Sunday, June 18, 2017

The Tobermory Islands

You may find this post a little boring, but I have been fascinated by the complex of islands off Tobermory since I first visited in 1964.  Besides the clear waters, shipwrecks, shoals and 'wild' atmosphere, the islands themselves have always been there, beckoning.  Unbekownst to us, this boat cruise to Flowerpot followed a route through several of the other islands.

On all my previous trips to Flowerpot we headed right out of the Little Tub Harbour and off to the island, but this time we headed to port, out past Doctor and Russell Islands.

Off to the right you could see the usual straight route to Flowerpot (on the left), as well as the tiny Middle Island, the mainland on the right, and Bear's Rump Island on the horizon.

We headed northwest to the channel between South Otter, North Otter, and Cove Islands, areas I have never seen closely before.  This is the Otter Island Channel; on the left is Northeast Point of Cove Island.
 
As we came out of the channel you could look further to the northwest to see the tall Cove Island Lighthouse.  We`ve passed it closely while on the ferry.

The rocky limestone shoreline and the beautiful colours of the water were stunning.  This is the `Hole in the Wall`on North Otter Island.

Many of the exposed limestone rocks here are covered in a bright orange lichen.

You might be able to follow our route on this chart, turning left out of Tobermory, past the islands over to the easterly point of the larger Cove Island where South and North Otter Islands sit, and then following that purple line straight over to Flowerpot Island.

The Captain turned on the speed, and we crossed the main channel quickly.

Looking past Middle Island you could see Cabot Head in the far distance, nearly 30 km. away.

On this smaller scale chart you can see the distance to Cabot Head all the way across the north end of the Bruce Peninsula, almost straight east of Tobermory.  You can also see the tiny crescent of Half Moon Island out toward the middle of Georgian Bay, which I once visited with my mother in the 1960`s to check out its only inhabitants, the birds.  Just a sliver of limestone 2 or 3 feet above the water.

Shortly, we were round the northwest corner of Flowerpot Island, and could see both Lighthouse Cover and the (annoyingly modern) lighthouse itself, on the far left.  Tomorrow - the Flowerpots.


14 comments:

  1. The colours are beautiful in this set of photos.

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  2. The colours in the water and rocks, lovely. I am always amazed at how water has colour, yet you run your hand through it, and it is clear. What a great trip.

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  3. Do people go fishing out on the water? I"m loving flowerpot island though.

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    1. Look at fishing regulations as much of the area is a fish sanctuary

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  4. Those of us living here in southwestern Ontario are so fortunate to have this whole Bruce Peninsula area so close to us. Lake Huron on one side and Georgian Bay on the other. I've only been to Flowerpot Island once about 20 years ago and it has left a lasting impression in my mind. An Island and an area of myth and magic, a land of enchantment.

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  5. I live relatively close but have never visited Tobermory. Have to rectify that one of these days.

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  6. Hello, beautiful views of the water. The coastline looks gorgeous, nice lighthouse in the distance. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

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  7. Nice! I always enjoy a cruise, whether it's virtual or actual. :-)

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  8. I missed the boring part!! A great narrative and beautiful pictures - love those rock formations!!

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  9. It's a beautiful landscape up there, and looking at the maps, it's not that hard to imagine how dangerous the area can be when the weather turns against you out on the water.

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  10. The water is a pretty color, and the island's rock cliffs very interesting.

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  11. Beautiful scenery. Amazing color of the water.

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  12. I just totally love that fifth shot...I guess it has to do with the colors. (Does Mrs. Furry ever tell you she wishes this or that came in a quilt fabric?} That is what I think of the colors in that shot...

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