Monday, July 23, 2012

This morning we weighed anchor at 6:50 AM leaving Indian Harbor heading to Parry Sound – particularly Big Sound Marina.  The early morning forecast for late this afternoon was strong wind and 60% chance of a thunderstorm and we wanted to be secured in a marina.  We also needed to provision and do laundry and catch up on internet activity.  We had to go through the Parry Island swing bridge and arrived there at 10:10 – unfortunately, the bridge only opens on the hour and they were making no exceptions for us or the Leonards who have been traveling with us.  There was nowhere to tie up so we had to mill around the bridge area for 50 minutes till the bridge opened. 

We arrived at Big Sound Marina at 11:20.  It is a small marina with very polite, helpful kids who helped us tie up.  The on-site laundromat was a bit of a disappointment in that there was only one washer and two dryers – both being used.  We learned that the local grocery store, Soby’s offers a free shuttle to shop at their store, so Debbie and I asked the staff to call for us and within 10 minutes we were on our way.  We asked if we could tip “Pete” the driver and he said no, but we could put some money in a jar he kept in the van that was donated to the local Salvation Army so we did that.  When we were through shopping, we asked customer service to contact Pete and he works there and took us back to the marina.  Soby’s is a very fine grocery store and I highly recommend it. The store is well stocked, produce is excellent, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is courteous...and the shuttle is a real plus, as the store is about 5 miles away.  Meanwhile, Ralph and Jay walked into town as Jay wanted to get some things and Ralph had to mail his watch back to LL Bean for repair.

When we got back from shopping, I did the laundry and we were invited to join some fellow Loopers for “happy hour” – Dave and Brenda from “The Old Grouch” and Dave and Barbara from “Hallelujah” – we had met Dave and Barbara last year in FL at the Looper’s Grove Picnic.  We had a nice time chatting with them.  We never got the thunderstorm, but the wind persisted all day and it got quite humid. We have a good television connection here, too.  It was the first time we were able to watch the news in a couple weeks.  Sad to hear about the Colorado shooting and the sanctions on Penn State...sometimes it’s better not to hear the news.   It was a long day, so we’re both looking for a comfortable night’s sleep in the air conditioning!  We plan to stay here another day – I think I need a “Day of Beauty” as Reese would say – relaxing and a pedicure would be very nice if I can find a salon nearby.

South Channel on the way to Parry Sound

South Channel

Famous Henry's Fish House on South Channel

Big Sound Marina at Parry Sound

Some Looper friends at Parry Sound get together for a chat