Awesome video! Love the narration! I do similar videos in Okinawa (but not that far!) but I'm heading home to Michigan soon and looking for some islands in the area...
This is fascinating, I've been doing some research on the island too. It's great to get a "boots on the ground" perspective, would you mind if I use a little bit of your footage for an upcoming video of mine? Apparently the old light keeper, fella by the name of Dominic Solomon, was an unsavoury character. When the SS Asia sunk in 1882, lifeboats full of people were overturned by rough waters, only two teenagers made it to civilisation. A team of rescuers arrived at Lonely Island to search for remains, and Solomon reluctantly revealed that a corpse had washed up on the shore, that of a woman only known as Mrs. Woods. It was evident to the party that jewellery and clothing was torn from her now-decayed body, and when they confronted Solomon they ultimately raided his home and found at least three life preservers, stolen jewelry, and other stuff salvaged from the wreck. The leader of the rescue party promised Solomon that he would report this, that the swift arm of justice would hammer down upon the creepy Keeper of the Lonely Island Light, but that promised blow never arrived. Perhaps society preferred that Solomon stay as far away from society, on that Lonely Island in Georgian Bay. The body of Mrs. Woods was buried under some gravel, coblestone, and a sheet of plywood, where she remains to this day. Nowadays, the island is owned by the Coast Guard, and is technically off limits to the public. But those brave souls who make the trip across Georgian Bay often detect a strange presence accompanying them on the island. And a group of passing fishermen in 1993 swear they saw a faceless woman walking the shores one evening, but as darkness approached, they elected not to investigate. Who knows what secrets this island maintains, to this very day? Only time will tell.
That's an awesome story to accompany this video, thanks for sharing. I've read similar stories over the years. It does seem like an enchanted place especially when you are there alone. While filming I even made the comment that "this island protects itself", I felt I was not exactly welcome there...but maybe I was just being overly sensitive. Ha, not sure. It is a beautiful spot. Feel 100% free to use any parts of the video you find useful, no problem at all. I'd be honored. During this trip I met a sailor in the Winfield Basin (part of Cabot's Head) who said a woman up the shore was interested in writing a book about Lonely Island...I paddled past the place to chat but saw no activity. Thanks for your comment, it brings back fond memories. One day I'd like to return there. All the best. I'd be most interested to see any video you produce about the island, I'll keep an eye on your channel. I'm sure you'll tell a great story. Reggie was my dog, I am Jason. Cheers.
@@MadRiverReggie Thanks Jason, I'll tag you in the final result! I appreciate it. Reggie seems like he was a great dog, a born adventurer. And I wonder if that lady ever ended up publishing that book, I'd love to have a copy on my shelf. I have to ask, did you encounter any rattlesnakes during your time on the island? It won't be a focal point of my video but apparently the Island's famous for its high density of massasauga rattlers, I hope there weren't any problems
Thanks so much for the tour-I always wondered about that remote island. I hope to sail there in our Windrider trimaran this summer from our island in Colpoy's bay. You're an incredibly strong (and brave!) paddler to have made it across all that open water!
Yes,it is an amazing Island to visit. Go for it. Your Windrider would be an awsome boat to make the trip in. I always wanted to try one myself. Lots of spots to set up camp and get a few hours sleep along the way, then spend a few days on Lonely Island. Several Rattle Snakes bzzing around so watch your step. Cheers, Jason and Reggie.
Glad you enjoyed the vid. You will really enjoy Lonely Island if you can get out there and spend a few days. It was one of the highlights of this paddling trip from Toront Harbor up and around Georgian Bay via the Trent-Severn. I enjoyed a few of your vids as well, good stuff.
Hi,you talking about. coincidence with the song and Lonely island,and for me as I was watching your video I was thinking, it would be interesting to pedal to flower Island solo and here you are talking and showing paddling to Flower Pot Island. I am planning to go solo around Phillip Edward Island in September ,any advice?Thank you.
Phillip Edward Island is a very paddler friendly place. Lots of campsites and lots of little bays to paddle into. If you head further East you can get past the crowds that may be there this years. I paddled through the area on my way to Little Current and there were a lot of kayakers out and about. The Foxxes were particularily busy with groups of kayak campers, but lots of friendly people I am sure.
We circumnavigated PEI this summer in 4 days, 1st night at the Big Rock / southern shore, 2nd on Pine Tree Island of Beaverstone Bay , 3rd on one of the islands of Mill Lake. Fantastic experience! Did you make your trip in September?
@@mississaugajam Awesome. Sounds like a great trip. Philip Edwards Island area was certainly a busy spot this past summer. I paddled through the area a few times and could not believe how many people were out on the water, and the islands, enjoying some kayak camping. I did a few amazing trips this summer and managed to spend most of the summer paddling and island hopping the Bay, French River, Kilarney, the North Channel, La Cloche, etc. The best summer yet :-)
I am not 100% sure about the Coast Gaurd regs, but I can not imagine any issues at all. Also, I have heard one of the reasons boaters infrequently visit is due to the lack of any protected anchorages. How ever you manage it, the island is worth a visit. I plan on going back again some day.....I almost went again last summer. Good luck.
