First Paddle Day, Knapps Point & Nine Mile Lights

Day one of our Lighthouse adventure

As the weather man, predicted our first paddle day was rainy with winds from the south at 24mph. It was not a very nice morning. Mollie and I let most folks know by e-mail and on this blog that paddling today would likely not happen with winds so high. However, in case we missed a Die Hard paddler or two Mollie and I set off to the Wolf Island Dock for the 10:00hrs meeting time. 

We are getting On the Ferry

Sure enough our good friend Laura showed up, boat strapped to the roof of her Van and shortly after Linda W. Linda just drop by to see if we wanted to go for coffee knowing we were not going to paddle. Just then the 10:30 ferry arrived, “ quick decision time “ we thanked Linda for her kind offer, but Mollie, Laura and I thought we would head over to the island to locate the Lighthouses for the future reference. Plus we may catch a couple of geocaches with Laura.

Holding the MS Flag asking to see the Captain.


 

On the ferry heading to Wolf Island we start to take some pictures with the MS flag flying, this for our Blogs first day paddle stuff. Standing out in the rain holding the flag I noticed the first Mate Joe walking up to the bridge and I asked him if I would be able to talk with the Captain of the Islander. 




Wolf Islanders Captain,  Brian Johnson








He said come on up, well what a surprise. I had the very good fortune and pleasure to meet Brian Johnson Captain of the Wolf Islander for over 30 years. Brian was quick to share his knowledge of the Islands weather patterns and safe paddle routes which we could use in the future. He then gave me a tour of his bridge, what a treat. As we chatted I mentioned to the Captain what we have planned for the summer and he then shared his passion, this history of Wolf Island. Well what an interesting, personable man, a historian and true ambassador for Wolf Island. John mentioned he has written a book about the Ferry and Wolf Island. It should be coming out soon. I hope I’m not letting out a secret, but Mollie and I just love the books name. “ Ferry Tales of Wolf Island “ How cool.

Brian showing Mollie & Laura the helm

Brian, thank you & first mate Joe for your kindness, you made what was going to be a uneventful first day paddling, into a wonderful memory.  We will always remember our time on the bridge of the Islander with you, and Joe as you shared interesting, historic, and funny tidbits.

Laura & Rob Gearing Up for the First Lighthouse

We arrive at the location of our first Lighthouse “ Knapps Point “ to find it sits on Private Property. Looking from the dead end road at the water, it was really very calm, now we wished we could just get to it. It’s a total no brainier, without a doubt respecting anybodies private property is a must to us. As rain fell start to let up, fortune turned positive once again. A kind neighbour pulled in and after chatting they gave us permission to launch from their property. What a day, it’s one good thing after another. Laura says without a doubt we are going for it, rain or not.



So we geared up and paddled to Knapps Point Light.   Laura our unofficial photographer got some great shots, even while bouncing around in her Kayak. Mollie our safety person watched from the shore to make sure we were always ok. Our planned first day did turn into a Lighthouse paddle after all. Rainy, gear soaked but a smiling group holding the MS flag.

Rob on the water in front of Knapps Point
watching the geese

Laura in front of Knapp's Lighthouse

Laura Taking Rob's Photo
in front of Knapp's

Rob in front of Knapp's Lighthouse

Mollie seeing Laura Off



Once loaded up we headed for a Geocache on the south shore that Laura was keen to get, it would be a First to Find.  In the geocaching world this is something special. We did make the find and we were the first to find…..good on you Laura. 

Girls at Gas stop taking a photo Op

With our luck so good we thought why not go and see the Nine Mile Light. Across the island we head, Mollie and I are running short on fuel so we pull into the Marystown Garage and what/who did we find ? The owner of the garage was the gentleman who gave us permission to launch off what turns out to be his son property. Thanks Again

Laura holding her new life saver.

Gassed up we head west to the two car ferry which crosses over to Simcoe Island. Our plan was to locate the ferry, have lunch, return to the islander and head home. Laura was not going to have any of that……smiling. On we went, the cable ferry was just a blast, $5.00 gets you a round trip. Traveling west across the island we where shocked at the pasture lands and it‘s beauty. On our short trip west to the lighthouse we saw Ring Neck Pheasants, large White Tail Deer, rough gravely roads and tiny lanes. Mollie was smitten, she is ready to move to Nine Mile……..Hummmmmm I love water, but I think not for all year round.

What only two people get saved?

On our way to Nine Mile lighthouse, 

Nine Mile Lighthouse as we arrived, beautiful

We reach Nine Mile Lighthouse, it is a beautiful lighthouse and location. We stop in to ask if it would be ok to view the lighthouse and Carol said is was perfectly ok.

Photo in front of Nine Mile Lighthouse

Yep!!! he is going out there???

Well !! I think you know what happens next. Yeppers, we are going for it, it had stopped raining but the winds are still very strong. A investigative walk along the shore bares fruit, we find a small area where we can be launched from safety.








The waves coming straight out of the west, they are hitting this shore face on and strong. Laura is so wanting to join me, but getting two paddlers off would be impossible. I needed Laura to hold my boat straight on the incoming waves while I jump in and skirt up before the next wave fills the boat. Mollie is taking photo’s thinking "you two are just nuts".

Rob's photo of the ladies from the water

Once I got past the breakers it was an easy paddle, smiling.   Laura was like a little kid that could not play, but I was proud of her for following our team plan, safety first. Besides with Laura & Mollie on shore I felt free to play a little and they got some great pictures.









Great shot taken between waves. Mollie & Laura Holding the MS Flag

Great pictures of Rob from so far away, Laura is quick to see a good photo.

Heading back to Simcoe Ferry, we did it!!!

Pictures taken, we get the boat ashore safe and sound. In minutes we were loaded and heading back to the Wolf Islander for our return trip home. 






                               

                     

                        Just a few of the out take Photo's

Girls think we should have a
hot lunch.

Not Sure???? Laura what where you doing??

Ladies doing there thing, Mollie watch Rob, Laura taking pictures


                

Getting ready to head home.

The Captain and his First Mate

This day turned out a lot better then we thought it was going too Huh!!!!
Now if I could just get the wet suit booty off, before I get white toe....LOL




Again on the return trip, we got to spend more time with John and Joe on the bridge……more stories. Better yet, what a view from up there, thanks again.

What a First Day to our summers paddle adventure. Sorry to the folks that missed it. But it really was a nasty day weather wise. Saying that, what a great day in so many other ways. Thanks so much to Laura for her great photo’s and company. A very large “ Thank You “ to my wonderful wife Mollie. Thank you for putting up with my hair brained ideas and then following me around to make sure I get home safe. What A Day!!!!  I know this blog is a little long, I will learn to get shorter I promise.



What a great photo, what a great day.