July 29, 2011
Yep, we're still here waiting on a package of our "meds" from the States. My mistake in thinking that USPS "priority mail international" would arrive in Canada within a week. It now appears that it takes 10 days. Anyway, I'll give it until Monday and then it's "return to sender" and we're off. We know that the package left Toronto yesterday but we're coming into the weekend so Monday must be the day. Tomorrow we'll go back into Montreal and do some more touring.
It has been hot and humid here in Montreal. The last two days have produced some light rain and cloudy skies. We're using the time to make some needed repairs and study some of the navigation equipment we have aboard. So far, I've rewired the nav lights, tightened the backstay and rebedded some chainplates. I can keep busy but I'm anxious to get underway.
Observation: Since we left Lake Ontario, we've had no" Lake Flies". Even the ones on Lake Ontario were small and not biting. At the entrance to the St Lawrence Seaway flies changed to millions of tiny bugs that weren't bothersome but accumulated everywhere. In Montreal there are very few insects that we've observed. We've had no problem with mosquitoes, however, I've heard a few buzzing around.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
In Longueuil, Ont Waiting on Our Medicine Package from the States
July 27, 2011
We're on the West Bank @ Longueuil Marina waiting on our "meds". Our mail package from St Brendan's Isle arrived yesterday so, hopefully, today or tomorrow the other one will arrive. In the meantime, we are exploring Vieux Longueuil. Actually, a small French town that is quite charming. The Quebecois have been very friendly and helpful. Most speak English and communication hasn't been a problem. One would think that Phyllis would have no problem with the French part but she is so mixed up between Spanish, English and the French patois of her youth that it is difficult to get her to ask questions. I just walk up and greet in French and then speak English to which I get English. As we move down the coast this will change but Phyllis will rally to the occasion.
Montreal is touted as a very beautiful city and to some degree that is true. The "old quarter" is charming and filled with interesting buildings and narrow streets. Overall, we've seen better and are waiting on Quebec City for the really interesting tours. Having lived in Spain and toured France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Beirut, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, we are demanding in what is called "fabulous" old world beauty in North America.
The consumables and restaurants are more expensive in Canada than the States. They have wonderful supermarkets with colorful and appetising displays of food in the French tradition. They lack nothing and are better stocked that a typical American supermarket. I would hazard a guess that the prices are about 30% more. Everyone has to contribute to the health insurance and other programs that Canada has instituted. Personally, I have no problem with this. I believe in a national health insurance program in which everyone is covered. The Canadians that we have met are satisfied with it but those that live close to the USA border do their shopping on our side. We find that in a very general and broad observation, the Canadians we have seen are not as "obese" as their American counterparts. Given the food prices, maybe, they don't stuff themselves as much with gigantic portions. As we travel along, I might change this shallow observation.
So, we're topped off with water, diesel and groceries. The minute our "meds" arrive, the following morning we're off to Trois Riviere about 70 nm downstream from Montreal.
We're on the West Bank @ Longueuil Marina waiting on our "meds". Our mail package from St Brendan's Isle arrived yesterday so, hopefully, today or tomorrow the other one will arrive. In the meantime, we are exploring Vieux Longueuil. Actually, a small French town that is quite charming. The Quebecois have been very friendly and helpful. Most speak English and communication hasn't been a problem. One would think that Phyllis would have no problem with the French part but she is so mixed up between Spanish, English and the French patois of her youth that it is difficult to get her to ask questions. I just walk up and greet in French and then speak English to which I get English. As we move down the coast this will change but Phyllis will rally to the occasion.
Montreal is touted as a very beautiful city and to some degree that is true. The "old quarter" is charming and filled with interesting buildings and narrow streets. Overall, we've seen better and are waiting on Quebec City for the really interesting tours. Having lived in Spain and toured France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Beirut, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, we are demanding in what is called "fabulous" old world beauty in North America.
The consumables and restaurants are more expensive in Canada than the States. They have wonderful supermarkets with colorful and appetising displays of food in the French tradition. They lack nothing and are better stocked that a typical American supermarket. I would hazard a guess that the prices are about 30% more. Everyone has to contribute to the health insurance and other programs that Canada has instituted. Personally, I have no problem with this. I believe in a national health insurance program in which everyone is covered. The Canadians that we have met are satisfied with it but those that live close to the USA border do their shopping on our side. We find that in a very general and broad observation, the Canadians we have seen are not as "obese" as their American counterparts. Given the food prices, maybe, they don't stuff themselves as much with gigantic portions. As we travel along, I might change this shallow observation.
So, we're topped off with water, diesel and groceries. The minute our "meds" arrive, the following morning we're off to Trois Riviere about 70 nm downstream from Montreal.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Valleyfield Marina to Montreal
July 24, 2011,
We woke up this morning to very nice Wx with winds from the NE @ 5-10 kts. It was worth the layover to have these conditions to transit the final four locks: Upper Beauharnois (drops 49'), Lower Beauharnois (drops 49'), St Catherine (drops 49') and, finally, St Lambert (drops 18'). How joyful it is to be in Montreal. We found a few Quebecois sailing from Valleyfield who were going our way and docking at Longueuil, QC which is on the West bank of Montreal. This was a wonderful encounter since we didn't have to motor against a 6 kt current into old Montreal.
We left Valleyfield at 0815 hrs and arrived in Longueuil at 2100 hrs just before total darkness. The wonderful aspect of sailing is the chance encounters one comes across. Most boat people are helpful and accommodating: some are generous to a fault. The other day at Valleyfield Marina, the wind was blowing strongly from SW @20-25. I saw this beautiful motor yacht starting to dock in a berth next to us. I ran out to help with his lines and safely got him moored. Later, he spoke to Phyllis and offered us his slip in Dorval (about 25 km from Montreal) if we wanted it. He was going West for a few days and didn't need it. Fortunately, we didn't have to use it and were able to make Montreal in a single day.
In transiting the locks, we had another encounter with a Motor Yacht on which ther were two wonderful people that helped us arrange a berth at Longueuil and met us there to catch our lines. They have a permanent berth there and offered to take us grocery shopping, These French Canadians are most friendly.
What can we say about Montreal that hasn't been written about in thousands of guide books? The old quarter is charming and, like any tourist place, loaded with everything to lighten the pocketbook. Restaurants are not cheap here. We're no longer plugged into the economical travellers "word of mouth" network so we have to just look around for reasonable places.
