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| Looking out south to the entrance at Gord Blake |
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| Rat Portage -- Frazier Bay to Landsdown Channel |
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| The eastern shore of Frazier Bay |
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| Exploring the eastern end of Frazier Bay |
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Pictures # 4
Pictures # 3
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| Fishing/hunting on Collins Inlet |
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| Sonador at Mill Lake -- looking west |
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| Bill and Sandy and Ginger at Mill Lake |
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| Those crazy Canadians -- even the beavers have hockey fever! |
Pictures #2Where
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| Where else do you see planes sharing space with us boaters? |
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| Part of the Fleet at Sportsman's Inn |
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| Sophie out watching the action at our end of Killarney |
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| Roques - a surprising gem in Killarney |
Catching up on Pictures #1
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| And they call this a wilderness rally |
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| Good eats |
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| The Wilderness Committee |
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| Sophie's Ride to Shore |
How Can SO MUCH TIME have passed?
Actually, it's easy to figure out. I'm in the wilderness most of the time, so no internet let alone cell service (that's another issue to be addressed below). It's now the first of August, and all the boaters are beginning to think about the end of another summer. Sad, but still a couple of weeks left before I have to make tracks.
The Rendezvous was lots of fun -- getting to visit with old friends and meeting new. I even was able to get my cell phone restored to a phone. One of the GLCC boaters figured out how to down load a new operating system, and I have phone and message service again. I'm afraid to try to add any apps, just in case I somehow screw up, and go dark again.
After the Rendezvous, I traveled to Mill Lake (about the middle of the Collins Inlet) with Home Free and Spirit of Aloha. We had a delightful three days anchored and taking the dogs to a little island. Joined by Adagio 1 and Deborah Ann for happy hour on Sonador one evening. Two mornings woke to the strong smell of smoke -- now we are surrounded by Provincial forest, so you wonder about these things. Turns out there is an enormous fire south and east of where we were anchored -- it's still out of control and the small craft channel in the Georgian Bay has been closed because of the fires.
We then headed to a new anchorage -- Gord Blake in the far eastern end of Frazier Bay -- nice protected bay with good places to take the dogs and a great afternoon of dinghy rides to the Rat Portage (takes one from Frazier to the Landsdown Channel) and to Blueberry (which I've heard boats mention for years, but never got to. Three nights there, and it was time to head into Little Current.
Luckily picked a day when the current was "little." The dock hands found me a clip facing west, straight in without having to duck and twist. The next night Roy Eaton hosted the Cruisers' Net party (a pot luck for about forty boats) at the west end of the docks.
Then the next morning headed off to Amadroz -- another new harbor -- to hide out from the west winds. The travel there was a little rough, especially when I had to turn north up the Waubuno Channel and had large beam seas for several minutes. Sophie wasn't a happy camper -- and neither was I. But pulled into the harbor -- directed by Teem Zooma toward a sandy beach, and dropped anchor awaiting the other boats (Home Free and Spirit of Aloha)
Two days later, Class Act and Gunkholer joined us -- along with Deborah Ann. Everyone hiding from the strong west winds that built almost every day by noon.
Finally decided it was going to be quiet enough that we could leave -- but not before Sophie managed to escape her collar -- which now rests somewhere near the beach at Amadroz. Leaving that behind, went to the Benjamins for two nights. Anchored near the cottage (which still never seems to be occupied). Two great shore party happy hours, and a morning of hiking all over and up and down Benjamin Island -- both Sophie and I were really tuckered out after that.
Left yesterday morning, but not before I had to call for assistance from Spirit of Aloha -- I managed to wrap my anchor chain around a twenty foot dead head! Only me! There are rocks and other traps at the Benjamins, but I've never hear of deadheads. Two hours later I pulled into Gore Bay for a four night stay.
And, here I sit -- a light rain -- two loads of laundry done. Even a hot shower. Life is GOOD!
The Rendezvous was lots of fun -- getting to visit with old friends and meeting new. I even was able to get my cell phone restored to a phone. One of the GLCC boaters figured out how to down load a new operating system, and I have phone and message service again. I'm afraid to try to add any apps, just in case I somehow screw up, and go dark again.
