Sentimental Journey to Bayfield

Today we travelled to Bayfield, a tiny nautical town on the western shore of the Bruce Peninsula that has a wonderful family connection. David's Dad (Uncle Bob) had a Bayfield 29 that he and David sailed in Lake Ontario for many years with Bob's friend and colleague, Pat Whitby. When they could no longer sail for health reasons, my dear friends, Sandra and Michael (from New Brunswick) bought the boat and fulfilled their dream of 10 years in Florida and the Bahamas. I was so fortunate to share some of those journeys. My brother Michael Sheppard also owns a Bayfield and sails in Lake Simcoe.

We had wonderful weather for the 6 hour journey from Sarnia and were assisted into our slip by an obliging owner of the former municipal marina, recently contracted out to private enterprise. We walked into the village with our MEC knapsacks (despite protestations that the owner could drive us), stocked up on fresh provisions, made a fabulous dinner and took Lucy for a walk on the beach before bedtime. She is now curled up peacefully after the stress of having to learn to navigate the step system we use for low docks....2 steps up and then onto the boat....very scary but she is getting more confident all the time. Kind of like Nancy, who is still nervous with the navigation, radio and lines!!!

Nancy studying tomorrow's route once safely docked for the evening.

Our little herb garden with seeds planted to fill the gaps.

Sunset at Bayfield.