Re-tracing our steps to Long Point Cove

August 17-18, 2008

It was easier to find Long Point Cove the second time we visited. We knew that in addition to the the secret password, you also had to release the lever (cleverly disguised as a spike) on the top of Navy Rock to get the entrance to Long Point Cove opened.

There were about eight boats in Long Point cove when we arrived. It surprised us a little as we expected most of the other cruisers to have left the area already. As we later discovered, a few of these hardy souls were just starting their North Channel cruising. In any event, due to the "tight quarters", we dropped anchor near shore and tied to a tree. This reduces the circle that Meridian swings around our anchor in so we don't get too close to other boats. One of the things we've learned on this trip is that most of the North Channel cruisers use more chain than line for their anchors so they have less anchor rode to swing around. Next time we come here, we're going to be adding more chain so Meridian doesn't swing as much.

Having safely set our anchor and tied to shore we took a kayak ride around the harbor. Actually, last year's marathon bicycle rides have evolved into this year's marathon kayak trips and hikes. We kayaked almost 6 miles -- checking out the neighboring Teschereau Bay to see its anchoring potential (somewhat open and exposed but would be nice and scenic in dead-calm weather).




The second morning we were there, a beaver swam to the shore behind the boat and had a breakfast of reeds.

Click on the picture to read the beaver's thoughts ;)

We also took a hike up the bluff that was right in back of our anchoring spot. In addition to great views of the area, we got a good view of the Reuss Lime Company quarry operations. The first time we were here we would hear the quarry operations and think it was either helicopters or thunder. We kept forgetting about the quarry operations. This time, though, there was thunder in the background, too. You can vaguely make out some of the storm clouds building in the quarry picture. We hurried back down the bluff and luckily made it back to Meridian minutes before the rain came.






After the rain came through, the wind picked up a bit. A particularly strong gust blew through the cove and suddenly we noticed we were almost on top of a bunch of rocks. Big, solid, propeller busting rocks. Where did THEY come from ?!? Suddenly tying to shore didn't seem like such a good idea. So we cast off that shore line, let Meridian swing around re-set the second anchor so we'd stay off those rocks and away from the other boats. It's always something!




Undaunted by our little anchoring adventure, we packed up some wine, old newspapers and set off to make a fire in a little fire pit we found in the rocks on shore. While there, the beaver returned for dinner (or dessert?) The beaver didn't seem too thrilled when Phil made fun of his noisy eating habits because the beaver slapped his tail on the water and swam away.


The next morning we took a short hike down the center of the cove. You can hike pretty far along the rocks.















As we left Long Point Cove, setting off to re-visit Turnbull Island, the loons continued to taunt Bernie - staying just out of camera range and laughing like a ... like a ... like a crazy loon!

Long Point Cove

N 46 10.589 W 82 41.321