After the Rendezvous, I traveled to Mill Lake (about the middle of the Collins Inlet) with Home Free and Spirit of Aloha. We had a delightful three days anchored and taking the dogs to a little island. Joined by Adagio 1 and Deborah Ann for happy hour on Sonador one evening. Two mornings woke to the strong smell of smoke -- now we are surrounded by Provincial forest, so you wonder about these things. Turns out there is an enormous fire south and east of where we were anchored -- it's still out of control and the small craft channel in the Georgian Bay has been closed because of the fires.
We then headed to a new anchorage -- Gord Blake in the far eastern end of Frazier Bay -- nice protected bay with good places to take the dogs and a great afternoon of dinghy rides to the Rat Portage (takes one from Frazier to the Landsdown Channel) and to Blueberry (which I've heard boats mention for years, but never got to. Three nights there, and it was time to head into Little Current.
Luckily picked a day when the current was "little." The dock hands found me a clip facing west, straight in without having to duck and twist. The next night Roy Eaton hosted the Cruisers' Net party (a pot luck for about forty boats) at the west end of the docks.
Then the next morning headed off to Amadroz -- another new harbor -- to hide out from the west winds. The travel there was a little rough, especially when I had to turn north up the Waubuno Channel and had large beam seas for several minutes. Sophie wasn't a happy camper -- and neither was I. But pulled into the harbor -- directed by Teem Zooma toward a sandy beach, and dropped anchor awaiting the other boats (Home Free and Spirit of Aloha)
Two days later, Class Act and Gunkholer joined us -- along with Deborah Ann. Everyone hiding from the strong west winds that built almost every day by noon.
Finally decided it was going to be quiet enough that we could leave -- but not before Sophie managed to escape her collar -- which now rests somewhere near the beach at Amadroz. Leaving that behind, went to the Benjamins for two nights. Anchored near the cottage (which still never seems to be occupied). Two great shore party happy hours, and a morning of hiking all over and up and down Benjamin Island -- both Sophie and I were really tuckered out after that.
Left yesterday morning, but not before I had to call for assistance from Spirit of Aloha -- I managed to wrap my anchor chain around a twenty foot dead head! Only me! There are rocks and other traps at the Benjamins, but I've never hear of deadheads. Two hours later I pulled into Gore Bay for a four night stay.
And, here I sit -- a light rain -- two loads of laundry done. Even a hot shower. Life is GOOD!
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Onto the GLCC Rendezvous in Killarney
A full week at the Wilderness Rally in Key Hole -- with sun and calm seas everyday but the last. Although there are so many boats attending these events, it's hard to really talk "wilderness."
But that's the location more than the activities. We had pancake breakfast on shore, presentations on cloud computing and exploring the Georgian Bay, and lots of great catching up with old friends and meeting new. I'll publish photos when I have a stronger internet connection.
The one true wilderness experience for me is that my i-phone has decided to die -- and so far no attempts to revive it have worked. I have one more possible solution, at least according to Google, and if that doesn't work I'll be without phone or messages until the end of August when I return to the States.
I'm now in Killarney, Ontario -- a small community that connects the Georgian Bay with the North Channel -- where the GLCC has it's summer Rendezvous. That starts tonight, and will run until Thursday morning. Lots of visiting back and forth, activities to participate in (or not depending on your inclination) and the requisite dinners and cocktail parties. And, at least for a first step a HOT shower and some laundry.
It really is the little things that make boating a pleasure -- just kidding, but civilization is nice to encounter everyonce in a while.
But that's the location more than the activities. We had pancake breakfast on shore, presentations on cloud computing and exploring the Georgian Bay, and lots of great catching up with old friends and meeting new. I'll publish photos when I have a stronger internet connection.
The one true wilderness experience for me is that my i-phone has decided to die -- and so far no attempts to revive it have worked. I have one more possible solution, at least according to Google, and if that doesn't work I'll be without phone or messages until the end of August when I return to the States.