I was able to find a nautical chart store that stocked all the Canadian charts for the entire St Lawrence River. Even though I have the charts on a MaxSea program on my computer, I'm uncomfortable without the actual paper charts. What if the computer crashes? Therefore, the expense of paper charts is a necessity for me.
The St Lawrence River has had its' way for several hundred miles now. We have locked down over 250' from Iroquois to St Lambert. That gives some idea of the tumoultuous nature of the River and the Rapids that have to be bypassed. Once we reach Tois Riviere, about 70 miles downstream of Montreal, the greater force of the Ocean and Tides starts to kick in and at Quebec ( 140 miles downstream of Montreal) there are 18' Tides. All that means that we will now be calculating High and Low water to sail on the favorable Ebb Tide. The wonderful thing about going East is the current: always there and pushing you along. It tends to be windy here: 10 to 20 kts but being in the River, nothing to worry about. Now that we're out of the locks, I don't have to hold position until we're tied up. In the future, a strong East wind against an ebb tide with set up a vicious chop and short steep seas. These conditions will necessitate a Wx delay. We still have over 1200 miles to go before we reach Bar Harbor, ME
We're waiting on our mail and Medicine that was sent from the States last Wednesday and has not arrived here. I'll give it two more days and then leave instructions to forward it someshere else. We still have enough of everything to see us through for a few months.
We woke up this morning to very nice Wx with winds from the NE @ 5-10 kts. It was worth the layover to have these conditions to transit the final four locks: Upper Beauharnois (drops 49'), Lower Beauharnois (drops 49'), St Catherine (drops 49') and, finally, St Lambert (drops 18'). How joyful it is to be in Montreal. We found a few Quebecois sailing from Valleyfield who were going our way and docking at Longueuil, QC which is on the West bank of Montreal. This was a wonderful encounter since we didn't have to motor against a 6 kt current into old Montreal.
We left Valleyfield at 0815 hrs and arrived in Longueuil at 2100 hrs just before total darkness. The wonderful aspect of sailing is the chance encounters one comes across. Most boat people are helpful and accommodating: some are generous to a fault. The other day at Valleyfield Marina, the wind was blowing strongly from SW @20-25. I saw this beautiful motor yacht starting to dock in a berth next to us. I ran out to help with his lines and safely got him moored. Later, he spoke to Phyllis and offered us his slip in Dorval (about 25 km from Montreal) if we wanted it. He was going West for a few days and didn't need it. Fortunately, we didn't have to use it and were able to make Montreal in a single day.
In transiting the locks, we had another encounter with a Motor Yacht on which ther were two wonderful people that helped us arrange a berth at Longueuil and met us there to catch our lines. They have a permanent berth there and offered to take us grocery shopping, These French Canadians are most friendly.
What can we say about Montreal that hasn't been written about in thousands of guide books? The old quarter is charming and, like any tourist place, loaded with everything to lighten the pocketbook. Restaurants are not cheap here. We're no longer plugged into the economical travellers "word of mouth" network so we have to just look around for reasonable places.
I was able to find a nautical chart store that stocked all the Canadian charts for the entire St Lawrence River. Even though I have the charts on a MaxSea program on my computer, I'm uncomfortable without the actual paper charts. What if the computer crashes? Therefore, the expense of paper charts is a necessity for me.
The St Lawrence River has had its' way for several hundred miles now. We have locked down over 250' from Iroquois to St Lambert. That gives some idea of the tumoultuous nature of the River and the Rapids that have to be bypassed. Once we reach Tois Riviere, about 70 miles downstream of Montreal, the greater force of the Ocean and Tides starts to kick in and at Quebec ( 140 miles downstream of Montreal) there are 18' Tides. All that means that we will now be calculating High and Low water to sail on the favorable Ebb Tide. The wonderful thing about going East is the current: always there and pushing you along. It tends to be windy here: 10 to 20 kts but being in the River, nothing to worry about. Now that we're out of the locks, I don't have to hold position until we're tied up. In the future, a strong East wind against an ebb tide with set up a vicious chop and short steep seas. These conditions will necessitate a Wx delay. We still have over 1200 miles to go before we reach Bar Harbor, ME
We're waiting on our mail and Medicine that was sent from the States last Wednesday and has not arrived here. I'll give it two more days and then leave instructions to forward it someshere else. We still have enough of everything to see us through for a few months.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Valleyfield Marina Wx Layover
July 22, 2011
Woke up this morning to howling winds from the SW. After listening to the Canadian Wx service which was posting a "strong wind" advisory for Montreal, I decided that I didn't want to negotiate the locks with that much wind. The problem is tying up to the Pleasure Craft Docks and then getting off again to enter the Canal.
We will spend the day here at the Marina and try it again tomorrow. We're only 40 nm from Montreal. If we leave at 0830 hrs tomorrow morning, we'll be in Montreal by 1700 hrs in the afternoon. We have mail and meds waiting for us in Montreal. I hope our engine can motor against a 6 kt current that runs for 2 nm upon entering Montreal. If we can't do it, I'll drop downstream and find another marina.
Woke up this morning to howling winds from the SW. After listening to the Canadian Wx service which was posting a "strong wind" advisory for Montreal, I decided that I didn't want to negotiate the locks with that much wind. The problem is tying up to the Pleasure Craft Docks and then getting off again to enter the Canal.
We will spend the day here at the Marina and try it again tomorrow. We're only 40 nm from Montreal. If we leave at 0830 hrs tomorrow morning, we'll be in Montreal by 1700 hrs in the afternoon. We have mail and meds waiting for us in Montreal. I hope our engine can motor against a 6 kt current that runs for 2 nm upon entering Montreal. If we can't do it, I'll drop downstream and find another marina.
Crysler Farm Marina, Morrisburg, Ont to Valleyfield Marina, Quebec
July 21, 2011
We left the dock this morning at 0715 hrs. Today we locked thru the Eisenhower and Snell locks. We were lucky that there were no delays so we didn't have to tie up to the Pleasure Boat Docks and wait for Upbound or Downbound traffic. If you're coming from Sea into the St Lawrence River, you're UPBOUND; going to Sea DOWNBOUND. Wait times can vary from thirty minutes to four hours or more. When planning out the days run and where to stay at night this has to be taken into consideration.
