for about 2 hours - it was neat to see the F-16's and other jets zooming overhead at tree top level.

We had a pasta dinner tonight with Dave and Jean aboard the Lady Jane. The food and wine was all just superb. Kyle arrived back from vacation with his father later night. After dinner and drinks we spent the rest of the night talking and playing games with our good friends. We will miss this spot when we leave tommorow..

Day 10 - Sunday September 2nd
Today we say goodbye to Toronto and Hanlans Point. The weather forecast is for light winds and fair seas. With no real urgency to leave, we spend a leisurely morning getting the vessels ready for the long trip back home. It will be about a 95 mile run for us today. We will first cross to Olcott, about 45 miles, and then follow the shoreline to Braddocks, about 50 miles.

We depart at around noon, with the Kaleen heading the way across the Lake. We have smooth seas until we are about 10 miles outside of Olcott, a stiff offshore breeze brings us a brief spell of 1-3 foot waves. Kallen and Lady Jane both take on some fuel at Olcott and we are back underway for the final leg home. One word of advice - try to avoid Olcott on a holiday weekend! There were wall to wall boats here getting gas, launching and generally just clogging up the creek. We were happy to get out of there!

Braddock Bay awaits our arrival, we pull into our slips at around 5:30. We spend our final night of our trip celebrating our successful voyage. Dave, Jean, Rick, Kathy, Jane, and I all have a pot-luck dinner with our leftover food in the Yacht Club clubhouse.

Another great trip on the Lady Jane is over.