I'm now in Killarney, Ontario -- a small community that connects the Georgian Bay with the North Channel -- where the GLCC has it's summer Rendezvous. That starts tonight, and will run until Thursday morning. Lots of visiting back and forth, activities to participate in (or not depending on your inclination) and the requisite dinners and cocktail parties. And, at least for a first step a HOT shower and some laundry.
It really is the little things that make boating a pleasure -- just kidding, but civilization is nice to encounter everyonce in a while.
Onto the GLCC Rendezvous in Killarney
A full week at the Wilderness Rally in Key Hole -- with sun and calm seas everyday but the last. Although there are so many boats attending these events, it's hard to really talk "wilderness."
But that's the location more than the activities. We had pancake breakfast on shore, presentations on cloud computing and exploring the Georgian Bay, and lots of great catching up with old friends and meeting new. I'll publish photos when I have a stronger internet connection.
The one true wilderness experience for me is that my i-phone has decided to die -- and so far no attempts to revive it have worked. I have one more possible solution, at least according to Google, and if that doesn't work I'll be without phone or messages until the end of August when I return to the States.
I'm now in Killarney, Ontario -- a small community that connects the Georgian Bay with the North Channel -- where the GLCC has it's summer Rendezvous. That starts tonight, and will run until Thursday morning. Lots of visiting back and forth, activities to participate in (or not depending on your inclination) and the requisite dinners and cocktail parties. And, at least for a first step a HOT shower and some laundry.
It really is the little things that make boating a pleasure -- just kidding, but civilization is nice to encounter everyonce in a while.
But that's the location more than the activities. We had pancake breakfast on shore, presentations on cloud computing and exploring the Georgian Bay, and lots of great catching up with old friends and meeting new. I'll publish photos when I have a stronger internet connection.
The one true wilderness experience for me is that my i-phone has decided to die -- and so far no attempts to revive it have worked. I have one more possible solution, at least according to Google, and if that doesn't work I'll be without phone or messages until the end of August when I return to the States.
I'm now in Killarney, Ontario -- a small community that connects the Georgian Bay with the North Channel -- where the GLCC has it's summer Rendezvous. That starts tonight, and will run until Thursday morning. Lots of visiting back and forth, activities to participate in (or not depending on your inclination) and the requisite dinners and cocktail parties. And, at least for a first step a HOT shower and some laundry.
It really is the little things that make boating a pleasure -- just kidding, but civilization is nice to encounter everyonce in a while.
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Key Hole
The boat on the far right is tied to the trees on the island -- anchor out at the bow. The two other white sail boats will follow suit later in the day.
MOKU HALE is the dark hull sail boat behind SONADOR.
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| Just a close up of the picture above -- it really is special in here |
Pictures of Early July
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| Meldrum Bay -- the Inn in on the left, General Store LCBO on right This is the entirety of the town -- there are some homes on the hills and along the shore of the Bay, but it really is a small town. |
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| Janet Head Light at the entrance to Gore Bay -- another 4 NM to dock |
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| Just before you pass the breakwall (on the left in this picture) you can begin to see the community of Gore Bay |
So many days -- and no internet access
And, so many wonderful pictures which I will try to post -- but right now conserving access to narrative.
So, it is now the 10th of July -- a lot of time and water under my hull.
After DeTour, I travelled the almost 43 nautical miles across flat seas to Meldrum Bay -- to check into Canada and to dock for the evening accompanied by CLASS ACT and THYME HISSOP & RYE. We had a delicious dinner at the Meldrum Inn -- first class food in a community at the very end of Manitoulin Island with probably less than 100 full time population. Go figure. But, the Inn is a staple of the community. And, this year the marina had services like fuel and pumpout. And, biggest surprise was the establishment of a small general store and LCBO.
Next day, the fourth of July, I went to Gore Bay -- my very favorite port on Manitoulin both because of the people, I've been so often that the dock regulars know me and Sonador, and because the staff at the marina goes out of their way to accommodate a single handed sailor. That's not so important in good, calm weather but when it is blowing like stink or fogged in like last year, the assistance makes life so much easier. Stayed for three days to replenish groceries and wine, to get laundry done, and to go to the farmers market on Friday.
