Toronto Islands

Today is the day. We have finally untied from the Port Credit Harbour Marina dock and left off the safety of the home port. We also left our car behind which meant no more quick access to parts and supplies. Leaving was a bit stressful. We were anxious to take off after a week of delay but still it was a bit nerve wracking. GPS didn't work but we quickly found all it needed was new batteries. Thank God that was it. We had major electrical storm right above our heads last night and I quite frankly was worrying about the few electronics we have.

Wind was blowing big time. In fact severe thunderstorm warning was in effect over nearly all GTA so I was quite nervous having to start our trip in these conditions. Our plans were to go only to Ashbridges Bay which was only the other side of Toronto, some mere 13 nm but still... I guess we were just plain nervous to leave it all behind.

There were only handful of boats even though conditions were actually getting much better. Waves were making Johannes a bit sick but otherwise it was a great sailing. While rounding Toronto Islands we came across something very peculiar. Several pilot boats were sweeping the lake with some nets or something else with white buoys every couple of meters stretched between these four or five boats across few miles long. Before we noticed this operation we were going dead head on on these nets. We came about and run away from these tugs but close enough to see if we can squeeze in between them and the shore but it looked pretty tight and we had to keep our distance because they were booting towards us and whole lake was pulverized with waves.

We decided to go in through the islands instead by the way of Western Channel. Had we have the charts we could actually make some half educated decisions on the course of action, but we didn't. I can see you all, my sailing friends tuning your heads with disapproval. Yes I admit it. We are going to Oswego with no charts, just list of GPS positions. We are hoping to buy some used charts from someone heading back or at some exchange in the marina in Oswego. I think I have learned my lesson. With the chart I wouldn't be half as nervous as I was today. All that aside we made nice mooring inside TO islands and at 4:30pm we were already sizzling our favourite chicken fingers.

We also mounted our fishfinder and plugged the boat to the shore power. We decided to take it easy a bit and after some cleanup we laid down. Johannes opened his gift package from Abigail and was blown away by how special it (she?) was, or maybe it was beer he was gulping down making him bit emotional? Either way we would certainly miss our friends and this was just a prelude.

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