The 2014 journey begins in upstate New York, proceeding north and west. Near the western end of the North Channel, the course is reversed to the east, crossing some of the same waters in the beginning segment. This year's installment of Last Dance's blog will begin at the western end and proceed east.
The above image was captured at the Benjamin Islands, the most popular of the islands in the North Channel - for good reason. The pink granite rocks are beautiful, the hiking easy, and the anchorages plentiful. The main anchorage between North Benjamin Island and South Benjamin Island can accommodate many boats. The view of Last Dance above was taken from South Benjamin, looking north.
Looking south across the anchorage to South Benjamin. The smooth granite rock face, prominent in this view, provides the beginning of a trail to the top of the island.
Up the sloping rock face, following some trails and improvising others, gives many views of the geology and flora of the North Channel islands. Nature creates artwork with an enormous array of colors, textures, shapes.
Rock climbing, enthusiastic hiking member of the Last Dance crew.
Exploration by dinghy around the Benjamin Islands reveals many interesting shore features and coves sufficient for anchorages. This cove on North Benjamin had a beaver lodge along the waters' edge. In the lower part of the image it can be seen that the water is a bit shallow, even for the dinghy. Below, on the other side of this cove, a sailboat demonstrates how close one can anchor to shore.
Some see an Indian in this rock.
Exploration often includes treasure hunting, and there are many to be found. Below is a view from South Benjamin, across Croker Island, with the white quartz La Cloche Mountains in the background.
