Nautical Miles, Sweet Treats, and a Missed Hello

Heat Haze and a Missed Hello Homeward Bound — Day 26

We slipped away from Tobermory bright and early, beginning our Lake Huron chapter on the Canadian side. Sadly, these days have been far more motoring than sailing. The winds have been stuborn, refusing to show up when we need them most. The heat wave didn’t help either; miserable on land, bearable on the water, but still thick enough to make the horizon blur. Between the haze and the non-so-quiet engine rumble, it felt like we were moving through a dream.

Despite it all, we made good time to Kincardine. It was bittersweet, though. We’d originally added Kincardine to our plans hoping to visit Tom’s big brother. But somewhere along this journey we stopped sailing to a schedule and started sailing to weather windows instead. By the time we arrived, he was away visiting his son in the States. Right decision for the boat… but the heart still stung a little.

That evening, the marina wrapped us in calm. Then, out of nowhere, the sound of bagpipes drifted across the marina. At first, we assumed there was some special event happening in town. Instead, we were quietly being welcomed into something much more magical.

Hot Chocolate, Street Music, and a Phantom Piper

Homeward Bound — Day 27

Before we left, we had to step into “Tom's big brother stomping grounds” and experience one of the cafés he always talks about. So we treated ourselves to hot chocolate and sweet goodies, then wandered through town where a street party was unfolding, music floating through the air, people laughing, shop windows glowing. It felt so good to simply be for a bit.

That’s also when we learned the magic about those mysterious bagpipes. Every summer evening, as the sun sinks, the Phantom Piper plays at the lighthouse. No big fanfare, no spectacle, just tradition, beauty, and soul. Suddenly, it made perfect sense why this place has such a hold on Tom’s big brother. It really is special here.

With a mixture of gratitude and quiet sadness, we slipped away from enchanting Kincardine and made our way to Goderich.

Somewhere along the way we slowed down to take in something completely unexpected and honestly, pretty fascinating; the Goderich salt mine. From what I’ve read, it’s the largest underground salt mine in the world, owned by Sifto. Seeing the operation from the water, knowing all of that activity was happening deep beneath the lake, was strangely mesmerizing. One of those quiet “wow, the world is pretty incredible” boating moments.

Early Starts, Long Miles, and Quiet Determination

Homeward Bound — Day 28

We left Goderich before sunrise, chasing a long day toward Sarnia. For a brief, glorious stretch we actually sailed — sails full, boat happy, hearts lighter. But Lake Huron didn’t hold that gift for long, and before we knew it we were back to motoring again. Since we left Lake Michigan, true sailing days have been rare treasures.

And speaking of Lake Michigan… I’ve missed the lighthouses desperately. I fell completely in love with them there. Each one felt like a guardian, full of character and story. Canada, I love you deeply, but we need more lighthouses. I feel a little cheated without them greeting us into every harbour.

Truthfully, there hasn’t been a lot of “wow” or “wonder” on this stretch of water. But there has been purpose. Every nautical mile brings me closer to my girlies. Every sunrise passage, every quiet evening tied to a dock, every long day on the water is one step closer to home. We’ve been gone nearly two months now. Life aboard Agra2 has been easier and more natural than I ever imagined… and yet the pull of home is strong.

I can love this journey and still ache to be with the people I love. Both can be true. ⚓💙

No room to spare, challenging personal space on the water

---

July 12 2024

Tobermory ➜ Kincardin

Kincardin Marina

750.3 Nautical Miles

 Total NM

July 13, 2024

Kincardin  ➜ Godrich

Maitland Valley Marina

38.7 Nautical Miles

789  Total NM

July 14, 2024

Godrich  ➜ Sarnia

Sarnia Yacht Club

59 Nautical Miles

848  Total NM