So far we haven't anchored at night. I'm still putting into marinas so that we can have a restful night's sleep. The navigation on the St Lawrence continues to be line-of- sight but requires diligent course changes within the channel limits. The channel is weaving and bobbing in a snakelike fashion but it isn't difficult. At the end of the day we're both tired from navigating, wind and sun. The average cost for Canadian Marinas is about $1.50 to $1.70 per foot of boat length. We measure 40 ft so it comes out to be $60 to $68 CAD a whopping 12% tax. Just about the price of a motel room in the States. This gives us water, electricity, showers and WiFi. We have built it into the budget and I highly recommed it for those travelling these waters.
Valleyfield Marina is a full service one and Sallaberry de Valleyfield was the center for the first Beauharnois Canal. This was built during the last century as a bypass to the Rapids that flow through here. It has now been superceeded by a modern Beauharnois Canal which is just 2 nm from here. This will be our next lock which drops us down 42' in the Upper Lock and 42' in the Lower Lock. This gives some idea of just how swift the Lachine Rapids are running!
Last night we went to a very modern laser light show given by the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Chamber of commerce. It is done in a section of the old Beauharnois Canal. Water fountains provide a mist upon which is projected laser images of the construction of the first Canal. Mixed in with this is the wonderful French imagination of human images swimming and flickering in strange contorsions. I'm not sure what was happening there but it gives pause to the imagination.
For the most part,the St Lawrence River has been rolling hills landscape Today we noticed mountain ranges to the South. The scenery is gorgeous and makes for a great day while navigating along the River at 7-9 kts.
We left the dock this morning at 0715 hrs. Today we locked thru the Eisenhower and Snell locks. We were lucky that there were no delays so we didn't have to tie up to the Pleasure Boat Docks and wait for Upbound or Downbound traffic. If you're coming from Sea into the St Lawrence River, you're UPBOUND; going to Sea DOWNBOUND. Wait times can vary from thirty minutes to four hours or more. When planning out the days run and where to stay at night this has to be taken into consideration.
So far we haven't anchored at night. I'm still putting into marinas so that we can have a restful night's sleep. The navigation on the St Lawrence continues to be line-of- sight but requires diligent course changes within the channel limits. The channel is weaving and bobbing in a snakelike fashion but it isn't difficult. At the end of the day we're both tired from navigating, wind and sun. The average cost for Canadian Marinas is about $1.50 to $1.70 per foot of boat length. We measure 40 ft so it comes out to be $60 to $68 CAD a whopping 12% tax. Just about the price of a motel room in the States. This gives us water, electricity, showers and WiFi. We have built it into the budget and I highly recommed it for those travelling these waters.
Valleyfield Marina is a full service one and Sallaberry de Valleyfield was the center for the first Beauharnois Canal. This was built during the last century as a bypass to the Rapids that flow through here. It has now been superceeded by a modern Beauharnois Canal which is just 2 nm from here. This will be our next lock which drops us down 42' in the Upper Lock and 42' in the Lower Lock. This gives some idea of just how swift the Lachine Rapids are running!
Last night we went to a very modern laser light show given by the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield Chamber of commerce. It is done in a section of the old Beauharnois Canal. Water fountains provide a mist upon which is projected laser images of the construction of the first Canal. Mixed in with this is the wonderful French imagination of human images swimming and flickering in strange contorsions. I'm not sure what was happening there but it gives pause to the imagination.
For the most part,the St Lawrence River has been rolling hills landscape Today we noticed mountain ranges to the South. The scenery is gorgeous and makes for a great day while navigating along the River at 7-9 kts.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Brockville, Ont to Morriburg, Ont.
July 21, 2011
We left Brockville, Ont this morning at 0845 hrs. I waas evaluating the Wx conditions and a little concerned that Wx reports from Cromwell, Ont to Montreal was calling for gale force winds. In our area of Brockville, the winds were blowing 15 and gusting to 20 kts. The Wx conditions have been very hot here and today they called for a heat advisory of 103 deg F. This would be inland because with a 15-20 kt SW'ly breeze one doesn't feel all that heat.
Current is really startingto pick up at 3+ kts. Our first lock thru the "Iroquois" canal was for current control. The big dam was open so we only had to drop about 6" rather than the 3+ feet. It's exhilarating to be motoring along at 8-9 kts. I've been running our engine at about two thirds of available rpms: she's purring along.
I'm teaching Phyllis river navigation and she's a quick study. Starting to read the charts and recognize land and marine features. Also, she's becomming a decent deckhand. We still have to work on lassoing a cleat or bollard but we're in the practice mode. In the evening time, we spend a few minutes with rope in hand.
When I worked the harbor in NYC, a good AB that could catch a bollard on the first go-around was worth keeping around despite any other faults. I've found "joints" in the laundry from AB's but quietly disposed of them if they were good at their trade. When you're working wind and current on a tug/barge, a good AB can make you look good or foolish: be good to them.
So here we are in Morrisburg, Ont at Crysler's Marina. It seems to be working out for the best if we navigate during the day from point A to B and them find a marina at night. If we anchor, I have to post an anchor watch so we're not resting. At the end of the day, I have to work out the "Passage Plan" for the following day. This takes time and study. As long as I have the "hard copy" charts aboard, I'm satisfied that we can make it to our destination. The charting programs are great but could go down at any moment. So far, most of the St Lawrence has been line-of-sight navigation but you have to know where to look.
Tomorrow we lock thru the Eisenhower (remember him ?) and Snell locks. These are the only two American Locks on the St Lawrence Seaway. The price for each lock is $25. It's about 75 miles from the Snell lock to Montreal so I've found another marina in Sallaberry de Valleyfield. I want to make a daytime entrance into Montreal as there are some big currents to be negotiated. The Beauharnois and St Lambert locks bypass the Lachine Rapids and, yes, you're moving at 10+ kts. Upon entering Montreal, you have to round up into a 6 kt current and motor against it for 2 miles into Montreal proper. This will be a big test for the engine.
Here we are: happy, content, and working our way towards the next goal.
We left Brockville, Ont this morning at 0845 hrs. I waas evaluating the Wx conditions and a little concerned that Wx reports from Cromwell, Ont to Montreal was calling for gale force winds. In our area of Brockville, the winds were blowing 15 and gusting to 20 kts. The Wx conditions have been very hot here and today they called for a heat advisory of 103 deg F. This would be inland because with a 15-20 kt SW'ly breeze one doesn't feel all that heat.