Saturday, I took off for Haywood Island to meet up with VISION and MOKU HALE. 34 nautical miles. Mostly easy -- but crossing the Clapperton Channel into the bright morning sun made finding the marks hard -- and it you miss a mark here, you are up on rocks! After that, it's a fast run into Little Current to catch the 12 noon bridge -- probably a little too fast in the no wake zone, but I pulled back on the throttle and made it in plenty of time. Then a relatively clear and easy motor into Haywood. Because of the high water, there is very little accessible shoreline in Haywood this year -- so not the greatest of places for Sophie. But we were planning on staying two nights.
Next morning, after listening to the Cruisers' Net, MOKU HALE announced they were leaving for Thomas Bay -- which is close to Key Hole where the Wilderness Rally will be held. Well, I have a rule never to stay in a harbor without knowing at least casually one other boat in the harbor -- and I didn't. So, up anchor and headed for Key Hole.
Less than 17 nautical miles but at least five of it was in large rolling beam seas after I had passed through Killarney Harbor and entered the north end of the Georgian Bay. With strong southerly winds, that meant close to two hundred miles of fetch right to my passage. Tired and seriously bleary eyed -- trying to keep eyes on all the rocks and the marks for entering the Collins Inlet -- I pulled into Key Hole and dropped anchor near a small island on the south shore. Turns out the best dog island going -- easy access, flat ground, and I've been here before.
HALLELUJAH was already here, MOKU HALE (who wisely chose not to try the entrance to Thomas Bay in these seas) followed not that long after and then SPIRIT of ALOHA and HOME FREE. The evening was spent getting settled into the area, and taking dogs ashore.
Yesterday, as more boats arrived for the Rally, we went ashore on the mainland to set up the area for the Rally and to just visit with each other. This is part of a large Provincial Park, so no cottages just miles and miles of beautiful wilderness. As often happens with this group, there was a spontaneous happy hour on shore, followed by a delicious dinner on HOME FREE. It was good to see JE and Michelle from ADAGIO I -- haven't seen them since they visited by boat in Sarasota in 2014.
Today, the 10th is the official beginning of the Rally. Gathering on shore for happy hour and introductions.
So, it is now the 10th of July -- a lot of time and water under my hull.
After DeTour, I travelled the almost 43 nautical miles across flat seas to Meldrum Bay -- to check into Canada and to dock for the evening accompanied by CLASS ACT and THYME HISSOP & RYE. We had a delicious dinner at the Meldrum Inn -- first class food in a community at the very end of Manitoulin Island with probably less than 100 full time population. Go figure. But, the Inn is a staple of the community. And, this year the marina had services like fuel and pumpout. And, biggest surprise was the establishment of a small general store and LCBO.
Next day, the fourth of July, I went to Gore Bay -- my very favorite port on Manitoulin both because of the people, I've been so often that the dock regulars know me and Sonador, and because the staff at the marina goes out of their way to accommodate a single handed sailor. That's not so important in good, calm weather but when it is blowing like stink or fogged in like last year, the assistance makes life so much easier. Stayed for three days to replenish groceries and wine, to get laundry done, and to go to the farmers market on Friday.
Saturday, I took off for Haywood Island to meet up with VISION and MOKU HALE. 34 nautical miles. Mostly easy -- but crossing the Clapperton Channel into the bright morning sun made finding the marks hard -- and it you miss a mark here, you are up on rocks! After that, it's a fast run into Little Current to catch the 12 noon bridge -- probably a little too fast in the no wake zone, but I pulled back on the throttle and made it in plenty of time. Then a relatively clear and easy motor into Haywood. Because of the high water, there is very little accessible shoreline in Haywood this year -- so not the greatest of places for Sophie. But we were planning on staying two nights.
