some that I'd like to visit time and time again. Here are a sampling:
Mink Islands - Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
Located roughly a three hour drive north of Toronto, our group departed from Dillon Cove near Parry Sound. The Mink islands have got to be one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. A paradise for those who can venture out the seven miles from shore, these smooth granite islands offer a feast for the eyes and soul. Goodkey Island was our base camp for five days, allowing for more time to relax and explore.
As with all well planned adventures, we took considerable time to take provisions that we'd need. All fresh vegetables and fruit were purchased in Canada the day before. Shopping at White Squall Paddling Centre fulfilled our last miniute outfitting needs including waterproof maps of the area. After we arived at Dillon Cove, we began the ardous task of packing our boats. When we finished, each boat needed three people to carry it to the waters' edge. They sat low, but the added weight helped in stability and maintain forward momentum. Filtered drinking water was pumped from the cool lake instead of taking bottled water.
After paddling seven miles to Goodkey Island, we set up our two camp flys and began unpacking.
All tents and flys were secured to heavy boulders with rope or inner tube bands, as there was little use for tent stakes on the granite rock. At the highest point, we enjoyed our unobstructed,
360-degree view.
The small channel between the islands made an excellent place to harbor our boats on the rocks
Camping in late June coincided with the ripening of blueberries and the blooming of blue flag iris. Lush sphagnum moss and mossy stonecrop filled the cracks between rocks and the edges of small pools of water.
Many forms of life call this home including Loon, geese, crayfish and a variety of snakes.
Food preperation was planned well in advance for every meal, and we all took turns to showcase our skills, yet there was room to improvise along the way...
...especially when white wine made a sauce complete, or when blueberries are available for the pancakes.
On one especially calm and warm day while venturing to the southern islands, we rounded the lighthouse and causally explored the many inlets and shallow bays.
The crystal clear water bekoned for swimming, but we decided to relax a while in the warm sun.
Of the few houses that we saw around the islands, some were quite unusual.
Beautiful lichen spotted the pink granite rocks, in shades of pale green, grey, and orange.
We were fortunate to have breathtaking sunsets and full moons to light our evening skies.
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