Current is really startingto pick up at 3+ kts. Our first lock thru the "Iroquois" canal was for current control. The big dam was open so we only had to drop about 6" rather than the 3+ feet. It's exhilarating to be motoring along at 8-9 kts. I've been running our engine at about two thirds of available rpms: she's purring along.
I'm teaching Phyllis river navigation and she's a quick study. Starting to read the charts and recognize land and marine features. Also, she's becomming a decent deckhand. We still have to work on lassoing a cleat or bollard but we're in the practice mode. In the evening time, we spend a few minutes with rope in hand.
When I worked the harbor in NYC, a good AB that could catch a bollard on the first go-around was worth keeping around despite any other faults. I've found "joints" in the laundry from AB's but quietly disposed of them if they were good at their trade. When you're working wind and current on a tug/barge, a good AB can make you look good or foolish: be good to them.
So here we are in Morrisburg, Ont at Crysler's Marina. It seems to be working out for the best if we navigate during the day from point A to B and them find a marina at night. If we anchor, I have to post an anchor watch so we're not resting. At the end of the day, I have to work out the "Passage Plan" for the following day. This takes time and study. As long as I have the "hard copy" charts aboard, I'm satisfied that we can make it to our destination. The charting programs are great but could go down at any moment. So far, most of the St Lawrence has been line-of-sight navigation but you have to know where to look.
Tomorrow we lock thru the Eisenhower (remember him ?) and Snell locks. These are the only two American Locks on the St Lawrence Seaway. The price for each lock is $25. It's about 75 miles from the Snell lock to Montreal so I've found another marina in Sallaberry de Valleyfield. I want to make a daytime entrance into Montreal as there are some big currents to be negotiated. The Beauharnois and St Lambert locks bypass the Lachine Rapids and, yes, you're moving at 10+ kts. Upon entering Montreal, you have to round up into a 6 kt current and motor against it for 2 miles into Montreal proper. This will be a big test for the engine.
Here we are: happy, content, and working our way towards the next goal.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Cape Vincent to Brockville, ONT
July 19, 2011
Well, it's Tuesday and we sailed from Cape Vincent at 0845 this morning after fueling up and pumping out the holding tank. I had to spend all day yesterday downloading the St Lawrence River charts into MaxSea. This process was not as easy as I had counted on. The Furuno Dealership has to be contacted and paid. Then they contact the technical department which issues an UNLOCK CODE. The charts are downloaded and the unlock code installs them into the MaxSea program. Numerous phone calls at 0.49 cents a minute and, finally, at 1500 hrs they called and sent an email with the code.
Today has been a wonderful day of sailing the St Lawrence. The scenery is beautiful and the Capitalist Magnates of the last century,y with aristocratic ambitions from their European ancestry, have built many castles along the River the most famous are Boltd Castle and Singer Castle. The area around these tourist spots is bustling with activity and power boats.
We arrived in Brockville, Ont at 1530 hrs. Distance was about 40 nm. We're going to spend an extra day here to get organized for the River locks. Also, my present insurance policy is only good until Quebec so I have to make arrangements for another one or put a "rider" on the present policy.
So far the piloting is going well. Phyllis is awe struck at the 1000' ships passing us. The River is big enough to accommodate this kind of traffic and there is a VTC (vessel traffic control) for commercial shipping. All I need is about 20' of the available channel. Being on the commercial side for so long, I know how to run it so everyone is happy.
Great feeling running with a 3-4 kt current. I guess the average is about 2 kts but the minute the River narrows there is a dramatic increase in current. The first lock that we go through is called Iroquois and is there for the sole purpose of controlling current. After that, the Eisenhower and Snell locks bypass the Long Sault Rapids running on the other side. The current really starts to pick up from that point until Montreal. To get into Montreal, you have to motor against a 6 kt current for about 2 miles!! 6 kt current coming down from the Lachine Rapids.
More as we move along.
Well, it's Tuesday and we sailed from Cape Vincent at 0845 this morning after fueling up and pumping out the holding tank. I had to spend all day yesterday downloading the St Lawrence River charts into MaxSea. This process was not as easy as I had counted on. The Furuno Dealership has to be contacted and paid. Then they contact the technical department which issues an UNLOCK CODE. The charts are downloaded and the unlock code installs them into the MaxSea program. Numerous phone calls at 0.49 cents a minute and, finally, at 1500 hrs they called and sent an email with the code.
Today has been a wonderful day of sailing the St Lawrence. The scenery is beautiful and the Capitalist Magnates of the last century,y with aristocratic ambitions from their European ancestry, have built many castles along the River the most famous are Boltd Castle and Singer Castle. The area around these tourist spots is bustling with activity and power boats.
We arrived in Brockville, Ont at 1530 hrs. Distance was about 40 nm. We're going to spend an extra day here to get organized for the River locks. Also, my present insurance policy is only good until Quebec so I have to make arrangements for another one or put a "rider" on the present policy.
So far the piloting is going well. Phyllis is awe struck at the 1000' ships passing us. The River is big enough to accommodate this kind of traffic and there is a VTC (vessel traffic control) for commercial shipping. All I need is about 20' of the available channel. Being on the commercial side for so long, I know how to run it so everyone is happy.
Great feeling running with a 3-4 kt current. I guess the average is about 2 kts but the minute the River narrows there is a dramatic increase in current. The first lock that we go through is called Iroquois and is there for the sole purpose of controlling current. After that, the Eisenhower and Snell locks bypass the Long Sault Rapids running on the other side. The current really starts to pick up from that point until Montreal. To get into Montreal, you have to motor against a 6 kt current for about 2 miles!! 6 kt current coming down from the Lachine Rapids.
More as we move along.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Cape Vincent
July 16, 2011
0300 hrs started engine abd started motoring for Cape Vincent. There is a slick calm on the Lake. Arrived at Cpe Vincent @ 0800 hrs and entered the jetty. This is a small quaint town with no hustle or bustle about it. Couldn't get anyone at the marina to answer the phone so we pulled up to the fuel dock and shouted: that's how you do it!! Made arrangements for a berth which is very cheap: 0.80 cents per ft. The Marina is basic but has electricity, showers and a head plus fueling and pump-out services. The town is very near and has a grocery store, bank and library with WiFi.
We're tired and will rest here for a few days. Also, I need to install the Canadian Maritimes on my MaxSea program. I should have done this before when I was in Douglas, MI whith all the facilities available. The next stop will be Brockville, ONT
We are now roaming on the Canadian network "Rogers" It appears that T'Mobile has no services here. this is expensive @ ).49 cents a minute but call to T-Mobile indicate there is no solution. Even the townspeople have the same problem.
