Homecoming – Part 6

20150627_092651
Killarney Airport

We had a short trip to Little Current so we weren’t in a big hurry to leave Killarney. We ate a leisurely breakfast aboard, watched the wildlife and even saw an airplane take off. Eventually though, it was time to go, so we cast off the dock lines, backed out (making sure no aircraft were coming) and headed out the narrow channel for Little Current.

P1000907
Giant rocks form islands

Leaving the beautiful channel we found a wonderland where rocky islands jutted up from the bottom in crystal clear water. Of course it’s the submerged rocks you really have to watch out for, but with water so clear you can see the bottom 15 feet below, the main problem is convincing yourself how far below the surface some of them are. We carefully threaded our way along our planned course while keeping an eye out for any obstacles.

P1000918
Strawberry Island Lighthouse

We were in no hurry at all, so we enjoyed the circuitous route to our destination. As we approached the swing bridge at Little Current we realized that we would just miss the opening, so we had a bit of time to kill while waiting for the next scheduled opening. Kristi got in some low speed steering practice while we meandered in the area, admiring the Strawberry Island lighthouse, until it was time to queue up for the bridge. The approach channel is very well marked and we idled up a little ahead of schedule, not wanted to miss it a second time.

P1000928
Little Current swing bridge
20150627_180025
At least we have good engine access

As the bridge swung open for us, Tom throttled up and Perky, our diesel, died. Luckily what little wind and current we had was with us, so we slowly drifted through the bridge while trying to restart. We had plenty of room, and Kristi took the helm with her only goal being to keep us off the hard stuff. Tom worked frantically to refire the diesel but all she did was crank. We realized that the town seawall was a good destination and Tom started to get the dinghy out of the davits to side tow us in. Just then a friendly power boater offered a tow, and with his help we were able to coast up to the seawall and tie up for the night.

Once tied up to the Little Current Town Dock, Tom got out the wrenches and worked at troubleshooting the engine… again. After a calming phone call from a diesel mechanic friend, who reminded him to stick to the basics, we got Perky running again.  We ran her up to full power, straining at the dock lines, with no sign of trouble. With both of us tired from a combination of travel, exertion and stress, we wandered into town and found dinner at the excellent Anchor Inn Grill.

We went to sleep that night tired but with plans to see the The Benjamin Islands the following day. Pearl Lee and Perky had other plans.

Continue to Part 7

LaSalle - Racine

Leave a Reply