Stability Limits

The Rat Portage is located about 4.5 kms west of Killarney and links up Killarney Bay with Frazer Bay. The portage is a 200m in length that is split into two lengths split up by a small lake. The neat thing about the portage is that the first length is a lined with conveyor belting which allows the option of dragging a loaded boat along the portage instead of emptying it and doing multiple trips. With a fiberglass boat and limited gear I opted to hoof it carrying the kayak. The conveyor belting was nice to walk on though.... I  met a nice couple on the Frazer Bay end of the portage who gave me a hand with my kayak (I was solo as usual). They had a fold-up double kayak which was nice - high though and probably not good in the wind. They launched into Frazer Bay ahead of me and although it was relatively calm at the launch you could see the white water building in the distance.

I would suggest that you never have weather expectations on Georgian Bay. I experienced the extremes of weather during the summer and fall of 2011. In late July I had the calmest and warmest night ever on the Bay on Lally Island, west of Parry Sound. There was no wind at all evening and night - absolutely bizarre as there is always the afternoon westerlies. I experienced the other extreme during October when I went out in the other extreme (facing the camera) in Gale force winds of over 35 knots just to see if it could be done.

Had a great trip through the Turnbull Island group and then through to the Serpent River. What beautiful weather we had here during September this year. Most interesting site was a bear swimming to an island 3 kms off shore with at least 2 kms of open water to cross to it. I thought I was fairly safe from bears camping on islands ... not any longer.

Just going through some pictures of the Gulf Islands. I toured there back in early July, 2009. Great trip, Extraordinary weather. Loved the scenery and enjoyed the tide challenges. I'll have to go back for a longer visit in a more remote spot next time

I had a great time in the Benjamin Islands last week despite the "back" issues. A beautiful place for sure but its not getting away from the crowds. The Churchhill Islands will be next - less crowded, lots of reefs, and just my place to be.

Just finished reading a book on kayak safety and rescue and decided to update my "throw line" package into a proper "tow line" system. I added a snap buckle to the one end of the rope for quick attachment and release and I also bought a tie-down strap device with a quick release buckle so I can attach the package to my waist. Isn't pretty but works fine. I am confident that when I need it now I will be prepared.