0300 hrs started engine abd started motoring for Cape Vincent. There is a slick calm on the Lake. Arrived at Cpe Vincent @ 0800 hrs and entered the jetty. This is a small quaint town with no hustle or bustle about it. Couldn't get anyone at the marina to answer the phone so we pulled up to the fuel dock and shouted: that's how you do it!! Made arrangements for a berth which is very cheap: 0.80 cents per ft. The Marina is basic but has electricity, showers and a head plus fueling and pump-out services. The town is very near and has a grocery store, bank and library with WiFi.
We're tired and will rest here for a few days. Also, I need to install the Canadian Maritimes on my MaxSea program. I should have done this before when I was in Douglas, MI whith all the facilities available. The next stop will be Brockville, ONT
We are now roaming on the Canadian network "Rogers" It appears that T'Mobile has no services here. this is expensive @ ).49 cents a minute but call to T-Mobile indicate there is no solution. Even the townspeople have the same problem.
Lake Ontario to St Vincent, NY
July 14, 15, 16 2011 Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Sailing when we could but the wind was so light and fickle that we had to motor most of the way. I wanted to make Cape Vincent during daylight so 30 miles before our destination I stopped everything and drifted from 2000 hrs until 0300. A glorious sunset, slick-assed calm with not a whisper of air and no swell. A wonderful night of stars and thoughts. Amazingly enough, the miserable black flies of the other Lakes have been replaced by small flies that do not bite and don't flee when impending death is upon them. Starting to get a few mosquitoes but they haven't been a problem.
Sailing when we could but the wind was so light and fickle that we had to motor most of the way. I wanted to make Cape Vincent during daylight so 30 miles before our destination I stopped everything and drifted from 2000 hrs until 0300. A glorious sunset, slick-assed calm with not a whisper of air and no swell. A wonderful night of stars and thoughts. Amazingly enough, the miserable black flies of the other Lakes have been replaced by small flies that do not bite and don't flee when impending death is upon them. Starting to get a few mosquitoes but they haven't been a problem.
Welland Canal - 2nd Try
July 14, 2011 Thursday
Left Sugarloaf Marina and proceeded to the tie-up and waiting dock to report in to Welland Seaway Control. I had bought a ticket for the transit yesterday. Today we got lucky and started the transit at 0800 hrs. I had made arrangements to have a "deckhand" come onboard at Lock 7 to help with the lines. He was a Canal employee and knows the locking procedures. His cost was reasonable: $150 and $25 for return ride. It was wsorth it and made life a lot more easy. He as an old "hippy" from a past era so we had a lot in common. His name was Capt. Dino MacDonald and we really enjoyed the 5 hours we spent with him. Engine was cooling properly and running well. Six hours total transit time which is unusual. It can take up to twelve hrs at times.
1400 hrs and out of the Welland Canal into Lake Ontario. Very little wind on the Lake but we set sail and tried our best to make time. We set a course directly for Cape Vincent which is the entrance to the St Lawrence Seaway.
Left Sugarloaf Marina and proceeded to the tie-up and waiting dock to report in to Welland Seaway Control. I had bought a ticket for the transit yesterday. Today we got lucky and started the transit at 0800 hrs. I had made arrangements to have a "deckhand" come onboard at Lock 7 to help with the lines. He was a Canal employee and knows the locking procedures. His cost was reasonable: $150 and $25 for return ride. It was wsorth it and made life a lot more easy. He as an old "hippy" from a past era so we had a lot in common. His name was Capt. Dino MacDonald and we really enjoyed the 5 hours we spent with him. Engine was cooling properly and running well. Six hours total transit time which is unusual. It can take up to twelve hrs at times.
1400 hrs and out of the Welland Canal into Lake Ontario. Very little wind on the Lake but we set sail and tried our best to make time. We set a course directly for Cape Vincent which is the entrance to the St Lawrence Seaway.
Welland Canal--First Try
July 13, 2011 Wednesday
Left Sugarloaf Marina this morning at 0430 hrs and moved over to the waiting dock and ticket purchase booth in the city of Port Colborne which is about a mile or so away. We made fast to the waiting dock and I went and purchased a ticket for the 8 locks: $200. After one purchases the ticket there is a phone in the booth that you pick up and report in to the Welland Seaway Control letting them know that you are ready to transit. I then becomes a waiting game to see how much commercial traffic is either Downbound (Port Colborne to Lake Ontario) or Upbound (Lake Ontario to Port Colborne). Pleasure craft must wait and are secondary to the commercial traffic. Today we waited until 1100 hrs to get the "go ahead".
After going thru Lock #8 and heading for Lock #7, we got an alarm on the instrument panel that the water temperature was over alarm limits. By reducing RPMs I was barely able to keep it going. Stopped engine and went to the Raw Water Cooler strainer and found that it was clean but the thru hull wasn't delivering enough outside water. I used a West Marine can Air Horn to force compressed air down the intake thru hull and got a little more water but not enough to continue. Called Seaway control and reported problem and requested to return thru lock #8. This is dicey as you have to wait for commercial traffic. In the end, after great amounts of stress and tie up to wier wall, we managed to get permission to pro-cede back thru Lock #8. Got the number of a diver and made arrangements to have him come to Sugarloaf Marina for an inspection. End result: Intake water valve was blocked up with algae and weeds. He cleaned it up with a coat hanger and compressed air. Also had him inspect the keel for the rock we hit at Port Austin: not significant damage but there is a "ding" and some fiberglass missing on the lead keel.
Left Sugarloaf Marina this morning at 0430 hrs and moved over to the waiting dock and ticket purchase booth in the city of Port Colborne which is about a mile or so away. We made fast to the waiting dock and I went and purchased a ticket for the 8 locks: $200. After one purchases the ticket there is a phone in the booth that you pick up and report in to the Welland Seaway Control letting them know that you are ready to transit. I then becomes a waiting game to see how much commercial traffic is either Downbound (Port Colborne to Lake Ontario) or Upbound (Lake Ontario to Port Colborne). Pleasure craft must wait and are secondary to the commercial traffic. Today we waited until 1100 hrs to get the "go ahead".