Next morning, after listening to the Cruisers' Net, MOKU HALE announced they were leaving for Thomas Bay -- which is close to Key Hole where the Wilderness Rally will be held. Well, I have a rule never to stay in a harbor without knowing at least casually one other boat in the harbor -- and I didn't. So, up anchor and headed for Key Hole.
Less than 17 nautical miles but at least five of it was in large rolling beam seas after I had passed through Killarney Harbor and entered the north end of the Georgian Bay. With strong southerly winds, that meant close to two hundred miles of fetch right to my passage. Tired and seriously bleary eyed -- trying to keep eyes on all the rocks and the marks for entering the Collins Inlet -- I pulled into Key Hole and dropped anchor near a small island on the south shore. Turns out the best dog island going -- easy access, flat ground, and I've been here before.
HALLELUJAH was already here, MOKU HALE (who wisely chose not to try the entrance to Thomas Bay in these seas) followed not that long after and then SPIRIT of ALOHA and HOME FREE. The evening was spent getting settled into the area, and taking dogs ashore.
Yesterday, as more boats arrived for the Rally, we went ashore on the mainland to set up the area for the Rally and to just visit with each other. This is part of a large Provincial Park, so no cottages just miles and miles of beautiful wilderness. As often happens with this group, there was a spontaneous happy hour on shore, followed by a delicious dinner on HOME FREE. It was good to see JE and Michelle from ADAGIO I -- haven't seen them since they visited by boat in Sarasota in 2014.
Today, the 10th is the official beginning of the Rally. Gathering on shore for happy hour and introductions.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018
Finally Into Canadian Waters
Well, almost.
Spent several days at Duncan Bay -- visiting with friends and just generally relaxing. But, mostly driven below into the air conditioning since over the weekend the temperatures were in the low to mid 90's and the humidity was to match.
Yesterday morning, there was a little hemming and hawing around the dock about leaving, but finally just before ten I pulled out -- the last of five boats heading across Lake Huron. For the first half of the trip, it was really very nice -- a slight swell off my port quarter. However, and there always is an HOWEVER, just before Spectacle Reef those swells turned into waves which morphed into white caps. And, oh did we roll!
But, we made it into DeTour for a well deserved walk around town, a quiet evening at the dock and ambitions to leave today for Gore Bay. It's somewhat over 65 nautical miles, and if the weather predictions are right, it should be smooth sailing.
I might even take some pictures along the way.
Spent several days at Duncan Bay -- visiting with friends and just generally relaxing. But, mostly driven below into the air conditioning since over the weekend the temperatures were in the low to mid 90's and the humidity was to match.
Yesterday morning, there was a little hemming and hawing around the dock about leaving, but finally just before ten I pulled out -- the last of five boats heading across Lake Huron. For the first half of the trip, it was really very nice -- a slight swell off my port quarter. However, and there always is an HOWEVER, just before Spectacle Reef those swells turned into waves which morphed into white caps. And, oh did we roll!
But, we made it into DeTour for a well deserved walk around town, a quiet evening at the dock and ambitions to leave today for Gore Bay. It's somewhat over 65 nautical miles, and if the weather predictions are right, it should be smooth sailing.
I might even take some pictures along the way.
Friday, June 29, 2018
Blessing the Fleet Continued
Finally, it's time for me to leave. Heading off on Thursday morning for a relatively uneventful ride to Cheboygan. Winds were from the south and west -- not always great on Lake Michigan - but they were just starting to build and we were able to find a smooth point of going after a few rolls that had Sophie wondering if I had lost my mind again! In Cheboygan for the hot weekend.Harbor Springs Blessing of the Fleet
Behind her on shore, you are beginning to catch a glimpse of some of the private summer homes that surround the harbor.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
FIXED!!!
The senior tech from Irish, Brian, showed up yesterday afternoon and spent almost two hours trouble shooting the system. He was able to recreate the problem, just needed to isolate why it was happening.
So, the system wiring was checked from end to end -- the connections looked good -- he did find a minor issue with a hot wire being exposed (which he quickly corrected.) But the problem persisted.
