8/28/2010 MELDRUM BAY, INTO USA AND ON TO DRUMMOND BAY

After Breakfast on the Quest we jumped into the dingy and made a trip to shore. The dock master, Peggy, showed us to the phone that connects directly to Canadian Customs and we were able to check out. Then Peggy gave us a great bird’s eye view of the town.

OLD MELDRUM BAY MARINA OFFICE

There are only 40 full-time residents but they have accomplished much in the last few years. They took over the marina and docks from the Canadian government and are in the process of updating everything. The recently built breakwater was done through much community planning and hard work while La Farge donated all the necessary stone. A perfect example of industry and the public working together for the good of all. The old displaced pier heads were being removed while we were there and the new marina office with a meeting place, laundry and baths is currently under construction. Way to go Meldrum Bay!

NEW BREAKWATER PROTECTING THE HARBOR

WORKING ON REMOVAL OF OLD PIER HEADS

CONSTRUCTION ON NEW MARINA CENTER

We paid a visit at the Meldrum Bay Inn for coffee and Internet hook up. Owners Shirin and Bob Grover greeted us warmly and gave us their story. They have owned the inn for four years, updating and making it their own, and love being where they are. Rooms can be rented year round while lunch and dinner are served during the season. Go to www.meldruminn.com for more information on the inn.

MELDRUM BAY INN

GARDEN MINIATURE OF INN

Where does the day go? By the time we got back to Quest and were out of Meldrum Bay it was 11:30. Crossing the Mississaagi Straights was a wet and windy trip with waves breaking on the helm and winds at 27 knots. Oops, make that gusts to 33 knots. Cool!!

NOTE THE DIGITAL READOUT:  33 KNOT WINDS

By 2:10 we were crossing into USA waters and approaching Drummond Island and by 3:00 we were rounding Hay Point and heading into Potagannissing Bay. This large bay is home to Drummond, our check in point, and numerous islands. Listening to the VHF radio, we discovered the Drummond Island Yacht Haven was a virtual “bee hive” of activity with boats calling for instructions to pull in for Customs clearance. We joined the queue, received our directions and pulled into the fuel dock. We fueled up, pumped out, moved to our docking space and cleared customs.  The customs officer efficiently cleared us back into the country and welcomed us Home. Nice touch.

DRUMMOND ISLAND YACHT HAVEN

I took advantage of their super laundry facilities and had our two loads of linens, towels and clothing done in just an hour. Thanks Drummond Island Yacht Haven for such nice facilities.

That task done, we hopped into the dingy and explored the magnificent bay. On Harbor Island Dan spied a dark mink scurrying along the waterline and later we found this deer grazing in the grasses. The Island is a owned by the Nature Conservancy, to be preserved forever wild.

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

ALERTED DEER

Our sunset was, again, stunning and we marveled at the ever changing sky. Later some folks launched a tiny floating hot air luminary and we all watched it drift up and out of sight. Perfect end to a superb day.

SETTING SUN ILLUMINATING THE SKY

FLOATING LUMINARY