After going thru Lock #8 and heading for Lock #7, we got an alarm on the instrument panel that the water temperature was over alarm limits. By reducing RPMs I was barely able to keep it going. Stopped engine and went to the Raw Water Cooler strainer and found that it was clean but the thru hull wasn't delivering enough outside water. I used a West Marine can Air Horn to force compressed air down the intake thru hull and got a little more water but not enough to continue. Called Seaway control and reported problem and requested to return thru lock #8. This is dicey as you have to wait for commercial traffic. In the end, after great amounts of stress and tie up to wier wall, we managed to get permission to pro-cede back thru Lock #8. Got the number of a diver and made arrangements to have him come to Sugarloaf Marina for an inspection. End result: Intake water valve was blocked up with algae and weeds. He cleaned it up with a coat hanger and compressed air. Also had him inspect the keel for the rock we hit at Port Austin: not significant damage but there is a "ding" and some fiberglass missing on the lead keel.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Welland Canal
July 12, 2011
Tomorrow we transit the Welland Canal into Lake Ontario. The Welland Canal is to the Great Lakes as the Panama and Suez Canals are to the rest of the world. It provides the access for world shipping. During the frenzy of canal building in the 1820's, the Erie Canal, Welland Canal, Lake Chaplain and Oswego canals were built to carry goods to and from the western interiors of the USA and Canada.
After transiting the Canal, we will sail directly for Cape Vincent which is at the entrance to the mighty St Lawrence Seaway: distance is 140 nm. I won't have internet access for the next few days until we arrive at Cape Vincent.
Tomorrow we transit the Welland Canal into Lake Ontario. The Welland Canal is to the Great Lakes as the Panama and Suez Canals are to the rest of the world. It provides the access for world shipping. During the frenzy of canal building in the 1820's, the Erie Canal, Welland Canal, Lake Chaplain and Oswego canals were built to carry goods to and from the western interiors of the USA and Canada.
After transiting the Canal, we will sail directly for Cape Vincent which is at the entrance to the mighty St Lawrence Seaway: distance is 140 nm. I won't have internet access for the next few days until we arrive at Cape Vincent.
Monday, July 11, 2011
DETROIT RIVER LIGHT (LAKE ERIE) TO PORT COLBURNE
We were at the Detroit River Light in Lake Erie @1300 hrs. From here we set sail for Port Colburtne, a little under 200 nm. the winds were from the South @ 10 kts and the seas at 2 ft. This provided a great sail but it took us several hrs to make Southeast Shoal Lt since it was dead to wind. After this Light it was a long single tack to our next Way Point and a glorious Southerly Wind 10 -15 kts allowed "Solstice" to clip along @ 7.2 kts!
We are setting a full Main and 135% "Jenny". Soon, We'll add the Staysail to the wardrobe. There were so many sails that came with the boat that the forward V-Berth became a sail locker. We left most of them with our nephew, Robbie and his wife Kelly, in Oscoda, MI while we were in Harrisburg.
We made Port Colburne on July 11, 2011 @ 0830 hrs. We had light winds during the night but, dawn, they picked up a little which allowed us to make 4 kts. We went directly to the fuel and pump out dock for sewage discharge. We keeping a very close eye on the holding tank since the last incident!!
We are tired after the two day sail and have decided to stay in Port Colburne for two days. This afternoon the wind picked up and is gusting to 25 kts. Some kind of weather system is producing a very strong W'ly wind that will last for the next couple of days. I don't want to negotiate the Welland Canal and exit into Lake Ontario with high winds so I'll wait for a Wx window. Hopefully, this will happen on Wednesday. Once we get through the Welland Canal onto Lake Ontario, We'll sail directly for Cape Vincent which is the entrance to the St. Lawrence Seaway. Distance is about 140 nm.
We are setting a full Main and 135% "Jenny". Soon, We'll add the Staysail to the wardrobe. There were so many sails that came with the boat that the forward V-Berth became a sail locker. We left most of them with our nephew, Robbie and his wife Kelly, in Oscoda, MI while we were in Harrisburg.
We made Port Colburne on July 11, 2011 @ 0830 hrs. We had light winds during the night but, dawn, they picked up a little which allowed us to make 4 kts. We went directly to the fuel and pump out dock for sewage discharge. We keeping a very close eye on the holding tank since the last incident!!
We are tired after the two day sail and have decided to stay in Port Colburne for two days. This afternoon the wind picked up and is gusting to 25 kts. Some kind of weather system is producing a very strong W'ly wind that will last for the next couple of days. I don't want to negotiate the Welland Canal and exit into Lake Ontario with high winds so I'll wait for a Wx window. Hopefully, this will happen on Wednesday. Once we get through the Welland Canal onto Lake Ontario, We'll sail directly for Cape Vincent which is the entrance to the St. Lawrence Seaway. Distance is about 140 nm.
DETROIT TO PORT COLBURNE
July 9, 2011
We left Gregory Boat Works @ 0700 hrs. This was a bare bones finger pier with no facilities other than electricity and bathroom. There was a shower that hadn't worked in years. It was being used as storage. Phyllis tells me that hers was used for trash. Nevertheless, it was secure and available. The American Yacht Association was sponsoring the "Gold Cup Races" for Hydroplanes so the Detroit River was closed down from 0700 -2300 hrs in the Belle Isle area where most of the Marinas are located.
The upside of this was the manager of Gregory Boat Works, Michael Grayden. He had loads of info on the Welland Canal @ Port Colburne. Also, he was a yachtsman with delivery experience.
The trip down the Detroit River was fast and beautiful. Many great mansions along the river banks. I don't think they were as beautiful as the ones on the Western Lake Michigan side. The River was running with a 3-4 kt current so the passage was fast to the Detroit River Light in Lake Erie.
Dean Homer, who was the former owner of this boat has taken very good care of her, especially, the engine. It is running flawlessly so far.
We left Gregory Boat Works @ 0700 hrs. This was a bare bones finger pier with no facilities other than electricity and bathroom. There was a shower that hadn't worked in years. It was being used as storage. Phyllis tells me that hers was used for trash. Nevertheless, it was secure and available. The American Yacht Association was sponsoring the "Gold Cup Races" for Hydroplanes so the Detroit River was closed down from 0700 -2300 hrs in the Belle Isle area where most of the Marinas are located.
The upside of this was the manager of Gregory Boat Works, Michael Grayden. He had loads of info on the Welland Canal @ Port Colburne. Also, he was a yachtsman with delivery experience.
The trip down the Detroit River was fast and beautiful. Many great mansions along the river banks. I don't think they were as beautiful as the ones on the Western Lake Michigan side. The River was running with a 3-4 kt current so the passage was fast to the Detroit River Light in Lake Erie.
