Lake Ontario
04 June 2016 | Grimsby, Ontario
Tuesday, May 24th - We headed out of Oswego Harbour in sunshine although the wind is still a little cold and on the nose so a motor to Sodus Bay. We tied up at the Yacht Club just like in the old days when we cruised on Lake Ontario. It is still early in the season and many boats are either not launched or don't have sails on yet.
Next morning we headed for Rochester. The weather is improving - its another sunny day and a little warmer. At Genesee Yacht Club they scrambled to find a slip for us - most are too narrow but by lifting our fenders we were able to squeeze in. They are still one of the friendliest clubs on the lake. They said "our house is your house" when Ron asked about the club house. We walked to the grocery and liquor store which is close by.
Thursday we planned to stop at Oak Orchard but it was another warm sunny day and it was still early so we travelled 62 miles to Wilson and docked at Tuscarora Yacht Club. They have renovated their club house adding a beautiful modern kitchen and new expanded washrooms. We spent the wvening chatting with members, two that plan to start the Loop next year.
Friday, May 27th we thought we'd go to Youngstown, NY but the docks were full of members getting their boats ready so we crossed to Niagara-on-the-Lake, called customs and took a dock at the sailing club for the night. I walked to town while Ron cleaned the boat and in the evening we walked back to town for dinner. The weather has been getting warmer and more humid every day.
We left about 9:30 to make our way to Fifty Point, the last 26 miles of this adventure. There were lots of flies - all kinds so it wasn't the best day. We tried to sail but even with the DRS we couldn't do more than 3 knots. We arrived at the gas dock and sitting enjoying ice cream were Dave and Bev! We docked on G dock for a night but next day moved over to D dock just a few slips from where we were. It was. So nice to see everyone here again! It has been 11 years since we have had a boat here - lots of changes and new faces but still many old friends. Colleen, Gord, Abby and Jake joined us for dinner and the next night they came with all four kids and a Welcome Banner the kids made. We have travelled 3100 miles since getting on the boat in November.
So that completes this adventure - we have travelled full circle from here to Georgian Bay and the North Channel, completed the Great Loop and two more trips to the Bahamas for a total of about 15,000 nautical miles! We have been on the boat for 36 of the last 48 months. Now...time for a rest...for us and the boat! We've joined the Yacht Club here and will spend the summer here.