Now, remember when this happened. We were in really rough water, banging and rolling around. Not only were the humans unhappy since we had been promised quiet seas, but the four legged crew member known as Sophie was particularly disgruntled. In fact she was very frightened. Her solution is to come up to the helm -- not a great idea when we were rolling as we were -- but she made it. And assumed her favorite spot right at my feet.
Turns out there is a wire coming out just where she curls up -- it's the remote plug for the auto pilot. Get the picture? It's all Sophie's fault! Not really, but the solution is easy. Just totally unplug that remote control and the system acknowledges that one control is off line, but works just fine with the main control.
YEAH!!!
Celebrated by inviting a fellow boater -- Ron from China Doll -- over for a gin and tonic and telling of boating adventures.
Today, I'm just lazing around. Right now plan to leave tomorrow, but will revisit that decision tonight with Rick Gillig before I ask them to drive all the way over here. Anxious to move on, and relieved that the auto pilot was a bother but not a disaster.
So, the system wiring was checked from end to end -- the connections looked good -- he did find a minor issue with a hot wire being exposed (which he quickly corrected.) But the problem persisted.
Now, remember when this happened. We were in really rough water, banging and rolling around. Not only were the humans unhappy since we had been promised quiet seas, but the four legged crew member known as Sophie was particularly disgruntled. In fact she was very frightened. Her solution is to come up to the helm -- not a great idea when we were rolling as we were -- but she made it. And assumed her favorite spot right at my feet.
Turns out there is a wire coming out just where she curls up -- it's the remote plug for the auto pilot. Get the picture? It's all Sophie's fault! Not really, but the solution is easy. Just totally unplug that remote control and the system acknowledges that one control is off line, but works just fine with the main control.
YEAH!!!
Celebrated by inviting a fellow boater -- Ron from China Doll -- over for a gin and tonic and telling of boating adventures.
Today, I'm just lazing around. Right now plan to leave tomorrow, but will revisit that decision tonight with Rick Gillig before I ask them to drive all the way over here. Anxious to move on, and relieved that the auto pilot was a bother but not a disaster.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
The Best Laid Plans ...
Even the best laid plans can get turned on their head in boating. Decided that yesterday, June 25th was the day to make the trip from Charlevoix to Cheboygan. Had my crew lined up, Sonador was fueled and pumped out -- and other boats were also making the journey.
What could go wrong?
NEVER, EVER ask that question! First, we tried to get the bridge tender to open the bridge at 9:30. When I finally hailed him -- been trying for ten minutes -- his excuse was that he was on the phone with "the State." Then, he asked if I would mind waiting until 10 -- I told him that yes I would mind, so he grudgingly opened the bridge. Had to lie about my clearance -- he wanted me to lower my antennas and that's not his call, it's mine. Anyway, out into Lake Michigan.
The seas were confused -- winds from the east and north creating a real chop. But, we were underway. The further out into the open water, the bigger the waves, we were being tossed around and banging into some of them with quite a bit of chaos -- Sophie was not a happy camper (and truthfully neither was I.) The real determinant was after one big crashing wave an alarm went off, and I lost my auto pilot/compass indicator -- and it was lost while the auto pilot was engaged. So, switch off the electronics for a moment, restart everything but the auto pilot and I at least could drive the boat. That same instrument tells me where my helm is -- its hydraulic -- so coming into a dock or other tight place is a challenge. Called Irish at Harbor Springs and asked if they could take me in -- I was closer to them than to Charlevoix.
Turned into the east, and the protection of Little Traverse Bay -- and here I sit.
It's a chilly morning -- in the upper 50's when Sophie and I went for our morning walk -- and just now starting to warm up. Harbor Springs is a beautiful little town, very up scale, and quite the boating area. So not a bad place to be, if you can't be where you wanted to be.
Irish should be able to check out the auto pilot today, and then I'll know for how long Harbor Springs will be my home. The blessing of the fleet is tomorrow in the harbor -- maybe I should paddle out in my dinghy just to get some extra help!
Right now, the next weather window isn't until Thursday or Friday. But, then everything goes to hell in a hand basket for the weekend when the winds are expected to really build.
