Our Boating Adventures

"Nope, no mail today" Matt would announce as he ran back to the dinnette table after racing down the dock and back. Matt, my chum, often came on our family boating trips to Georgian Bay when I was a kid.

Back in the 50's, Wawataysee Island was a mail stop for the Penetang 88* that delivered mail to several islands for nearby cottagers—none were accessible by car, so mail and supplies were delivered by boat. Wawataysee is just south of Twelve Mile Bay.

As kids, we were amazed at all the cottagers arriving in their boats to greet the mail boat and pick up their mail and supplies. The mail boxes were cubbies labeled with the names of each cottage. The mailman knew the names of all the people who belonged to each cottage and put the mail in the appropriate cottage cubby. They didn't have postal codes or zip codes. Even the groceries and other supplies arrived on the mail boat with just the name of the cottage. We marveled at how he knew where to deliver the mail and supplies.

There was never a mix-up. Everybody took their own mail and were all happy. Back then,

January may be the beginning of a new year, but for many of us, it is still the middle of winter with freezing temperatures, lots of snow and empty slips. Our boats are stored in buildings, under shrink wrap or tarps and spring launch is four or five months away.

January is also the beginning of numerous Winter Boat Shows that ignite the desire to get back on the water. Just coming back from the Toronto International Boat Show, after talking with hundreds of boaters and marine industry friends, we are excited about the boating again-summer can't come soon enough.

Many boaters (specifically Doug), are suffering...

“He” is the Captain and “She” is the First Mate. At least, that’s the way it seems most of the time, as we seldom see women at the wheel—especially when docking or anchoring. But, it doesn’t have to be that way!

An early departure from the Melbourne Marina in Florida-while we enjoyed breakfast on the bridge would allow us a full day on the water heading north on the Intra Coastal Waterway. We had enjoyed the last two months cruising the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas with our friends. The morning sunshine lit up the multi-million dollar homes along the shoreline, while dolphins challenged our digital cameras. Cruising life doesn't get much better than this! But,

The Sea of Abaco is surrounded by Cays at the north east corner of the Bahamas just 670 miles east of Florida. A chain of Cays protects the Sea of Abaco from the Atlantic Ocean that drops approximately 2000 feet deep on one side, while a few larger islands protect it from the Gulfstream. The whole aqua-blue Sea of Abaco is only 1 to 12 feet deep. It’s calm, yet breezy, providing the perfect boating destination.

Last spring, my wife Brenda and I were fortunate to join the thousands of North American boaters—many from Canada—who regularly cruise this southern paradise.

Power Boating Canada's Doug Dawson provides an in-depth account on his recent on-water journey to one of Canada's most popular cruising destinations.

Published in Power Boating Canada Magazine Volume 21 Number 3 - June 2006 by Doug Dawson

The Ontario Marine Operators Association, in conjunction with its members, scheduled six Discover Boating Events for this summer. The goal of the events is to allow people to Discover Boating. People are encouraged to come by and go for a free boat ride and experience a whole new world on the water.