My primary goal this summer was to keep the calendar clear to accommodate my cataract surgery and once the dates were set, the next item on the agenda was to ensure we arrived at the hospital in southern Ontario on schedule. (My right eye surgery was set for August 3.) The forest fires, especially the Parry Sound 33 fire, were worrisome, so we opted to take the Chi-Cheemaun ferry from South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island to Tobermory.
But prior to boarding the ferry we stopped at one of our favourite places on Manitoulin Island - Ten Mile Point. The views are stunning and the gift shop is always a treat.
The 1:30 departure of the Chi-Cheemaun from South Baymouth was booked to capacity and as is always the case (at least for us!) there was an excitement in the air while everyone boarded.
From there we headed up top - along with the majority of the other passengers - to enjoy the departure.
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| South Baymouth |
I managed to convince John that we needed a selfie with the promise he could enjoy the rest of the journey worry free!
We stayed two nights in Kitchener at a lovely Airbnb within walking distance of the hospital. And I'm thrilled my right eye is now cataract free.
On the return trip home, we opted to drive via Hwy 69 (our only option, actually) and at French River we could smell smoke as the fire was only five kilometres away from the highway. Fortunately, the wind carried the smoke westward out onto Lake Huron and the region has had some much needed rain showers since.
Upon our arrival home we were greeted by the raccoon family. They were looking for food and while we agree they are adorable we're determined not to feed wild animals. Although, these guys were far from wild!
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| View from our bedroom window |
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| One of the kits climbing our patio door screen |
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| "What do you mean you have NO food?" |
We have no doubt the family of raccoons are close by as our property backs onto the bush, but thankfully the neighbour two doors down seems to have stopped providing them with dog food. They really do need to learn to provide for themselves before winter arrives.
All in all a great summer adventure onboard the Chi-Cheemaun with cataracts and coons!
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