Tobermory to Manitoulin - an Ontario treasure!

Tobermory to Manitoulin - an Ontario treasure!

I've always been a kid at heart - something that, methinks, will never change! Since I was knee high to a grasshopper, I've always loved trains and boats and would relish every opportunity to travel on them that my parents would provide. 

Growing up in Essex, England, we would often take the train into Southend-on-Sea for day's outing (much better than riding the bus). This was enjoyable for several reasons; but my real joy was when it was announced that we were going to Gravesend, in Kent, for the day. I was always full of happiness because, not only did I get to ride a train to the very end of the line at Tilbury Riverside, but I would also get to walk through the gate and straight onto the  Tilbury-Gravesend Ferry for the 10- minute ride across the Thames to our destination. The beach wasn't much to write home about in those days, but there was the anticipation of the return journey. Oh, such wonderful memories - especially in the days of steam trains. 

Train comes to a stop at Tilbury Riverside Station - the end of the line
(The station is no longer in use)

Tilbury Ferry

The beach at Gravesend - back in the 1950's

So, what has this got to do with crossing from Southern to Northern Ontario via Lake Huron? 

Earlier this year, I had been booked for a wedding at Laurentian Lodge,  just north of Elliot Lake. A few months later, the opportunity for three, back-to-back house/pet sits came our way. Two of them were repeats, and one was a new venue for us. The only issue was that the wedding was to take place in the middle of the four weeks away. Mark and I talked about it and we agreed that I would return to Elliot Lake for the weekend while Mark would continue to look after the home and animals, and enjoy the swimming pool!

About a week before leaving for our first sit, it suddenly dawned on me that I had a choice - either to go by road and drive all the way to West Lorne via Highways 401, 400, 69, and 17 17, 69, - OR - take the Chi-Cheemaun Ferry across from Tobermory to South Baymouth, on Manitoulin Island. 

The boring, stressful way!

The much more exciting, scenic and restful way!!!

Although no train was involved, I felt the old familiar excitement of taking a ferry - this time, with my own car! 

I had decided that this was going to be my experience and commenced the task of convincing Mark that it was going to be the best route to take!!!  You know - 'traveling on the highways during the holiday period - not so good - more stressful during rush hour'... 'could get a bit tired on the long journey home, and don't want to keep stopping at Timmies and spending more money'... and my masterpiece, 'I've never been on that ferry'!!!  In truth, Mark didn't take much convincing, and I know that he was happier with me doing two 3-4 hour stints of driving with a 2.5 hour rest in between. I was delighted - nay.... ecstatic!!!!

Arriving at Tobermory just over an hour before sailing, I remembered what a beautiful town this is. A few years ago, I had taken my sister and brother-in-law on the Blue Heron Cruise around Flowerpot Island and had loved the boat trip and the stroll around the town after we had returned. It felt good to be here and I spent about half an hour walking alongside the dock, with the moored boats bobbing gently up and down. It was a hot, sunny day with few clouds and the spectacle coaxed out my camera. 

From the boat launch, Tobermory

The inlet from Lake Huron, Tobermory

Returning to the car ready for boarding, I watched as the adjacent lanes emptied themselves of the lined up vehicles. Then is was my turn, and I actually became excited as I started to slowly inch forward onto the ferry, guided by the experts up a ramp for smaller cars. 

Boarding the ferry

Going up the ramp

Parked!!

There she is, safely on top!

There was little room for maneuvering past the parked cars, but within minutes I was on the upper deck, surveying the scene from above. 

Watching the cars load from the deck

I was pleasantly surprised by all the facilities on board - and they even announced that there would be entertainment on one of the decks - though wasn't sure what form it took as I wanted to take in the fresh air and sheer pleasure of the wind rushing by as we crossed Lake Huron. 

Lots of facilities on the ferry

Bar lounge 

Informaton Bureau on board

This man asked me if he would now be famous!

On two different deck levels, there were several Muskoka chairs which were snatched up by those who boarded early - and there were many benches to choose from, as well as the lounge area in the lower deck.

Wonderful way to relax for 2.5 hours!

At one point, a gentlemen vacated his Muskoka chair and I asked him if he was leaving. An affirmative answer added to my delight as I was now able to sit in comfort while enjoying the breezy crossing, with an unfettered view of the lake. 

Got my own chair!

At one point, looking towards the west from my side of the deck, all I could see was water - and it crossed my mind that this was rather like it would be on a cruise. (See the pic at the top of the blog). (Neither Mark, nor I, have been on a cruise - but it is on our ever-increasing bucket list). 

After about an hour or so, I decided to leave the chair to the next lucky person and stroll around the deck. Looking eastward, there was a continual view of near or distant land masses to remind this would-be sailor that we were not actually at sea. 

Gradually, the land mass that is the huge island of Manitoulin drew closer and I could see the beginnings of South Baymouth - the ferry's destination. 

Manitoulin Island in sight 

The entry to South Baymouth, Manitoulin (on the left of the pic)

Before I could get a decent photo, we were called back to our vehicles. It was while I was sitting in the car, waiting for the ship to dock, that I felt the gentle lull of being on water. It had been a smooth crossing and now, just a few minutes later, I was moving again, finally alighting onto familiar territory - back home in Northern Ontario, with its rocks, trees, and lakes that we have come to love so much.

For me, it was well worth the longer travel time and the great thing is... I get to make the return trip tomorrow!!! Lucky me!

The colourful, first-nation designed chimney on the Chi-Chemaun

Note: Chi-Chemaun means 'big canoe' in Ojibway.