…of shadfly (Ephemeroptera) moults on the water, and some smelly globs along the shore, where thousands and thousands have washed up.
Hard to see in this shot, but windrows of shells in every direction. (This is a sign of healthy water, so actually in the good column.)
However, yesterday, we were moving too fast to notice anything as mundane as shadflies.
…over on south side of the Island, as a small slice of the Art Tour, to Gertha’s Lonely Bay Pottery (next door to Therese’s place). (G’s husband, Chris, is the guy who came sailing with us. )
They do have a nice place, with a Lake Huron view to the west, but it’s hard to beat Mudge Bay.
…out in the open air, on the big deck, because of COVID concerns, (can it still be possible to have COVID concerns?) A group of great neighbors came together today to squarely take on a real threat to the neighborhood from out-of-control short term rentals.
Heavier on the cruise than on the cocktails. From about 5 to 7. Gentle NW wind. Jib and mizzen. Lazy sailing, but sill close to 5 knots from time to time. (It’s hard to make Heliotrope go slow.)
After the morning’s noisy north wind died away the bay went to glass but with a smooth residual swell. Perfect for kayaking.
And perfect for a long paddle far out into the bay. Get way out and then coast and drift and occasionally rock with the swell. Eventually decide you have to return to shore.
Where you can stack rocks with a unlimited supply of raw material.
…followed by damp and chilly morning. So, after a slow start, off to JD Garden Center for a few plants and a little lunch.
Sometimes outings are the thing. On the way home we detoured to Blue Jay Creek Provincial Park, on Michael’s Bay. Not the kind of place that invites you to stay, or calls you to return.
Sunny and pleasant after noon.
…in the waterline.
Having thought through every possibility without finding an answer, today I called the plumber. The solution was simple, and reminded me that false assumptions lead to false conclusions.
I assumed that the system was pressurized from faucet to foot valve, in which case air would have been impossible. However, because of a check valve, the section from pump to foot valve is not pressurized, and as a result, air was being sipped through a stub that used to be used to prime the pump.
Inspired, I watered the tomatoes (nothing planted from seed seems to make it) and took a nice high pressure airless shower.
..as an hors d’oeuvre at Pinebox this evening. Apart from that, a few minor chores and a put-put on board Geode (with its 2.5 horse motor) over around Gray Point to the tall white pine from which a bald eagle often surveys his realm. (No eagle, just crows.)
Sunny and warm, with a strong south wind.
…in a SW breeze 13 to 15 knots. Everything shipshape and Bristol fashion, and all tasks executed smartly. Frequently moving at nearly 7!knots.
…at Purvis Fish and Chips, the latest restaurant to occupy the old Red Roof Tea Room in the pavilion in Gore Bay. Pretty good fish and chips, almost as good as Providence Bay.
On the way home, we diners (us and Pinebox contingent) stopped at the marina for ice creams. Perfect weather for such summertime activities.
…and grackles need to be added to the bird list. Right now a big swarm of grackles is moving through noisily, causing quite a commotion. Are they coming in to roost for the night?
…sail. Took Therese and her friend Chris out for a sail, scheduled some time ago in anticipation of nice weather. What we got instead was gray, chilly, and windy—from the north-east, wind coming straight into the marina. Our exit was not the most graceful, and, while the sail was fun, it was considerable work. After 3 years away from Heliotrope I am obviously a bit out of practice and somewhat out of shape. But, all that will improve.
Below, some of the cottage wildlife observed today. Kids who like slugs (perhaps the twins?) will not be bored.
…after another moderately heavy nighttime rain.
Got out on the water for a bit, after shopping, chores, a trip to the dump…and the bailing.
…in light rain and no wind. Perhaps more accurately described as docking practice and a systems check.
Engine, fresh water pump, bilge pump, radio, and chart plotter—all working. And, it felt good to be on the boat.
Later…
Pier finally finished. Better than ever, and from now on, simpler of installation and removal.
Although, 14 heavy sections will never be angel food cake. Delicious dinner at Pinebox. Perfectly timed, for which we are grateful
Cool in the shade, warm in the sun.
Native blue flag.
According to reports upper Kagawong (around the falls) intensely jammed with tourists, but no hint of that here.
Yes, the griddle is finally working, after a prolonged tussle. When you troubleshoot down to only one possible flaw, chances are good that’s the problem.
Heavy rain last night, so the forest is happy. Calm morning, designed for kayaking.
Neighborhood resident drying out from the downpour.
…so a slow and leisurely start—coffee, NY Times, Washington Post, watching rain spatter on the deck, listening to the theme and variations of rain drops on the metal roof, a little breakfast, another cup of coffee, etc.
Not long after all that the clouds started breaking up.
Eventually, we got busy, and went to the dump.
…well, not exactly. More like a day futzing with water, in this case the recalcitrant Pinebox water system.
…have arrived. And, just as we were beginning work on the water system, a loud and juicy thunderstorm rolled in and sent us scurrying.
Best rain we’ve had in months, and the only real thunderstorm of the season.
Sue outdid herself with dinner, including perfect potato salad, and this plum torte.