You Can't Beat Killarney

We've been coming up to the North Channel for almost 20 years. Killarney Mountain Lodge was our first ever stop in the North Channel so it is a sentimental favourite of ours. In addition, Covered Portage Cove is our favourite anchorage and it is located just to the north of and around the corner from Killarney in Killarney Bay.

There is a high rock wall on the south as you enter the cove. When you get it lined up just right, the rocks take the form of an Indian Head. We like to anchor just outside of the cove as it is protected from all but a south wind. Even a west wind will blow through the inner part of Covered Portage Cove but we were protected on the outside.

We spent eight days on anchor in Covered Portage Cove which is a record for us! What made this possible is that Cam got our water maker working so we have the ability to draw in water and purify it to make it potable - that includes salt water too!

We did some kayaking, swimming, and visiting with friends; went on two different hikes; and took two dinghy rides to Killarney: one for Fish and Chips, and one for supplies. Our supply run was on a cool grey day as you can see by how we were dressed! There's was lots of wildlife too including the Northern River Otters and chipmunk shown below, as well as a snapping turtle and a beaver.

We headed to Killarney next for a two day stay at Killarney Mountain Lodge. We decided to officially celebrate the start of our Great Loop by indulging in a special dinner at Killarney Mountain Lodge's main dining room. The second day, while Cam was working, Heather set off to do a video tour of Killarney and ended up hiking the entire Lighthouse Trail on her own to the Killarney lighthouse which marks the entrance to the North Channel. You can watch her video of the tour and hike. That evening, we went to the Carousel Lounge at KML to enjoy some music with Andy Lowe.