Beauty, Storms, and Seeing the World Differently

Through Beauty… But at a Faster Pace

Homeward Bound Day 23

We slipped away from our peaceful anchorage tucked between the islands and made our way toward Killarney. The North Channel is famous for being a place you linger—some people spend weeks exploring its coves and shorelines. Us? We passed through in days. It is beautiful, but my heart just wasn’t there in the way everyone promised it would be. And that’s okay. Sometimes timing changes the magic.

Even so, we didn’t rush blindly through. We made space to notice the moments worth noticing. The historical swing bridge. The gorgeous Strawberry Island lighthouse standing proud against the water. Quiet stretches of scenery that reminded me why people fall in love with this place… even if I couldn’t quite meet it there emotionally this time.

We also received another update on my oldest. She has an appointment in a week, once some swelling has hopefully gone down, so they can finally figure out the true damage to her foot.

Meanwhile, her work is already fighting her WSIB claim and pressuring her to get back, even though she literally can’t bear weight and is on meds that mean she shouldn’t be driving, let alone operating a forklift. Their “solution”? Pay for a taxi and stick her in temporary desk work. Helpful, but also… stressful. So the worry remains.

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Storm Outside, Storm Inside

Homeward Bound Day 24

We tucked safely into a slip in Killarney as the world outside decided to unleash its fury. Rain, wind, a sky full of moods. And honestly? It matched how I was feeling inside. We stayed put. We stayed safe. We rode it out.

Sometimes that’s all you can do.

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Seeing the World From the Water

Homeward Bound Day 25

We slipped off the dock bright and early, chasing the day before it could chase us. Sightseeing on land is one thing, but seeing the world by water feels like getting the secret backstage tour. Everything looks different. Slower. Wilder. More honest somehow.

Georgian Bay greeted us as we carried on toward Lake Huron, and we took a small detour to Flowerpot Island. Yes! The rocks are just as striking and unique as everyone says. But I’ll admit it…I loved the people watching just as much. Watching families explore. Hearing laughter travel across the water. Seeing life happening in front of us instead of worrying about it from far away… it grounded me a little.

We may have rushed the North Channel, but we didn’t completely blaze through blind. I still got to see the swing bridge. I still got my Strawberry Island lighthouse moment. I still got my Flowerpots. And while part of me grieves what we didn’t do, another part gently reminds me that our next home waters will be the Thousand Islands, another beautiful place waiting to be loved. Sometimes you have to stop missing what you thought you’d enjoy and simply appreciate what you did.

We finished the day in Tobermory a beautiful, busy, and very expensive Tobermory.

Everything closed early, which was probably a blessing. No shopping temptations… just an early night and much-needed sleep before a big day ahead.

⚓💙

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July 9 ➜ July 10, 2024

Shanly Island ➜ Killarney

Roque's Marina

43.4 Nautical Miles

635.2 Total NM

July 11, 2024

Killarney  ➜ Tobermory

Tobermory Marina

47.4 Nautical Miles

682.6  Total NM