Day 73-74. 2nd year. August 2-3. On to The Benjamin Islands. Mile 11 and 2 miles. Total 3682

 Woke to a hazy morning.  Half the boats left and we could see more of the shoreline.  We spent the night next to a small sandy beach and a beaver lodge.  Still no beaver!  I can see why this island is a favorite anchorage with the locals, clean water for swimming, a nice beach and two fire rings.  The Canadians like to join other boaters on shore for a evening fire.

We weighed anchor and left Louisa Island heading further north along the Main Passage toward the Benjamin Islands.  The Benjamins are an archipelago of islands that look like a swirl in the upper left corner on the chart.  This is one of the favorite anchorages in the area.  We hope to find a spot!

The Benjamins distinguish themselves from the other islands in the area by their pink granite and cliffs, and their dinghy exploring and hiking trails.  More rocks to climb!!

We went past several islands as shown on the chart above and turned into the channel along Secretary Island to enter the circular bay formed by the North and South Benjamin, Croker and Fox Islands which are on the far left side of the chart above.

We anchored between North and South Benjamin Islands along with 25 other boats, many rafted together.  Luckily some boats left earlier so we could steal their spot!  Seems we timed our arrival just right.

After lunch, we launched the dinghy to explore South Benjamin Island.  Found a spot to land the dinghy and hiked up the granite slope to the top of the ridge.

We walked along the top of the ridge on the southwest side of the island.

Great Views of the channel we used to enter the islands and the anchorage.

Bill felt the need to try his hand at throwing rocks into the deep ravine and small cove below.  He was successful in hitting the water on all four tries.

We followed the markers we left on the rocks so we could easily hike back out and off the ridge.  No trail markers here!

                             Look closely for Bill at the top of the rock in his victory pose!!

Successfully made it back to the dinghy and took a quick tour of the anchorage in the dinghy.  We stopped by another Looper boat, Escape, to invite them over for drinks and cards.

By 4:00, we were joined in the anchorage by 15 more boats.  Pretty popular anchorage!!!

Day 74. 2nd year. Lay day in the Benjamins. Move to Croker Island.  2 miles. Total miles 3682

With predicted rain and shift of wind, we opted to leave the North and South Benjamins

 to move to Croker Island for a more protected anchorage. 

We traveled all of two miles to find 7 boats tied to shore in the anchorage and enough space for us to anchor.  

Waiting out the weather, we did cruise planning and made reservations for Michigan.  Seems like Michigan is so far away but it is only 80 miles from where we are as the crow flies.

After the weather cleared, we launched the dinghy and landed on Croker Island.  Bill found out how slippery the rocks can be as he tried to secure the dinghy to shore.  Oops, he got wet!

We followed the trail to the top of the cliff.

There were sone great views of the Main Passage Channel and the anchorage.

This is typical of the ridges that we hike on.

Of course , Bill is first to the top!!!