Dean Homer, who was the former owner of this boat has taken very good care of her, especially, the engine. It is running flawlessly so far.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
ST CLAIR MUNICIPAL MARINA TO DETROIT
July 7, 2011
Left St Clair Marina @ 0730. This was a motoring day as we were in the St Clair River with a 2 kt current. There wasn't any wind. St Clair River is beautiful with an aquamarine green color to it. Quite a few fish jumping round and even more fishermen. Made good time and found Gregory Boat Company in Detroit for an overnight tie-up. Detroit is having the America Golden Cup Hydroplane Boat Races Friday, Saturday and Sunday so a good portion of the immediate Detroit River is closed of during most of the day. Gregory was just North of the area so we made arrangements: bare bones facility. We were all fast @ 1400 hrs. The length of trip was 38 nm. Tomorrow we finish off the Detroit River and into Lake Erie. We sail directly for Port Colburne for the lock through into Lake Ontario. Won't be able to post until we reach land again.
Wx forecast for Lake Erie is favorable for the next couple of days: S'ly 10-15 kts.
Left St Clair Marina @ 0730. This was a motoring day as we were in the St Clair River with a 2 kt current. There wasn't any wind. St Clair River is beautiful with an aquamarine green color to it. Quite a few fish jumping round and even more fishermen. Made good time and found Gregory Boat Company in Detroit for an overnight tie-up. Detroit is having the America Golden Cup Hydroplane Boat Races Friday, Saturday and Sunday so a good portion of the immediate Detroit River is closed of during most of the day. Gregory was just North of the area so we made arrangements: bare bones facility. We were all fast @ 1400 hrs. The length of trip was 38 nm. Tomorrow we finish off the Detroit River and into Lake Erie. We sail directly for Port Colburne for the lock through into Lake Ontario. Won't be able to post until we reach land again.
Wx forecast for Lake Erie is favorable for the next couple of days: S'ly 10-15 kts.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
PORT SANILAC TO ST CLAIR
July 7, 20011
We left Port Sanilac this morning @ 0700 hrs. Another one of those glorious days on Lake Huron without wind. The Volvo Penta 2003T diesel is working great and hasn't shown a sign of a single leak. I'm taking it easy on the old gal and checking to make sure all here needs are being met. To date the only thing I have had to do was to clean the raw water intake strainer. The algae in some of the marinas gets sucked up into the water intake. I check this almost everyday.
Distance for today's run was about 37 nm. Once we entered the St Clair River we picked up an extra 2 kts of current and were averaging 8.2 kts to our destination at the St Clair/Charles F. Moore Harbor. We were all fast at the marina @1400 hrs. Piloting on Rivers is one of my great enjoyments. It felt like old times seeing the big Great Lakers carrying their cargo North and South. I have installed a system called AIS (Automatic Identification System) onboard "Solstice" so I am sending and receiving information on every ship carrying the same system. On the big freighters it is required. On my charting program, the ship's name, heading, speed over ground, and closest point of approach shown up and help me make decisions on how to arrange a safe passing: great aid to navigation.
Tomorrow we depart St Clair for Detroit. I really look forward to piloting this stretch of water. We will be going into Detroit at a time that the Hydro- Plane Races begin. I have selected a berth just North of the marked area.
We left Port Sanilac this morning @ 0700 hrs. Another one of those glorious days on Lake Huron without wind. The Volvo Penta 2003T diesel is working great and hasn't shown a sign of a single leak. I'm taking it easy on the old gal and checking to make sure all here needs are being met. To date the only thing I have had to do was to clean the raw water intake strainer. The algae in some of the marinas gets sucked up into the water intake. I check this almost everyday.
Distance for today's run was about 37 nm. Once we entered the St Clair River we picked up an extra 2 kts of current and were averaging 8.2 kts to our destination at the St Clair/Charles F. Moore Harbor. We were all fast at the marina @1400 hrs. Piloting on Rivers is one of my great enjoyments. It felt like old times seeing the big Great Lakers carrying their cargo North and South. I have installed a system called AIS (Automatic Identification System) onboard "Solstice" so I am sending and receiving information on every ship carrying the same system. On the big freighters it is required. On my charting program, the ship's name, heading, speed over ground, and closest point of approach shown up and help me make decisions on how to arrange a safe passing: great aid to navigation.
Tomorrow we depart St Clair for Detroit. I really look forward to piloting this stretch of water. We will be going into Detroit at a time that the Hydro- Plane Races begin. I have selected a berth just North of the marked area.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
PORT AUSTIN TO PORT SIMILAC
Left Port Austin @ 0745 this morning. In the harbor, on our way out, we hit an underwater object that was, most likely, a rock: shook the boat but no apparent damage was done. We're still floating!! Very light winds out of the S to W. We had 56 nm to make so tried sailing and then motored the rest of the way. Port Similac is a very wide and spacious harbor. Easy to access and the docks are straight forward without any twisting and turning involved. The harbor is wide enough to anchor if necessary, however, like other Michigan State Operated harbors the prices are very reasonable
Tomorrow we sail for Port Huron. I have been told that the St. Clair River has a current from 4 to 6 kts. Wonderful!! it's going our way!! We plan to be through Detroit and into Lake Erie on Saturday afternoon. We'll sail 24/7 in Lake Erie until we reach Port Colburne and lock through the Welland Canal.
Tomorrow we sail for Port Huron. I have been told that the St. Clair River has a current from 4 to 6 kts. Wonderful!! it's going our way!! We plan to be through Detroit and into Lake Erie on Saturday afternoon. We'll sail 24/7 in Lake Erie until we reach Port Colburne and lock through the Welland Canal.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
HARRISVILLE TO PORT AUSTIN - LAKE HURON
Left Harrisville@ 0715this morning. We said our farewells to our nephew Robbie and hope to see him onboard at some time in the future. The winds started off light @ 5 kts out of the South but the further offshore we sailed the more wind we had. In the end we had a good 15 kt breeze out of the South and were able to make 7 kts to Port Austin.
Had a problem bringing in the jib with the furling line. It appears it got tangled up on the furling spool: may have to keep more tension on it when letting it out and bringing it in. Really enjoyed the sail today and hope that tomorrow brings the same. We will be sailing to Port Sanilac tomorrow: about 55 nm. Need a good breeze.
