Ben, Dana, and RJ blog about cruising and trailer-boating with a baby (now toddler) aboard our Four Winns 268 Vista, Seapickle II. Explore our Trip Logs for more on our adventures boating Lake Michigan (Michigan, Indiana, Illinois & Wisconsin coasts), the North Channel of Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, inland lakes, and more! Thanks for joining us.
Day 7: Thursday, July 21st - Covered Portage Cove to Killarney
Sportsman's Inn, George Island side
We parted ways this morning with our friends Kurt and Beth on Petry's Pet, as they headed back west and we moved forward toward Georgian Bay. As we looked at the radar though, we got a little nervous about the impending storm... and ultimately decided to head to Killarney to tie up on a dock. Without the baby aboard, we may not have made this decision, but we were playing it safe on this trip!
Storm clouds move in
Meanwhile down in the cabin... RJ is just chillin and watching Blaze (and the Monster Machines)
The storm passed pretty quickly without really amounting to much, but we had already paid for overnight dockage, so we decided to make the most of the day at dock! This was our first time staying on the George Island side of Sportsman Inn Marina, and we enjoyed the peacefulness. :-)
Storm? What storm?
Ben doing some fishing off the dock at Sportsman Inn Marina
Lunch at Herbert's - Fish and Poutine yummmmmm
RJ trying some Herbert's - I think he liked it!
This was our first time eating at the new Herbert's restaurant! It was nice to have a place to eat indoors (it was pretty hot that day), but we definitely missed the old schoolbus! We were lucky to get there at an off time, so there weren't many people there and we were able to get a table indoors.
We otherwise had a pretty quiet day exploring and napping, and saving up our energy for more adventures to come!
Seapickle Crew with Seapickle in the background - Covered Portage Cove
Day 6, Wednesday, July 20, 2016: Killarney to Covered Portage Cove - arrived 1:30pm
I'm going to let the photos do most of the talking for Covered Portage Cove! This is one of our favorite anchorages, and we've spent a few days here before on previous trips. What that means for us is we feel comfortable enough to just get right down to relaxing and enjoying the anchorage! We got out the SUP - an inflatable Jimmy Styks Stand Up Paddleboard - check them out here www.jimmystyks.com. Later we hopped in the dinghy with Kurt and Beth and hiked the trail to the top, with great views of our boats and the anchorage. RJ did great in the hiking backpack - it's an Osprey Poco Plus - find out more here.
Dana on the paddleboard - covered portage cove
Seapickle crew on the (borrowed) dinghy - photo by Kurt on Petry's Pet
Co-captains Ben and RJ hiking at Covered Portage Cove
We arrived in Killarney in the early afternoon and checked in at Killarney Mountain Lodge for the night. We arrived just in time to shower and dress for dinner at the new/updated restaurant at the lodge. It was our first time there, but I believe the updated restaurant is a little fancier than before. (So in boater terms, that means we actually showered and dressed in our best nautical wear) :-)
Entrance to Killarney Mountain Lodge
Nautical family fireplace photo :-)
We had been prompted to make reservations for dinner when we called to reserve a slip, so I was able to reserve a table for us and for our friends Kurt and Beth. We had a wonderful dinner, and Captain RJ had his first taste of fresh caught Whitefish!
The baby captain trying whitefish
Ben and RJ at dinner at Killarney Mountain Lodge
After dinner we walked the town and got some ice cream (of course), and just enjoyed being able to show RJ the sights! Although it stays light out later than we're used to, RJ still went down for bed at his normal time, and we were able to have some time to ourselves (with the baby monitor nearby). :-)
Admiral mama and baby bundle on our dock
Enjoying the full moon and some drinks with the baby monitor nearby
The next morning, I was ready to leave the boat when I noticed everyone staring... An otter was hanging out eating a fish right behind our boat! After I closed the door (truthfully it kind of freaked me out), it was sooooo cute!
Ben, Kurt, and Beth taking photos from the dock
Cute lil otter close up
After lunch at Herberts, for RJ's second taste of Whitefish and first taste of poutine, we headed out for another night or two at anchor at Covered Portage Cove... one of our favorites! Check back for the next post soon!
Captain RJ and First Mate Ben leading us out of Killarney