Yes, the original light house along the shoreline is gone. It was demolished (in the 1980's I think) and apparently some of it was pushed into the water. There is a new(er) light house a long ways up the hill that is accessed via helicopter. I tried to climb up the hill to reach it but the brush is very thick and there is no real trail leading to it. Having my dog with me I turned around and did not continue bushwacking my way up there as I was a bit leary of rattle snakes.
I probably saw 2 or 3 while I walked around the island. I was keeping a very sharp eye out because of my dog and may not have seen them otherwise. They tend to disappear quickly. Seems to be a healthy population of them around other islands as well, like the Bustards, McCoy's, Cathcart, and O'Donnell Point. In the evenings, almost every other day, one would come out of no where and slither past or just hang out in the evening sun. Again, I was always aware of what was around because of Reggie and did not want him harming any of them.
Thanks for the video! We were planning to make it to Lonely Island this summer but ended up shortening the route. What kind of boat do you have? Looks like an Aleutian kayak to me. Are you using a double-blade paddle? Talking about Western Islands, I paddle there every year (this was my 3rd season in Georgian Bay), usually in September. Here is this year's trip - th-cam.com/video/8Icbhhs2I1A/w-d-xo.html
The Western Islands makes for a great paddling day, not everyone can make it out there. And in September none-the-less when the wind is most often blowwing hard. My boat is a decked canoe. A high saddle, single blade, rudder foot controls, and large cockpit make for a very efficient, seaworthy and quick boat that holds a ton of gear. I can easily carry enough gear and food for at least a month without resupplying and get through very tough conditions.. It is a boat designed by Verlen Kruger called a Monarch and built by Mad River Canoe. Verlen's custom designed and/or built Loon, Monarch, Seawind and Dream Catcher canoes are the apex of versatile all round expedition boats. I would not trade my boat for anything else...period :-) It is the ultimate Georgian Bay tripping boat.
Thanks for bringing us along. My guess is the clear cut is for helicopter landings to maintain the nav marker.
Awesome video! Love the narration! I do similar videos in Okinawa (but not that far!) but I'm heading home to Michigan soon and looking for some islands in the area...
awesome video's, and great scenery, great adventure your showing!
This is fascinating, I've been doing some research on the island too. It's great to get a "boots on the ground" perspective, would you mind if I use a little bit of your footage for an upcoming video of mine? Apparently the old light keeper, fella by the name of Dominic Solomon, was an unsavoury character. When the SS Asia sunk in 1882, lifeboats full of people were overturned by rough waters, only two teenagers made it to civilisation. A team of rescuers arrived at Lonely Island to search for remains, and Solomon reluctantly revealed that a corpse had washed up on the shore, that of a woman only known as Mrs. Woods.
It was evident to the party that jewellery and clothing was torn from her now-decayed body, and when they confronted Solomon they ultimately raided his home and found at least three life preservers, stolen jewelry, and other stuff salvaged from the wreck. The leader of the rescue party promised Solomon that he would report this, that the swift arm of justice would hammer down upon the creepy Keeper of the Lonely Island Light, but that promised blow never arrived. Perhaps society preferred that Solomon stay as far away from society, on that Lonely Island in Georgian Bay. The body of Mrs. Woods was buried under some gravel, coblestone, and a sheet of plywood, where she remains to this day.
Nowadays, the island is owned by the Coast Guard, and is technically off limits to the public. But those brave souls who make the trip across Georgian Bay often detect a strange presence accompanying them on the island. And a group of passing fishermen in 1993 swear they saw a faceless woman walking the shores one evening, but as darkness approached, they elected not to investigate. Who knows what secrets this island maintains, to this very day?
Only time will tell.
That's an awesome story to accompany this video, thanks for sharing. I've read similar stories over the years. It does seem like an enchanted place especially when you are there alone. While filming I even made the comment that "this island protects itself", I felt I was not exactly welcome there...but maybe I was just being overly sensitive. Ha, not sure. It is a beautiful spot. Feel 100% free to use any parts of the video you find useful, no problem at all. I'd be honored.
During this trip I met a sailor in the Winfield Basin (part of Cabot's Head) who said a woman up the shore was interested in writing a book about Lonely Island...I paddled past the place to chat but saw no activity.
Thanks for your comment, it brings back fond memories. One day I'd like to return there. All the best.
I'd be most interested to see any video you produce about the island, I'll keep an eye on your channel. I'm sure you'll tell a great story. Reggie was my dog, I am Jason. Cheers.
