We have finally loaded in all our GPS ports and anchorage waypoints into the “Looper Locator” top section of this blog so you can get a Google Earth view of where we have been so far this summer. You’ll notice that we’ve been all over the North Channel east, then west, then east again in a seemingly confused pattern. This is partially true as we are meandering, but we’re also covering the bigger anchorages in the western area before we head east again to the very popular ones. The legendary anchorages (the Benjamins, Covered Portage, and Baie Fin) are pretty full right now with boaters on vacation and we have the luxury of time.
We have crisscrossed the beautiful Whaleback Channel a number of times. It is spectacular on a clear blue sky day as the dark pines, steep granite sloped islands and clear blue water stand out in vivid contrast. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful passages in the world. I think it’s time for another camera next year as my little Nikon CoolPix cannot capture the beauty of this incredible place. Here’s a picture of the “whale” in the Whaleback.
Our destination today is Laurier Island, located east by Little Detroit Narrows and about 2 miles from the town of Spanish. It’s not as scenic as the other islands that we’ve visited but has something very special—great fishing. The island is low and grassy which makes it a magnet for pike and bass. All the locals come here regularly to try their luck, and it was fun to meet them and get more tips on special anchorages. I think it’s time to consider adding fishing gear onboard, but Bob tells me I have to do the gutting. Some boaters anchor their boats here and simply take their dinghies into Spanish for a beer run. There is an island for everyone out here in the North Channel.
Bob may be reluctant to gut fish, but tonight he was a regular Rambo with the outside spiders. It was a cool night with few mosquitoes, so we headed outside fortified with flashlights, fly swatter, paper towels and maybe a little wine. This was a “take no prisoners” raid with me finding the critters with the flashlight and Bob swooping down with the swatter. By the end of the night, we were crunching them with relish with our bare hands and giving a commando hoot as we notched 40 kills on our belts. We are pretty non-violent folks but this was needed to take back OUR boat.