Oh well. I've good books, a comfortable boat, and the town is very nice.
What could go wrong?
NEVER, EVER ask that question! First, we tried to get the bridge tender to open the bridge at 9:30. When I finally hailed him -- been trying for ten minutes -- his excuse was that he was on the phone with "the State." Then, he asked if I would mind waiting until 10 -- I told him that yes I would mind, so he grudgingly opened the bridge. Had to lie about my clearance -- he wanted me to lower my antennas and that's not his call, it's mine. Anyway, out into Lake Michigan.
The seas were confused -- winds from the east and north creating a real chop. But, we were underway. The further out into the open water, the bigger the waves, we were being tossed around and banging into some of them with quite a bit of chaos -- Sophie was not a happy camper (and truthfully neither was I.) The real determinant was after one big crashing wave an alarm went off, and I lost my auto pilot/compass indicator -- and it was lost while the auto pilot was engaged. So, switch off the electronics for a moment, restart everything but the auto pilot and I at least could drive the boat. That same instrument tells me where my helm is -- its hydraulic -- so coming into a dock or other tight place is a challenge. Called Irish at Harbor Springs and asked if they could take me in -- I was closer to them than to Charlevoix.
Turned into the east, and the protection of Little Traverse Bay -- and here I sit.It's a chilly morning -- in the upper 50's when Sophie and I went for our morning walk -- and just now starting to warm up. Harbor Springs is a beautiful little town, very up scale, and quite the boating area. So not a bad place to be, if you can't be where you wanted to be.
Irish should be able to check out the auto pilot today, and then I'll know for how long Harbor Springs will be my home. The blessing of the fleet is tomorrow in the harbor -- maybe I should paddle out in my dinghy just to get some extra help!
Oh well. I've good books, a comfortable boat, and the town is very nice.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Grey sky, dripping sky, and other complaints
Getting ready to leave is no small task -- last minute shopping for essentials like potato chips, making sure that all the tanks are either full (diesel) or empty (waste) -- and it's not helped by the rain and dreary day.
But ready we think we are -- after another small glitch ( the water shower pump kept leaking, and I've never used the dratted thing, but leak it must) which was fixed this afternoon, I think we are ready to be a boat.
Tomorrow, with the help of Ric Gillig, I'm heading over to Duncan Bay -- and the beginning of SUMMER!!!
But ready we think we are -- after another small glitch ( the water shower pump kept leaking, and I've never used the dratted thing, but leak it must) which was fixed this afternoon, I think we are ready to be a boat.
Tomorrow, with the help of Ric Gillig, I'm heading over to Duncan Bay -- and the beginning of SUMMER!!!
Thursday, June 21, 2018
It's the little things that make all the difference!
The reason is pictured on the left -- that's supposed to end with a wiper blade. And, it did until the dratted thing broke off in my hand on Tuesday morning as I was getting ready to take a day on Lake Charlevoix. Of course, nothing is easy when it comes to a boat, and this is no ordinary fitting.
Irish has ordered a part that we think will do the trick. It may arrive today, it could arrive tomorrow -- and then we can only hope that it actually works.
So instead of leaving today, as originally planned, I'm still here.
Actually, that's a good thing. There are small craft warnings on Lake Michigan -- winds are steady to 20 knots with gusts to 25. Might be loads of fun if one were a sailboat, but a small trawler would be miserable. So here I sit. And, I'm not the only one -- two of my fellow GLCC boaters (on considerably larger power boats) have extended their stays also -- no sense in beating up on yourself just to make a schedule.
The good news is today is Thursday, that means the farmers' market -- fresh little strawberries and asparagus. Yum.
And, it is a beautiful day. I took the picture of the entrance to Round Lake yesterday when it was quieter -- but the same blue sky.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Charlevoix the Beautiful
I'm planning on another week here -- just hanging around with friends, and enjoying the change of pace.
Not to mention the delightful weather!
And the evenings are spent reading, listening to books on tape, and making sure that I breathe all the good vibes that make up this part of the world.
