Sept 10, Penetanguishene

We transited our last lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway, # 45 at Port Severn, and moved into the Georgian Bay. The first few miles of channels are very narrow and we go slowly with clear skies and cool temperatures.

Linda smiles at finishing the last lock on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

Narrow channel

We start into the wide waters of the Georgian Bay. This is the beginning of the cruising area of the eastern Georgian Bay known for 30,000 Islands. Scenery is very different than what we have seen up to now. There are many almost submerged slabs of granite. Some with trees. Some just barren. It is pretty here.

A granite Island. One of the first of the 30,000 Islands of the Georgian Bay.

More granite islands barely above water.

Unusual sandy beach

We move a total of about 15 miles to the town of Penetanguishene (pronounced Pen-e-tang-ish-ne, also known as "Penetang") and tie up at the Historic Port of Penatanguishene in the middle of the town waterfront. We are docked immediately next to the local sightseeing boat, the GEORGIAN QUEEN.

Approaching Penetang

KOKOMO II at the town dock with GEORGIAN QUEEN returning from a sightseeing cruise.

We take a cab to the top of the hill and explore the main street. There is one large stone church, a few shops, one used bookstore and two small restaurants. Takes about an hour and we see most of the town and walk back down the hill to the boat.

St. Anne's dominates the Penetang skyline.

Downtown Penetang

Capt. Ken's Diner with our very own Capt. Ken.

Restored General Store

Centennial Museum

Other attractions in town are the Centennial Museum which houses early settler artifacts including a birch bark canoe and a 1903 Oldsmobile (unrestored) that was owned by Charles Beck, a local lumber baron, and a Discovery Center featuring live theater and exhibits all summer but it is closed after August 31. Jodie says the name of this town, Penetanguishene, is almost bigger than the town. We agree.