The annual highlight of the OMDA calendar, Killbear Week, took place from August 11-19 this year.
In the preceeding weeks, the weather had been so dry that there was a complete fire ban in effect: campfires weren't allowed. Fortunately, Derek was prepared with a propane powered alternative that was more satisfying than the campfire app on his iPhone!
Everyone was shocked at the low Water levels this year.
Marika's cousin Hanzo and his family were visiting from Holland, touring in a rented RV. They spent several days at Killbear, visiting with family. Sadly, their stay corresponded to some of the wetter weather we had. Hanzo took Marika's Mirror out for a sail, and Steve went with him. The sailing conditions were ideal and they ended up sailing round Rose Island.
In the mean time, Doug taught Chloe the rudiments of windsurfing.
After several rainy days, there was a bright note: the fire ban was finally relaxed. Campers could finally enjoy a more traditional campfire.
At the end of the afternoon we gathered at Terry's site to rehash the day over drinks and snacks.
We had some rain showers in the morning, but it cleared up and gave us a sunny afternoon. There wasn't much wind until late in the afternoon.
Happy Hour was held at the Walkers campsite at the end of the afternoon.
Watching the Sunset from Harold Point is always a popular activity at Killbear. We just hope it predicts good sailing conditions for the next day!
We had perfect weather on Wednesday for the Poker Race.
Hanzo was able to get pictures as boats approached his inflatable over by The Sisters to pick up a card.
After the Poker Race there was plenty of time to play naturalist.
Mike and Susan Combes graciously allowed us to use their site for the Corn Roast. There were lots of prizes and plenty of corn.
David's birthday usually falls in the middle of Killbear week, so his dad has learned the art of baking a cake in a dutch over using charcoal!
At the corn roast, the Whoopee cushion prize provided much amusement to the younger OMDAites (and to those older members watching them enjoy it!).
Thursday morning started early with Aleid preparing a pancake breakfast for all the kids in the OMDA family.
The older OMDAites gathered at a later hour in the morning for coffee and doughnuts at Carl and Lois's site.
Aleid, Les and Mat went for a long cruise round Snake Island and returning through the Canoe Channel. They stopped for a lunch break after the Canoe Channel, to recover from paddling through!
Steve and Ian and Meridith joined them for the first part of the cruise, but then broke off and stopped at The Pancakes for a picnic.
Mark took Alex out for a sail after Aleid came back from his cruise.
The morning walkers were out in force.
Aleid took Alex up on Harold Point on his bike.
While up on the rocks, Aleid caught some good shots of Paul capsizing his RS Feva!
Ian and Natalie had a good sail too!
There were some good winds on Monday, so Aleid and Steve Went for a Cruise into the Sound and through the Hole in the Wall.
They arrived at about the same time as the Island Queen was expected. They decided it would be safest to let the Island Queen have first crack at the narrow channel!
The wind was nicely aligned with the channel, so it was a simple run to the east side, where they found a spot for a quick picnic lunch.
The trip back was a pure beat all the way home.
There was also time for Kayaking.
Alied did a few more cruises solo.
Thanks to all those who provided photos:
© 2012 Ontario Mirror Dinghy Association