Day 71 July 16, 2011 Day off Georgian Bay – Guest Blog

Guest Blog – Chris Grant

The sun crested the wind-hardened pines and graced the day with her illuminating presence. The Grant camp awoke slowly, savoring the last moments of a restful sleep. A hearty breakfast of mouthwatering omelets, bacon, and fresh fruit was scarfed down eagerly in anticipation of the new day. Indeed, an action packed day would soon follow for all but our beloved runner, who returned to sleep in a vain attempt to rid himself of his unwelcome cold.

Within an hour or two Tom had felled a tree, Jean had lost in chess, the “Immikeshuk” made its first of three appearances, two trips were made to the Ojibway club, a propeller was chipped, and Riley continued his pleasant nap.

The day was still young and more excursions took place- a relaxing kayak (during which a swimming spot was discovered that was described as “straight out of a movie”), many walks about the island, a crushing defeat to Tom in chess, and a light lunch somewhere in between. As we relaxed in the warm, clear Georgian Bay water (Riley now rested and with us) another idea was concocted and swiftly executed. We dropped anchor on a nearby sand bar and, with naught but a Frisbee and our enthusiasm, enjoyed ourselves thoroughly.

Soon our revels were ended. Tom had to depart for the marina and Mike, Jean, and I were left to plan our own way home. We eventually decided on the one option available to us: swim. The swim turned out to be quite pleasant and with the arrival of Derek and Anne we all retreated to the comforts of our porch and engaged in a variety of restful activities including poker, where I am sad to say I accumulated a slight debt to Tom.

An observation was made by Derek and Anne that a large school of fish was to be found by our dock. No sooner had their observation been stated then Tom and Riley took up the rod and reel.  In fact, as I write this they just caught a plump bass, which provoked an argument about whether or not to eat it; ultimately it was put back (to the bass’ – and Jean’s - delight). All have now gathered on the porch to enjoy one another’s company and their cocktails (with the exception of the fishermen) and will soon chat themselves through dinner and into their beds.