This is a photo from the 28th. Clear skies, below average temperatures, and little snow have been the norm since the Big Sound and Georgian Bay pretty much froze over earlier this month. The Sound is basically ice with a bit of hard packed snow which makes it easy for walking, but perhaps not that great for X-Country skiing. I spoke with a fisherman today and he estimates the ice is 12 to 14 inches (30-35 cm) thick in the Sound. (January 2015)
Month: January 2015
VHF Course Dates Announced
A two evening VHF instruction course with examination will be offered May 12 and 19, 2015, at Lakeland Long Term Care facility (beside the West Parry Sound District Hospital in Parry Sound).
The supplied course materials include a manual and CD covering VHR marine radio use and Digital Selective Calling (DSC). The course will prepare you for the Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) and DSC Endorsement exams that will be administered on the second night with temporary licenses issued that evening for people successfully completing the exams.
To legally operate a maritime radio as an individual or business you need this certificate. The Maritime Radio course teaches emergency radio procedures as well as everyday operating techniques.
Register with John Mason in advance so course materials can be ordered.
705.342.1315, or masonj@vianet.ca.
The cost is $75 including course materials with a $10 discount ($65) for Canadian Power and Sail Squadron members.
A Dawn Mist Rising Over Zhiishiib Rock Before the Big Freeze
State of the Sound Report – January 21, 2015
Cold and crisp, full ice coverage, all with gorgeous shades of blue. There have been a few snow machines on the ice but discretion is the better part of valour, and a little more cold will ensure safe travel. This is the view from the ground at Waubano Beach in Parry Sound looking to the northwest. That black ‘blight’ to the upper right of the photo is the salt pile on Smelter Wharf. Parry Sound provides the only practical deep water harbour on Eastern Georgian Bay for the marine delivery of road salt. The shipments start in the Fall and are gone by the time Spring arrives. It was a tough season this Fall with deliveries delayed by wind and waves.
The ice coverage has meant the daily dump of snow, largely lake effect snow, has eased and temperatures have dropped. Time to get out and play on the trails.
‘Clic on the Pic’ for a closer view.
State of the Sound Report – 2015-01-14
Both the harbour and Big Sound are frozen over as of January 14th. It likely ‘came together’ the night of the 13th or early on the 14th. I was out very early on the 13th, a very cold day with the mist still rising from the slightly warmer water. The ice coverage may mean less snow for Parry Sound and colder temperatures without the moderating effect of the open water, and perhaps a little more sun. I have seen hovercrafts but not yet snow machines on the Big Sound. The brave ones will be out before long.
JB – Communications Officer
State of the Harbour Report – 2015-01-05
That’s Parry Sound Harbour. Remember yesterday’s photo of the Big Sound, wide open and with just a bit of ice on the far shore? Well here’s a photo taken the same day with Parry Sound Harbour to the left and the Big Sound to the right. Quite a contrast. Tucked in to the lower right you can see where the Seguin River flows into the harbour.
Despite the apparent complete ice coverage I didn’t see any snow machine tracks, but there was a hovercraft heading away from the Champaigne Street dock. By the weekend with the big freeze there should be a virtual highway for the snow machines as they head down the South Channel. The Big Sound will doubtless be iced over but perhaps not yet thick enough to support the weight of a snow machine and rider.
State of the Sound Report – 2015-01-05
The Big Sound – Parry Sound.
Clear sailing as of yesterday (January 5th), but cold with a guarantee of ice in the next few days. But don’t try and enter the harbour (more on this tomorrow). The Big Sound was frozen over on January 1st last year and I suspect it will be ice covered by the weekend with the cold weather we had yesterday, and the forecast for the coming days. It will soon be possible to walk on water.
The Rime of the Moderne Mariner
A new book by author and Parry Sound Power and Sail member Steven Duff will be launched Saturday January 17th at the Parry Sound Public Library. The time is 1400 hours (2:00 PM). It should be a good read. I’ll see you at the launch.
JB – Communications Officer
Parry Sound Boating 