@@MadRiverReggie Thanks Jason, I'll tag you in the final result! I appreciate it. Reggie seems like he was a great dog, a born adventurer. And I wonder if that lady ever ended up publishing that book, I'd love to have a copy on my shelf. I have to ask, did you encounter any rattlesnakes during your time on the island? It won't be a focal point of my video but apparently the Island's famous for its high density of massasauga rattlers, I hope there weren't any problems
Thanks so much for the tour-I always wondered about that remote island. I hope to sail there in our Windrider trimaran this summer from our island in Colpoy's bay. You're an incredibly strong (and brave!) paddler to have made it across all that open water!
Yes,it is an amazing Island to visit. Go for it. Your Windrider would be an awsome boat to make the trip in. I always wanted to try one myself. Lots of spots to set up camp and get a few hours sleep along the way, then spend a few days on Lonely Island. Several Rattle Snakes bzzing around so watch your step. Cheers, Jason and Reggie.
This is pretty cool. Subbed. 🙂👍
What a great video! Thank you. I've paddled almost everywhere on the Bay but never to Lonely. I want to go there when the border reopens.
You won't regret spending a couple of nights there. It is an enchanted place.
This is great thanks for sharing. I have been wanting to get out there for a long time. looks like a great trip
Glad you enjoyed the vid. You will really enjoy Lonely Island if you can get out there and spend a few days. It was one of the highlights of this paddling trip from Toront Harbor up and around Georgian Bay via the Trent-Severn. I enjoyed a few of your vids as well, good stuff.
Hi,you talking about. coincidence with the song and Lonely island,and for me as I was watching your video I was thinking, it would be interesting to pedal to flower Island solo and here you are talking and showing paddling to Flower Pot Island.
I am planning to go solo around Phillip Edward Island in September ,any advice?Thank you.
Phillip Edward Island is a very paddler friendly place. Lots of campsites and lots of little bays to paddle into. If you head further East you can get past the crowds that may be there this years. I paddled through the area on my way to Little Current and there were a lot of kayakers out and about. The Foxxes were particularily busy with groups of kayak campers, but lots of friendly people I am sure.
We circumnavigated PEI this summer in 4 days, 1st night at the Big Rock / southern shore, 2nd on Pine Tree Island of Beaverstone Bay , 3rd on one of the islands of Mill Lake. Fantastic experience! Did you make your trip in September?
@@mississaugajam Awesome. Sounds like a great trip. Philip Edwards Island area was certainly a busy spot this past summer. I paddled through the area a few times and could not believe how many people were out on the water, and the islands, enjoying some kayak camping. I did a few amazing trips this summer and managed to spend most of the summer paddling and island hopping the Bay, French River, Kilarney, the North Channel, La Cloche, etc. The best summer yet :-)
Such an amazing post. This is on my bucket list. Is it okay by coast guard? We plan on sailing and anchoring.
I am not 100% sure about the Coast Gaurd regs, but I can not imagine any issues at all. Also, I have heard one of the reasons boaters infrequently visit is due to the lack of any protected anchorages. How ever you manage it, the island is worth a visit. I plan on going back again some day.....I almost went again last summer. Good luck.
So the light house on the north end of the island is gone?
Yes, the original light house along the shoreline is gone. It was demolished (in the 1980's I think) and apparently some of it was pushed into the water. There is a new(er) light house a long ways up the hill that is accessed via helicopter. I tried to climb up the hill to reach it but the brush is very thick and there is no real trail leading to it. Having my dog with me I turned around and did not continue bushwacking my way up there as I was a bit leary of rattle snakes.
Hey, great vid. Just learned about this little island today. Did you encounter any rattlers during your stay?
I probably saw 2 or 3 while I walked around the island. I was keeping a very sharp eye out because of my dog and may not have seen them otherwise. They tend to disappear quickly. Seems to be a healthy population of them around other islands as well, like the Bustards, McCoy's, Cathcart, and O'Donnell Point. In the evenings, almost every other day, one would come out of no where and slither past or just hang out in the evening sun. Again, I was always aware of what was around because of Reggie and did not want him harming any of them.
Thanks for the video! We were planning to make it to Lonely Island this summer but ended up shortening the route. What kind of boat do you have? Looks like an Aleutian kayak to me. Are you using a double-blade paddle? Talking about Western Islands, I paddle there every year (this was my 3rd season in Georgian Bay), usually in September. Here is this year's trip - th-cam.com/video/8Icbhhs2I1A/w-d-xo.html
The Western Islands makes for a great paddling day, not everyone can make it out there. And in September none-the-less when the wind is most often blowwing hard. My boat is a decked canoe. A high saddle, single blade, rudder foot controls, and large cockpit make for a very efficient, seaworthy and quick boat that holds a ton of gear. I can easily carry enough gear and food for at least a month without resupplying and get through very tough conditions.. It is a boat designed by Verlen Kruger called a Monarch and built by Mad River Canoe. Verlen's custom designed and/or built Loon, Monarch, Seawind and Dream Catcher canoes are the apex of versatile all round expedition boats. I would not trade my boat for anything else...period :-) It is the ultimate Georgian Bay tripping boat.