Had a problem bringing in the jib with the furling line. It appears it got tangled up on the furling spool: may have to keep more tension on it when letting it out and bringing it in. Really enjoyed the sail today and hope that tomorrow brings the same. We will be sailing to Port Sanilac tomorrow: about 55 nm. Need a good breeze.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Alpena to Harrisville
July 3, 2011
Left Alpena Thunder Bay Marina @ 0740 hrs and motored out 2 miles to good water. Winds were light out of the NW but we set the Main and Jenny (135%) jib. Winds were fluky all day long but we only had 36 mile to cover so we enjoyed the scenery and calm waters. Entered the breakwater of Harrisville Marina @ 1354 and were made fast to berth #4 @ 1436.
We have our nephew Robbie and his wife Kelly in the area so we decided to stay another day to, hopefully, go sailing with them.
July 4, 2011
W spent the day with Robbie, Kelly and their daughter Brin. They took us to Lumbertown which is a monument to the Lake Huron loggers and located on the Oscoda River. In days of old, log rafts were floated down the river to mills and ships. That is all gone and the Oscoda River no longer has any commerce. Also, we went to Lake Iargo Springs: a small waterfall and bubbling spring emptying into the Oscoda. Place is surrounded in Native American legend who were displaced by Loggers. Today the Spring has reverted back to the pristine place it once was. One has to descend about 300 stairs to get to the bottom.
The Holding Tank overflowed this morning so I had to crank up the engine and move over to the pump-out dock. Will have to be more careful in attending to it in the future. It takes very little imagination to guess the foul smell of raw sewage. It only holds 15 gallons. I'll be happy when we get out of the Lakes and back to sea where we can discharge raw sewage after 3 miles offshore. Nevertheless, I support the use of them and trying to keep the Lakes as clean as possible.
There are so many foreign marine life and algae that have come into the Lakes on commercial vessels that one wonders what the future holds for many of the native species.
Tomorrow we sail for Port Austin which is on the tip of the thumb at the top of Saginaw Bay.
Left Alpena Thunder Bay Marina @ 0740 hrs and motored out 2 miles to good water. Winds were light out of the NW but we set the Main and Jenny (135%) jib. Winds were fluky all day long but we only had 36 mile to cover so we enjoyed the scenery and calm waters. Entered the breakwater of Harrisville Marina @ 1354 and were made fast to berth #4 @ 1436.
We have our nephew Robbie and his wife Kelly in the area so we decided to stay another day to, hopefully, go sailing with them.
July 4, 2011
W spent the day with Robbie, Kelly and their daughter Brin. They took us to Lumbertown which is a monument to the Lake Huron loggers and located on the Oscoda River. In days of old, log rafts were floated down the river to mills and ships. That is all gone and the Oscoda River no longer has any commerce. Also, we went to Lake Iargo Springs: a small waterfall and bubbling spring emptying into the Oscoda. Place is surrounded in Native American legend who were displaced by Loggers. Today the Spring has reverted back to the pristine place it once was. One has to descend about 300 stairs to get to the bottom.
The Holding Tank overflowed this morning so I had to crank up the engine and move over to the pump-out dock. Will have to be more careful in attending to it in the future. It takes very little imagination to guess the foul smell of raw sewage. It only holds 15 gallons. I'll be happy when we get out of the Lakes and back to sea where we can discharge raw sewage after 3 miles offshore. Nevertheless, I support the use of them and trying to keep the Lakes as clean as possible.
There are so many foreign marine life and algae that have come into the Lakes on commercial vessels that one wonders what the future holds for many of the native species.
Tomorrow we sail for Port Austin which is on the tip of the thumb at the top of Saginaw Bay.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Rogers City Marina To Alpena, MI
July 2, 2011
Left Rogers City dock @ 0740 this morning. Once again, we had light winds or calms so we had to motor all the way. Towards the later part of the afternoon the wind shifted to the NW but, by then, it was too late to think about raising all the sails. We were secure at the dock @ 1715 hrs.
Today we found out why so many of the boats on the Lakes have enclosed cockpits - the insects and flies are something to behold. We are hitting waves of them. We have to keep on long pants so they can't bite through. We've been in many buggy places in our travels but the Lakes takes the prize.
Left Rogers City dock @ 0740 this morning. Once again, we had light winds or calms so we had to motor all the way. Towards the later part of the afternoon the wind shifted to the NW but, by then, it was too late to think about raising all the sails. We were secure at the dock @ 1715 hrs.
Today we found out why so many of the boats on the Lakes have enclosed cockpits - the insects and flies are something to behold. We are hitting waves of them. We have to keep on long pants so they can't bite through. We've been in many buggy places in our travels but the Lakes takes the prize.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Mackinac City to Rogers City Marina - Lake Huron
July 1, 2011
Left Mackinac City Municipal Marina this morning @ 0730. The winds were out of the SE @ 5-10 knots - just the direction we were going. We tried tacking back and forth across the track line but so little progress was made that we decided to motor sail and wait for a more favorable wind shift - it never happened. Our goal is to make miles and get out of the Great Lakes and the Canadian Maritimes buy September so we'll do whatever it takes to accomplish it. Once we know that we are below the "freeze line", we won't be concerned with speed and time.
When the wind is blowing across the water it's chilly. On the beach it's warm. Out on the Lakes one runs into hoards of hatching mayflies and the regular black flies. The boat has been so covered with them that we have to wash it down after docking. Never have we seen such a mass of insects out on the water and several miles offshore - short breeding season so they have to make the most of it!!
We were all fast at Rogers City Marina @ 1800 hrs. took on 15 gal. diesel.
Left Mackinac City Municipal Marina this morning @ 0730. The winds were out of the SE @ 5-10 knots - just the direction we were going. We tried tacking back and forth across the track line but so little progress was made that we decided to motor sail and wait for a more favorable wind shift - it never happened. Our goal is to make miles and get out of the Great Lakes and the Canadian Maritimes buy September so we'll do whatever it takes to accomplish it. Once we know that we are below the "freeze line", we won't be concerned with speed and time.
When the wind is blowing across the water it's chilly. On the beach it's warm. Out on the Lakes one runs into hoards of hatching mayflies and the regular black flies. The boat has been so covered with them that we have to wash it down after docking. Never have we seen such a mass of insects out on the water and several miles offshore - short breeding season so they have to make the most of it!!
We were all fast at Rogers City Marina @ 1800 hrs. took on 15 gal. diesel.
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