Day 17 - Ferry to Barrie

Not a lot to report today.  We drove some of the roads on the little island in the lead up to catching the ferry from South Baymouth to Tobemorey.

A few things we noticed in people's yards were huge solar arrays.  They consisted of 54 panels connected into one large sheet.  There were a couple of wind generating turbines, too.  It would appear that this little community has embraced alternative energy options.  We weren't able to find out the cost of the panels, but I hope they are cheaper than what we would be paying.  We found it odd that this island that has nowhere near the annual amount of sunlight that we do, is so into solar energy.  Makes our attempts pale.

Again the morning light beckoned at Ice Lake.  Reflections and the opportunity to disturb them with ripples.

The trees have been starting to turn into their autumn colours.  Another sign the season is changing is the gees flying south.  Flocks of four to eight geese were making their way to a warmer climate.

We made it to South Baymouth with justnover an hour to spare before loading.  We looked through one of the souvenir shops but couldn't find anything that took our interest.  For a mid week ferry, there was a surprising amount of traffic.  We were loaded onto one of the ramps that follow the side of the vessel and then the last couple of cars are raised into place to be level with the others.  This is to allow more cars to be parked underneath the ramp.  We were parked up close to the vehicle in front.  The guide kept indicating to creep forward.  Scary, because the car in front was a very nice Jaguar and if our car lept on acceleration ....

Our ferry draws alongside

There was a cattle truck with cattle on board on the lower deck.  Good thing it was there and we were on the upper section.  We really felt sorry for the people parked next to it.  There was evidence from the cattle down the side of the truck.   Very smelly!

Leaving South Baymouth

The crossing took about two hours under calm weather.  Towards the shore around Tobemorey the wind started to pick up, but it didn't seem to bother the ferry too much, just a gentle rocking.

Back on land, we joined the procession of vehicles that had been on the ferry.  There was only one main road out and we were all on it.   Eventually we ground a side road, the Bruce Trail that took us mostly along the coastline.  Very slow travel as it is through residential areas and the is a significant amount of roadworks being done.

Lighthouse near Tobermorey

We pulled up for the night in Barrie.  From here we may make a run for Montreal, more slab work.