I will store all this in my memory bank, and return to Florida in the fall ready for another committed winter of working/volunteering at SMART. In the interim, it's very peaceful and good for the soul up here.
Monday, June 11, 2018
Dinghies will be the death of me!
So today, the wind has died down, the sun is out, I've done all my little chores. What better way to spend the afternoon than taking a dinghy ride around Round Lake with Sophie.
The first of the season. Started on the third pull, piled in with all the necessities (except I forgot to bring the hand held VHF) and off we puttered. A lovely ride. Even got to explore the little creek that used to be the Pine River before the channels were dug to allow larger boats to come into Charlevoix and down the lake to East Jordan and Boyne City.
About half way across Round Lake -- it's small but still maybe a mile across -- I run out of fuel. Now, what sailor in her right mind doesn't check the fuel level before setting out? Me, that's who!!😜
So out come the new oars, and like clock work we make our way back to Sonador. Every stroke with the right oar bumps Sophie's head -- you'd think she'd learn to duck -- and finally we tie up. I'm winded, and probably will be a little sore tomorrow, I have no idea when one uses those muscles -- but it's not often!
That's more exercise than I wanted for the day!
The first of the season. Started on the third pull, piled in with all the necessities (except I forgot to bring the hand held VHF) and off we puttered. A lovely ride. Even got to explore the little creek that used to be the Pine River before the channels were dug to allow larger boats to come into Charlevoix and down the lake to East Jordan and Boyne City.
About half way across Round Lake -- it's small but still maybe a mile across -- I run out of fuel. Now, what sailor in her right mind doesn't check the fuel level before setting out? Me, that's who!!😜
So out come the new oars, and like clock work we make our way back to Sonador. Every stroke with the right oar bumps Sophie's head -- you'd think she'd learn to duck -- and finally we tie up. I'm winded, and probably will be a little sore tomorrow, I have no idea when one uses those muscles -- but it's not often!
That's more exercise than I wanted for the day!
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Memories which I'd like to keep!
Is it possible that's spring already?
The answer is yes. Today is June 6th -- a Wednesday -- and I'm sitting down below on Sonador, early evening, after a brief and light rainfall. Listening to James Galway playing some soft flute tunes, wishing it were a little warmer.
Arrived on Sunday, staying with Donna and Lou. After a long haul from Florida, including a delightful stay with Chuck and JoAnn in Cincinnati.
Monday, to the boat at Irish to put a lot of stuff (that's a nautical term) on board. Yesterday, I asked Irish to move Sonador to the Charlevoix City Marina. And, thus, here I am today.
Sophie has settled in -- first thing she did was climb on the bed -- and renew acquaintances at the marina office where there are COOKIES! No doubt she will remember this until she has no memories!
Tonight will be my first night on-board. This morning it was a low of 38 degrees -- just hoping that the overnight will not be quite so cold. Tomorrow is farmers' market -- if nothing else we'll find fresh asparagus -- and some other goodies to help stock the pantry.
Pictures later.
It is SO GOOD TO BE BACK!!!!
The answer is yes. Today is June 6th -- a Wednesday -- and I'm sitting down below on Sonador, early evening, after a brief and light rainfall. Listening to James Galway playing some soft flute tunes, wishing it were a little warmer.
Arrived on Sunday, staying with Donna and Lou. After a long haul from Florida, including a delightful stay with Chuck and JoAnn in Cincinnati.
Monday, to the boat at Irish to put a lot of stuff (that's a nautical term) on board. Yesterday, I asked Irish to move Sonador to the Charlevoix City Marina. And, thus, here I am today.
Sophie has settled in -- first thing she did was climb on the bed -- and renew acquaintances at the marina office where there are COOKIES! No doubt she will remember this until she has no memories!
Tonight will be my first night on-board. This morning it was a low of 38 degrees -- just hoping that the overnight will not be quite so cold. Tomorrow is farmers' market -- if nothing else we'll find fresh asparagus -- and some other goodies to help stock the pantry.
Pictures later.
It is SO GOOD TO BE BACK!!!!
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